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Well, don't it just figure. I step away from the forum for a few days and some blue marsupial gnaws on the wires so much the board dies... again... for the fourth time... [##]
So for the moment I will only say Welcome back to the fourth iteration of The Silver Eagles thread! I'm in the process of compiling the Silver Eagles updates into a semi-coherant document that will chronicle their story up through the Jihad. (including finishing the story arc I left hanging... :-[ ) Until I do though, here is where all fans of the Silver Eagles can post about their thoughts, feelings, and general grumblyness about having to wait so long for me to finish the flipping story. :P
Anyway, welcome back all!
Edit: Here's a link (http://www.classicbattletech.com/forumarchive/index.php/topic,142.0.html) to the archive forum of the thread.
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I'd say get crackin, but I know how pressed for time you've been. 8)
Hey Folks, thanks for being so patient with us. The Eagles still live. [rockon]
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Oh well we are used to waiting patiently, and knowing how RL can be worse than having your ankles gnawed by a Blue Marsupial. ::)
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This bit of news just truly makes my morning.
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Yay Silver Eagles!
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Damm I missed the Silver Eagles
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would it be mean to say get Kracken?
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Ah, yes, the Silver Eagles. One of my favorites.
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Hmmm I wonder if my Jumpship Commander survived the last mess the Eagles got into. Nice to see the Eagles are still kicking. :)
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are the Eagles still kicking?
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are the Eagles still kicking?
Put simply, no. :'(
In more detail, life got really busy. So busy in fact that we haven't played a single game of BT in over a year. But hey, we own our own house and a new car now, plus we got to go on vacation to Disneyland last month, so the sacrifice was worth it. (IMHO)
As for the Silver Eagles and writing up the last of their adventures, I have no idea when there will be time for that. I really miss playing and writing up the stories, but family and bills have to come first.
On the plus side, I can now let you all know that one of the reasons I was so busy for a while was due to my work with Cray on the Star System generation rules to be published in the upcoming Interstellar Ops! ::insert plug here:: I am SO excited that something I worked on is becoming canon rules for the game that I've played since High School! Even though all I did was come up with the data and formulas while Cray made it all make sense, it's a true honor that my work was deemed good enough for print!
Hmmm I wonder if my Jumpship Commander survived the last mess the Eagles got into.
At last game, Lt. Cmdr. Wingate was still alive and doing well, but before the story ends over 260 Silver Eagles Personnel will be dead, (nearly a 34% fatality rate) including several prominent characters.
War is hell and Mercs die. It's glorious and exciting and lucrative...
...but it's not for the timid. #P
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Bah! I will not be daunted... *ahem!*
Sorry for the long delay folks. It has been a very busy year. Roberta started a new job at the beginning of the year that keeps her pretty busy. I will see what I can do in her stead to get an update written up. I currently have the freer time right now. ;) ;D
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They live. Looking forward paitently for a current update.
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Ok, so writing the write ups has been pushed around by real life time and again. *sigh* But when you're down to only one car for several months and work jacks your scheduls all around, you get kind of discouraged. I'm going to go back through where we left of in the updates this week and have something up by the weekend, even if its only a couple of paragraphs. I know Roberta had plans for an update and so I need to discuss with her exactly what we're putting up, but you will have at least a little of it on Friday.
Many apologies to our loyal fans for the delays. :-[ [metalhealth]
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Looking forward to it!
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Argh! One more exciting visit from good old Murphy's law. >:( Had to have surgery at the end of May but all is well and I have found the majority of the back mission stories to work forward from. Yay! :D
So, before I jump back in with a where we left off, I'm going to ask. Do you want a brief back up and run down from start to finish, since the board crash wiped it all out? I can do that to get y'all back up to speed and then get the ball moving forwards again. Let me know so I can jump in with my eyes closed and muck about. ;)
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Yes, bringing us back up to speed would be nice.
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Here is installment numero uno.
To quote Fallguy:
Ok, for those that don't know but want to...
The Silver Eagles are a Mercenary Company formed by Major Kevin Charles Silver and Captain Erin McKenna. (McKenna is the same McKenna that posts here and is my wife) Kevin Silver is the unit CO and McKenna is the XO. They formed in the chaos of Operation Scorpion on the planet Irian in the Free World's League. Major Silver is of noble birth, the youngest son of Duke Charles Silver, Duke of Negushevo in the Rim Commonality. McKenna is officially from the world of Marik, but a few people know that she is actually Subcommander Erin Fitzpatrick, formerly of the CCAF. She abandoned her post on Eom in 3052 following an incident involving "suppression of rebellion" taking her SHD-2H Shadow Hawk with her.
When Operation Scorpion began, McKenna and Silver were both on Irian... McKenna making her way across FWL space to the Lyran half of the FedCom with her Shadow Hawk, and Silver on his way home to Negushevo with his heirloom Warhammer. When Scorpion kicked off, the ComStar forces tried to secure the 13th Marik Militia's base. Silver and McKenna managed to aid the 13th long enough to secure their base against ComStar. Managing to secure passage aboard a Leopard Class Dropship for their 'Mechs, 2 salvaged ComStar 'Mechs, themselves, and 1 pilot, a friend of Major Silver's named Joe Faller, call sign "Fallguy" (yes, that's where I got my name here... the players all say I role-play Joe as though he were me and call him my honorary PC... but he's really just another NPC) formerly of the 13th Marik Militia, they make their way to Outreach.
Once there, they traded the salvage of a CRB-27 Crab for a customized Wolverine and hired a tech by the name of Sven Iverson to fix up their salvaged STN-3L Sentinel. Joe was assigned the STN-3L, so they needed a pilot for the Wolverine. They found him cooking in a Japanese restaurant. His name is Benjamin Scott... call sign "Hot Shot". He was a young little glory-hound just itching to get into a Wolverine. Next they hired a Corsair pilot named Jan Hernandez, call sign "Thunder" and a Phoenix Hawk LAM pilot by the name of Ian Amdecker, call sign "Zero" to fill the Leopard out and give them some tactical flexibility. Thus prepared, they headed off to the Clan front for some action.
Their first combat was against the Jade Falcons. Hired by the AFFC to aid another Merc unit in a cross-border raid on La Grave, the Silver Eagles were tasked with taking out the transformers of a power plant that fed power to the 2nd Talon PGC's HQ, disrupting them long enough for the main force to grab some equipment and run. The Eagles prevail against the Clan Star sent against them. One of the Falcons in a Summoner was a Warden by the name of Josepho. He squared off against Silver in a dual. (the Eagles had asked for and been granted Safcon and maintained Zelbrigen throughout the fight) When Silver downed the Clan 'Mech, he took the pilot as a bondsman. (he himself had been briefly taken as a Ghost Bear bondsman a year earlier) They escape La Grave, and head back to Tomans for another mission.
Fast forward about a year and the Silver Eagles are just finishing up a mission against a Pirate band operating near Main Street. By now they've garnered a lot of Clan salvage and have moved up into a Union. They operate their own Scout Class Jumpship, and have an ironclad contract with the Dropship owner/operator, one Darious Fridrich. They now have 14 'Mechs and 2 ASFs, a lot of them are Clan 'Mechs and the new ASF is a captured Visigoth. They've also added another Phoenix Hawk LAM to their unit, owned by an ex-ComGuard pilot named Randall Thorpe, call sign "NightHawk". (known to these boards as NightHawk713X) They have many new Mechwarriors and have seen more than their share of success. They've also made a few enemies... most notably WOB. They feel they've earned a break and head off to allow Major Silver to go home and introduce Jan Hernandez to his father... as his fiancée. On the way, Joe Faller finally has earned enough to buy his own 'Mech. He orders a Zeus from Defiance Industries and they pick it up there on their way to Negushevo. They stop by Outreach to pick up 2 new Mechwarriors as they lost 2 after their last mission. Then it's off to Negushevo.
Almost there, the Silver Eagles materialize over Clipperton on the 7th of November, 3053 only to find that they have been expected. There is a Capellan Jumpship and Leopard Dropship waiting for them and ordering them to turn Erin Fitzpatrick over to them for desertion and theft of State property. Naturally the Eagles decline. Just then, a Tramp Class Jumpship materializes. They announce to the Silver Eagles that they are to surrender themselves and their equipment "...in the name of the Blessed Blake." The WOB have a Union, a Leopard CV, and a Gazelle attached to the Tramp, making the odds severely in their favor. WOB also orders the Eagles to turn McKenna over to the Capellans, so it seems the two are working together on this. The Eagles decide to burn for the planet, rather then take their chances in a space battle they'll likely lose.
Once on the planet, the Ace of Spades, their Union Dropship, burns away to stay safe until their Scout Jumpship can finish charging. (the Capellans and WOB threatened to destroy it, but they appear to have been bluffing as the Scout was left unmolested... not even WOB are that dumb) The Eagles dropped into the edge of a dying hurricane, so Air power is pretty much out. They watch as more than a dozen 'Mechs drop into a position 2 miles to the east of their position. Bracing for an assault, the Eagles take up a defensive position at the base of a hill. Soon, they're taking Arrow IV fire and the CO calls for a charge into the enemy position. They are having trouble finding them, so the Eagles turn on ECCM. No help. The Eagles finally make contact in the form of an all-out assault by WOB and Capellan 'Mechs, vehicles, and infantry. The Eagles make a good showing, but are close to loosing several of their best 'Mechs. Suddenly, the enemy forces disengage and pull out... fast... with no reason.
Heading off to lick their wounds and count their blessings, they camp out the night and fix what they can. One of their LAMs took enough damage to render it incapable of flight. The other is flight capable, but their rendezvous with the Ace of Spades isn't for 4 days. The next morning, one of their perimeter guards shouts a warning before being suddenly cut off. Within a few minutes, the bulk of the Eagle's 'Mechs are searching the forest to find their lost units. What they find are about 15 platoons of infantry... about the time a lot of command detonated EMP mines go off under their feet. They've been captured.
But not by WOB or the Capellans... it's the 1st Regulan Hussars 3rd Battalion. They had attacked the WOB Dropships to make them pull out when fighting the Eagles the day before. They're led off to a hidden base of operations where they meet up with the Hussar's CO who informs them that the WOB Dropships are burning for their jump point, but that an entire Level III is jumping in from Gibson to "take care of things." Once they arrive in 14 days, the Hussars will be exposed as having gone against the Captain General and be slaughtered. The Hussars need a way to get off planet and fast.
The Hussars CO tells them that they have a Jumpship from the 2nd Hussars waiting only a jump away, but they aren't due for another 20 days. Too late. They need to call them up and bring them in sooner, but the HPG is controlled by WOB and the Hussars can't afford to be caught. So the Eagles devise a plan to capture the HPG and get the message off themselves. The HPG is well defended, but the Eagles feel confident they can pull it off.
The Eagles attack the HPG with a fury, but the defenders give back, and hard. One minute into the battle, the Capellans show back up, seeking to take their errant Mechwarrior at any cost. After 2 minutes of fighting, the Eagles have secured the HPG, but at grievous costs.
Of the thirteen 'Mechs they brought into the battle (leaving the ground-bound LAM at the Hussar's base) they are down to six functional 'Mechs. Four 'Mechs have been totally destroyed, including the CO's heirloom Warhammer, Hermes. Three of the six 'Mechs are barely operational, the Wolverine with nothing left but a Clan Medium Pulse laser mounted in it's head, having had both torso's blown off. Of the seven downed 'Mechs, four are destroyed... having no CT structure left to fix. The other three can be fixed, but will need major repair work. On pilot was killed when his 'Mech's head was struck by an ER PPC blast from one of the Long Range Defense Turrets.
The worst part is that the Capellans only left 2 'Mechs salvageable on the field, a THR-1X Thunder (experimental design at this point) and a STC-2D Striker. That's all they get for salvage. All the rest fled or were total write-offs. (ammo explosions w/o CASE)
They secured the area and entered the HPG building with 8 platoons of local militia backing them up. (these were known dissenters and had nothing to lose) They split up, one group going up to the control center with 6 platoons of infantry in support, 2 platoons staying to secure the entrance, and the PC's group going down to the fusion power center on sublevel 5 to secure it. When they got there, a platoon of WOB laser infantry was waiting for them. But you'd be surprised what two Man-Pack PPCs can do when applied properly! They managed to get all the infantry with only moderate damage to the fusion generator's coolant systems. (it was close though... much more damage and the reactor may have been forced to shut down, leaving the HPG without power to run)
The game ended last week with a shouted warning of people coming down the stairwell...
Current Silver Eagles 'Mech Roster
Command Lance
Pilot (Skill) 'Mech Status
Major Silver (V) WHM-7M Warhammer CT Destruction; Dual Torso Destruction
Lt.SG Sanderson (R) RFL-5D Rifleman CT Destruction; Left Torso Destroyed
Lt. Josepho (CR) Timberwolf CT Destruction; Right Torso and Arm Destroyed
Lt. Young (R) KIA Timberwolf Head Destruction; Right Torso Destroyed
Lt. Kirkpatrick (R) Summoner Operational; Mild Armor Damage
Fire Lance
Captain McKenna (V) Hellbringer Dual Torso Destruction; Engine Out; Both Arms Destroyed
Lt.SG Faller (R) ZEU-9S Zeus Operational; Mild Internal Damage
Lt. Solovitch (R) Executioner CT Destruction; Left Torso and Right Arm Destroyed*
Lt. Jones (R) MAD-5D Marauder Torso Side Destruction; Engine Out - Gyro Out; Right Leg and Arm Destroyed
Lt. Windsor (V) Rifleman IIC CT Destruction; Right Torso and Leg Destroyed
Recon Lance
Lt.SG Thorpe (R) PHX-HK2 P-Hawk LAM Operational; Heavy Armor Damage - Flight Incapable
Lt. Amdecker (V) PHX-HK2 P-Hawk LAM Operational; Locked in AirMech mode; Heavy Armor Damage - Flight Incapable
Lt. Scott (R) WVR-C Wolverine Operational; Dual Torso Destruction; Severe CT damage
Lt. Yar (R) Stormcrow Operational; Heavy Engine Damage; Mild Armor Damage
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V: Veteran
R: Regular
CR: Clan Regular
*salvaged parts can be used on a spare frame in storage to effectively rebuild the unit
So, as it sits, the Silver Eagles are down to only 3 fully functional 'Mechs. Once they can effect repairs they'll still be down four 'Mechs in Command Lance and two 'Mechs in Fire Lance. The two Timberwolfs are un-repairable because they are both missing their Right Torsos, so about all they're good for now is for sale to someone interested in the tech. The CO's heirloom 'Mech is the deepest cut of all. It was passed down in his family for the last 6 generations. It had been upgraded with newer tech, but now it's junk... all three torsos are trashed. All that's left are it's legs and head, the arms having been replaced a year earlier with arms from a Summoner after they were destroyed.
That leaves them with 8 operational 'Mechs after repairs and only 2 salvageable 'Mechs left by the Capellans. Things look mighty grim for the Silver Eagles... but fate may yet smile on them...
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And more...
Ok... when we last left off, the Eagles were on Sublevel 5 of the HPG, the fusion power generator room, having secured it from a platoon of WOB infantry. Lt. Solovitch shouted a warning that there were a large number of people coming down the stairs. The Eagles now have to set up in defensive positions and try to hold what they just took. Waiting for any sign of hostiles, they watch for who is coming. The first thing anyone sees is a small grenade tumbling out of the doorway. It goes off with a POOF! It was a smoke grenade. They wait and watch, several members using IR goggles to see through the smoke. (it wasn't hot smoke to obscure IR) Four WOB infantrymen come marching down the stairs into the room.
The Eagles open up and waste them in the first volly of fire. More WOB infantry start pouring through the door, but Captain McKenna and Lt. Faller are making good use of their Man-Pack PPCs. Those not cut down are caught by another member of the Eagles. One group of four managed to get into the room avoiding the PPC fire, so Major Silver tossed a microgrenade at their feet. BOOM! Scratch another Wobblie...
Then a large object comes tumbling down the stairs into the room... it's a maxigrenade. Everyone dives for cover as it goes off, and 8 WOB infantry storm in and secure a foothold at the door. Lt. Faller takes a laser rifle to the chest, but the armored vest he was wearing makes it survivable. Then Lt. Thorpe opens up with his Mauser's auto grenade launcher, spraying the WOBs with high explosives. That breaks up their little party really quick. After a moment, they realize that no one else is coming down the stairs. Doing a quick count, they account for 20 infantry... that leaves 8 unaccounted for. They sit and wait... then Captain McKenna hears a noise from the ceiling...
The WOB are trying to bust down through the ceiling through the main coolant veins. If they break the veins, the reactor will shut down, thus depriving the Eagles of the use of the HPG. They make their way toward the stairwell, as a powered armor fist crashes through the ceiling... The WOB have a BattleArmor suit... well, at least one... and there's still 8 infantry unaccounted for...
Stay tuned...
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and still more... (last fer t'day tho. Ah dinnae want tae spam the boards wi' more ;) )
Ok, well the Eagles were in the stairwell with a BattleArmor suit somewhere down the hall. They slowly move into the hall and take up positions next to a set of doors on either side of the hall. The level is mostly storerooms for maintenance tools and parts for the fusion reactor. They wait. Suddenly, three WOB infantry swing into the hallway. They are cut down in a hail of fire. The sound of the BA ripping up the floor stops and again, they wait. Then it happens. The BA suit comes into view in the hallway. The Eagles open up with a pair of portable SRM launchers, the Man-pack PPCs, and a hail of small arms fire and grenades. The overwhelming force thrown at him blows the armored infantryman back. The other 5 missing WOB infantry sweep into the hallway as well. As the Eagles continue to pour fire down the hall, McKenna shoots wide at one of the infantryman, striking the doorway they come from and shredding the support wall.
Now I didn't mention this, but I was tracking all the damage they were throwing down the hall. (exploding grenades, SRMs, and PPC fire tend to do a lot of collateral damage) When McKenna's PPC shot hit the support wall, that was enough to put it over the threshold. The ceiling started to collapse over the downed BA suit and the remaining WOB infantryman. Lieutenants' Faller, Sanderson, Josepho, and Solovitch dive into the door on their left while Lt. Jones and Lt. Windsor dive into the door on the right. Major Silver, Cap. McKenna, and Lt. Thorpe all head back out of the hall into the stairwell and slam the door shut as the ceiling collapses behind them. The door is jammed shut and they have 6 men trapped behind it. Worse yet, the lights are flickering and it looks like the power systems were damaged.
They go up to sublevel 3 and try the door. It's jammed shut too. Just then they hear hurried footsteps coming down the stairs. Quickly, Major Silver calls up the Hussar's CO. They haven't sent anyone. Waiting for whoever is about to come down, the footsteps suddenly stop. Lt. Thorpe hears that they are slowly coming down the next flight. Thinking quickly, he tries to remember some of his old ComStar infantry training. Clearing his throat, he calls out to the incoming soldiers to identify themselves, as he put it, "in the name of the Blessed Blake." The soldiers call back down the all clear above and start around the corner at general ease. Unfortunately, Lt. Thorpe fell too in step with his old training and lets his guard up as they called "Clear above." When they rounded the corner, they quickly realized they'd been tricked, one of the two snapping off a shot that strikes Major Silver, wounding him.
McKenna, not wanting a repeat of the collapsed ceiling, drops her PPC and starts running up the stairs. Lt. Thorpe narrowly sidesteps a shot from the second Wobbie, while Major Silver snaps a shot at the man that shot him. Neatly tucking and rolling out of the line of fire, the WOB infantryman comes out of his roll, only to be cut in half from a burst of laser fire from Major Silver's Pulse Laser Pistol. McKenna reaches the second Wobbie, having donned a pair of combat claws she is trained to use. He tries to shoot her, but she rakes him up one side, into his jugular, killing him almost instantly.
Meanwhile, Lt. Jones finds a cutting torch in the storeroom he's now trapped in and cuts the door apart to get it open. Just as he's looking out into the ruined remains of the hallway, he hears muffled voices from across the hall. One very distinct phrase he hears sounds like, "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" Quickly grabbing Lt. Windsor and diving to the side, he kicks the door shut as the door across the hall explodes in a shower of debris, knocking the door open again. Getting back up and looking across the hall, he sees Lt. Faller rising from a kneeling position with the Man-Pack PPC through a good-sized hole in the door. They move out into the remains of the hallway and look to see the 4th sublevel door completely blocked. There are steam vents rising up through holes throughout the remains of the hall's floor, letting them look down into the reactor room below. The damage is severe. Lt. Jones sees that the ceiling is completely collapsed, all the way to the base of the 3rd sublevel door, which is visible from their position. They start making their way toward the stairwell.
Major Silver tells Lt. Thorpe to go down and check the reactor while McKenna treats his wounds. Making his way down to the 5th sublevel, he sees the entrance is almost totally blocked by fallen debris. There is also steam venting over the entire area. Still in his Mechwarrior Combat suit, he squeezes his way past the venting and around the debris. Looking at the coolant system in the ceiling, he sees that massive damage has been done and coolant is venting fast. Making his way carefully through the room, he hears noises from above. It's the 6 trapped warriors. Handing them up his 2 grapple rods through a hole in the ceiling, he continues back to the reactor to check it's status.
The trapped warriors use the grapples to rappel up to the 3rd sublevel door, opening it and swinging into the hall as Major Silver and McKenna are coming down to check on Lt. Thorpe's progress. McKenna waits there while the Major heads down. Seeing the blocked entrance, he waits for Lt. Thorpe.
Reaching the reactor, Thorpe seeing that the reactor is rapidly venting all it's coolant. Once it's gone, the reactor safeties will kick in and shut it down, leaving the HPG without power to operate. Estimating no more than 10 minutes before safety cutout, he heads back to report. Using a chain of shouted questions, with McKenna the only one able to establish radio contact with the Hussars in the control room, they are told that the HPG is being prepped for transmission and to secure the entrance to the reactor until they get the message off.
The Major calls Lt. Faller and asks him how hard it would be to collapse the stairwell. Faller just smiles and pulls out a block of explosives saying, "This'll do it." Nodding he sends Faller off to plant the charge at the base of the stairs with a 15-minute delay. Passing Lt. Thorpe on the way up, the rest of the Eagles head to the top of the stairwell, to secure it. Once they're all up, it's just a waiting game. They hear the antenna deploy into position, followed by a rumbling from down below. With a surge of power, the Hussars get off their call for rescue, just as the reactor safeties kick in and shut it down. They barely got the message out in time.
Calling for a general pullout, the Eagles and Hussars leave the HPG and see a lance of Hussar Light 'Mechs loading up whatever they can for salvage onto flatbed trucks. Re-mounting their 'Mechs and piling into the APCs, the Eagles note a small rumbling sound and dull "thud" of a muffled explosion from the direction of the HPG. Pleased that WOB will need a long time to repair the damage, the Eagles head out.
Once back at the Hussar's base-camp, McKenna pulls Lt. Faller aside and tells him that she's going after Col. Assellin... her former Capellan commander sent here to retrieve her, and to tell Major Silver after she's gone. Faller does so, 20 minutes later. Furious, Major Silver finds the Hussar CO and tells him that he has a Mechwarrior AWOL. Asking how long ago she left, the Hussar commander tells the Major that she'll just be hitting the security perimeter about now...
Just about that time, McKenna is trying to slip past the perimeter guards. She almost makes it, but a lone Hussar catches her and calls in the rest of his squad to help pick her up. She doesn't put up a fight and is dragged back to base-camp under guard. Turning her over to Major Silver, he demands to know why she left. She said only that she had, "unfinished business" with Col. Assellin... and that she'd be back before the rendezvous with the Ace of Spades in 18 hours. Getting a ground car from the Hussars, he tells her that if she's not back when they leave, then she's going to be left behind. McKenna goes off to try to catch Col. Assellin before he can leave. But she's too late. He already dusted off and is heading back out-system.
Linking up with the Eagles 17 hours later, they watch as the Ace of Spades lands and they prep to load up the remains of their once powerful company into the ship. A short time later, the Hussars arrive and tell the Major that their dropship is already burning down from orbit and is going to land near their position. Once grounded, the Hussar CO takes Major Silver aside and thanks him for helping get the Hussars off-planet before they are caught here. To express his gratitude and repay the Eagles, he introduces someone to the Major, one Sergeant Sergei Farrell, a Rim Commonality native of the world Tematagi. He is on detached duty with the Hussars from the RC, acting as a recon expert for their anti-Marik activities.
The Major and the Sergeant had worked together before, but not for almost two and a half years. (they were volunteers sent by the Rim Commonality to fight the Clans, in direct violation of the Captain General's stance against getting directly involved in the conflict) Sgt. Farrell had lost his Vulcan fighting the Ghost Bears in the same action that ended up with the Major being taken as bondsman by the GB. While the Major's company remained behind to liberate him, Sgt. Farrell and the remainder of the Rim Commonality force left the system to return home... wounded and beaten. On the way back to the RC, they detected a very old radio transmission from an uninhabited system on the border of what used to be Terran Hegemony space. Jumping into the system, they found a world that contained a Star League cache. Most of the equipment was in ruins, but some was salvageable, including a vintage EXT-4D Exterminator. Taking that sole 'Mech as his share of the find, Sgt. Farrell was no longer dispossessed and in a vintage 'Mech of incalculable value. Though the Laser reflective armor was shot, the rest of the systems were in working order, including the Null Signature System.
On returning to the RC to find the WOB entrenched, Sgt. Farrell asked for and was assigned duty to help thwart the WOB presence and the Captain General. Publicly denouncing Sgt. Farrell as a criminal and no longer in service to the Rim Commonality, he was sent to give aid to the 1st Hussars in their covert war against WOB and the Captain General. Using his new 'Mech to great effect, Sgt. Farrell made great inroads in gathering intel on WOB movements and actions while never having been detected.
Thus it came that Sgt. Farrell would join up with the Silver Eagles, replacing their lost warrior and adding a 'Mech to the unit to replace losses there too. (in real life, this is the introduction of a new PC, a friend of ours who is joining our group... and so it grows...)
When we left the Eagles, they were just burning off-planet and heading for their rendezvous with their jumpship. Hopefully, it's still there.
Next week... the unit begins rebuilding and Major Silver heads home to face his father...
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Great to see the Silver Eagles again. O0
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When life doesn't conspire against me, I aim to please. ;) That said here's the next installment.
Sorry for the delay in the updates. It's been pretty much as McKenna said. The last few sessions have been logistics and repairs. After the Silver Eagles left Clipperton, they headed to Wallis for repair parts for the Warhammer and Marauder. While there, they managed to find some parts for the Wolverine and a few other parts. McKenna's new ride is a Capellan Striker they salvaged, having picked up some replacement parts after leaving Wallis, headed for Tematagi. The Silver Eagles have also undergone a re-organization, splitting off a few units into a new Strike Lance, headed up by another player.
Lt. SG Sergei Farrell is now Strike Lance leader in an EXT-4C Exterminator. (the predecessor to the EXT-4D found in a SL cache the previous year) It lacks the Laser Reflective Armor, but the Null Sig is intact. (for as long as it lasts... The player chose the 'Mech knowing that if any section gets destroyed the Null Sig system would be totally unserviceable, so it's not like I just gave them this little nugget of tech, it's totally "black box" tech... not to mention the monthly upkeep costs)
Type: EXT-4C Exterminator (Spirit)
Technology Base: - I.S. BattleMech - Level 3 - 65 tons
Fractional Accounting - Null Signature System
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: Standard 6.5
Engine: 325 XL 11.75
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 14(28) - Double 4
Cockpit: 3
Gyro: 4
Armor Factor: 192 - Ferro-Fibrous 10.71
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 30
Center Torso (rear) 11
R/L Torso 15 22
R/L Torso(rear) 8
R/L Arm 10 18
R/L Leg 15 23
Heat Sinks: 13 Eng, 1 RT
Armor Crits: 4 LA, 4 RA, 1 LT, 3 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL
Null Sig. Crits 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL
Actuators: Left Arm: Shd, UA, LA, Hnd Right Arm: Shd, UA, LA, Hnd
Left Leg: Hip, UL, LL, Ft. Right Leg: Hip, UL, LL, Ft.
Weapons, Ammo, and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
ER Large Laser LA 2 5
Medium Laser LA 1 1
ER Large Laser RA 2 5
Medium Laser RA 1 1
LRM 10 LT 2 5
Artemis IV FCS LT 1 1
Ammo (LRM 10 - Artemis IV) 24 LT 2 2
2 Jump Jets LT 2 2
2 Jump Jets RT 2 2
Jump Jet CT 1 1
--
BV: 1,557
Cost: 17,932,231
Munchfactor©: 5.0
Lt. Farrell is on detached duty with the Rim Commonality militia. Officially, the Rim Commonality, along with the Principality of Regulas, has accepted the terms of the Addendum to Incorporation... unofficially, they have been waging a covert war with FWL units for the last few years. (this isn't canon, but it could have happened, but no one outside the people involved ever knew)
Here's the new TO&E.
Command Lance
Pilot (Skill) 'Mech Status .
Major Silver (V) WHM-7M Warhammer Operational; Engine upgrade to 5/8/3 XL
Lt.SG Sanderson (R) THR-2C Thunder Operational; MPLs rep. w/ (C)ERMLs & JJs
Lt.JG Josepho (CR) Summoner Operational
Lt.JG Windsor (V) Hellbringer Operational; Side Torsos and Arms no longer Omni
Fire Lance
Captain McKenna (V) STC-3D Striker Operational; LL and AC rep. w/ (C) Gauss Rifle;MPLs rep. w/ std & JJ
Lt.SG Faller (R) ZEU-9C Zeus Operational; Custom with Supercharger, LPL, Rear MPLs rep. w/ JJ
Lt.JG Solovitch (R) Executioner Operational; RA no longer Omni
Lt.JG Jones (R) MAD-5D-X Marauder Operational; Custom with MASC, 3 LPLs, & 2 MLs
Recon Lance
Lt.SG Thorpe (R) PHX-HK3 P-Hawk LAM Operational; ComStar upgd to DHS and LPL
Lt.JG Amdecker (V) PHX-HK2 P-Hawk LAM Operational
Staff Sgt Chi Lin (R) Ferret Light Scout VTOL Operational
Unassigned Ferret Light Scout VTOL Operational
Strike Lance
Lt.SG Farrell (V) EXT-4C Exterminator Operational
Lt.JG Scott (R) WVR-7C Wolverine Operational; MASC rep. w/ TSM
Lt.JG Yar (R) Stormcrow Operational
Unassigned VL-5M Vulcan On Order
Aerospace Element
Captain Friedrich (R) Union DS "Ace of Spades" Operational; 8 'Mech bays replaced with 12 'Mech cubicals
Captain Donnell (R) Scout JS "Jim Bridger" Operational
Lt. SG Hernandez (R) CSR-V14 Corsair Operational
Lt. JG Tucker (V) Visigoth Operational
Ground Support
Mst. Sgt. Spanner (R) Clan Battle Armor (X5) Operational
Sergeant Rhode (R) Clan Battle Armor (X5) Operational
--
V: Veteran
R: Regular
CR: Clan Regular
Lt. SG Thorpe (NightHawk713X) has been named the S3 and 3rd in Command, Lt.SG Faller the S2, and Lt. JG Scott the S4. Lt.SG Farrell has been named Emission Control Officer and Mst. Sgt. Spanner the CSM. (thanks go out to boilerman and plazer for their excellent essays on Command Structure)
The Silver Eagles are almost up to full strength again, needing to fill out only two positions, but they have difficult times ahead. With the situation brewing to a boil between the FWL regular armed forces and the Regulan and Rim Commonality units, Major Silver's return to the Commonality might not be a welcome one.
-
And...
Ok, They landed on Tematagi 5 days late. (they had a holdup while waiting for a parts delivery before they jumped into the Tematagi system) So they burned down to the planet to pick up the last of their repair parts, some F-F armor and Artemis IV LRMs. (and their Vulcan they ordered) After arranging for delivery, they took it easy. With Major Silver and Lt. Hernandez at a local shopping center, McKenna on a public bus, and Lt. Faller and Thorpe at a local Diner, a news story broke over the radio and video broadcasts...
"We interrupt our normally scheduled broadcast to report the following...
Approximately one month ago, this video was shot by reporters on the planet Clipperton...
::video of the Silver Eagles attacking the HPG run in the background, followed by a shot of the HPG burning to the ground::
The unit responsible for this is a Mercenary unit known as the Silver Eagles. It is not known why they attacked the Clipperton HPG, but they are wanted for violation of the Communications Protocol of 2787, as well as violation of the Ares Conventions for attacking a civilian facility.
The Silver Eagles were last reported on the planet Wallis two weeks after the attack. Though they did not attack the planet or it's facilities, it is known they obtained repair parts from Ronin Inc. Reports suggest that the Silver Eagles may be here on Tematagi, attempting to procure more replacement parts for their anti-Marik activities. Any citizens with information on the whereabouts of the Silver Eagles are asked to contact the nearest Word of Blake Comm center immediately. A 100,000 Eagle reward has been offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of these state criminals.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming."
Needless to say, this left the Eagles in a bit of a bind. Lt. Faller noticed that someone had spotted his unit patch and was on the vid-phone talking to someone and looking in their direction. Lt. Hernandez was in her jumpsuit, with the Silver Eagles unit patch on her shoulder. Luckily, McKenna was in total civilian clothes. Lt. Faller and Thorpe beat a hasty retreat to their groundcar, pulling away as they heard sirens coming closer. Once outside, Major Silver contacted Lt. Faller to learn that they were spotted. Heading for his hovercycle with Lt. Hernandez, McKenna gets off the bus that had been bringing her to the same shopping center. Seeing Major Silver, she approaches as he contacts the Dropship to ask their status. The Ace of Spades was currently receiving their shipments and had not heard the broadcast. (and apparently, neither had the delivery people for Nimakachi Fusion Products) Major Silver put the Ace of Spades on high alert and called for Lt. Faller to come pick up McKenna.
Reaching his hoverbike, they watch as a security guard drives up in a small electric car. (think Mall security here) Asking them for identification as they were identified as possibly being "those rogue mercenaries", they try to stall for time. When he calls for assistance over his radio, Lt. Hernandez comes up and says he can inspect her unit patch. When he leans over, she clonks him on the back of the head, knocking him cold as Lt. Faller drives up. McKenna climbs in the back seat while Major Silver and Lt. Hernandez climb on the hoverbike. They start to head for the Dropship when they hear sirens, turning to see local police cars heading toward them. They bolt out onto surface streets with the hoverbike leading the way. Heading through an intersection against the light, the hoverbike jams traffic in the intersection. Unfortunately, the car with McKenna, Lt. Thorpe and Faller was too far behind them. Lt. Faller turns right down a side street, then left up a parallel street, only to be joined by a local police car right behind them. Meanwhile, Major Silver tells Lt. Hernandez to pull over so he can have her put on his field jacket so her unit patch isn't visible.
With a cop car hot on their heals, they speed up. Reaching under the driver's seat, McKenna retrieves a hold-out laser pistol. Lt. Thorpe asks if anyone has any weapons, when Lt. Faller reaches into the small of his back and pulls out a hold-out needler. Giving it to Lt. Thorpe, Lt. Faller slams the car into a side-slip, taking them back toward the street they were on originally. Taking another side-slip, the cop car stays right on their heals as they fly by Major Silver and Lt. Hernandez. McKenna rolls down the rear passenger window while Lt. Thorpe rolls down his window on the passenger side. Thorpe and McKenna lean out the windows and try to take out the police car's tires. Thorpe's needler shreds into the car's fender, missing the tire, but McKenna's laser hits home on the front left tire. The police car loses control and starts to tumble down the street as Major Silver and Lt. Hernandez begin to come up behind them. Dashing quickly into on-coming traffic to avoid the wrecking police car, Lt. Hernandez manages to get back in behind the ground car. With more police cars coming up behind them they start to pick up speed to get away. The hoverbike, being faster, zooms ahead to see what's ahead. They are caught by a set of 4 APCs as they pull in to block the road.
Lt. Faller tells McKenna to pull down the back seat and get into the trunk. Doing so and grabbing a light, she looks in the trunk and sees an SRM launcher. Grabbing it and handing it up to Lt. Thorpe, she asks what it's loaded with. Faller yells back, "It's got 2 Infernos!" Just then they reach Major Silver pulled to a stop at the intersection before the roadblock. The Police have blocked the two side streets as well and dozens of police cars are coming up behind them. Major Silver calls the Ace of Spades to have Lt. Amdecker in his LAM dust off for assistance. He's told that Lt. Amdecker is on ready five, so he won't be ready to leave for a few minutes. The ground car stops next to the Major and Lt. Thorpe gets out to take a careful shot at the APCs with the Inferno SRM rounds. With police scattering for cover, he hits dead on, spreading flaming gel all over the intersection. All four APCs catch fire, while the police run for their lives. Jumping back in, McKenna tells Lt. Faller to floor it and ram the roadblock. Reaching 240 kph, they slam through the roadblock with Major Silver and Lt. Hernandez right behind them.
Racing for the Dropship, Major Silver tells them that they're coming in hot. Pulling up the ramp a few minutes later, Major Silver heads for the bridge, meeting Captain Darious on the lift. The newly delivered Vulcan is just being locked into it's cubical, while the Eagles prep for a hasty take-off. On reaching the bridge, Darious orders the stunned bridge crew to prep for immediate liftoff. The Comms officer informs Darious that they have been ordered to hold their position to await the arrival of the local authorities to place them all under arrest. Darious sighs and orders the Comms officer to ignore the request and preps the Ace of Spades for takeoff.
Lifting off and making orbit, they detect a lance of light Aerospace fighters approaching their position. Ordering the Nav officer to make for their waiting Jumpship, the Jim Bridger, while the Ace of Spades leaps to 2.5 Gs and preps to fight off the light opposition. Once they lock weapons on the fighters, they scatter and break off pursuit. Slowing back to a 1 G burn, Major Silver asks for a staff meeting in 10 minutes, and asks McKenna, Lt. Thorpe and Lt. Faller to join him in Lt. Faller's quarters for a "private briefing."
Once there, they see Lt. Faller working on a computer model of the Clipperton HPG. Discussing their options, Lt. Faller informs them that it is possible that his explosive charges could have caused the facility to burn down. With that, the computer shows how the explosives he set could have caused a chain reaction of fires, leading to the main hydrogen fuel tanks being ruptured, thus burning the HPG to the ground with it's own fusion fuel.
Later in the staff meeting, Captain Darious is given the opportunity to turn the ship around and turn the Silver Eagles over to Marik authorities. Being the good Lyran he is, he and his crew would rather see the Ace of Spades burning is space than let Marik authorities board, even if they didn't do anything wrong. Good or bad, Darious and the crew of the Ace of Spades throw in their lot with the Silver Eagles.
When Master Sgt. Spanner asks if there is any truth to the allegation, Major Silver tells him that when they left the HPG, it was still standing. (true) He tells those assembled that there was a firefight in the reactor room and some collateral damage was done. (true) However, he omits the fact that a second explosive charge was set in the stairwell, leaving out the fact that it is likely that the Silver Eagles are responsible. The assembled officers all agree to defend their actions on Clipperton, whatever the cost.
The last business covered was the decision to continue on to Negushivo, jumping into a pirate point in case they are expected. Once there, Major Silver will use his position as the Duke's son and Knighted Landholder of the sovereign planet of Negushivo to press for an investigation into the allegations against the Silver Eagles. Their hope is that lacking any real evidence, it will be WOB's word against theirs.
Now it's on to Negushivo... and home. Only time will tell if the Silver Eagles have burned one too many bridges.
-
and last one for today...
This one's long... I wrote it up in story form. (practicing for Battlecorpes)
Major Silver floated on the bridge of the Ace of Spades. They had just jumped into Negushivo, his home that he hasn't seen in 4 years. So much has happened... captured by the Ghost Bears... Operation Scorpion... forming his own Unit... fighting along the Clan front and Periphery. It seemed like a blur of events, all running into one another like the clouds over his home estate. But now he was home... or was it home?
His thoughts were broken by the Ace's pilot. "Coming about sir."
Captain Darious looked over at the navigator. "Plot a burn for the planet. One G."
"Aye sir, one G."
The Ace of Spades rolled over and pitched toward the planet below. Not knowing what to expect, they had called for the Jim Bridger to plot a jump into the L1 point over Negushivo. A pirate point to be sure, but it cut their travel time to the planet down to only 6 hours. Once on the planet, safely landed on Major Silver's estate, the Silver Eagles would be safe from arrest. Now they were here... and the time had come.
"Engines throttling up sir. now at 1 G and steady."
"Thank you Ensign." Darious confirmed. Looking over at Major Silver, he nodded.
Major Silver sighed. He handed a data disk to the communications officer. "Comms. Lock microwave transmitters on these planetary coordinates and set to transmit on this frequency."
In a few moments the comms officer reported, "Channel locked sir. Frequency open."
Major Silver waited for the reply. He didn't have to wait long. "Kevin Silver Estate, how may I help you?" It was the voice of Steve LaGraves, his estate manager.
"This is Kevin Silver. I've just jumped in-system and will be landing in 6 hours at these coordinates." The Major punched a set of numbers to be inserted into the transmitter’s sub-harmonic frequency. Major Silver waited, knowing there was a 2 second delay before his signal reached the planet. That meant at least 4 seconds before he would hear anything. He waited more than 4 seconds.
After what seemed like forever, a voice cracked over the frequency. "Did you say Kevin Silver? Kevin Charles Silver?"
"Yes, Steve. It's me. I'm home." the Major replied.
An interminable time passed, as no doubt, Mr. LaGraves ran a voice pattern check to verify his Landlord's identity. Finally he came back on the line. "Yes! Yes sire! Welcome home! You had been reported as MIA on the Clan front, and when you did not return with the remainder of the Rim troops, we all assumed the worst, my lord. It's good to see you return! We'll meet you at the transmitted coordinates in 6 hours, sire."
Major Silver had forgotten the irritation of being called 'sire' and 'my lord'. He'd always hated the nobility he was born into, but now for the first time, he needed it. "Thank you Steve. Please be ready with transports and accommodations for 20 guests. We'll meet you at 1407 Terran Standard Time. Silver out."
He sighed in relief as the worst was over. He was still the landed Knight he had been when he left, so the safety of the Silver Eagles could be assured for as long as he held his title and they remained on his land. The next part would be even harder though, as he handed the comms operator another data disk. "Punch up the transmission data on here." he sighed. As the comms officer nodded that the connection was open, Major Silver waited again.
This time, he heard something that made his gut wrench. "Duke Silver's Estates. Blessed be the Word of Blake."
WOB! They were here, and in his father’s estate! Major Silver was stunned, but tried to recover quickly. “I need to speak with Duke Silver.” Was all he said.
He waited for the reply. “Who may I say is calling?” the unknown voice probed.
“This is the Duke’s son, Kevin Charles Silver.” he postured.
Time passed as the signal traveled to and from the planet half a million kilometers away. Finally the voice responded. “I’m sorry sire, but the Duke is busy on State business. Can I convey a message to him for you?”
Silver noted that the voice had not sounded startled or seemed at all concerned with his claim of being the Duke’s son. “Just tell him that I’ve come home. Thank you.” As he reached over the comm. officer’s shoulder and switched off the transmitter. He looked over at Captain Darious. “I’ll be in my quarters if you need me.” as he shuffled off the bridge.
***
Major Silver waited for Lieutenants Thorpe and Faller to arrive. He’d called them in because he’d asked them both to feel out the crew and try to determine who was likely to leave the Silver Eagles over this situation with the HPG. The Major had told all members of the Eagles that they were all free to leave under good terms and disconnect themselves from the Silver Eagles and the reputation they were now likely to engender. No one had come forward officially, but that didn’t mean there weren’t those that would under a more stressful situation.
Major Silver was startled by a knock at his door. “Come in.”
It was Lt. Thorpe. The two waited for Lt. Faller to arrive, and in a moment he had. Locking the door behind him, Lt. Faller reached behind his back. A small chirp indicated that the white noise generator was effectively clouding their conversation.
Major Silver looked at Lt. Thorpe. “Anything?”
Lt. Thorpe sat back in the chair he took. “No one has come to me in any official manner as S-3 sir.”
Major Silver and Lt. Faller both looked at Lt. Thorpe. “How about unofficial ways?” Lt. Faller interrogated.
Lt. Thorpe shrugged. “No one has said anything to me.”
Major Silver looked at Lt. Faller. “And you?”
Being a surveillance operative, Lt. Faller had ‘interrogated’ everyone on board the ship without their even having been aware of it. “Well, no one has been plotting to leave… and there haven’t been any attempts to circumvent security…” Lt. Faller paused and looked at Lt. Thorpe. “But I have noticed something.”
Major Silver got concerned. “What?”
Lt. Faller collected his thoughts. “Well the thing is… it’s Chi Lin. She hasn’t shown any signs of wanting to leave, but she hasn’t talked to anybody.”
Major Silver furrowed his brow. “She hasn’t talked…”
Lt. Faller made himself more clear. “…to anybody… no one at all… for 6 days. It’s odd behavior that began immediately following the reports of our criminality. It’s a concern is all, nothing solid.”
Major Silver thought for a moment. He finally replied, “Look into it.”
Lt. Faller held up his hands. “The only way to get anything more would require a direct confrontation. Anything else would just consume time we may not have.”
Major Silver looked at the two officers. “Find out. I’ll leave it up to you. Dismissed.”
The two left for their room. As they entered the room, Lt. Thorpe turned to his roommate. “You need something?”
“Yeah.” Faller said, grabbing something from behind the computer monitor.
He turned to leave as Lt. Thorpe called to him, “Hey Joe. You going to talk to her?”
“I was going to, yeah. Why?”
Lt. Thorpe sighed, “Let me do it. It’s more my job than yours.”
Faller looked at his roommate. “Ok, but do you want some advice Randall?”
“Sure Joe.”
“Take this.” as he handed him a holdout needler.
Randall looked the weapon over. “Good weapon.” He began to place it in the small of his back in a small holster, when Joe noticed he already had one.
“Hey! Just how many do you need?”
Randall looked at Joe. “Hey you offered it!”
Lt. Faller snatched the needler back and left the room laughing.
***
Reaching the Lower ‘Mech bay, Lt. Thorpe approached the Light Vehicle bay where the VTOL was stored. Chi Lin was doing pre-flight checks, readying the VTOL for flight.
“Lieutenant.” She called back over her shoulder, not missing a step.
“Hey, are you expecting trouble?”
Sergeant Chi Lin continued with her pre-flight checks. “I’ve found it’s always best to be prepared.”
“Good thinking.” Lt. Thorpe followed her into the cargo bay as she continued her checks, carrying a bottle and two glasses.
“Say, do me a favor and close that door behind you.” She asked.
Lt. Thorpe turned and slid the door shut. “We need to talk.”
“I assumed as much. What’s with the glasses?” she said as she pulled down a jump seat.
Lt. Thorpe pulled down another. He looked at her tapping the side of a bottle of Everclear and Plumb Wine, “Ok, just how many of these is it going to take to get you to talk? If it’s more than two, I’ll be unconscious.”
She looked at him and laughed. “Pour the drinks.”
***
As the Ace of Spades settled down onto the tundra three-kilometers northwest of Kevin Silver’s estate, the pilot called out. “All engines stop. We are stable one, captain.”
Darious nodded to his pilot. “Thank you.” He turned to Major Silver. “We’re down and secure.” Turning again he barked, “Weather, report.”
The comms officer turned to the two. “Ambient air temperature, 7°... wind 4 knots…”
A warm day… Major Silver mused.
The comms officer interrupted his thoughts. “Sir, I have incoming ground vehicles... seven. Baring 117 at 2600 meters and closing.”
Darious turned. “Can you identify?”
“IFFing now sir…” There was a pause. “Six read out with an ID code registering them as belonging to Major Silver’s estate. The seventh reads as one belonging to Duke Silver’s estate.”
Major Silver’s breath came short. “Oh boy…”
“Royal welcome?” Darious quipped.
“Comms. Contact Major McKenna and Lieutenants Thorpe and Faller. Have them meet me at the exit ramp in five minutes. Full dress. And contact Sergeant Spanner. Tell him to prepare a security detail. Full armor.” He said as he headed toward the lift, needing to change into full dress himself.
Five minutes later, three were gathered together at the top of the ramp. Sgt. Spanner and 9 others were gathered there as well in full Battlearmor.
Major Silver turned to Lt. Faller as he finished adjusting his family saber. “Where’s Lt. Thorpe?”
Faller looked at his commanding officer. “On assignment, sir.”
“I see.” He replied. “Sergeant, follow us down and set up a loose security perimeter. You’re with me.” The Major ordered.
“Aye, sir.” The metallic voice responded.
Major Silver punched a button on a wall panel. “Comms, have they arrived?”
“They’re at the base of the ramp sir.”
“Open the outer door.”
The ‘Mech bay hissed as cold air came rushing into the bay. As the door slid all the way open, the three and their escorts headed down the ramp.
As they neared the bottom, a host of aids poured out of the vehicles. One approached a long black hover-limo, carrying something. He placed it on the ground and it unrolled to form a red carpet, linking the limo and the base of the Dropship ramp.
The trio continued down the ramp and watched as an older man emerged from the vehicle. He was large and muscular, belying the stark silver hair that denoted his advancing age. Wearing a finely tailored suit, he stood firm and erect as he began down the carpet. As they got closer, Captain McKenna could see that he was obviously of Russian descent, his features were chiseled as though carved from granite. They all reached the base of the ramp at the same time, as though it was all so perfectly choreographed.
Snapping to an immediate attention, Major Silver snapped a salute to his father and Duke. “Major Silver, reporting in. SIR!”
The Duke returned his salute with equal perfection, born of decades of military habit. “Major Silver?” the Duke asked. He looked at his son’s uniform. It was black with silver trim, not at all like the uniform of the Free Worlds League Militia. He wore the family saber, but the rest looked so foreign to him. “And I assume these are your aids?” he said, pointing to the two similarly uniformed people.
Major Silver gestured to the two in turn. “May I present Captain Erin McKenna, second in command of the Silver Eagles, and Lieutenant Senior Grade Joseph Faller.” The two snapped salutes to the Duke in turn.
“And these… guards?” he further asked.
“Sergeant Spanner and his men.” The Major replied, gesturing to the Clan Elemental suit immediately behind him.
The Duke nodded to the armored guard. Turning back to his son, “We weren’t expecting you. Last we’d heard those Invaders had captured you. Why are you back now?”
Major Silver took a deep breath, relishing the cold air of his home. “I’m getting married.”
The Dukes eyes swelled with shock. He collected his temperament and replied, “This is not the place to discuss such things. You will come to my estate, twenty hundred hours this evening. We’ll welcome you home properly and discuss this later.” He paused a moment. “…and welcome home.” Turning sharply, he marched back to the waiting hover-limo and it began to pull away.
Major Silver let out a long breath of tension as a man came running up from one of the other vehicles. He was small are wore thick rimmed glasses. His face was pale from too many hours spent indoors, seeing to mundane matters. As he came close, Major Silver smiled and extended his hand.
“Steve! It’s great to see you!” the Major exclaimed.
The estate manager took the Major’s hand, bowing slightly in deference to his Landlord’s position. “Thank you sire. All has been made ready as you requested my liege. Twenty rooms have been prepared for your guests and we have set out for your tailor. He should be here within the hour sire. I hope all is well”
The Major sighed as he recalled why he volunteered to leave Negushivo in the first place. I hate this stuff…
-
As promised...
And the plot thickens…
--
Major Silver stepped out of the hoverlimo sent by his father to bring him to his welcome home celebration. Helping Lieutenant Hernandez out, they were greeted by a throng of media and spectators. Flashes of light threatened to blind them both, but the crowd was held back by security. Cheers and acclamations were mixed with screams of protest and shouted questions from reporters. Major Silver steadied himself for what he knew would be a difficult night.
For her part, Lieutenant Hernandez couldn’t understand the interest. Raised in the Capellan March, she was familiar with noble reception, but it seemed so out of place being in the middle of it all. On top of that, she was unused to the fine gown she wore. Growing up poor, the form-fitting black and red gown was the most expensive thing she had ever worn and it made her feel exposed. Still, she was a soldier. If I can face Clan fighters in the cold of space, I can surely get through this!
Looking over the crowd, Major Silver noticed something unpleasant at the doors. Two white-robed acolytes stood on either side of the door. Oh boy… and displaying the WOB broadsword. Great… just perfect. Steeling himself, he took Jan’s arm and escorted her to the door. The acolytes opened the double doors as they approached, not giving a second glance to who was entering. As they passed inside, they were escorted by one of the Duke’s aides to a waiting area to wait for their guests.
As Lieutenants Thorpe, Amdecker, Scott, and Sergeant Chi Lin pulled up in their limo, Randall noticed the acolytes at the door before even stepping out. “Well, have a good time!”
Ben Scott looked at Lt. Thorpe. “Oh come on! The CO is going in past them now… and he’s wanted by WOB just as badly as you are. Come on Ian, lets go.” as Ben and Ian climbed out.
Randall turned to Chi Lin. “Still want to go?”
Chi Lin inspected the two at the door. “We can take ‘em.” She said, tossing him a wink. The two left the limo and headed for the door behind Ian and Ben.
Lieutenants Farrell, Sanderson, Windsor, and Josepho arrived in the third limo. Sergei Farrell wasn’t so sure about going in with WOB at the entrance. He officially left the FWLM because of WOB and this looked to be a touchy subject. But when he saw Lt. Thorpe walk in, he figured Well, between the lot of us, we can take them.
Lt. Faller and Captain McKenna were the last to arrive. As they passed through the doors, they were escorted to where the rest of the Silver Eagles were waiting. The aide gestured for Major Silver to follow him to the main hall. Entering a huge hall decorated in lavish 19th century Russian, it looked like a historical look back into the age of the Czarist Russian palaces.
The aide stopped at the entrance and raised his voice above the crowd. “Announcing his Royal Highness, Lord Kevin Charles Silver!” The crowd hushed as he entered the hall, finally breaking onto rapid applause as he started walking toward the back of the hall where his father was seated. As he reached the back of the hall, he bowed to his Duke. Looking up at the throne of his father, he looked to the left and saw an empty chair, that which was his mother’s. To the left of that was the chair for his sister, Countess Alessandra Marie Silver, heir to the Duchy. It too was vacant. To the right was the chair that was his own. Beside it sat another chair, slightly lower and much less ornate, obviously meant for Jan. He escorted Jan to her seat and took his own.
Seeing his son seated, the Duke stood. “Thank you all for coming this evening and welcoming my son home from war. Please, enjoy yourselves.” He then took his seat again and watched as the rest of the Silver Eagles were announced.
The aide once again spoke over the crowd. “Announcing his lordship’s personal guard!”
Captain McKenna and Lt. Faller entered first with the rest of the Silver Eagles following behind. They made their way over to a corner and watched as the crowd began to return to their previous discussions.
Josepho looked like he was ready to start a fight. Having been raised in the Clans, he found this ‘extravagance’ disgusting. Major Silver had had the forethought to explain the need for it all before they came, dismissing it all as “…needless pomp and circumstance that keeps the lower castes happy. They like to see their nobility all dressed up and looking good. It gives them a sense of national pride.” Still, he didn’t like it all. It is all so… alien. Josepho wasn’t the only one.
Seeing the tension in their group, Captain McKenna spoke up. “Relax. Enjoy yourselves. Mingle!”
Looking at the WOB acolytes serving the guests, Lt. Thorpe quipped, “Is that an order, ma’am?” They chuckled and started milling about.
After about an hour, Lt. Thorpe was standing next to a buffet table with Chi Lin, watching Ben make his fourth pass through the assorted foods. Suddenly, a man approached wearing the uniform of the Free Worlds League Militia. Lt. Thorpe glanced at his rank and recalled it as some kind of Sergeant rank. “Can I help you Sergeant?”
The NCO extended his hand to the Lieutenant. “Master Sergeant Daniel O’Hare, sir. Pleased to meet you. You’re a member of the Lord’s personal unit, right? The Silver Eagles?”
Randall took his extended hand. “Yes. What can I do for you Sergeant O’Hare?”
“I just wanted to hear about your unit sir. What you’ve seen, what you’ve done. Mind if we talk?”
"Not at all Sergeant." He replied.
--
Lt. Faller escorted Captain McKenna out onto the balcony where many couples had gathered. It was a cool night, typical for Negushivo. The two talked for a short time until a lone man in a FWLM uniform interrupted them.
“Lieutenant Faller is it? My name is Lieutenant Nocoli Chekov, Negushivo Militia. Mind if we talk?”
Unknown to each other, both groups were questioned for some time about the Silver Eagles before their questioners returned to the reception.
--
As the hour turned late, Duke Silver stood and announced to the assembled guests. “Thank you all for coming this evening.” This was the cue for his aids to begin escorting people out. When the hall was cleared, the Duke turned to Major Silver. “Now that you have been welcomed home properly and the guests have left, we can discuss other matters.” He looked at Lt. Hernandez.
“Father, may I introduce Lieutenant Jan Hernandez, my fiancée.” Major Silver gestured to Jan, who curtsied as deeply as she could in her tight gown.
The Duke nodded in appreciation to the gesture. “And you intend to bring her into our House?”
“Yes sir.” was his only reply.
Duke Silver looked hard at his son as though studying him for some flaw. Then he turned his gaze at Jan, who returned his gaze, not down in deference as she had been raised.
The Duke nodded and looked back at his son. “And do you ask my consent?”
Major Silver squared his shoulders. “I would sir.”
The Duke looked at his son, passing almost a full minute before responding. “Very well, you have it. Good evening Ms. Hernandez. Goodnight… Major.” And he turned and left through a side entrance.
Coming out the entry hall, Major Silver let out a sigh of relief. The worst is behind me now. All I have to do is face WOB!
Lt. Faller spoke up first. “Well? How did it go?”
Major Silver looked at the Lieutenant. “As good as can be expected. I’m still a Lord and I’m still getting married, so things are good. Let’s go home.”
As they headed back to Major Silver’s estate, a white robed Adept approached. “Major Kevin Charles Silver?”
The Major stopped and turned. “Yes?”
The Adept handed an envelope to the Major. “You have been served, sir.” He then turned back to the Duke’s estate.
Captain McKenna and Lt. Faller joined the Major and Jan in the first limo for the return trip. After they were underway, Major Silver opened the envelope.
--
Date: January 11th 3054
To: Major Kevin Charles Silver and Principle Members of the Silver Eagles
You have been charged with violation of the Communications Protocol of 2787 and Ares Conventions for attacking the Hyperpulse Generator on Clipperton. You will report to the Class B station on Negushivo by 10 AM TST January 13th 3054 to state your case and face justice.
May The Will of Blake be our justice.
--
Major Silver handed the paper to Captain McKenna. After reading it, the four returned to the estate in silence.
--
“So, what it boils down to is what your father thinks, right?” Lt. Thorpe interjected during the morning meeting.
Major Silver reflected. “To a certain extent, yes. Basically we have two good choices. We can demand third-party arbitration on Outreach and let them decide, or I can claim my rights as Lord and demand noble trial here by Negushivo courts. Depending on what my father’s opinion is could sway things one way or the other. If my father were really against me, then we’d be better off on Outreach. If he’s neutral or favorable to our position, then here would be better because they have to prove intent to destroy the HPG.”
Lieutenant Thorpe asked “What about your sister? Isn’t she in charge now?”
Lieutenant Faller recalled the info he’d obtained on Negushivo’s recent history. “A year and a half ago, while the Major was off on the Clan front, Countess Silver was given executive authority over administrative affairs. Basically, she was placed in charge of day-to-day running of the government in preparation for her taking over for her father. About a week after taking over, she signed an executive authorization allowing Word of Blake to take over communications at our Class B station. ComStar’s contract was canceled and they were told to leave. She also signed an additional executive authorization making WOB the personal staff of House Silver. Basically, they live in your fathers house and know all and see all that goes on.”
“Once entrenched, she as much as forced your father to sign the Addendum to the Incorporation, releasing Negushivo Militia to the Captain-General. That left a need to protect the planet from periphery raiders. Again, the Countess allowed WOB to fill that roll, putting WOB military on-planet. Now she has an unshakable hold on the reigns of power.”
“About six months ago, she opened up trade negotiations with Tematagi for export of raw resources to Nimakachi Fusion Products Ltd. The resources would be mined from your southern continent. She claimed it would revitalize the mostly service industry economy, pumping Eagles back into the economy and allow for greater quality of life.”
Major Silver stopped Lt. Faller. “But the southern continent resources are in the middle of the Negushivo Wildlife Preserve…”
Joe Faller interrupted the Major in turn, “…which does not exist any longer. Your sister signed it out of existence the next day.”
Major Silver got a concerned look. “But those preserves are what keep this planet from loosing what little food and oxygen production it has. Let those herds die off and the whole ecosystem will collapse. I mean, this planet is only livable because of the little plant and animal life that was transplanted here. Without the preserve, it’s just a matter of time…”
Interrupting again, “…before the whole planet boils away its oxygen, I know. But that will take a century or more and these are profits that can be made now and that’s all she sees. In the short term, Negushivo can import food for less than it makes in export fees from the mines.”
“What about the local population? Are they benefiting form this?” the Major further asked.
“Not really. Last quarter showed a massive layoff in the service industry. Unemployment is at an all time high. The profits from the mineral sales are all going into Silver family coffers, and most of the mineworkers are off-world temps because the local population just isn’t qualified for industrial work. To calm fears, your sister instituted a new division of militias to be formed. So, most of the unemployed are joining up.” Faller continued. “And those militias…”
“…are under the control of WOB.” The Major finished. Lt. Faller just nodded. Major Silver couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His home planet was not only slowly being destroyed, but its population was signing up to join his bitterest of enemies. “I’ve got to talk to my father.”
A tone came from the intercom. Major Silver pressed a button on his desk. “What is it?”
The voice on the other end replied, “Sir, there are some gentlemen from the militia here to see you. They claim it’s urgent.”
“Show them in.” he answered. “And see if you can get me a direct line to my father please. Thank you.”
After a moment, two familiar looking militiamen were shown into the Lord’s office. Stopping in front of his desk, they saluted the Major. “Sir, I am Lieutenant Senior Grade Chekov and this is Master Sergeant O’Hare. We have come to speak to you about recent events here on Negushivo.”
The Major looked at his officers. “Please Lieutenant, be seated. What can we do for you?”
The Lieutenant cleared his throat. “Sir, we have come to ask to join your personal guard. I myself speak for the third armor company of Negushivo’s Defenders. The Sergeant speaks for the 5th through 8th infantry platoons. We are all ready to serve you sire.”
The Major looked across his desk at the two men. They wore the standard uniforms of the FWLM and he thought he could recognize them from the night before. “Continue Lieutenant.”
Lieutenant Chekov gathered his thoughts. “Over the past few months, we have seen massive changes in Negushivo’s militia. All our S-2 personnel have been rotated off world and WOB Adepts and Acolytes have been put in their place. In addition, we believe we are being prepped for transfer off world to go fight for WOB or Marik.”
Major Silver thought for a moment. “Have you any idea where your intelligence officers have been sent?”
“None sire.” The Lieutenant replied. “All we know is they were sent off ‘for extensive cross-training and deployment.’ to quote our CO. Sire, we have no desire to fight on behalf of either WOB or the Mariks. We’re Negushivans. We serve the Duke, but fear he has been co-opted by your sister… sire.”
The Major snorted. “You’ll get no argument from me there, Lieutenant. However, I feel I must warn you that this company is currently charged with destroying the Clipperton HPG. If you joined us, you could share in our fate if we are found guilty.”
The Lieutenant and Sergeant stood and saluted. “Sir, we will follow you to hell.”
As Major Silver returned the salute, his intercom rang again. “Sire, I have your father on the line.”
“Thank you. Put him through.” As the Major picked up a handset.
His father’s voice cracked over the line. “What can I do for you?”
Kevin gathered his thoughts. “Look father, I need to speak to you, before 10 AM tomorrow.”
A moment of silence washed over the other end. Finally his father replied, “Meet me at my personal estate at 21:00 this evening.” Suddenly the line cleared as his father disconnected.
Returning the handset, the Major mused over his father’s attitude. Why was he so willing to allow my marriage to a commoner? And not just any commoner, but one from the Federated Suns. Unless… He broke his train of thought for the moment. Opening his intercom up again he called for his estate manager. “Steve. I need you to make arrangements for room and board for 200 Negushivo militiamen. Make the arrangements.”
A stilted voice on the other end answered back. “Two hundred? Uhhh… Yes. Yes sire! It will be done.” As the channel closed.
Lt. Thorpe spoke up. “I have to ask… will your troops follow the orders of someone who used to be a member of ComStar?”
Lieutenant Chekov looked at Randall. “My men and I will follow Major Silver. If he places a former member of The Order in a position over them, they will follow.”
Randall Thorpe nodded. “Good.” Suddenly he face turned ashen and he turned to Major Silver. “Sir, what if your sister has troops not listed among the normal compliment of the militia? A private guard if you will?”
Major Silver looked at Lieutenant Chekov. “Does she?”
Nicoli looked at the floor. “We’ve heard rumors, that’s all. They say she has a company of BattleMechs and fanatical warriors drawn from the ranks of WOB and the Negushivo militia. But they’re just rumors.”
Major Silver looked at Joe Faller. Joe smiled, “If she has ‘Mechs, they have a paper trail. I’ll find them.”
Major Silver nodded and looked at Captain McKenna. “Give Lieutenant Chekov the contract.”
Captain McKenna retrieved a copy of their standard hiring contract and handed it to the Lieutenant. After looking at it briefly, the Lieutenant got a confused look on his face. “I don’t understand sire. We aren’t asking to hire on as mercenaries. We’re asking to join your personal guard.”
Major Silver smiled. “I know. But once you resign your commissions and sign on with me, you won’t be answerable to Marik… or WOB. You’ll be working for me.”
The Lieutenant smiled back. “I see sir!” He pulled a pen and signed the document. Then Sergeant O’Hare signed it and handed it back to Captain McKenna.
Major Silver stood and extended his hand. “Welcome to the Silver Eagles, gentlemen! Now, Let’s see about setting things right here.”
--
The lights in the Duke’s personal estate were all off for the evening. But as Major Silver approached the estate, he could see a light on in his father’s study. Once he was escorted inside, it was no surprise he was led here. Looking around the room, he spotted his mother’s painting above the fireplace. Lost in memory, he didn’t even hear his father enter the room.
“I miss her too.” He said, startling Major Silver. The Duke crossed the room and poured himself a clear drink. “Well, what brings you here this evening? Can I get you something?”
The Major stood by his father’s desk. “No thank you, sir. I was wondering if you knew about what has happened.”
The Duke took a sip of his drink. “If you mean this business about you being charged with destroying an HPG, yes I know.” He looked at his son. “Did you do it?”
The Major stood straight. “We did nothing but what was necessary at the time.”
The Duke nodded. “So what do you want from me?”
Kevin collected his thoughts. “I need to know where things stand between us.”
His father and Duke looked at him for what seemed an eternity. Finally he answered. “You left and didn’t come back with the others. Your sister says that you chose not to come back, but instead went off to create this mercenary company instead.” He looked his son directly in the eyes. “We needed you here.”
For the first time, Kevin Silver felt guilt for having not returned to Negushivo after he escaped the Ghost Bears. “I’m sorry father. I cannot change the past. I never suspected Alessandra would turn on Negushivo or the family like this.”
The Duke mused. “It’s my own fault really. I saw too much of your mother in her when she really is more like your grandmother. You, you’re like your mother. Cautious, dedicated, and ever out to prove your own worth beyond your birthright.” The Duke stopped. “I can’t help you son.”
Kevin looked at his father. “What happened?”
The Duke sighed. “To put it bluntly, your sister tied my hands. She has Word of Blake agents everywhere. In return, she gives them new recruits drawn from our population… willing recruits that think they are doing what is best for their families. She created the crisis and provided the solution, all to garner favor from the Captain-General and other Marik supporters. She sold Negushivo out. Most of the new recruits see her as some kind of savior, delivering them and their families from the brink of starvation. Blake reinforces the belief by touting that the economic crisis is caused by the Clan invasion and the demand by other Sphere powers for war material.” The Duke took another sip from his clear drink. “So you see, I can’t help you.”
Kevin held out is hand. “What about the militia? They’ll still follow you.”
The Duke shook his head. “Son, I’m old. Too old to lead troops again. You’re just like I was you know. I couldn’t lead from a desk anymore than you can.” For a moment, Kevin could see the flicker of victory remembered in his father’s eyes. “I have to be there… with them… fighting with them.” Then just as suddenly, the look of age flooded over his father. “But I have no place in a fighting force anymore. I’d do more harm than good, making good warriors fight and die to protect me from harm I used to be able to protect myself from.”
Kevin looked down. This is my fault. I should have come home. This would never have happened if I had only thought of my home rather than building my own unit. He looked up at his father. “Then I’ll fight. I have good warriors with me.”
His father smiled at him. “Of course. You are a Silver. We have always been leaders of men. They follow us because it is in our blood. But what will you do when the fight is over? Will you leave again?”
Major Silver considered his father’s question. Finally he answered, “I’ll not abandon Negushivo.”
Putting his heavy hand on his son’s shoulder, he smiled. “I know. But remember this. I sent troops along with the others of the Rim Commonality because I believed it was the right thing to do. Fighting for others freedom from oppression is just as important as fighting for your own. If when you are done here, you need to continue that fight, you must do what is right.”
Major Silver looked at his father. “I have one more thing to ask. Why did you accept my marriage so easily?”
The Duke chuckled. “Let me ask you this. If I had said no, would you have married her anyway?”
Kevin smiled. “Yes, I would have.”
Duke Silver responded. “So, I had a choice. Refuse, strip you of your lands when you married her anyway, and sentence you to exile from Negushivo, or approve. I figured I might as well save the effort and approve to begin with.”
The two laughed a moment over the situation. They needed each other. “You have to go now son. I have things to take care of and you have much to do.” The two hugged each other and the Duke left the room. A moment later, an aide showed Major Silver out into the cold Negushivo night.
-
More...
Ok, the session tonight was short and rather unproductive. Mostly what was covered was the court session at the HPG which lasted just long enough for a notice that Sir Kevin Charles Silver was demanding his noble right to trial by Negushevo court. The rest of the session was spent trying to decide what to do with 112 unequipped infantrymen, 64 armor crew, and 24 support personnel. They settled on keeping the infantry as foot infantry, but haven’t decided how to arm them yet. The big decision lies in what armor they can get for the Armor Company. (for some reason, the FWLM didn't let them take their tanks with them, go figure)
It was decided that one armor platoon (4 vehicles) would be Heavy Tracked APCs to carry the infantry and miscellaneous cargo. What the other 12 tanks will be is the question that remains.
To that end, I have a question for those interested in taking the matter on. Look to the Design Forum for further info.
Further updates: (no long write-up in story form this week, it would be pages long! I'll just summarize)
The Eagles scouts found a possible operation site for Lady Silver's personal guard. Aerospace assets were seen, but a complete examination of their assets wasn't possible. Finding a need to arm their new recruits, they tried to find what was available. Unfortunately they learned that what few weapons and armor were on Negushivo weren't available for sale to the Silver Eagles. Their status as "accused criminals" found them with their license to purchase weapons within the FWL revoked.
So what do they do now?
Well, they searched around some databases and found reference to a world only 2 jumps away, Astrokaszy. Rumors of under-the-table weapons marketing and other black-market deals make it sound like someplace they might find what they need... guns and armor. So, all they need to do is find out if they can go there without getting in trouble. (like being arbitrarily declared outlaw for leaving the system)
After consulting with his legal aids, Major Silver determines that he can place his knighthood up as bail, effectively leaving him free on his own recognizance, able to come and go as he pleases, so long as he appears in court on Feb 1st. (or forfeit his nobility) So, the Eagles empty out the Ace of Spades except for items they can use in trade (spare weapons, ammo, etc.) taking only 3 'Mechs and the two LAMs with them for self-defense, and they're off to Astrokaszy.
Making planet-fall only a few days later, they give the name of the ship as "Smith 1", which is then re-designated "Smith 245" by the spaceport (they get a lot of "Smiths" ) and take false names for themselves. Spending a few hours and a few hundred c-bills, they are led to what amounts to a "black marketplace" of sorts... lots of merchants dealing in weapons and other paramilitary equipment. (with only damage to their serial numbers ) After finding a dealer in heavy armor, they find that they have M-21 and M-22 tanks produced by Nimakachi Fusion Products ("They just fell off the Dropship... honest!") as well as the light vehicles needed for motorized infantry. Arranging a trade for some Clan weapons and 1.5 million pounds of silver, (Pounds of silver being the common trade currency) they still need personal weapons... laser rifles and pistols, body armor, etc. They make a deal to get all they need in exchange for 300,000 pounds so now they need to get a hold of 1.8 million pounds of silver. (exchange rate approximately 5 C-bills to a pound) They only have one more commodity left to deal with that can bring in that kind of money... their damaged Timberwolf and some spare parts for it.
After a time, they find a buyer, and they're willing to part with 25 million pounds of silver to get it! (remember this is 3054 and a Timberwolf on this side of the Inner Sphere is a rare sight and a gold mine… even damaged) They arrange the exchange and get the silver certificates and pay for their merchandise. The weapons are all locally made knock-offs of Sunbeam Laser pistols and standard Laser Rifles made everywhere. That leaves them with 22.2 million in silver certificates that are worthless off-planet. So, Randall goes off to the HPG (they actually have one here!) and arranges an exchange. They won't exchange them all on-the-spot, but will exchange 10% up front and hold the rest in a holding account until they can do a background check on the Silver Eagles and the money. So they are now 9 million c-bills richer with another 89 million held by ComStar and have their weapons. Thus equipped, they head back to Negushivo to stand trial and try and start a civil war.
Next week, the Eagles on trial and facing their past.
-
And the last one for today...
how about some spares? you have the money and you might need to replace a few and not want to go back to that planet
Unfortunately, they lifted with near max load in the Ace of Spades. They could have carried a little spare stuff, but not much.
Here's a list of everything the SE brought back from Astrokaszy.
Vehicles
12 M-21 50 ton Main Battle Tanks
4 M-22 50 ton Infantry Fighting Vehicles
16 R-11 Light Combat Vehicles (no support weapon)
8 R-12 Very Light Scout Cycles
3 L-55 Heavy Support Jump Packs (no over-shoulder support weapon)
21 L-53 Light Combat Jump Packs
Infantry Gear
56 Suits Free Worlds League Ballistic Plate Armor
56 Suits Free Worlds League Ablative/Flak Combat Armor
40 M-111 Laser Rifles w/ attached Compact Grenade Launchers
144 C-14 "Sunbeam" Laser Pistols
720 Standard Power Packs
20 Military Power Packs
4 Basic Field Communicators
11 LR Personal Communicators
200 Personal Communicators
6 40 man tents
16 Advanced Med Kits
200 Basic Med Kits
200 Deluxe Field Kits
220 Nightvision Goggles
288 Parkas
288 Fatigues
56 V-Law Disposable Rockets
Miscellaneous
7 Standard Food Pallets*
1 Containerized Kitchen**
1 Containerized Sanitation Facility w/ Waste Water Incinerator**
1 Electrical Distribution Kit**
* House Invention (see below)
** as described by boilerman in his Base Camp Equipment essay
--
The standard food pallet has been in use since the time of the Age of War. The pallet contains 720 individually packaged meals with enough nutritional value to feed the average person with 3 meals per day. The original pallets produced for the SLDF have an incredibly long shelf life, and so long as the container remains sealed the pallet will effectively last indefinitely. (many are noted as having been originally sealed during the time of the Star League and show no signs of degradation even today) Though many are still made today, most do not have the shelf life the SLDF versions possessed typically only good for 5 years with proper storage.
Other common packages are also sold. The typical Emergency Meal Box is common among many Inner Sphere households for emergency food, while the larger Military Field Pallet can supply almost 2,000 man-days of food for extended large-scale operations.
Item Mass Size (L/W/H) Meals Cost
Emergency Meal Box 7 kg 0.40m/0.23m/0.25m 12 24 cb
Standard Food Pallet 5 tons 1.2m/ 1m / 1.3m 720 1,500 cb
Military Field Pallet 40 tons 2.5m/ 2m / 3m 5,760 12,000 cb
--
Basically, everything they needed to equip their infantry and armor volunteers.
Now on to the latest events!
When they returned to Negushivo, they unloaded the Ace of Spades and got ready for their trial, set to begin in 3 days. Over the next three days, Major Silver's estate was transformed from a remote royal mansion into a military stronghold. 'Mechs were used to excavate foxholes and berms, while the infantry and armor familiarized themselves with their new equipment. Thus prepared for the worst, they are set for trial.
Feb 1st, 3054
The gallery is packed when the Silver Eagles take their place in the courtroom. After the pleasantries, the Judges call for the prosecution to begin their case. (Negushivo Royal Court is tried by a 5 Judge panel appointed by the ruling family, no jury)
The prosecution spent the next two days calling witnesses brought in from Clipperton, Wallis, Tematagi, and even Outreach. Multiple witnesses from Clipperton testify that they actually saw Silver Eagle 'Mechs firing on the HPG. When cross-examined, they do admit that they were only shooting at the defenses, not the building itself.
One witness from Tematagi recounts how they destroyed 2 police APCs to evade capture for questioning about the Clipperton incident. The defense objects but the prosecution successfully argued that it went to show disregard for civilian property.
Another witness all the way from Outreach testified to the killing of a man by the Silver Eagles the year before in a bar brawl. The defense objected on the grounds of relevancy, but again the prosecution successfully argued that it showed a callous disregard for life.
By far the most damning piece of evidence came from the expert testimony of a retired FWLM combat engineer. He testified that the fire that burned the HPG down was deliberately caused by the placing of a 5 kilo block of C12 at the lowest level of the HPG, rupturing the hydrogen fuel tanks and spreading the fire quickly to other levels. On cross-examination, the defense asked if there was any evidence tying the explosive charge to the Silver Eagles. The tags found traced the explosive to a FWLM depot on Irian. By all records, those explosives were still stored there. (leaving the suggestion that WOB planted the charge themselves) After that, the prosecution rested.
The next day saw the defense calling many character witnesses, mostly former FWLM men that fought with Major Silver on the Clan front. They testified to the type of commander Major Silver was, citing occasions where he went out of his way to avoid civilian collateral damage. The worst testimony was that of one Sergeant that said that he believed Major Silver would do what was necessary to win the battle, but even he agreed that wanton destruction was not in Major Silver's character. At the end of the day, the defense rested. The judges recessed for the day and would call everyone back when they reached a decision.
When the Silver Eagles returned to Lord Silver's estate, Master Sergeant Spanner and Lt. Chekov were there at the heli-pad waiting, Sgt. Spanner in his Battle Armor. Something was up...
Major Silver approached the two waiting for him. "Report."
"You need to come with me sir." Lt. Chekov said. The officers of the Silver Eagles followed the pair to the tent they had set up as a HQ.
Lt. Chekov began as the officers gathered. "Sir, about 1 hour ago we began being over-flown by enemy ASF assets. Not long after that, radar picked up enemy ground forces massing to the north." He pointed at a spot on the map table. "They stopped twenty clicks out and have been holding here ever since."
Major Silver looked at the map. They were on his land. "Would they really attack us now?"
Lt. Faller spoke up, "Sir, if the Judges already reached a decision... and WOB got wind of it..."
Lt. Thorpe interrupted, "But they would only do something like this if things weren't going their way, right?"
"Likely." Joe finished.
Major Silver came to a decision. "McKenna, get the warriors prepped for combat and get the 'Mechs warmed up. Lt. Chekov, prep the armor and infantry for defensive operations. Randall, put out a call to all Negushivo militia that hostile forces are massing for an attack. Be specific. Put out the call to Negushivo militia, not FWL Militia. It'll stir their blood. Let's move."
The assembled offers broke for their assigned tasks as Major Silver considered his options on the way to his 'Mech. If they just sit there, I can order them off my lands. If they don't leave though... this could get messy.
Stay tuned...
-
This brings back the memories.
Now let the fun begin. O0
-
And so it begins... ^-^
Another short session this week, (we keep getting off-topic... ) but here's the update.
Well, they prepped for the worst and sent out a message to the intruders to leave Silver lands or they would force them out. The armor and Infantry moved into their defensive positions while the Mechwarriors assembled behind their lines. Ordering the ASFs into the air for CAP, Major Silver ordered Recon Lance to over-fly the enemy position and get a positive ID. As the LAMs took into the air, they accelerated and converted into fighter mode.
Halfway there, air radar picked up four ASFs on an intercept course. Ordering their ASFs to intercept, the LAMs dropped to NOE. Watching as the real ASFs flew overhead, they continued to close on the enemy position. Radar analysis identified the contacts as two Tomahawks and two Tridents, both Star League designs. As the ASFs closed with them, coms were lost . The enemy was jamming. The Tridents swept out in a long fast arc that brought them in behind the Eagle's fighters. A non-shooting dogfight began with fighters locking weapons onto enemy fighters, only to have another fighter lock on to them.
After the ground units lost radio contact with their ASFs and LAMs, Major Silver ordered the 'Mechs forward and issued a warning to the enemy position that if they did not leave his territory, he would exercise his authority to force them out. Silence was all he ever got back. So, he ordered the 'Mechs company to begin closing on the enemy position. They would have 10 minutes before they could get into combat range.
As the LAMs closed on the enemy position, threat warning indicators showed they were being painted by ground based anti-air radar. After the threat analysis computer chewed on the data, it IDed the targeters as an SRM Carrier and an Alacorn Mk VI. They continued to close and were 20 seconds from their target when weapons fire was detected from the ASF fight overhead. No one could be sure who fired first, but it didn't matter anymore... the fight had begun...
The LAMs broke off their recon run and immediately made for the ASFs to lend assistance. Climbing rapidly, they finally were close enough to break through the comms jamming. The first thing they heard from Lt. Hernandez was "Nighthawk! Break low!" which he did as the Tridents came swooping down from high altitude on top of them. Following his tactical training, he pointed the LAM straight at the ground at hit full throttle, knowing his best bet lie in a low altitude fight, not up here where the Trident could easily outmaneuver him with its powerful engines. At least they had evened the odds by pulling the Tridents off their ASFs. But Randall now faced another problem... he was directly over the enemy encampment and pointed straight at them. If he veered off, he would be overtaken. If he didn't, he'd be subject to ground fire. The Tridents kept following so he continued to dive straight at the enemy encampment. At least he would finally get his recon over-flight! But once again he was being painted from the ground.
Randall and Ian continued to hold course until the last possible second when they pulled up and skimmed over the enemy position at Mach 1.2, while Randall's Active Probe began cataloguing all the sensor contacts. Glancing briefly at the tactical display, he saw that the sensors positively IDed many of the contacts as having been IDed before... on Clipperton! The WOB force they fought there had followed them here! As he finished his over-flight, TWI indicated multiple missile launches. The SRM Carrier had fired on him! Breaking right, three nickel-iron slugs sailed through the air, but failed to connect. He tried to evade the missile fire, but it was too late and he was too close. 46 SRMs found their target and buried him in explosions. Though none managed to pierce the armor, they did leave many areas so exposed that a single hit there could finish the job. (4 armor left on his LA, 2 on his RA, 1 on his RL, and 2 on his LT were the worst hit) Having gotten his over-flight, he broke off and headed back for the ground forces with Ian covering him.
As Major Silver watched at maximum magnification, small explosions saturated the air over the enemy position... SRM missiles self-destructing after missing their target... and a lot of them! Major Silver now knew that a peaceful outcome was not going to happen.
As the LAMs approached the 'Mechs closing on the enemy position, Randall relayed his AP data to Major Silver, who then ordered both LAMs to get out of the air and form up with the rest of the company. As they did, radar indicated 2 fighters inbound... the Tridents were setting up for an attack run.
As a side note, I have completed the Command Structure Chart for the Silver Eagles. Here it is for those interested. (with a thanks to boilerman and his essays on command structure and organization)
(http://www.solaris7.com/files/members/2102/R+CSChart.GIF)
-
here's more...
On with the update! (would have been up sooner, but the forum downtime and other RL stuff kept me from getting it up sooner)
The Silver Eagles waited as the 2 fighters swept in at hypersonic velocity. Suddenly, they both dropped to NOE altitude, 60 meters off the deck.
Lt. Thorpe keyed his comm. system. "Sir, looks like a recon pass. I doubt they're carrying high-drag bombs with their speed, and they're too low for a good strafing run. Orders?"
Major Silver opened his comm. line. "We've been fired on. Weapons free."
Just then, Captain McKenna keyed her mic. "Sir, we don't know what's going on and they aren't making an aggressive pass. We should hold fire."
Before he could consider his options, the two fighters shot overhead and past the Eagle's line unmolested. The sonic boom shook the 'Mechs heavily, and were it not for their sophisticated gyro systems, would have easily fallen. Considering what to do quickly, Major Silver opened up his comm. frequency to a clear channel and broadcast in the clear. "This is Lord Kevin Charles Silver to ASF assets that just passed our position. You are in violation of Negushivo Royal airspace and are ordered to disengage immediately!" Closing the channel, he called the formation to a halt.
"Recon Leader." the Major keyed up Randall's Phoenix Hawk LAM. "Did you get your recon pass?"
Randall answered as he watched the fighters turn sharply into the sky. "Yes sir. Data has been transmitted to your computer."
Major Silver keyed up the data burst and reviewed the list of enemy 'Mechs and vehicles. Two Magis, a pair of Demons, two Zephyrs, a pair of Alacorn MK IVs, SRM Carriers, twin Chaparrals, two Mongooses, a Lanclot, two Crabs, a Flashman, a pair of Bombardiers, and about 6 platoons of infantry... I think we're outmatched. And they ID as the same units we fought on Clipperton. Keying up McKenna, he queried, "Captain. In your opinion, could we rely on the armor and infantry outside of their defensive positions?"
Captain McKenna paused a moment to consider. She replied after a moment, "I don't think they'd make a good accounting of themselves sir. They're mostly green volunteers that have spent all their time training for defense against outside aggressors."
Major Silver found the Eagles in a Catch 22. If he pulled the armor and infantry forward, they might be the equals of the enemy forces, but they would take a severe beating in the process. If he kept them in their defensive positions, they could fight as their training had taught them, but they wouldn't be in a position to do anything unless the enemy attacked in full force. Considering his options quickly, he opened up comms to Captain McKenna. "Pull the company back in good order outside of enemy jamming. Hold position there."
"Yes sir." Captain McKenna replied. "All units! This is Fire Leader. Fall back by Lances to grid coordinates 28753994. Maintain aspect to enemy position. Weapons safe until fired on. Move out!"
The company slowly pulled back to a position just outside enemy jamming. As they approached the designated coordinates, Lt. Thorpe keyed in to the Major's comms. Switching over he ordered "Recon Leader, report."
"Sir, two fighters moving in on our position 12 o'clock high."
Glancing down at his radar screen, he switched over to long range Air Detection Radar. Two contacts showed up at 15,000 meters altitude and 30 kilometers out. IFF quickly tagged them broadcasting friendly. At the same time, his comms system picked up active broadcast on the Ace of Spades' frequency. He keyed over quickly and punched in the de-scramble code.
Captain Darious was practically screaming over the channel. "Lt. Hernandez! Get yourself and that worthless pilot on the ground this instant or you'll both be grounded permanently! Do I make myself clear?"
Static clouded the response, but it was clear enough to make out the voice of his fiancé, Lt. Hernandez. She sounded frustrated and not at all herself. "Understood Ace of Spades. ETA to ground, 3 minutes. Air Leader out."
Major Silver keyed his channel open. "Ace of Spades, this is Silver Actual. Report."
Captain Darious answered in a much calmer voice. "Silver Actual, this is Ace of Spades. It is my duty to inform you that Lt. Tucker violated the Rules of Engagement." His voice wavered as he continued. "She fired without being fired on. Silver Actual, do you copy?"
Major Silver took a moment to consider this new turn of events. Finally, he keyed in response. "Roger that. Have Lieutenants Hernandez and Tucker report to the HQ tent immediately for debriefing. Silver Actual out."
Major Silver opened up comms to their HQ tent. "Silver Defensive, this is Silver Actual. Report."
Static filled his neurohelmet as the comms system tried to discern the intelligent signal from the noise of the enemy jamming. "Silver Actual, this is Armor Leader. Holding position and re-broadcasting Negushivo Militia distress on all frequencies. No response."
Major Silver keyed his mic in response. "Roger that Armor Leader. Be advised, hostile fire indicated. Have you taken fire?"
Static again filled his ears as Lt. Chekov replied. "Negative sir, negative."
Suddenly, the line cleared of static. The enemy had stopped jamming. Keying in reply, he finished, "Copy that. Hold your position and stand by. Silver Actual out." He quickly keyed over to an open channel and broadcast in the clear. "To units in position at grid coordinates 29003996, this is Lord Kevin Charles Silver, protector of this land-hold. You are in violation of my duly appointed land-hold and taking in an aggressive posture. If you do not reply, I will be forced to take action to remove you from my lands. Do you copy?"
A few seconds passed with no answer. Major Silver was about to order the company forward again when a reply came. "Lord Silver, this is Demi-Precentor Marlin. We are not here in an aggressive position, we were conducting duly authorized training drills when your fighters attacked ours without provocation. Do you intend to force hostilities between our forces?"
He knows he's got us outmatched. Major Silver considered his reply. "I do not intend to force anything, however I am the Lord of these lands and you have not obtained permission to conduct field exercises here. By who's authority are you here?"
The Demi-Precentor's voice practically dripped with glee as he replied. "We are here on the authority of her Highness, the Countess Alessandra Marie Silver."
Major Silver gritted his teeth. She did this on purpose! I know it! Keying his mic open again, he replied, “Roger that, Precentor Marlin. I have not, repeat not received an official request for this maneuver on my lands. I still have yet to ascertain exactly what happened between our fighters. I give you permission to remain here until local sunset, 1800 TST. I will contact you again when I have further information. Lord Silver out.”
Keying over to Captain McKenna, he ordered, "Fire Leader, this is Silver Actual. Pull the company back to Defensive Position Alpha and await instructions. Do you copy?"
Captain McKenna keyed in reply. "Roger that. Pull back to Defensive Position Alpha and await orders. Fire Leader out." Switching over to the company command frequency, she barked, "All units! Change heading to 184 and realign for scattered line formation Delta. Speed 54. Move out!"
10 minutes later, they were back behind their defensive positions. As the company came to a halt, Major Silver keyed up the HQ tent. “Silver Defensive, this is Silver Actual. I need a landline connection. Patch it through.”
After a moment, Major Silver got a connection to the planetary communications net. He punched in the contact number for his sister’s estate and waited.
A voice came over the line that ate at Major Silver’s nerves. “Countess Silver’s Estate, Blessed be the Word of Blake, how may I help you?”
“This is Lord Kevin Charles Silver. I wish to speak with my sister, the Countess. Connect me.”
The anonymous voice oily replied, “Oh, I’m sorry my Lord, but the Countess Silver is indisposed at the moment. Is there a message I can convey to her for you?”
Major Silver fought the urge to tell him exactly what he thought of his Blessed Blake and his damnable sister. Instead he answered, “Yes. You may tell the Countess, that I demand an explanation for Word of Blake forces being on my lands under her orders, and I demand to know immediately.”
The oily voice didn’t miss a beat. “Yes sire. Is there anything else?”
“No, that is all.” And he closed the connection as the line terminated. Switching over to Captain McKenna’s frequency, he issued, “Captain. Stand down from ready status. Disembark the Mechwarriors. Leave the Infantry and Armor at ready for the moment. Silver Actual out.” At that, he shut Hermes down to standby, dismounted his command couch, and opened the hatch to descend to the ground. He was met there by one of the support personnel who helped him out of his coolant vest and into his fatigues.
As he changed, Captain McKenna approached. “Sir, what happened out there?”
Major Silver held up a finger. “Wait. Just wait. You’ll see soon enough. Come with me.” He turned to the aide. “Where are Lieutenants Hernandez and Tucker?”
The aide pointed at the HQ tent. “There sir.”
Suddenly the Major heard his personal comms chirp. He held the radio to his ear. “Report.”
“Sir this is Armor Leader. We have a vehicle approaching from the east. It’s the same vehicle that left for the Ace of Spades 10 minutes ago.”
That’ll be Captain Darious. “Roger that, Armor Leader. Stay alert and inform me if the enemy position to the north moves. Silver Actual out.” He waited for the vehicle to pull up. As the two watched, Captain Darious climbed out and joined the two officers. Turning to Captain McKenna, the Major said, “Come with me.”
The trio entered the tent that served as their field headquarters. There they saw the Mechwarriors assembled and the two Fighter Pilots standing at attention. As the Major entered the tent, Lt. Faller called out, “Attention!” The assembled warriors snapped to attention.
“At ease.” Major Silver called out. “Lt. Faller, take the unit in to my office and wait for me there for a debriefing. The Captain and Lieutenants Randall, Hernandez, and Tucker will remain here. Dismissed.”
As the assembled warriors fell out of the tent, the tent was cleared of everyone except the infantrymen monitoring the radio gear. Major Silver turned to Lt. Tucker. “Explain yourself, Lieutenant.”
Lt. Tucker took a deep breath. She had always hated the strictness of the Silver Eagles Code of Conduct. But it paid the bills… “Sir, we approached the enemy fighters that were closing on us. Climbing to high altitude, we began a series of position exchanges. First one of the enemy Tomahawks would sight in on myself and attempt to get a weapons lock, then Lt. Hernandez would come in behind and get a lock of her own on the enemy. This went on for about a minute without anyone firing. I had been locked up by one of the ‘Hawks for the last 20 seconds when my sensors indicated a massive heat surge from his weapon pods. I interpreted this as a weapons discharge and opened fire with my aft lasers, striking the enemy fighter in the nose. A moment later, I was struck by laser fire in the aft near the engine nozzles. After that it got pretty messy, sir.”
Major Silver looked the fighter pilot up and down. Holding out his hand, he ordered, “Your BattleROM, Lieutenant.”
Taking the data storage device over to the Advanced Field Comm. Set, he plugged the ROM in and punched in the time hack for the beginning of the combat. As he watched the cockpit camera, the instrument readouts were displayed beneath, showing exactly what Lt. Tucker had seen. As she said, a thermal bloom originating in the wings of the Blake Tomahawk showed on the thermal scan behind her Clan Visigoth Omnifighter. A moment later, she thumbed her rear weapons triggers that were already locked onto the tailing fighter.
Just then, one of the Privates monitoring the radio spoke up. “Sir, I have an incoming radio contact with a Lt. Donaldson of the Negushivo Militia in reply to our distress call.”
Major Silver paused the playback and picked up a handset, “This is Lord Silver, Lt. Donaldson.”
“Lord, I just received word of your distress signal.” The voice replied. “Do you require assistance?”
“Thank you for your reply, but the emergency has passed.” The Major replied. “The ‘aggressors’ were Word of Blake Militia operating on my lands without my knowledge.”
“I see sir. We’ll stand down then. Lt. Donaldson out.”
Returning the handset, Major Silver turned to Lt. Hernandez. “Report.”
“As Lt. Tucker reported, we engaged in a series of no-fire engagements, each of us gaining the upper hand for a moment only to lose it to the enemy. As I came around in behind the Tomahawk tailing Lt. Tucker, I began to lock weapons to make him break off. Suddenly, Lt. Tucker shouted that she was taking fire and fired herself. After that, we exchanged fire several times with one enemy Tomahawk taking serious damage and Lt. Tucker’s Visigoth taking moderate armor damage. Eventually I was able to get control of the situation and pull us out of the dogfight. After that, we were ordered to ground by Captain Darious.”
Again Major Silver extended his hand. “Your BattleROM, Lieutenant.”
Inserting the ROM and punching in the same time stamp as before, he watched this time from Jan’s perspective. As Jan’s Corsair swung in behind the Blake fighter and lined up to lock on weapons, he saw the same thermal plume, but the cockpit camera caught something else. What was that? Major Silver stopped the playback and ran it back slowly. As he and the others watched, a puff of smoke could be seen coming from the underside of the Blake Tomahawk’s right wing. Major Silver turned to Lt. Hernandez. “Did you see this during the fight?”
Lt. Hernandez looked at the faint puff on the screen. “No sir. It must have happened too quickly. I didn’t notice it at the time.”
Major Silver turned to Randall. “Lt. Thorpe, would you say this is a weapons malfunction or some other system problem?”
The former ComGuard shrugged. “It doesn’t look like a weapon malfunction. Maybe a coolant failure, I’m not sure.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Thorpe. “In your expert opinion Lieutenant, did Lt. Tucker act appropriately?”
Randall thought for a moment. “Well, taking the facts as presented now, probably not, but at the moment, I can honestly say I may have done the same thing myself. It did look like a weapon surge from her perspective, sir.”
Captain Darious spoke up. “With all due respect to the Lieutenant Major, I disagree. If I may Major?” as he gestured to Lt. Tucker’s BattleROM. Allowing Captain Darious to punch in a time stamp Captain Darious pointed to the cockpit camera. “Observe.”
As they watched the scene again, after the thermal bloom, Lt. Tucker declared she was under fire and thumbed her rear trigger. Captain Darious paused the playback and turned to Lt. Hernandez. “Lieutenant, were you operating Weapons Free at this moment?”
Lt. Hernandez answered, “Negative, Captain. We were operating Weapons Safe until fired on. I so ordered as we closed with the enemy fighters.”
Captain Darious punched in a time index on Lt. Tucker’s ROM. They all listened as the recorded voice of Lt. Hernandez was heard over the cockpit recorder.
“Enemy now at 003 Angles 15… heading 182 at Mach 1.3… contact in 30 seconds… Weapons Safe until fired on.”
The recording then played back Lt. Tucker’s voice saying, “Roger, 003, Angles 15, heading 182, contact in 30, Weapons Safe.”
Captain Darious stopped the playback and looked at Major Silver who just nodded. Turning to Lt. Tucker, Captain Darious asked, “Lieutenant, when did you unsafe your weapons?”
Lt. Tucker just looked straight forward. “Sometime after we engaged the enemy… sir.”
Captain Darious switched over to telemetry data readout and resumed the playback. Thirty seconds after they had engaged the enemy, a full minute before being ‘fired on’, the data showed the weapons going online. Rolling back and switching to the cockpit camera, it clearly showed Lt. Tucker reaching over and unsafing her weapons.
Captain Darious looked at Major Silver. “Need I say more Major?”
Major Silver stepped in front of Lt. Tucker. “Explain yourself. Why did you unsafe your weapons while you were supposed to be Weapons Safe?”
Lt. Tucker looked straight ahead as she answered. “I unsafed my weapons when I felt I would have been unable to do so in time to retaliate to a preemptive strike sir. They were outmaneuvering us and our position was compromised. If I had stayed weapons safe, I couldn’t have responded immediately to hostile action that was imminent.”
Major Silver turned to Jan. “Lt. Hernandez, what would you have done in Lt. Tucker’s place?”
Lt. Hernandez answered quickly, “I would not have violated the Rules of Engagement, sir.”
Major Silver turned back to Lt. Tucker. “Lieutenant, you are relieved of duty and confined to quarters until further notice. Dismissed.” As the fighter pilot left the tent, Major Silver turned to the assembled officers. “Comments?”
Captain Darious spoke first. “You know my opinion. She should be dismissed. It was just a matter of time until something like this happened. It’s what comes of her having grown up in the Blake-forsaken wilderness of the Greater Valkyrate.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Thorpe. “What say you?”
Randall crossed his arms and leaned against the Advanced Field Comm Kit. “Like I said, I’d have probably done the same thing she did. Things get dicey up there fast and hesitaters end up dead. I chalk it up to a simple mistake. Slap on the wrist and a ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ should be fine.”
Captain Darious looked at the Lieutenant. “Aren’t you forgetting the matter of her weapons being unsafed in direct violation of both her orders and the standing ROEs?”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Hernandez. “She’s your wingman and under your command. You’re both ultimately responsible for her conduct and ultimately going to pay the price if she messes up in combat, if not here on the ground afterwards, up there in battle. What say you?”
Jan thought for a moment before deciding on what to do. “Based on her violation of direct orders and the ROE, ground her except in cases of extreme emergency for the next month and dock her this month’s pay, list an official reprimand on her service record with us, and give her 6 months probation. Any violation of the SECC during that time and she’s discharged without pay.”
Major Silver looked at Captain McKenna who just nodded in approval while Lt. Thorpe also nodded in grudging approval. Captain Darious was the only one to comment. “I still say it’s only a matter of time before this happens again, but I’ll go with the Lieutenant’s recommendation.”
Major Silver nodded. ‘It’s agreed then. Captain McKenna, she is to be confined to quarters aboard the Ace of Spades unless needed in the air for emergencies.”
Suddenly one of the Privates monitoring the radio interrupted again. “Sir, I have Countess Silver on the line.”
Major Silver sighed and picked up the handset. “This is Kevin Silver.”
His sister’s voice rang over the line in a tone of annoyance. “What is it Kevin? I’m really rather busy.”
Major Silver agitated but kept his cool. “Did you give permission for the Word of Blake to conduct military exercises on my land without informing me?”
His sister answered in a mockingly distracted tone. “Oh, I told them to go where they needed to go to practice planetary defense drills. If they chose your lands, I didn’t know about it, but they have my permission to be there. You should have a message or something letting you know… I’m sure someone would have seen to it.”
Major Silver bit his tongue. Planetary defense drills? And they just happened to pick my land to do it on? And them being confirmed as the same WOBs we fought on Clipperton? A likely coincidence I’m sure… “Please inform the Blake Militia that they need to depart my lands immediately, countess. They are disrupting the peace of my lands.”
Once again his sister mocked his station against hers. “Whatever, Kevin. It that all?”
Major Silver bit back his initial desire to tell her just what he thought of her managerial abilities. “No, that was all.” The line went dead without another word.
Major Silver leaned against the Comm gear. Pulling his nerves together, he stood up after a minute and said, “Private, contact Demi-Precentor Marlin on this frequency.” After a moment, the Private nodded to the Major.
“This is Demi-Precentor Marlin of the Blake Militia.”
“Precentor, this is Major Silver. Have you ascertained the extent of the damages to your equipment?”
The Blake militia leader responded coldly. “We are still examining the damages, Major. What are you planning to do about this travesty?”
Major Silver collected his thoughts. “We have determined that a mechanical malfunction on the damaged fighter led one of our pilots to believe she was under fire. She will be disciplined for breaking proper Rules of Engagement and we will compensate you for the damages. When can you give us an accounting of the damage done?”
The Blake Precentor replied again in a cold tone. “We’ll contact you when we have a complete accounting. Demi-Precentor Marlin out.”
Major Silver turned to the assembled officers. “Let’s get to that debriefing.”
When Major Silver reached his office, he checked his electronic messages. One was dated 5 minutes before he’d landed at the helepad and was informed of the Blake incursion on his land. It was the official notification of intent to perform military exercises on his land-hold.
In the middle of the meeting, Mr. Sutton, Major Silver’s Estate Manager interrupted the proceedings with a knock at the door. “Sire, I think you should turn on the holovid… Planetary News Net.”
As the warriors turned to the screen, a newscaster could be seen next to a graphic of Aerospace Fighters engaged in combat.
“As the report states, Lord Kevin Silver’s Personal Guard attacked the Blake Militia, inflicting severe damage and there are several reports of multiple casualties. While the Militia states they have no need of assistance and can handle any and all Medical needs, they do ask that any donations be forwarded to the Blake HPG for the furthering of Blake’s Divine Wisdom. Lord Silver made no comment about the engagement. We will bring further details as the story develops.”
As Major Silver muted the holovid, Lt. Scott said, “What a bunch of crap!”
Lt. Faller replied, “At ease Lieutenant… we know what it was.”
Major Silver turned to Captain McKenna. “You’re the PAO. What’s our response?”
Captain McKenna turned to Mr. Sutton. “Please call for a press conference immediately.” As the Manager left to call the press, Captain McKenna turned back to the Major. “You need to make the speech. It’ll sound better coming directly from you.”
The assembled officers spent the next several hours working out what should be said.
“My fellow Negushivans, thank you for taking the time to listen. The events surrounding our accidental engagement against Blake Militia have been thoroughly investigated. While we regret the property damage that was done and take responsibility for the damage, I would like to point out that the Blake Militia should not have been there in the first place. I was only notified by electronic message five minutes before I was told they were on my land and had not yet had a chance to review my messages. Had I known they had an official request to be on my land, I would have simply responded by denying their maneuvers, not with military force. In either event, they were not welcome on my lands.
As to the secondary issue of my trial, I have high hopes that my conduct in this situation and the conduct of the men and women under my command properly reflect the level of restraint we show in the face of the enemy. I’m sure all will see that this proves we are not given to wanton destruction.”
The Major was suddenly flooded by questions about reports of the injured. Quieting the reporters, he replied, “I have heard the same reports. As of this time, I have received no confirmed reports of injuries. If there were any, I’m sure appropriate action can be taken.”
The next hail of questions was about his upcoming marriage. Major Silver just smiled and said, “While I’d love to discuss the pleasantries of my upcoming wedding, that is not the purpose of this press conference.”
“Are there any further questions concerning the events of late or of the Clipperton incident?” a generally disgruntled negative response moved throughout the assembled crowd. “Then I’ll conclude this press conference and await the findings of the judges. Thank you.” As Major Silver turned and ascended the stairs back up to the second floor of his Estate.
At 2000 that evening, the Silver Eagles got their next piece of bad news on the holovid. A Capellan Jumpship had entered the system and was en route to the planet with a ‘special envoy of the Capellan Government’ to discuss the Clipperton incident and the legal status of the Silver Eagles. Of course, the Jumpship and Dropship matched the signatures of the Capellans they had fought on Clipperton…
Shortly thereafter, Major Silver was contacted by the Negushivo Royal Court and told that he and the other owners and principle leaders of the Silver Eagles were to report to the Royal Courthouse at 1000 the following morning. The judges had reached a verdict.
“Hear ye! Hear ye! All rise! The Royal Court of Negushivo is now in session, this the 7th day of February in the year three thousand and fifty-four! The Honorable Judges of the Court present, His Honor Judge Gregory Rubicund presiding.
The Chief Justice banged his gavel down on the old Oak bench. “Be seated.” As the crowd settled into their seats, the Judge picked up a pile of papers and prepared to read the first line. “Will the defendants please rise?”
As they stood, the Judge began. “On the charge of Violations of the Aries Conventions and general disregard for non-military assets, this court finds insufficient evidence to implicate His Lord Kevin Charles Silver or any of his Personal Guard, the Silver Eagles.
However, as is the want and privilege of this Court, we have reduced the charge to Culpable Negligence. For lack of reasonable explanation for the attack of the Clipperton HPG in the first place, even though it is not provable that it was their intent to destroy the facility, the original premise of the attack was insufficient grounds for such destruction.”
“This court therefor finds the defendants guilty of Culpable Negligence and orders them to pay the Word of Blake a sum equal to one hundred million Eagles in compensation for the damages. If the defendants cannot or will not abide by this ruling, all Silver Eagle assets will be seized and sold at auction to pay their debt. It is so ordered and this case is concluded.” The Chief Justice banged the gavel and ended the session.
Major Silver and the others were led to the General Accounting Office of Negushivo to arrange a transfer of their funds from the ComStar account that was holding their c-bills in trust. After leaving the GAO, reporters were swarmed all around the entrance. Many question about the case and it’s finding were shouted out, but Major Silver refused to answer any… until he heard the question he’d been waiting for.
“Major! Major Silver! Is it true you claim to have evidence that your sister is responsible for the economic downturn and the resulting executive orders permitting the mining in the Southern Wildlife and Habitation Preserves?”
Major Silver stopped on the steps and asked the reporter to repeat his question. He needn’t have as Major Silver had helped write it the night before when Lt. Faller presented copies of the executive orders his sister has signed. The repeating of the question was for the benefit of the other reporters.
As they stood and waited for his reply, Major Silver took a deep breath. No turning back from this one Kevin. Better do this right the first time. “Yes, it is true I have evidence that my sister conspired with enemies of the State of Negushivo to rape our world. I even have reports of a munitions plant being set up for the profit of the Word of Blake. No Negushivan will see a hundredth-eagle of this money because it all goes to the Word of Blake and by extension, Captain-General Thomas Marik.”
“Worse, while we sweat and toil and burn our life’s blood, the Mariks will profit from our slow death. The raping of Negushivo must be stopped and I will gladly be the instrument of it’s execution.” Major Silver paused to let the comment sink in. He was openly declaring against his sister’s rule. “I will not sit idly by and watch as the necessary ecology of Negushivo is destroyed for shortsighted gain. Many of the plants and animals in the Southern Wildlife and Habitation Preserves were genetically engineered by Star League scientists to keep Negushivo from returning to the frozen wasteland it was before we came here. Many of those species are irreplaceable as they live nowhere but here. This cannot be allowed.”
“Negushivo profited without mining in those necessary Habitat zones. Yes, it’s harder and less profitable, but there has to be a limit on the value of profit at the expense of our eventual killing of the non-natural ecosystem we have created here. We can turn the economy around as we always have, through trade and tourism. We have many natural resources to exploit beyond our limited but valuable mineral wealth. Our educated workforce is one.” Major Silver let his tone become harsh and sinister. “But instead, my sister brings in outside contracted workers to make the profits, so she can exacerbate the economic woes we’ve been facing and push for even more extreme measures.”
“I have the evidence. I will present it to anyone that wishes to see it for him or herself, noble and common-born alike. See it with your own eyes and learn the truth that has been hidden from you the past few years. My sister has sold this nation to the Mariks for her own power and greed. I intend to stop her. I will not abandon Negushivo again. No more questions.” And Major Silver pushed his way past the reporters and their shouts of questions.
Once safely inside the Ferret, Major Silver could relax. As they took to the air, Major Silver tried to relax for the flight back to his estate… he only had a half-hour to relax.
Sergeant Chi Lin’s voice came over the intercom. “Major Silver, radio report coming in. On VOX.”
A broadcast radio message boomed through the back of the transport helicopter. “Once again, following an announcement of open rebellion against his sister, the Countess Alessandra Marie Silver, Lord Kevin Charles Silver has been charged with treason against the State and ordered arrested. Word of Blake Militia has mobilized its forces to secure the Royal Palace against any retaliatory strikes the rebel Kevin Silver may make. Keep tuned to this station for further updates on this shocking story.”
Major Silver clicked the intercom off. “It’s begun.”
-
And teh last installment for today....
Major Silver pressed the intercom on the wall. “Sergeant, make for Waypoint Alpha, best possible speed.”
Sergeant Chi Lin responded, “Affirmative, Sir. Fight orders?”
Major Silver keyed back, “NAPO, and keep us out of sight.”
The VTOL pilot confirmed her orders. “Roger that, hang on back there.” Suddenly, the VTOL tilted forward and dove toward the ground. Major Silver and Captain McKenna held on, as they hadn’t strapped in as the others had. As the aircraft rapidly descended and accelerated, it pulled up a scant 18 meters above the ground.
After almost an hour of rough flying so close to the ground, the Ferret Light Scout VTOL and her passengers were approaching Major Silver’s estate. As the Major looked out the window, he saw something flash past.
“Contact!” came Sergeant Chi Lin’s voice over the intercom. “We have ASF assets on our position, came in from high altitude. Hang on back there!”
As the VTOL began a series of rapid S-turns, Major Silver watched out the side window as a laser flashed past their position.
Well, there it is… Major Silver pulled out his Personal Com. We should be close enough now. Keying in a frequency, he opened the channel. “Ace of Spades this is Silver Actual. We are under attack. Scramble ASF assets to our location immediately. Over.”
Static filled his earpiece as the communications officer replied. “Silver Actual, this is the Ace of Spades. Roger that, we have fighters in the air and inbound, ETA thirty seconds.”
The VTOL continued to rock from side to side jarring its passengers back and forth. Suddenly the VTOL rocked violently. Looking out the window, Major Silver saw that they were in a rapid roll. As he watched, the nimble VTOL continued the roll all the way around, dropping to within only a few meters of the ground. However, even after they stabilized in level flight, the VTOL continued to shudder violently.
“We’re hit, but still flyable.” Sergeant Chi Lin informed her commander. “ETA to Waypoint Alpha, two minutes. Friendly ASFs closing fast. Our tail is heading for high altitude. We’re clear.”
The VTOL landed hard as it finally made it to Major Silver’s estate. Bouncing once, it settled down to a stop. The doors flew open and the passengers were greeted with billowing plumes of smoke coming from the rear of the aircraft. Major Silver was the first out, followed quickly by Lieutenants Faller, Thorpe, and Captain Darious. As Captain McKenna helped the Major’s legal team out, Major Silver looked into the cockpit of the damaged VTOL. Sergeant Chi Lin looked busy, but otherwise unhurt.
Turning around to see Lt. Thorpe running for the makeshift hanger where the fighters were kept, he looked for transport to the ‘Mech staging area. Seeing an R-11 infantry vehicle, he headed towards it. “Private! Get me to the ‘Mech staging area!”
Jumping in the driver’s seat, the infantryman replied, “Yes sir!”
As Major Silver climbed in the side seat, Captain McKenna came running up and tossed the Major her briefcase as she jumped on the back. Speeding off, the two quickly reached their ‘Mechs. Jumping out, they were met by technicians who began helping them suit up fast. Within a few minutes, they were climbing up into their ‘Mechs to prepare for whatever awaited them.
As Lieutenant Thorpe reached the tent, he was met by air technicians who aided in his preparation for flight. Glancing around, he saw that the only fighter still on the ground was his LAM, Yotaka. Ian’s already in the air. I better hurry.
As he climbed into his cockpit and closed the canopy, he ordered to his machine. “Computer, begin pre-flight startup, combat sequence.”
The electronic voice circuit responded in its familiarly feminine voice. “Affirmative, Lieutenant. Startup sequence begun. State your identification code, please.”
Clearing his throat, Randall Thorpe replied, “Thorpe Epsilon Omega Psi”
As the fusion engine came online, the computer responded quickly. “Authentication confirmed. Systems operational.”
Tuning his comm. system over to the Ace of Spades’ air controller’s frequency, he keyed his mic. “Ace of Spades, this is Recon Leader reporting for combat duty.”
As static filled the line, the air controller responded. “Roger that Recon Leader. You are clear for combat operations. Make for heading 219 Angles 5, you are weapons free.”
Keying his mic in reply, “Roger that, heading 219 Angles 5. I am weapons free. Recon Leader out.”
Throttling up, he quickly brought his LAM to a full run. Within moments, the jets lit off and pushed the vehicle into the air. As the body hunched over, the wing panels extended from their protected sheaths on the ‘Mech’s back. Gaining speed, the wings began providing lift as the ‘Mech pulled its legs up behind itself. Within 20 seconds of leaving the ground, the AirMech was already flying at over 160 kph. As the conversion continued, the arms folded in under the wings and the legs locked in underneath them.
As the engine spooled up to maximum military output, the reduced drag let the fighter leap forward to near-Mach speed almost immediately. Turning to heading 219, Randall pitched his fighter upward to climb to 5,000 meters. Once at cruise altitude, he pushed the throttle forward to its maximum position. Shoving past the speed of sound easily, he rapidly began closing on the other fighters.
“Recon Wing! Break right!” Randall cried out as he closed in behind the fighter tailing his wingman.
As Lieutenant Amdecker swept into a tight roll to the right, the much more maneuverable Tomahawk fighter stayed behind him, loosing a trio of lasers. Burning armor off the Lieutenant’s LAM, it left scars along the right wing and main body. However, as the enemy fighter tore into his wingman, Lieutenant Thorpe got a lock of his own.
“Echo five!” Randall shouted as his quintet of lasers opened up on the Blake Tomahawk. Scoring hits directly up the engine faring, he watched as the fighter slewed off at an odd angle. Suddenly, it burst into a fireball as its hydrogen fuel tanks ruptured. Dodging quickly around the explosion, Randall keyed his mic. “Splash one.”
The voice of Lieutenant Hernandez came over his comm. line. “Recon Leader! Check six!”
Looking around behind his fighter, he saw as the second Tomahawk came in behind him. Breaking into a barrel roll, he tried to shake the Blake fighter. However his LAM was no match for the maneuverability of the Star League era fighter. Staying right on his tail, it let fly with a trio of lasers, missing by the narrowest of margins.
“I can’t shake him!” Randall cried out. This guy is good! he thought. Pulling his fighter up hard, he tried again to shake his opponent, to no avail. Suddenly his threat-warning indicator started toning. He’s locking on! Gotta break him off! Try as he might though, the fighter stayed fixed on his rear. As the tone went steady indicating a solid lock, Randall braced for a hit.
Instead, he suddenly broke left as Lieutenant Tucker came streaming in directly over his nose in the Visigoth. Blasting the enemy fighter with a fearsome array of PPC, Laser, and LRM fire, she made the enemy fighter break off.
“Good shooting Air Wing.” Randall radioed. As he watched the path of the enemy fighter, he saw it was flying oddly. He can’t bank right… Swinging in behind the fighter rapidly, he locked the enemy in his sights.
“Echo five!” he called out as he opened up a full array of laser fire on the battered fighter. Blasting armor off the already scarred fuselage, the fighter bent in half at the mid-section and broke in two. Billowing up in a ball of burning hydrogen, Randall keyed his mic again. “Splash one. Recon Wing, take my six.”
“Roger Recon Leader.” Ian replied.
“Air Wing! Get him off me!” came Lieutenant Hernandez’s voice over the channel. Looking at his display, he saw that the one remaining Trident was dog-tailing her Corsair. Much more maneuverable than her own fighter, she had little hope of getting out of that position without help.
Gunning his engines to maximum overthrust, Randall raced to aid the leader of Air Lance. Seeing the Visigoth race past him, he watched as the Blake fighter fired on Lieutenant Hernandez. Scoring a hit along the engine faring and fuselage, the Visigoth broke into the fight, forcing the light fighter to break his tailing position.
Closing in on Lieutenant Hernandez, he saw smoke streaming out from her fighter. Keying up comms, he radioed, “Air Leader, we’ve got you covered.”
Damage warnings blared over the radio as Lieutenant Hernandez responded. “Roger that Recon Leader. I’m pretty chewed up here, but I think I can pull it out.”
As he came in around behind Air Leader, the Trident swung in to try and take another shot at the Corsair. Ian came in behind him and took a shot that made the enemy fighter swing wide to avoid the fire, making him lose Lieutenant Hernandez. Taking advantage of the situation, Randall locked the Blake fighter up quickly and called out, “Echo five!” and let loose a full barrage of laser fire.
Sending laser fire all over the sky, a single medium class laser struck the damaged right wing of the Star League era fighter. While not immediately lethal, it spun the fighter enough to cause a structural failure along its centerline. The fighter disintegrated in a stream of debris.
Lieutenant Thorpe keyed the channel open. “Splash one! I show no enemy air contacts.” Suddenly his jubilation was cut short.
“Mayday! Mayday! I’m going down!” It was Lieutenant Hernandez. As Randall came back around on her position, he saw that the fighter was in an uncontrolled spin. Losing altitude rapidly, she would only have seconds until impact.
As he watched helplessly, he saw the cockpit canopy pop free and the pilot came rocketing out of her doomed fighter. Seconds later, it buried itself into the tundra below.
“Pilot down!” he called over the open frequency.
The Ace of Spades air controller replied quickly. “Roger that Recon Leader. Dispatching air pickup. Maintain CAP over the pilot until recovery.”
Just then his computer spoke up. “Warning. Bingo fuel.”
“Negative Ace. I’m Bingo.” Randall replied.
“Roger that, bingo fuel.” .” The Ace of Spades replied back. “Return to Waypoint Alpha. Have Air Wing remain on CAP for pickup.”
Great. We beat them down, but almost got the CO’s fiancé killed! I hope the rest of this battle turns out better…
When he heard the call that his fiancé had been shot down, Major Silver feared the worst. Once he’d heard she had ejected and landed safely, his concentration returned to the task at hand.
He’d been scanning for enemy ground contacts that he was sure were close at hand. His thermal sensors had indicated a faint reading to the north and he was searching for the source. With his visual magnification at maximum, he was startled as a BattleMech foot suddenly filled the display. Zooming back a little, he could make out infantry acting in support.
“This is Silver Actual, I show enemy ‘Mechs and infantry at 22 kilometers baring 354.” Checking his seismic sensors confirmed the contact, but he couldn’t get a mag-res reading. “Fire Leader, can you confirm contact?”
Captain McKenna had been seeing the same thing, but couldn’t get a confirmation from her tracking computer. “Roger that Silver Actual, I can confirm the contact but cannot get a solid track.”
Captain McKenna tuned her comms over to Lieutenant Farrell. “Strike Leader, try and get a tracking on the contacts baring 354.”
Lieutenant Sergei Farrell keyed in reply, “Roger. Will advise.” As they watched the contacts, there came a call over the frequency.
“Contact! Baring 014 at 22 clicks!” Lieutenant Chekov reported from the HQ tent. “Multiple BattleMech contacts with vehicle and infantry support.”
Major Silver turned his display toward the new contact. Making no attempts to hide their approach, the formation was closing on their position at over 40 kph. Keying his channel open he ordered, “Silver Eagles, this is Silver Actual, they’re coming straight in. We’ll stand our ground here. Captain Darious, have we received any reply to our call for Negushivo Militia forces?”
Captain Darious grimly replied, “Negative. No response.”
Well, if they stay out of it, at least they aren’t fighting on her side… a minor victory to begin with. Keying over to Captain McKenna, he inquired, “Fire Leader, what’s the ETA on the ASF refueling operations?”
After a moment, Captain McKenna replied, “Silver Actual, ETA to air-born status, 22 minutes.”
“Roger Fire Leader. Report when status clear.” Major Silver closed the channel. They’ll be on us in 30 minutes, but they have artillery and we don’t. Nothing to do now but wait. Considering his options, he opened up a channel to the Ace of Spades. “Ace of Spades this is Silver Actual. Begin loading external ordinance ASAP.”
The Ace of Spades air controller wasted no time. “Roger Silver Actual. Be advised, that could take longer than the enemy ETA.”
“Understood. Make it a priority. Silver Actual…” Major Silver had turned his display back toward the first contact that he’d seen. As he spoke with the Ace of Spades, the electronic image of the distant enemy contact vanished in front of his eyes.
Regaining his concentration he finished, “Silver Actual out.” Tuning over to Captain McKenna, he quickly ordered, “Fire Leader, this is Silver Actual. Contact baring 354 just vanished. Confirm.”
Recovering from the shock of seeing what he had, Lieutenant Farrell keyed his Company Commander and Major Silver. “Sir, I recognize this pattern. It’s the same thing I look like at very long range.”
Major Silver took in this new information. They have ‘Mechs with Null Signature! “Roger that, Strike Leader.” Turning the channel to the battalion open network he barked, “Be advised, enemy ground assets are using stealth systems. Use visual confirmation on contact.”
This certainly makes things interesting. Major Silver thought. What else to these Blakers have up their sleeve?
As the Silver Eagles waited out the approach of the enemy, they continued with preparations. The LAMs were refueled and the Visigoth was being loaded with bombs. A sense of urgency surrounded every action as though it might later make the difference between life and death. The infantry in their fortifications busied themselves with minor preparations, tensely waiting for the first testing of their mettle and equipment. The techs worked feverishly to prepare the Visigoth in hopes it could dominate the battlefield. The Mechwarriors just sat in their cockpits and waited and watched.
As the distance to the enemy formation slowly dropped down to 7.5 kilometers, the nervous silence was broken in a flash by the infantry in the western fortification. “Contact!”
As they spoke, Major Silver’s tracking system detected weapons fire within 400 meters. He opened the channel. “Eagles engage!”
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I've got no love for Silver's airhead of a sister. She's coming off as an easily manipulated dupe
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Aye lad.
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Nice to see the Eagles back.
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It's been a long road getting things back on the boards. Blasted Blue Marsupials not withstanding, we may yet see this story reach the current timeline. :P
Thank you to all of our fans, whom have all been so patient.
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Well it would be nice to find out what Lt Commander Wingate is up to. If you need any assistance feel free to ask.
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Right now I'm just pulling up data, but I will let you know if I need anything. Thanks.
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Once more unto the.....
Sorry for the delay in the update, RL© stinks sometimes. [tongue] On with the adventure!
They’re trying to flank us. thought Major Silver. Smart, very smart. He keyed up the command frequency for the Battalion. “This is Silver Actual. Lieutenant O’Hare, have First Motor fall-out by squads to blunt that flank. Lieutenant Chekov, dispatch Fourth Platoon to pick-up the First Motorized Infantry by squads and support them against enemy infantry. Captain McKenna, detach Strike Lance and have them escort the M-22s into position and suppress those ‘Mechs. Have Jump Platoon move into the left flank position to cover. Have Third Armor provide covering fire from their position. I want that flank secure.”
Captain McKenna responded quickly. “Affirmative. Deploy First Motor by squads with Fourth Armor and Strike Lance in support. Re-deploy Jump Platoon to cover. Cover at range with Third Armor. You heard him, move out people!”
As the motor platoons loaded into the M-22 IFVs under fire and Strike Lance headed out to escort them, Lt. Farrell activated his null-signature system. The ‘Mech shimmered as the Chameleon system changed the coloration of the ‘Mech to match its background, making it blend in with its surroundings. The heat baffles and EM suppression systems further obscured the ‘Mech from both active and passive sensor systems.
Opening a secure channel to the rest of his lance he ordered, “Lieutenant Scott, I want you and Lieutenant Yar to take point. I’ll cover the IFVs into combat range. Make sure you keep those vehicles safe. That means we take the fire.”
Lt. Scott replied, “Yes sir. I’ll keep their attention all right! Let’s get ‘em!”
With Strike Lance leading the way, the M-22s raced passed their defensive line of berms. Lt. Scott sighted on one of the Exterminators and fired a pair of ER Large Lasers. His standard ER laser shot wide, but the refitted Clan laser found its mark, striking the head of the enemy ‘Mech. Immediately, his joy turned to concern when he saw only moderate armor damage, not penetration. Even worse, the two Blake Exterminators turned and fired back, scattering Long Range Missiles all over his Wolverine.
As the formation closed on their enemy, Lt. Farrell kept his own ‘Mech between the enemy and the Infantry Fighting Vehicles. As missile fire peppered his ‘Mech, he returned fire with missiles and lasers of his own. Each volley of missile fire was cut down by bursts of anti-missile fire while the lasers were even less effective than the Clan weapon had been, scattering light armor damage all over the ‘Mech’s left side.
As the trio concentrated fire on the left ‘Mech, they managed to only hit with scattered fire, but the enemy seemed content to stay at range. Seeing that their armor cover was being specifically kept out of range, Lt. Farrell opened a channel. “Sergeant Thiemann, the enemy is holding position out of range. Move up your platoon behind us and provide cover fire.”
Master Sergeant Thiemann responded. “Affirmative. Moving in behind your position.”
As the Armor slowly moved in, the ‘Mechs closed to keep the pressure on. The IFVs raced ahead of the ‘Mech line to close on the enemy infantry. Lt. Scott looked down at his heat indicator and saw that his newly installed triple-strength myomers were at peak operating temperature.
Seizing the moment, he keyed his mic. “I’ve got the one on the right!” Before Lt. Farrell could order him to concentrate on the same ‘Mech, he charged up to point blank range and unloaded his SRM launcher and a trio of lasers. In his headlong rush, he failed to hit with anything but a pair of lasers. Swinging wide with his free left fist, he failed to even connect with that as the Exterminator backpedaled. Lancing his ‘Mech with concentrated laser fire, the Wolverine shuddered, but stood up to the assault.
Just then, his threat-warning indicator went off. Too late, he saw the Arrow IV missile coming down behind his position. When the cluster charges exploded all around his legs, his ‘Mech was nearly blown off its feet. He barely managed to keep the ‘Mech standing.
Master Sergeant Green, head of Infantry Support Platoon, radioed Lt. Scott. “Lieutenant, keep him pinned. We’ll see about silencing those spotters.” as the IFVs closed to point-blank range against the enemy infantry. Opening up with their flamers and machine guns, the four M-22s gutted the ranks of the Blake infantry. In less than half a minute, they reduced them from six full platoons to only three.
Meanwhile, Lt. Yar’s Stormcrow and Lt. Farrell’s Exterminator continued to press the attack on the other Blake Exterminator. Trying to get in close, Lt. Yar’s lasers only succeeded in scratching the armor of the advanced ‘Mech. Lt. Farrell’s LRMs couldn’t get through its AMS, but after destroying yet another flight of missiles, they heard its guns finally run dry. Pressing hard, he managed another flight of missiles, this time impacting over the legs. His lasers added to the damage on the left side of the ‘Mech’s torso reducing its protection to tatters, but not enough to break through. However, Lt. Yar managed to follow up the damage with a Large Pulse Laser, striking into the core of the ‘Mech and damaging it's internal structure.
Major Silver saw the main body of enemy ‘Mechs and vehicles surge forward, increasing speed to over 50 kph. That’s it! The flanking attack was nothing more than an attempt to pull off some of our forces so the main body could attack us weakened. Major Silver was impressed by the tactic. With only two ‘Mechs and six platoons of infantry, they had managed to tie up nearly a quarter of his forces. “Lieutenant O’Hare, activate Jump Platoon and get that flank secure. I need Strike Lance and Third Armor back here immediately!”
While the infantry tried to re-spot the incoming artillery under fire, Lt. Scott managed to swing his Wolverine in behind the Exterminator. Smattering it with a few laser strikes, he leaned his ‘Mech hard to the left. Wrenching his left fist back, he smashed it home into the weak rear armor of the Exterminator’s right side. The advanced Laser Reflective armor crumpled under the massive blow, only slowing the massive blow a fraction. As the fist slammed through the delicate innards of the priceless ‘Mech, it crushed engine shielding, causing a massive power spike. As the fist finished its path, it smashed one of the delicate control modules for the advanced stealth system. With a dying shimmer from the Chameleon system, the ‘Mech’s stealth systems were lost.
Wrenching itself free of the massive blow, the Blake ‘Mech saw four laser blasts come streaking in. Scattering their energy over the ‘Mech, they failed to damage it, but with its stealth system gone, not even the advanced armor would protect the ‘Mech for long from the firepower of the four closing M-21 Battle Tanks. It rapidly backed up keeping Lt. Scott’s Wolverine in front of him, and peppering it with laser fire of its own, concentrating on the left arm that had wounded him.
As the IFVs began deploying their troops, the enemy infantry rushed their position. Scattering laser fire all over the lead vehicle, they failed to breach any of its armor. Too close to fight effectively, the IFVs could only provide covering fire.
The other Blake Exterminator managed to outmaneuver his opposition, getting in behind Lt. Yar’s Stormcrow. Firing a trio of Lasers at her, he managed to only hit with one, weakening the armor covering the rear of her ‘Mech’s engine compartment. Unable to bring her weapons to bear on the 'Mech behind her, she switched targets firing instead on the 'Mech fighting Lt. Scott. However, she failed to hit with either of her lasers. Lt. Farrell had backed off, managing to pepper the Exterminator with missiles, but failing to connect with its lasers. Suddenly, the enemy Exterminator deactivated his stealth system, apparently intent on a close range brawl.
Having approached unnoticed, Jump Platoon had moved in to just inside the range of their Intek Laser rifles and man-portable PPCs. Loosing fire on the enemy ‘Mech, they only managed to inflict a few mior hits, but now the ‘Mech had one more threat to worry about.
As the fight against the flanking forces continued, Major Silver ordered First and Second Armor into position just behind the ‘Mechs. Watching the enemy forces close, his sensors indicated incoming artillery fire. Smashing down ninety meters directly in front of his position, he saw that they would soon be forced to close or suffer the effects of artillery they couldn’t respond to.
Looking down at his range indicator, he saw the enemy formation had closed to less than 900 meters. “Lieutenant O’Hare, move up into position just behind the fortifications. Support our position. Command Lance, you are weapons free. Fire as targets come into range.”
Breaking in, Lt. Josepho opened an un-coded broadcast channel from his Summoner. “This is Mechwarrior Josepho of Clan Silver Eagle. I challenge the pilot of the Flashman to single combat. Let no one interfere!” Raising both arms, he triggered both ER Large Lasers at the closing ‘Mech, scoring a hit on its left leg and gouging a line of ruined armor up its entire left flank. Unable to return fire at this range, the challenged ‘Mech could only continue to close.
“Command Lance,” Major Silver ordered. “Fall back into broad line formation. Be ready to engage. The Flashman is not a viable target of opportunity unless it fires on you. Rules Of Engagement are in force.”
As the rest of his lance broke into a broad line, Josepho boldly walked his ‘Mech forward, crossing the defensive positions of the vehicles easily. Continuing to draw a bead on his target, he loosed another pair of laser blasts, this time only landing a single shot on the right leg.
The rest of Command Lance took opportunity shots as the enemy closed the distance by another 150 meters. Failing to connect with anything, most of the fire served only to shower the area in LRM explosions and misplaced laser and Particle Cannon fire. However, as Lt. Windsor in the heavily refitted Hellbringer took careful aim on one of the enemy’s two Mongooses, he lanced the right arm of the ‘Mech with a single Large Pulse Laser. Slicing through the weak armor, it tore into the interior, severing the Endo Steel bone connecting it to its body. The arm fell off in an unceremonious heap.
Trying to draw a bead on one of the enemy Bombardiers, Lt. Jones in his refitted Marauder mashed down on the firing trigger. As his three Large Pulse Lasers charged to fire, the one mounted in his left arm suffered a catastrophic failure. Gutting the weapon and blasting chunks of molten metal out the firing nozzle, it prevented him from getting a good lock with his other lasers. His fire only managed to scatter ineffectively downrange.
As the fight began along the main front, the first Exterminator managed to stay in back of Lt. Yar’s Stormcrow. This time loosing a quartet of lasers on her rear, as well as firing ineffectively on one of the M-22s with its LRM launcher, the Blake ‘Mech blasted armor of the right flank of Lt. Yar’s stricken ‘Mech. But the worst was yet to come. Striking the engine compartment armor again, this time the laser blasted into the interior. Narrowly avoiding ruining her gyro by wrenching the ‘Mech hard around, she only managed to make the laser’s insistent energy boil away part of her engine’s shielding. Feeling the heat spike up beneath her feet, she fought with the controls that a moment ago had responded so easily.
Closing in even closer, Jump Platoon managed to get within only sixty meters and let loose with another volley of laser and PPC fire. Unfortunately, the attack failed to damage the advanced armor of the Blake Heavy ‘Mech.
As the IFVs moved back from their support positions, they created a ring around the two remaining infantry platoons, ready to incinerate them. Acting fast, the two platoons moved in close to First Motor Platoon, too close to use their flamers or risk hitting their own. Resigned to taking careful shots with their machine guns and SRM launchers, they only managed to hit a single infantryman. Sergeant Green opened a broadcast channel. “Blake infantry forces. This is Master Sergeant Green, formerly of the Negushivo Militia. You’re surrounded. Surrender.”
Lt. Scott tried in earnest to get close enough to hit his Exterminator again, but the pilot refused to allow it. Backing off another 120 meters, it drew another round of fire from Third Armor. This time, they had managed to close the distance to only 450 meters, just inside the best effective range of their Large Lasers. As two of the tanks shot wide, one found its mark on the ‘Mech’s right flank, but barely scratching the armor as the shot had only been a glancing angle to begin with. However, the other laser struck true against the center of the ‘Mech’s torso, blasting a huge chunk of protective armor off. Combined with the damage from the other weapons fire, the ‘Mech would likely not last much longer, but then it didn’t have to. It had served its purpose.
Another Arrow IV missile came slamming down on Fire Lance's position, lighting off its cluster of explosive ordinance behind Captain McKenna’s Striker. Blasting armor off her right flank and arm, it also took armor of Lt. Faller’s Zeus’s right leg and flank. Lt. Solovitch’s Executioner also took damage as clusters impacted along its left flank and right leg.
Captain McKenna shouted, “Fire Lance, break into broad line formation and close on the enemy position. I want those Arrow IV launchers silenced! Move out!”
More to come… [wink]
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and more...
Did it count for an 'ammo explosion'? It didn't read that way. I guess the Tech's that put it in are in a bit of trouble for not testing it fully.
Indeed, it’s much as NightHawk713X describes, but there is more to it. (and he misremembered the table, but then, I wrote the table ) Our house rules call for a second roll anytime you bottom your roll. The result of the second roll determines the result of the flub. But there are modifiers that change the odds. Here is the table we use:
11 or more: No Result; Weapon hits if the to-hit was met
8-10: Weapon misses
7: Weapon overheats/misfires; cannot fire it for 1 round while weapon cools/clears
5-6: Weapon shorts out/jams; cannot fire it until 1 round is spent clearing it as per RAC rules
3-4: Weapon overloads/fails; cannot fire it again until repaired after battle as per UAC rules
2: Weapon self-destructs; all crits are considered hit and weapon is useless; may be salvaged as normal (10+)
1 or less: Weapon explodes; take damage to the internal structure equal to one hit from the weapon
Modifiers:
+3 – Weapon is a standard Autocannon
+2 – ‘Mech is a standard design (non-customized TRO design)
+1 – Weapon is Level 1
+1 – Access to Clan or SL technicians and spare parts
-1 – Weapon is Level 3 or Clantech
-1 – ‘Mech’s Technician is not trained in maintenance of the weapon (IS Tech using Clantech, etc.)
-2 – Weapon is Level 3 and Clantech
-3 – Weapon is an Ultra AC or Rotary AC in multi-fire mode
+/-1 or more – Conditional modifiers; set by GM based on circumstances (previous jams, rushed repairs, etc.)
Note that UACs and RACs (though RACs haven’t been invented yet) use this instead of their normal jamming rules. (which make these weapons of dubious value almost decent) It adds spice to the campaign setting and rewards usage of non-bleeding-edge tech that is, by its very nature, much more robust.
Now… on with the update!
WARNING! The following depiction of events was done on a closed table by professional gamers. Do not try this in your home games! (in other words… well… you’ll see)
The air was suddenly ablaze with weapons fire. As the Blake ‘Mechs and Vehicles closed on the Silver Eagles, they broke ranks and charged in.
“Fire Lance!” cried Captain McKenna. “Open fire!” She targeted in on the Lancelot exactly opposite herself. Spitting it with her targeting system, she squeezed down on the triggers for her Gauss Rifle and ER PPC. Electricity cracked through the air as the particle stream ionized air molecules, sending miniature lighting bolts scattering along a path towards her target, but failed to find its mark. The Gauss Rifle finished precharging and shunted all its power from the capacitors to the accelerator coils. However, as it did so, a minor flaw in the power adapter jury-rigged to function as a Clan Omni power coupling failed. The stored energy of the capacitor vented out as a shower of electrical discharges, frying circuits and fusing the loading mechanism. As the electrical arcs ran up the interior of the barrel, they surged through the shielding around the accelerator coils, burning them completely out. The Blake machine responded with its pair of heavy lasers and its PPC, but similarly failed to track Captain McKenna.
Lt. Faller selected the same Bombardier again for attack. Locking in with his LRMs and Jade Falcon Large and Medium Pulse Lasers, he stabbed the trigger. Two pulsating beams arched across the battlefield, scattering their laser light all around the target, but failing to make contact long enough to cause any actual damage. A stream of LRMs followed the attack, but less than a dozen found their mark, scattering mild damage over the ‘Mechs armor. The two Bombardiers replied in kind with a double salvo of missiles from their four Delphinius-20 launchers. As the missiles scattered over the entire area, it became evident that they were using Swarm munitions, but few of the submunitions actually hit any targets, scattering a few over two of the M-21 Battle Tanks.
Once more, Lt. Jones tried to spear the Bombardier with his remaining heavy pulse lasers and added the pair of medium class lasers to the mix. Thinking he had a lock, Lt. Jones mashed down on the trigger again, only to have all his lasers bury themselves in the dirt in front of the target. Looking astonished, he confirmed that the targeting reticule was centered on the Blake ‘Mech. Damnable Clanner garbage! he thought. That fouled Large Pulse is throwing off my T&T system! He reached over and pulled the circuit breakers for the sensor feeds coming in from the left arm. It may make firing that Medium harder, and I may fry it, but at least I stand a chance!
Holding his ground behind the berms, Lt. Amdecker took careful aim with the trio of lasers on his Phoenix Hawk LAM at the enemy Mongoose closing so rapidly. Firing off the three, he managed to pear the armor off its left arm, sending the massive beam of energy up into the fist, reducing it to so much unusable garbage. One other laser managed to reduce the armor of its left flank to near ruins with the last missing just over its left shoulder, but then the ‘Mech responded with its own attack. It came not in the form of high-energy lasers, but a single low-intensity laser, designating him for attack. The Arrow IV missile came screaming down, blasting chunks of armor of his delicate and irreplaceable machine. As the concussion wave hit his cockpit canopy, he was rocked violently, but managed to maintain his footing. The salty taste of blood tickled his throat indicating he’d bitten his tongue when the cockpit was hit, its foul taste a mocking echo of the destruction the 20 ton ‘Mech had brought down on him.
Just as Lt. Windsor pressed the trigger to fire on the Mongoose he’d de-armed, the Arrow IV missile exploded over Lt. Amdecker, only 60 meters behind and to the left of him. Knocking his aim off at the worst possible second, both lasers flashed into the sky, harmlessly. Oddly, the Blake ‘Mech did not seem to take the opportunity to fire back. Meanwhile, Lt. Solovitch triggered the pair of ER PPCs in his Executioner at the Bombardier that had struck the tank in front of his position. As the weapons discharged downrange, both missed wide, traveling miles before their errant energy was spent.
Having raced ahead, Lt. Josepho found himself only 150 meters in front of the Flashman he’d declared as his own. Triggering the pair of ER Large Lasers as well as the two ER Medium Lasers and both SRM 6 launchers, only two lasers found their mark, the SRM launchers failing to get a lock on the rapidly bounding 75 ton Star League ‘Mech. While one Large Laser bounced at a sharp angle on the rounded armor, barely manageing to inflict any damage at all, one Medium Laser slammed into the head assembly of the bulbous design. Melting almost half a ton of armor, it should have spoiled the Blakist’s aim, but it did not. It returned fire with its trio of heavy Selitex Radionic lasers and it four front-mounted Ichiba 3000 lasers, missing only with one of the latter. The trio of heavy lasers spitted the Formerly Jade Falcon ‘Mech and warrior in either torso side, with the third returning the favor of Lt. Josepho’s head strike. Searing heat blasted into his cockpit as almost all the armor evaporated off his head assembly. To make matters worse, the damage from the laser strike to his right torso side was followed up by one of the smaller Ichiba 3000 lasers, penetrating the armor there and ruining one of his SRM 6 launchers and a heat sink. The other two scattered damage over his left leg and center torso, causing only minor armor damage, but still making the clansman respect the abilities of both pilot and machine.
Opposite their position, from behind the Blake ‘Mech formation, two Zephyr hovercraft came sweeping in at top speed. As the M-21 Battle Tanks filled the air with laser fire and SRM missiles, their lack of training only managed to scatter errant energy downrange harmlessly, as well as over 30 SRMs failing to hit either the Zephyrs or the two Mongoose they’d fired on. But neither could the two hovercraft manage to hit any of their targets.
As Major Silver watched his company saturate the air with fire, he targeted the Lancelot in the center of the formation. Firing off both his ER PPCs, he managed to catch the ‘Mech with one, burning a gaping wound up its left flank. His satisfaction turned to near panic as immediately following it came the supersonic crack of a ton of nickel and iron racing at hypersonic velocities past him. Seven Gauss Rifle rounds came streaking past his ‘Mech from the two Demon tanks and two Alacorn Mk VI heavy tanks. Amazingly, none of the deadly hypersonic projectiles found their target.
Major Silver shook himself clear. God, what a Charlie Fox-trot this turned out to be!
“Strike Support!” ordered Lt. Farrell. “Fall back on my position. I’ll cover you.”
“Roger that. Falling back.” Came Lt. Yar’s rushed reply. One more hit like that in the rear and I’m done for!
As Lt. Yar fell back to join Lt. Farrell, Jump Platoon took to the air and landed only 90 meters from their position, trying to estimate where to put themselves for best use of their weapons. Meanwhile, the IFV’s repositioned themselves to completely encircle the enemy infantry, but couldn’t get their own infantry out of harm’s way. Seeing the Blake infantry fire on their motorized infantry again, they could see surrender was not an option with them. It was a fight to the death as the Blake infantry lasers cut down another squad of Silver Eagle Infantry, leaving only first and second squad unharmed. In return, a hail of machine gun fire and SRMs impacted around their position, leaving only a few squads of their own.
As the others fought on, Lt. Scott tried once again to bring his ‘Mech into a position to mash his free hand into the Laser Reflective hide of the enemy Exterminator. As he watched, the ‘Mech swept right in front of him. Triggering off his lasers much too late, he failed to hit with any of them, and to add insult to injury, the ‘Mech didn’t even attack him, instead attacking M-22 IFV Delta. Opening up with its four Medium Lasers, it struck with all of them, scattering damage all over the vehicle’s armor. One laser struck a tread, partially fusing a few of the links, limiting her mobility. Swinging its turreted flamers around, it only managed to mildly damage the left leg. Suddenly, the ‘Mech reared back and slammed its foot into the side of the tank, skipping along its side armor and planting itself firmly into the side of the tanks turret, smashing armor plates as it went.
Lt. Scott keyed his mic. “Ok, that’s it! No more Mr. Nice Guy! This sucker is MINE!”
As the battle raged, Lt. Yar limped her ‘Mech in beside Lt. Farrell’s Exterminator. As they watched, the enemy Exterminator came racing in at almost 100 kph, swinging in not behind Lt. Yar’s Stormcrow, but Lt. Farrell’s Exterminator. Opening up with a full barrage of laser fire, it failed to hit his well-obscured ‘Mech, despite the close range of the assault. As the other two swung around to fire what they could at the target now behind their position, Lt. Yar missed with both her lasers, while Lt. Farrell hit but still only managed to inflict minor damage on the target.
However, as he swung in around behind Lt. Farrell, he exposed his right flank to the four M-21s of Third Armor. They all swiveled their turrets around to bear on the new target and let lose with a blistering array of laser fire, while their second gunner fired the SRM launchers at the other Exterminator downrange. Thought their missiles were cut down by the advanced anti-missile system of the second Exterminator, the first took several heavy laser hits, reducing the already weakened armor all over the ‘Mech to scrap. As the fire continued, the ‘Mech’s right arm actuators took heavy damage, reducing them to barely functional.
The Blake ‘Mech had been swinging back with its foot when the massive volley of laser fire impaled it along its right flank. Caught off balance, the ‘Mech tipped suddenly to the right, landing hard on its left arm, ruining the hand actuator there. Jarred and stunned at the sour turn of events, the Blake ‘Mech simply lay their stunned.
Quickly trying to salvage the situation, Major Silver opened a channel to Command Lance. “Command Wing this is Silver Actual. Concentrate all fire on those Mongooses. We’re gonna get killed if we don’t silence those spotters! Fire!”
As chaos ensued around her, Captain McKenna calmly opened a channel. “Lt. Faller, this is Fire Leader. Concentrate on targets of opportunity, but that Lancelot is mine!”
Lt. Faller keyed in response. “Roger Fire Leader. Fire Lance! Concentrate all fire on my target! Take her down!”
Note: Yes… this was this weeks game. Yes, this was only 1 round of combat. (10 seconds in game) Yes, this took us four hours to do, because we were laughing so hard at the die rolls. Of all the shots fired, less than 10% actually hit anything, and fully half of those were grazing hits for half damage! As you can see, we had another “malfunction” this week, this time McKenna’s GR. If things keep up like this, we could be fighting this same battle in a month’s time!
Ahhh… will the fun never end? (apparently not anytime soon… )
PS: For those who participated in my “No Players” thread, as you can see, their dice have FINALLY turned against them! (it was only a matter of time, but still…) Now if MY dice hadn’t suddenly taken a nose-dive at the same time… (oh, and we think we know why the dice went sour… we think the guy who plays Major Silver stopped sacrificing chickens to the dice Gods… it’s the only explanation… )
More next week!
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and last for today..
Another short session this week, (that is, only 1 round of combat) but I added a surprise at the end!
Major Silver was concerned. With Strike Lance still trying to fend off the flanking attack, his forces were facing a much harder fight than they were expecting. We’ll just have to do the bast we can without them. Opening his channel to Command Lance he ordered, “Advance on the enemy line. Try and take out those artillery spotters.” At that he triggered a full salvo of weapons fire on the lead Mongoose. Missing wide with his PPCs and Medium Lasers, he only managed a lock with his SRMs. Showering the Blake ‘Mech in deadly missile fire, he managed to blast a hole in its right flank, but failed to damage any of its delicate interior. In retaliation, both of the 25 ton ‘Mechs tried to designate Major Silver for incoming artillery, but failed to achieve a lock.
Following his lead, Lt. Windsor opened up with six of his own pulse lasers, causing a massive have of heat to radiate through his cockpit interior. Missing with only two of the medium lasers, he blasted armor of every part of the light ‘Mech. One of his Large Lasers found the hole that Major Silver had opened up in its flank, burning the remaining skeleton there to ruins. As the right arm fell worthlessly to the ground, his other heavy laser burned into the left arm, blasting the hand actuator there to tiny pieces. The light machine was blasted of its feet, landing flat on its back. Armor shards from its right leg flew through the air as it came crashing down. “He won’t take another salvo like that.” Lt. Windsor said to himself. As he spoke, he failed to notice his heat regulation system kick in. Suddenly, his screens went blank and the heavy Clan war machine shut itself down. Streams of curses flew out into the sweltering heat of his now quite silent cockpit.
Meanwhile, Lt. Sanderson locked her sights on the lead Crab, leveling her Kali Yama Big Bore cannon at the Medium ‘Mech. Triggering her trio of lasers and a flight of SRMs as well, she failed to connect with anything except one laser, which momentarily connected their center torsos, melting armor but doing little else. She was still not used to the massive recoil of the heavy autocannon and in the heat of such a critical battle was the worst place to try and learn.
Captain McKenna swung to the right as the Blake Lancelot appeared to be trying to flank their position. With her Gauss Rifle out of commission, she triggered her PPC and twin Medium Lasers at the heavy Star League ‘Mech. Her lasers fired true, lancing armor off the right arm and leg, while her PPC bored a hole into the ‘Mech’s left arm, sending its armor plating boiling off in all directions and leaving the arm bare. It retaliated with another salvo of heavy laser and PPC fire, missing wide with the PPC and barely hitting her Assault ‘Mech with the two heavy Krupp lasers.
Holding true to their orders, the remainder of Fire Lance opened up on the lead Bombardier. As Lt. Faller tried to lock on with the Artemis Fire Control system, the enemy’s Electronic jamming made it impossible, so he instead fired his quartet of lasers at the Blake ‘Mech. His heavy pulse laser found the ‘Mech’s center of mass and its AMS gun, blasting the defensive weapon to dust along with over half a ton of armor. The twin medium lasers paired armor of each arm, leaving the right arm with scant protection, while the ardent beam of his remaining heavy laser blasted the remains of the armor off its left flank.
Following his lead, Lt. Jones triggered his MASC system and ran past the on-rushing Magi tanks and stopped 120 meters away from the targeted Bombardier. Triggering another salvo of laser fire, he managed to hit with the lasers in his right arm, blistering armor off the ‘Mech’s right arm and sending the deadly energy into the delicate interior. Finding the arm’s elbow, it flashed the actuator into a useless collection of parts. Now that’s more like it! he thought.
Adding his own fire to the mix, Lt. Solovitch triggered another double burst from his Clan-made PPCs and the ER Medium Laser. Missing wide with the weapons of his make-shift replacement arm, the PPC in his torso smashed into the Bombardier’s left leg, reducing the protection there to a fraction of it’s previously undamaged state. As Fire Lance’s weapons fire poured into their targets, both Bombardiers unleashed another salvo of Swarm missiles, further damaging the M-21s in their entrenched positions as well as striking Captain McKenna’s ‘Mech and their original target, the Executioner.
Ignoring their harassers, the two Blake Crab aimed at the 95 ton Clan Assault ‘Mech and loosed a full salvo of medium and heavy laser fire. Striking with all four of their heavy RAMTech 1200 lasers, two found the ‘Mech’s previously undamaged left arm, while the other two blasted more armor off the damaged flanks. Adding to the mass of fire, the two Magi tanks fired their forward lasers at the Clan Assault machine, inflicting light damage to the Clan OmniMech’s chest and right leg while spitting their right lasers over Captain McKenna’s ‘Mech, causing mild armor damage. While not inflicting much actual damage to the 95 ton OmniMech, the small weapons combined with the hail of fire from the ‘Mechs, throwing Lt. Solovitch off balance and sending his massive war machine slamming into the ground.
As Lt. Amdecker recovered from the assault of artillery missile fire, he saw the two Mongoose run off behind their defenders. Feeling less threatened, he turned his LAM in place readying himself to take on anything that threatened to run their defensive line. At that, one of the two Zephyr hovercraft came zipping over the berm, sliding in behind the foot infantry and unleashing its trio of medium Sorenstein IV lasers and a flight of six missiles from its Shannon launcher on the entrenched infantry. Simultaneously it fired its aft Harmon Small Laser at Chi Lin’s Ferret. The small laser failed to hit the slow hovering VTOL, as did the SRMs fail to injure any of the infantry, but two of the Sorenstein lasers burned ardent arcs through the infantry’s position, downing two of the infantrymen there.
In response, the infantry unleashed a volley of missiles from their disposable V-LAW rockets, but only a few missiles hit. Firing the only weapon she had, a single Clan-built small laser, Sergeant Chi Lin failed to track on the fast-moving hovertank. Two of the tanks, one each from 1st and 2nd Armor, swiveled their turrets around to attack this new threat, but only one managed to hit with one of its medium class turret lasers, adding to the light damage the infantry had inflicted. The remainder of 2nd Armor Platoon concentrated fire on the lead Magi tank, but failed to connect with any of their weapons.
Thinking to add his fire to theirs, Lt. Amdecker readied to fire, only to have his com channel squeal with noise. Glancing at his threat indicator, he saw that the other Zephyr had swept in and was jamming him. Switching quickly to this new threat, he loosed his trio of lasers on the hovertank, while two of the tanks from 1st Armor Platoon added laser and machine gun fire of their own. Blasting nearly a ton and a quarter of armor off its exposed left side and almost a half-ton of armor off its turret, it weathered the assault and swiveled its turret around, painting Lt. Amdecker with another guidance laser. Once again the artillery missile came slamming down on his position, blasting the Land-Air ‘Mech and smashing the remaining armor on its right leg to dust. Mild damage penetrated the armor to nibble away at the delicate structural supports of the machine, but failed to damage any of the actuators in the leg. Incensed at this additional attack from an enemy he couldn’t attack, Lt. Amdecker committed himself to ending their attacks… no matter the cost.
As the main battle raged, Strike Lance continued to try and stop their ever-persistent and fanatical enemy. The Blake infantry refused to give ground, despite the hopelessness of their situation. Sergeant Andrew Green was amazed at their zeal despite their certain destruction. As he ordered the M-22s to continue their attack, the Blake infantry once more poured all their attention on 1st Motor Platoon in a final act of defiance, taking out another five Silver Eagle infantrymen and leaving only ten men still combat effective within their ranks. When the full weight of the combined fire from Infantry Support Platoon, the remains of 1st Motor Platoon, and Lt. Scott’s pulse lasers finally fell on them like a hammer, they were cut down to the last man, the area strewn with dead and dying alike. Even as they fell, one of Lt. Scott’s retrofitted Clan Medium Pulse Lasers shorted out, leaving yet another Clan weapon useless.
As their infantry met its end, the two damaged Exterminators likewise pressed their assault, seemingly unaware that they were now outnumbered over 6-to-1. The Exterminatorthat had been supporting their infantry continued to attack Infantry Support Platoon with the same fervor as it showed before, firing its quartet of Averell lasers and lone Dinatech Mark III Small Laser at the same M-22 IFV, hitting with one medium on the turret and the another along its right side armor. Simultaneously, it fired its Deadeye-10 LRM on another M-22, but failing to lock on at such close range. The M-22s fired flamers and several volleys of SRMs back, but the flamers failed to connect while the Anti-Missile System chewed through the few missiles that actually managed to home in.
As Lt. Farrell tried to cover his position better, 3rd Armor wheeled around to face their new opponent. Firing off a full salvo of lasers and short range missiles, most of the lasers missed, but two of the medium lasers found hits along the left flank and arm, while two missiles scored damage over the weak rear armor and one struck the left arm. Lt. Yar swung around to fire her Stormcrow’s left arm heavy and medium pulse lasers, but only managed to scatter laser fire ineffectively over the ‘Mechs armor, tattered as it was. Lt. Scott tried to hit the Blake Exterminator with his ER Large Laser and Medium Laser, but failed to connect with either.
Lt. Farrell strained his ‘Mech hard to the left, trying to track the enemy Exterminator as it circled around again. Triggering both heavy lasers, they slammed home into the savaged ‘Mech, gouging deeper wounds into the bare left flank and opening a fresh wound along the right arm, severing the ‘Mech’s hand off at the wrist. Instead of attacking its twin again, it once more switched targets firing its four lasers into the rear arc of the Stormcrow again, blasting armor off both arms, the right leg, and the weak right rear flank. Though it didn’t manage to damage any of the ‘Mech’s components, it left little enough armor protecting Lt. Yar’s
As Major Silver watched the lead Mongoose fall, his threat warning indicator toned. Glancing down, he saw that the enemy SRM Carriers had moved up to within less than 300 meters of his position and were now firing on him. Cutting his ‘Mech sharply to the right, he narrowly avoided most of the 120 high-explosive missiles, only taking damage from three, but a dozen of the missiles exploded before they reached his position, releasing a slick of burning gel all around his ‘Mech. As he had dodged to avoid the missiles, seven more nickel-ferrous projectiles came flashing through the air, shaking his ‘Mech as multiple sonic booms rattled into his cockpit. This time, two of the hypersonic slugs found his exposed left flank, smashing armor aside and burying themselves into the engine shielding of his reactor. Warning klaxons sounded as his damaged machine burned with the heat of his own weapons fire and the burning gel all around him threatened to incinerate the leader of the Silver Eagles, ending any hope of carrying the day.
More next week… hopefully more than just 1 round, but if things keep going this way, the Silver Eagles may be in a lot of trouble.
Now for the surprise… check out this site with pics of the battle from last night! (had to link to my own site because there are unseen and I don’t want to take up 10 posts here just to attach the pics anyway)
Enjoy!
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Once more unto the breach… (of the reactor shielding [tongue] )
The heat in Major Silver's cockpit became sweltering as he slammed his hand down on the override to prevent his reactor from shutting down. His 'Mech, now wreathed in flame, resembled something of a fantasy creature of fire, unstoppable and quite terrifying. But as the enemy pressed on his position, it seemed as thought the entirety of their force unleashed on him. Taking another pair of Gauss rifle hits and a smattering of SRM missiles from the advancing vehicles, he also caught laser fire from the Crabs as they rushed past him. In a valiant effort to aid her Commander, Lt. Sanderson twisted her Thunder around and unleashed a hail of fire on the back of the lead Crab from her Kali Yama Big Bore autocannon. Ripping a gaping rent in the back of the machine, the Blake 'Mech nearly fell flat on its face, but the damage was insufficient to force the 'Mech to stop its advance. Seeing the opportunity, Major Silver Twisted his 'Mech hard to the right and added machine gun fire to the damage Lt. Sanderson had wrought. Finding a chink in its armored hide, the mass of bullets cored into the already damaged engine housing, silencing the 'Mech's reactor permanently. The enemy 'Mech fell to the ground with the sound of a freight train.
As the Crab fell, one of the two Mongoose turned and charged up the middle of the formation. After the other regained its feet, it joined its twin, charging up the middle towards Lt. Faller's Zeus. Turning as it reached his position, Lt. Faller heard his threat warning indicator sound that he was being painted with an artillery tracking laser. Intent on silencing the spotter, he focused all his lasers onto the 'Mech's center of mass. Though many missed, one caught the Mongoose dead center and cored through the thin armor plating. The laser energy unspent, it went in to ruin the 'Mech's gyro. As the gyro's energy was unleashed within the confines of its torso, it sent pieces flying into the fusion reactor housing, smashing the engine to ruins. Deprived of yet another 'Mech, the Blake forces continued to press.
Feverishly trying to restart his salvaged Hellbringer, Lt. Windsor braced himself when he saw the two Bombardiers back up and turn on his position. As he watched, 120 Long Range Missiles and 8 Short Range Missiles shot out from the two Star League 'Mechs. To his surprise, most of the missiles failed to track on his position, but twelve of the LRMs did, along with a pair of SRMs. Scattering light damage around his 'Mech, he breathed a sigh of relief when his reactor restarted.
As Captain McKenna swung around to cover the right flank, she watched the nimble Lancelot swing around her and come up in her rear arc. It unleashed a trio of lasers, but only one of the heavy lasers managed to hit, scoring all the armor of her Striker's right-rear flank. The lighter laser matched its heavier cousin, but only managed a glancing strike along the left-rear flank, ablating less than half the protection there. In retaliation, Captain McKenna swung her 'Mech hard to the left, letting her left arm fly behind her carrying the weight of the now useless Gauss Rifle into the side of the Lancelot's head. Armor was smashed aside as the heavy punch smashed through the weak armor there and damaged the interior of the head assembly. Dazed, the Blake Mechwarrior slowly backed off from Captain McKenna's position while the two Magi tanks wheeled around and fired ineffectively on her Striker.
Turning to see what lay in front of her, she watched as Lt. Solovitch, Lt. Jones, and Lt. Thorpe locked onto the lead Bombardier. Hitting with the lasers mounted in his right arm, Lt. Jones scored armor off the enemy 'Mech. Firing off his lasers at the Bombardier, Lt. Thorpe only managed to remove the remaining armor from the 'Mech's left flank. Sending two arcs of PPC fire into the center on the Blake support 'Mech, Lt. Solovitch opened a gaping hole into the 'Mech's interior. The laser he fired followed up the damage by drilling through the gyro housing and on into the engine core, sending the 'Mech to the ground in a massive heap of useless parts.
Taking aim at the remaining Bombardier, McKenna opened fire with her PPC and a trio of lasers. The two Hellion-b II Medium lasers only scored light armor damage, but the retrofitted Clan Small Pulse laser struck a chink in the center of the heavy 'Mech, sending pulsed laser energy into the 'Mech's LRM ammo stores there. As the ammo exploded in a shower of unspent energy, the PPC came smashing in. To add insult to injury, the arc of massive energy connected with the reeling 'Mech's head, blowing the cockpit and assembly to a slag of nothingness, sending yet another Blake machine to the ground.
Jumping into the air, Lt. Amdecker landed short of the enemy Zephyr and prepared to unleash a full salvo of weapons fire on the spotter. The hovercraft zipped away at incredible speed, causing his lasers to miss their target completely. Its mate behind the berm line joined it in its hasty retreat. As it passed Lt. Sanderson in her Thunder, it targeted her with its laser designator. The next missile came slamming down on her position with a vengeance, blasting armor off her 'Mech, though failing to penetrate. As they pulled up next to the line of other vehicles, the two spotters stood protecting the remaining bulk of the Blake forces with their ECM systems.
As Lt. Josepho pushed hard around in front the Flashman, he was surprised as the heavier 'Mech spun in place and swung around in behind him again. Straining his 'Mech hard to the right, he managed to fire off the heavy and medium lasers in his right arm, striking the Blake 'Mech in the undamaged right arm with the heavy laser and the opposite leg with the other. It returned with a blistering array of six lasers and its flamer, missing with only the flamer and a single Ichiba 3000 Medium Laser. While one of the Ichiba lasers scored the last of the armor off his right leg, the two heavy Selitex Radionic lasers and one Ichiba laser scoured armor off the rear of the Clan 'Mech's torso, causing minor damage to the interior. The last Ichiba laser cored into the missing armor on the center, but failed to damage any of the delicate componants.
As the main battle took a turn for the better, the fight along the western flank didn't go so well. When the whole of Strike Lance combined fire with 1st and 2nd Armor platoons, the Infantry Support Platoon and Jump Infantry Platoon on the lead Exterminator, Lt. Farrell felt confident it would fall. He was shocked when it not only did not fall, but the two managed to split their fire, firing their missiles at his Exterminator and their lasers at Lt. Scott. Though they missed with all their weapons fire, the two lone 'Mechs kept their fight raging for even longer, tying up a third of the Silver Eagles for another precious few seconds.
More next week…
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Incoming!
Major Silver looked over at the situation display in his Warhammer, Hermes. As he advanced out of the blazing fire set by the missed Inferno rounds, he came up alongside Lt. Sanderson's Thunder, reforming Command Lance into a line again. As he did so, the enemy seemed to react to his move by concentrating all its forces on his position, pushing hard to blunt his advance.
Suddenly, Lt. Thorpe broke across the static of the Battalion Command frequency. "Major Silver, this is Recon Leader. Air contact at twelve o'clock, range six kilometers and closing. ETA, 20 seconds. It reads as a Dropship."
Major Silver keyed his comm system. "Ace of Spades, this is Silver Actual. Report."
The communication officer of their Dropship responded quickly. "Silver Actual this is the Ace of Spades. Contact bearing in on your position. Contact reads as a spheroid Dropship. No IFF."
Major Silver thought quickly. "Roger that. Dust off and relocate to the airstrip, grid intersection, 59284619. Over."
"Roger that, Silver Actual. Grid intersection 592846…" the comm officer began, but Major Silver never heard the rest as the two Zephyr hovercraft and the remaining Mongoose closed in around him, saturating the area in ECM jamming, cutting him off from all communication. The two fast hovers tried to lock their targeting lasers on Lt. Jones's Marauder, but neither could follow him as he surged forward at over 86 kph thanks to its MASC equipment. The remaining Crab wheeled around and came walking up on his right flank, but instead of firing on him, it unleashed its trio of heavy and medium lasers on Lt. Windsor's Hellbringer, hitting with both heavy lasers.
All of a sudden, the battlefront shifted, as the SRM Carriers and remaining Mongoose unleashed a full array of laser and SRM fire on the salvaged Clan 'Mech. Thirty-six missiles blasted armor off of every part of the 'Mech, adding to the damage from the Crab to pear the last of the armor off his 'Mech's left leg. One heavy laser cored through the delicate interior of his 'Mech and blasted the hip into a smoldering ruin. As he struggled to keep on his feet, a dozen missiles exploded in a shower of burning gel, coating his 'Mech and much of the surrounding area in a fiery blaze, sending his heat climbing. He retaliated by firing a trio of medium lasers at one of the SRM Carriers, missing with two, but carving an arc of destruction up the side with his third, blasting one of the road wheels to ruins.
Major Silver focused on the other SRM Carrier, unleashing his pair of pulse lasers and a stream of lead from both machine guns. Getting a lock with his SRM launcher, he added their fire to the destruction of his other weapons. While one missile harmlessly impacted just in front of the tank, thrown off track by the heavy concentration of enemy ECM, the other five blasted armor off the side, ruining one road wheel in the process. As the hail of machine gun fire tore into the vehicle, even more damage was done, shredding the right track entirely and damaging the delicate fusion reactor at the heart of the tank. It shuttered to a stop only 30 meters away. As the lasers tore through the weakened structure, the entire right side of the tank collapsed, spilling unspent missiles out of its magazine and shredding one of the SRM launchers to ruins.
Sgt. Chi Lin arced up into the sky high over the berm line. Looking at her tactical display, she saw that the entire left flank was cut off from communication by enemy ECM activity. Swooping down on their position, her ECM system restored communications for most of 1st Armor Platoon, but failed to restore communication with Command Lance, so saturated in enemy jamming. Trying to silence one of the jammers, she fired her lone small laser at the one enemy Zephyr ninety meters in front of her, but failed to hit the fast moving hovercraft. Adding to her fire, 4th Infantry Platoon opened fire on the same target, but their laser rifles and scattered grenades failed to dent the armored craft even in the slightest.
As the Mongoose tried in vane to damage the Hellbringer, Lt. Amdecker in his Phoenix Hawk LAM waddled up behind it, smashing armor off its left leg with his heavy laser. As he approached from behind the Blake light 'Mech as fast as his 'Mech would go, he swung hard to the left, lifting his foot up and smashing it down on the light 'Mech's damaged leg. His foot came down hard on the Mongoose's left knee, snapping the limb in two and sending it to the ground with a deafening crash, ending its race across the battlefield permanently.
Across the field in his own Phoenix Hawk AirMech, Lt. Thorpe took a quick step and bounded into the air, thrusting up and surging forward across almost four hundred meters in less than ten seconds. As he flew through the air eighteen meters off the ground, his vantage let him spot the two Chaparrals just beyond the fighting line. Taking aim with his lasers, he waited until he had closed to only 270 meters before triggering all three. The beams of light arced through the air, smashing into the vehicle's right side and leaving the armor there very ruined and thin. His heavy laser cored deep into the side of the tank, smashing through the weapon stabilizer and rendering it useless. In response, both fired their defensive lasers at the airborne 'Mech, but failed to connect with either as he sailed through the air.
As he watched, the missile doors on both tanks opened…
Lt. Sanderson watched as the main body of enemy 'Mechs and vehicles all pushed in on her position. Seeing the enemy Lancelot disengage from its fight with Captain McKenna, it ran up towards her position, unleashing a trio of lasers and its PPC into Lt. Jones's back. As the deadly weapons carved gaping holes in his 'Mech's armor, the two Magi tanks came rushing up, splitting their fire between her own 'Mech and Lt. Jones's Marauder. Taking fire from multiple hits, Lt. Jones tried to keep his footing with his 'Mech's MASC system engaged, triggering a full salvo of fire onto the Crab as he struggled to stay upright. The heavy laser in his main body slammed into the right arm of the enemy 'Mech, paring the armor off in sheets while the lasers in his right arm slashed at the Crab's right side. Though the heavy laser missed slightly high, the medium laser struck the wounded right arm, cutting the hand actuator off and spilling coolant from the laser's thermal jacket all over the ground.
As he did so, one of the Chaparrals landed an Arrow IV missile only 30 meters in front of him. Cutting his legs out from underneath him, his 'Mech was sent crashing down on its nose, smashing armor of the left leg and flank as his 'Mech came to a rest. Adding to the light damage of the Magi tanks, the two Demons fired a dozen missiles and a pair of lasers on Lt. Sanderson's 'Mech. Three of the missiles failed to impact, but the remainder smashed armor from every part of her 'Mech, one finding the laser in her left flank and ruining it. Focusing on the 'Mech rushing her, Lt. Sanderson lifted the large autocannon on her Thunder's right arm and leveled it at the onrushing Lancelot. A hail of fire came from the heavy cannon, but as the weapon fired, she couldn't keep it leveled on the target from the heavy recoil. Shells filled the air, glancing off the heavy Blake 'Mech harmlessly, many burying themselves into the countryside as Lt. Sanderson cursed her poor luck.
Wheeling around to try and follow the push on Command Lance, Lt. Solovitch turned his Executioner in place and took aim at the enemy Crab that was assaulting Lt. Windsor's Hellbringer. Triggering a salvo of fire from his LRM 20 launcher, the missiles scattered harmlessly as they entered the enemy's ECM field. Raising his refurbished right arm, he triggered the Clan PPC and medium laser there, missing with the laser narrowly, but catching the 'Mech in the right arm with the high-energy Particle Cannon, leaving that arm nearly bare. Suddenly his 'Mech was rocked hard to the left as multiple Gauss shells slammed into his 'Mech, shoving the Clan Assault 'Mech around like a rag-doll. As he tried to recover, the other Chaparral dropped an artillery missile thirty meters off his right side. Combined with the massive blows of the Gauss rifles, Lt. Solovitch couldn't keep his 'Mech's feet, sending the 95-ton Clan OmniMech smashing to the ground.
Lt. Faller watched his lance-mates fall, but focused on their objective, the Crab. Unleashing a flight of missiles from his Zeus's right arm, he added a pair of medium lasers to the mix. Missiles arced through the air, smashing armor off the 'Mech's left arm and leg while a beam of intense light followed the missiles, smashing into the right arm damaged by Lt. Solovitch and Lt. Jones. Finishing what they started, his laser cut the arm in half at the upper skeletal bone and dug into the 'Mech's weak right shoulder blade, leaving little protection there.
As the fight raged in front of his eyes, Lt. Chekov ordered both armor platoons to concentrate fire on the savaged Crab. A blistering array of seven heavy lasers, eight medium lasers, and sixteen short-range missiles flew towards their target. Though much of the fire missed three of each heavy and medium lasers found their mark, along with a lone pair of missiles. Blasting into the weakened armor of the 'Mech, the tanks missiles ruined armor from the 'Mech's left leg and sending one heavy laser into the workings of the left arm, shorting out the laser there. A pair of medium lasers found both sides of the 'Mech's center of mass, but the rest all piled into the weakened right-rear flank of the 'Mech, smashing internal supports and damaging engine shielding. As the 'Mech lurched, one last laser struck the right side, ruining the 'Mech's delicate gyro and sending the entire 'Mech smashing to the ground, its entire right side simply gone.
Cheers erupted across the Armor Command frequency with the delight of their first kill, and Lt. Chekov wanted to join in but his training took over. "Quiet on the line!" he shouted into his microphone. "We can celebrate when the rest are down!"
Captain McKenna watched as the Lancelot darted away and struck at Lt. Jones. Infuriated by the fact that its pilot had denied her the honor of single combat, she jumped her sluggish Striker back and prepared to teach him a lesson. Switching off three of her heat exchangers, she triggered her PPC and added a pair of medium lasers and her single light laser. Slamming into the enemy 'Mech with a vengeance, the PPC tore into the bare left arm, blasting the arm to ribbons and damaging the weak rear of it's left flank. One medium laser missed by inches, but the other found the other arm, carving a slit of ruined armor up its length. The light laser fired downrange, but failed to focus enough energy on one spot to damage the enemy 'Mech. However it served its purpose, letting the internal temperature rise high enough to let the advanced myomers function as designed. Grinning to herself, she said aloud, "OK, lets see how you like an 80 ton freight train."
As 3rd Armor Platoon and the M-22 Infantry Support Platoon closed in around the two wounded Blake Exterminators, they both darted off at high speed, running clear of any threat from the short-range weapons of the M-22s. Tracking their movement, Lt. Farrell opened a comm channel to his forces. "Strike lance, concentrate on the target showing the high heat readings, see if we can't end his career. Tank platoon, you take the other." As he triggered a full salvo of laser fire and his LRM rack at the target he'd designated. Though one medium laser missed, the other three didn't, while six of his long-range missiles arced in on target. Blasting through the weakened armor of the 'Mech, his fire was joined by a pair of medium pulse lasers from Lt. Yar's Stormcrow. Together they pared the last of the laser-reflective armor off the 'Mech's left arm and flank, its center of mass, and cored into the bones of the 'Mech's left leg and right flank.
Seeming not to even notice the pounding, it fired a trio of its own medium lasers at Lt. Scott's Wolverine, hitting with one on the damaged right arm. The second enemy Executioner split its fire between Lt. Scott and the Jump Infantry that had been harassing it as they peppered ineffective fire across its surface. Missing with the missiles fired at 3rd Infantry Platoon, it did manage to hit with three of its four medium lasers, scouring armor of Lt. Scott's heavily wounded torso and left leg. 3rd Armor Platoon tried in vane to hit their target, but his speed across the battlefield made him too hard to track.
Focusing on his target, Lt. Scott triggered a single heavy laser, his medium laser, and a pair of pulse lasers, one light and one medium. As the lasers found their mark, he triggered a salvo of SRM fire, missing with only two of the six missiles sent toward the wounded Blake 'Mech and keeping his advanced myomers operating at peak efficiency. As the lasers cut into the heart of the 'Mech, Lt. Scott's thermal scans starting showing a massive surge in heat on the enemy Executioner. As missiles pounded into the open wounds, the 'Mech lurched about, as he saw a piece of its gyro come flying out of the torso. Bones crumpled as the weight of the 'Mech came crashing down on itself, its structural supports melted and ruined along it's entire right side and center. As the top of the 'Mech smashed down on the engine housing, a vent of plasma shot out from the reactor, quickly exploding in a fireball of burning superheated hydrogen. Gutted and ruined, the 'Mech caved in on itself, forever silencing the pilot who refused to eject.
More next week! (Comments welcome as always)
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and last one for today....
Sorry for no update last week, I got too busy. With the forum outage, it delayed it even longer. This brings everything current.
Major Silver Slowly edged forward, taking aim at the lead SRM Carrier. As he triggered his weapons, his 'Mech was rocked violently as the entire left side of his 'Mech's torso disintegrated. The Mongoose behind him had regained its footing, slashing him in his back with a single laser, melting structural supports and sending his perfectly intact left arm to the ground. Twenty-three of the short-range missiles slammed into him, blasting over two and a half tons of armor and structural supports into nothingness, including his remaining right arm. His shots flying wide, he struggled to maintain his footing as one of the Zephyrs tried to designate him for an artillery strike. His stumble actually saved him as the hovercraft's artillery targeting laser failed to connect, but the second artillery shell needed no homing laser. It came down on his position, throwing his 70 ton 'Mech to the ground as though it were a toy, cutting his legs out from under him and further damaging his central structure.
As Major Silver fell, the two Demon tanks swung in behind Lt. Windsor's Hellbringer, letting loose a volley of fire from their SRM launchers while aiming their Gauss Rifles and one side laser at Lt. Sanderson's Thunder. Ten missiles found his Clan war machine, blasting armor off every part. One lone missile found the hole leading directly into his already damaged hip. As it sailed into the joint, it exploded, severing the limb at the hip and sending both it and the rest of the 'Mech crashing to the ground, throwing his aim off in the process. The Gauss Rifles flashed as their deadly weight flew toward Lt. Sanderson. One flew wide, just under her left arm, while the other ricocheted off the left side of her torso, sending half a ton of armor flying off. Only one of the lasers found its mark as well, gouging a line up her left arm. In retaliation, she struck out at the lead Alacorn with her heavy autocannon. As the weapon pealed with dozens of high-caliber shells flying out its muzzle, it caught the tank along its left side, reducing half the armor there to nothing.
Instead of attacking Lt. Sanderson, the two heavy tanks turned their Gauss Rifles on Lt. Solovitch's Executioner. With his heat levels so high, he couldn't even stand back up, nor even retaliate against his attackers. Five more Gauss Rifle rounds blasted into his 'Mech's right side, smashing through components and ruining his Targeting Computer. Worse still, The Lancelot swept in behind him and let loose a salvo of laser and PPC fire, missing with only the heavy arm mounted laser. Cutting into his back, the two weapons charred the interior of his center of mass, ruining engine shielding and the damaging the delicate gyro system. Master Sergeant Kobel, leader of 2nd Armor Platoon saw an opportunity and seized it. Concentrating all their fire on the enemy Lancelot's back, 2nd Armor quickly cut through the weaker right flank and damaged the oversized XL engine shielding there.
Meanwhile, Lt. O'Hare ordered 1st Armor to split their fire on the downed Crab that was just beginning to prop itself up to take aim at the stumbling visage of Major Silver's Warhammer and the remaining Mongoose that had managed to right itself. A massive salvo of SRMs and laser fire arced in on the nearly helpless Crab. One heavy laser cut into the arm that the 'Mech had begun propping itself up on, cutting it in half and sending the stricken machine crashing back down. The remaining fire piled into the already heavily damaged left-rear flank, gutting the interior and damaging the engine enough to force it to shut down. Deprived of energy, the enemy 'Mech slumped the rest of the way to the ground and lie motionless. The remainder of their lasers fired on the Mongoose, scattering light all over the 'Mech, but nearly failing to damage it at all. One lone medium laser found the weakness in the 'Mech's left-rear flank, cutting into the interior and ruining the ECM system contained there, finally freeing command lance from the silence of enemy jamming. Lt. Faller closed to point-blank distance behind the Mongoose and unleashed a flight of missiles as he closed along with a trio of lasers, but only a single medium laser found its mark, tearing through the wounded left flank and severing the untouched left arm completely.
One of the enemy Zephyrs swung wide in around Lt. Sanderson's Thunder, sending a flight of short-range missiles at her while turning its turret around to fire its trio of lasers and aft mounted light laser at Lt. Jones' Marauder. Missing with its turret lasers and two missiles, it only managed to inflict light damage to both 'Mechs. In retaliation, Lt. Jones fired a full salvo at the fast hovercraft, missing with nearly all, but achieving a lock with his SRM launcher. Six missiles peppered the back of the vehicle, but were not enough to disable it. Reeling his right foot back, he kicked forward at the light vehicle. His foot came smashing through the remains of the armor on the vehicle's aft end and caused the entire aft of the hovercraft to collapse.
As Lt. Josepho and the enemy Flashman continued their private war, the Blake Mechwarrior continually outmaneuvered the Clansman. Lashing out with a quartet of lasers, the Summoner only managed to splash light damage all over the relatively intact enemy 'Mech. In return, the Flashman pared armor off specific parts of his own 'Mech. Smashing his other SRM launcher to ruins, Lt. Josepho purged his useless ammo banks while continuing to try and get the upper hand. To no avail, the heavier Blake 'Mech continued to pare armor off his right leg, damaging the internal supports as he continued to move around the Clanner's position. Finally lashing into the wounded leg, the Blake Mechwarrior managed to destroy the foot actuator there, hobbling Lt. Josepho even further. To add insult to injury, the already savaged left flank continued to take a beating, ruining engine shielding in the process. Forced to cut back his own weapons fire to only a trio of lasers, Lt. Josepho still could only manage to inflict scattered damage, only ever able to breach the armor on the Flashman's left arm, but to no observable effect; the laser mounted there continued to burn his own 'Mech to ribbons with deadly accuracy.
As Captain McKenna surged forward, her 'Mech was suddenly drowned out in electromagnetic noise. Unable to spot where the Lancelot had gone, she closed with the enemy Chaparrals that were bombarding her company from afar. Loosing a shot from her PPC at one of them, she caught it face on, blasting nearly all the protective armor off its front. Pleased, she was startled by laser and machine gun fire from the pair of Magi tanks that rolled up on her position. Only taking minor damage, she loosed a pair of medium lasers and her small pulse laser on one of them, missing with one of the mediums, but concentrating both other lasers on the thick front armor, barely managing to make any appreciable damage.
As Lt. Amdecker took to the air, he flew straight over the enemy Flashman, but ignored it. Instead he concentrated his fire on the lead Chaparral, already damaged by Captain McKenna. Firing a full salvo, he only managed to connect with one medium laser and a single machine gun, only paring armor off the right side. In contrast, Lt. Thorpe swung in to only thirty meters distant and unleashed a full salvo and hit with a trio of lasers. Adding to the damage that he'd already done, it cored into the side of the tank, melting the structural supports there ruining the artillery missile launcher. Unspent short range and artillery missiles spilled over the ground as the tank was torn apart.
As the battle raged, Strike Lance continued to try and down the one remaining threat left to them. As it sprinted across the battlefield, none of the weapons fired at the Blake Exterminator managed to do anything more than melt a small amount of armor off its still intact right flank. Simultaneously, it managed to hit Lt. Yar's Stormcrow with six long-range missiles and a pair of medium lasers, burning and blasting most of the armor off its left arm while reducing the armor coverage of her left leg.
Continuing to race south and away from the M-22s, it fired again at Lt. Yar, hitting the left leg once again, reducing its protection there to half normal, while spitting both sides of her torso with another pair of lasers. Once more, all of strike lance fired on the fleet 'Mech, but not one weapon managed to impact. Seeing his course of travel, Staff Sgt. Thiemann wheeled 3rd Armor around and closed. Unleashing a full salvo of weapons fire, only a single heavy laser managed to impact along its right flank, the ever-thinner laser reflective armor there still splaying most of the energy away.
Seeing that they could never hope to get close enough to the fast moving 'Mech, Lt. Farrell opened his coms. "Sergeant Green. Pick up 3rd Infantry Platoon and disengage. Make for the main battle lines at flank speed."
"Roger that." Responded Master Sergeant Green. "Pick up 3rd Infantry and flank for the front lines. 3rd Unit, you've got pickup duty. Everyone else, move out!" as the four tanks turned east to race for the front lines and give aid before the battle was lost.
As the fight raged, the enemy's Dropship took position over the battlefield and opened its doors. A voice cracked over the radio into Major Silver's ears as he ran from the front. "This is Demi-Precentor Marlin. I have come to take command of my forces to take Sir Kevin Charles Silver into custody, as so ordered by the ruling head of the planet's defensive forces, Countess Alessandra Marie Silver." At that two more 'Mechs dropped from the hovering Dropship, another Flashman and the other Lancelot.
With his heat at intolerable levels and his foot damaged, Lt. Josepho lit off his remaining jump jet, flying backward through the air and holding his weapons fire. The rapidly rushing air cooled his 'Mech to tolerable levels as he landed thirty meters away. The Flashman, still operating cool, raced around Josepho's left flank and lit off a trio of heavy lasers. While two missed, the third barely glanced the edge of the savaged right leg, but it was enough. The remaining structural supports there melted and the leg disintegrated under the weight of the Summoner's 70 tons. His 'Mech went sprawling to the ground, leaving him nearly helpless against the might of a relatively intact enemy.
As Major Silver righted his machine, he was facing south toward the defensive berm line. Looking at his damage display, all his weapons were out of action but for a single medium pulse laser in his 'Mech's torso. Wounded and dangerously close to destruction, he pushed Hermes as fast as it could go away from the battle line and towards the safety of the defenses. I hate running like this, but if I lose Hermes here and now, it would look very bad to the people. As he crept forward, the SRM Carrier once again spat a mix of Inferno and high explosive missiles at his 'Mech, but this time much fewer. Though the Infernos still missed, it once again left him wreathed in flame and his heat ever climbing. Nine more missiles slammed into his back, smashing through the weak rear armor and blasting huge holes inside his 'Mechs innards, luckily failing to damage the engine even further and leave him powerless on the field. Two more missiles found a leg each, further damaging structural supports there, and one missile slammed into the back of Hermes cockpit. His head slammed forward by the impact, Major Silver could barely hear, his ears ringing with pain, but looking at the damage display showed that while he was still alive, he wouldn't be if he took another hit… Hermes was on its death bed yet again.
But Major Silver wasn't their only target. Unleashing a flight of missiles on Lt. Faller's position, sixteen of them exploded in a shower of burning gel and covered his 'Mech in flame. His internal temperature climbed rapidly as he triggered a salvo of swarm missiles and a pair of medium lasers on one of the Demons. One laser scoured armor off the right side of the tank, but as the missiles took flight, a miscomputation in their flight guidance calculations sent them all directly into the ground, detonating on impact and harming no one. Sergeant Chi Lin added a light laser to the attempt, but also failed to do any damage.
Meanwhile 1st Armor split their fire between the Mongoose and the same Demon while 2nd Armor fired again at the Lancelot. One heavy laser struck the right side of the tank and a single medium laser hit the front, but they failed to damage the Mongoose at all. The Mongoose, deprived of nearly all it's weapons, fired it's lone light laser at Lt. Windsor's Hellbringer, but failed to actually damage it. Meanwhile, two heavy lasers cored into the Lancelot, one striking the undamaged left leg, but the other coring into the open left flank, further damaging the engine and sending its heat climbing even higher. Four SRMs also found their mark, but scattered damage over the entire right side, not causing any serious damage. As the Lancelot fired its large laser at the Executioner, its heat climbed so high the pilot couldn't override it, shutting the heavy machine down mid-step and sending the 'Mech crashing to the ground.
Lt. Jones once again engaged his MASC system and surged his Marauder forward, swinging in wide behind the Alacorns as they moved off to the east. Firing a full salvo or laser fire, he only managed to hit with the lasers in his right arm, carving armor off the back of the turret and the main body, but he failed to even catch their attention, ignoring him completely to finish what they had started against the Executioner.
Standing to face the two Demons that had severed his leg, his 'Mech still coated in Inferno gel, Lt. Windsor was surprised as they raced off again. Turning instead toward the remaining SRM Carrier, he loosed another salvo of laser fire on it, hitting with only a single medium laser paring the last of its armor off the right side and his light laser scoring armor off its rear, but leaving the tank still intact. The Demons joined with the Blake Alacorns to close on the savaged Executioner, loosing another salvo of seven Gauss Rifles along with twelve SRMs and a pair of medium lasers. In their haste across the battlefield, their aim was spoiled, making most of their deadly ammunition miss, striking with only a single Gauss round and one medium laser, but it was enough. The Gauss round smashed into the right leg, destroying the last of the armor there and damaging the internal structure, but the medium laser found its mark at the heart of the Clan war machine. Cutting into both the delicate gyro housing and the engine, the massive internal damage took its toll. The engine shuttered to a stop and the great machine fell backwards, silent and motionless. Struggling to make the machine respond, Lt. Solovitch was knocked hard as his 'Mech hit the ground, his head slammed back against the command couch as his consciousness faded into blackness in the blistering heat of his dark tomb.
Seeing the 'Mechs begin their drop, Lt. Thorpe opened a channel to Lt. Amdecker. "Recon Wing, follow me and attack that Lancelot before it can hit the ground. We're losing and we can't afford reinforcements."
"Roger Recon Leader." Was his reply as the two cruised in close to the two dropping 'Mechs as Captain McKenna closed with the Chaparral, totally unaware that she was running directly underneath the two new 'Mechs due to the enemy jamming. Too late she triggered her weapons, striking with her PPC and a small pulse laser. The PPC struck the tank's left side, ruining armor, while the light laser cored into the weakened front armor. The weapons fire managed to knock out the left side laser, but not before it discharged into Lt. Amdecker's back, cutting the left wing off at the joint. Deprived of his left wing, his Phoenix Hawk Land-Air 'Mech slammed into the countryside, sliding 150 meters before coming to a rest only sixty meters north of Lt. Solovitch's dead Executioner.
Concentrating on his target, Lt. Thorpe let loose a full salvo of weapons fire, scattering light damage all over the newly dropped 'Mech. Racing in under the dropping 'Mechs' positions, Lt. Sanderson ignored the two Magi tanks that attacked her, even as her cockpit was rung by machine gun fire and lasers scoured armor off her right leg and arm. Focused on her target, she took aim with her heavy autocannon at the Lancelot dropping from above. Triggering her heavy cannon, the stream of shells slammed into the doomed 'Mech's chin, blasting the head assembly into useless garbage in a second's time. For the first time, an ejection seat rocketed out of one of the Blake 'Mechs, barely escaping the destruction wrought. The 'Mech now out of control, is slammed down on its target zone with precision, obliterating most of the 'Mech's remains on impact.
Startled by the impact only thirty meters behind her, Captain McKenna turned to see the new enemy Flashman drop gently down beside her, less than thirty meters away, fresh and pristine versus her savaged condition.
More next week!
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They just keep coming....
The saga continues…
Major Silver opened a com-line to Strike Lance as he sluggishly hobbled out of the fight. “3rd Armor, this is Silver Actual. Break off and move in along our left flank to provide covering fire. Strike Lance, provide cover for 3rd Armor as they pull out and engage any threats once they are in position. Over.”
His radio crackled as the response came through from Lt. Farrell. “Silver Actual, this is Strike Leader. 3rd Armor and Infantry Support are breaking off and heading your way. Will cover and engage.”
Sergeant Thiemann called out to the rest of her platoon. “Make for the battalion’s left flank at top speed and lay down suppression fire on that ‘Mech! FIRE!” As 3rd Armor turned and kicked up into high speed, they leveled another salvo of fire at the remaining Blake Exterminator. A hail of fire erupted from the vehicle platoon, lasers flashing through the air and blistering all around the wounded ‘Mech. Like an avatar of myth, the lasers seemed to glance off harmlessly, without so much as a wisp of injury. Strike Lance added their fire to the mix, with lasers, and missiles flashing at the enemy ‘Mech. Lt. Yar hit with one of her Stormcrow’s pulse lasers, blasting into the hole on the left rear flank and ruining several structural supports, but failing to damage the equipment there. Lt. Scott fired a full salvo of lasers from his Wolverine but failed to connect with any of them as the Blake Exterminator leapt forward into a fast run at over 75 kph.
Tracking his counterpart well, Lt. Farrell fired a pair of lasers and his LRM launcher at the enemy ‘Mech, finding greater luck than his lancemates. Coring into the damaged right flank, nearly all of the reflective armor was vaporized by one of the lasers, allowing the missiles following in to blast the remainder to ribbons, coring into the interior and exploding in a shower of destruction. A plume of gray mist marked the destruction of one of the Jump Jets contained there, as the remaining missiles smashed into some of the armor plating covering it’s central structure. In retaliation, the Blake ‘Mech fired a full salvo of lasers and missiles back at Lt. Farrell, blasting armor of his torso with three of the lasers while the missiles exploded harmlessly around him.
As 3rd Armor and the Infantry Support Platoon continued to make best speed toward the main battle lines, Sergeant Thiemann ordered 3rd Armor to continue to press their attack on the move. Swiveling their turrets around to fire, they let loose another volley of fire, but their haste toward the front lines made tracking the fast ‘Mech impossible, simply grazing laser fire over the Exterminator harmlessly once more as it turned to charge the retreating ‘Mechs of Strike Lance. Closing in to only 150 meters of her Stormcrow, it fired a full salvo of weapons at her, striking her right leg and left flank with a pair of lasers and scattering missiles up her opposite leg and flank. Firing back, only a single heavy pulse laser found its mark… directly through the hole in the ‘Mech’s right flank. Structural supports flashed into vapor as the beam of coherent light tore into the spent anti-missile system, leaving a smoking crater where it once stood.
Adding to her attack, Lt. Farrell fired a quintet of lasers at the ‘Mech only 120 meters from him, not willing to waste his long range missiles so far inside their arming distance. Only a medium laser found the enemy machine, glazing a small amount of reflective armor off the slowly decaying protection over the central core of the ‘Mech, joining one of the five lasers Lt. Scott fired. Most of the others splayed along the ground and through the air around the Blake Exterminator, but one final pulse laser struck the heavily damaged right arm and carved an arc of destruction in toward the central core. The shoulder exploded in a shower of melting supports, blasting the remains of the entire right arm to ribbons, the contents of the arm dropping to the ground like so much useless garbage. Its energy unspent, it cored into the damaged flank of the ‘Mech, blasting yet another Jump Jet into a mist of mercury vapor.
If we can drop him now, thought Lt. Scott, that’ll free us up to take care of the real fighting! Time to pull out all the stops!
Limping away at barely 20 kph, Major Silver was almost at the berm line when another flight of missiles flew out of the SRM Carrier behind him. Bracing for what he thought for sure to be his own end, he watched as only half the launchers spat out missiles, all of which exploded in showers of burning gel over the battlefield. Four of the missiles found Lt. Sanderson’s Thunder, coating her in a burning slick of heat. Doing a quick mental calculation, it dawned on him. He’s dry! Good! One less enemy unit to worry about. Now if Lt. Josepho can…
As he formulated the words in his head, Lt. Josepho braced himself for a final showdown with his enemy. Righting his Summoner and turning to face his enemy, he triggered a full salvo of laser fire, his heat skyrocketing into a blistering wave of superheated gasses and leaking coolant lines. In a desperate attempt to finish the fight, he only managed to score armor of the central spine of the enemy Flashman with his two heavy lasers. In return, his opponent fired a full salvo of seven lasers back, missing with only the two heavy lasers in its stubby arms. The central heavy laser cored into his wounded left flank, blasting the remaining structural supports and engine shielding there to ruins and sending his heat climbing even higher. As the smaller lasers ate into his ‘Mech, one glanced of the armor of his remaining leg while another ate into the exposed central core of his machine, but failed to damage the delicate equipment there.
Unfortunately, another of the lasers breached the armor over his right flank and ate its way deep inside the Clan war machine. Gutting nearly all the contents of that side of the ‘Mech’s central core, his engine shuttered to a halt as the heat in his cockpit began to burn into his lungs. Seeing monitors die all around him, he was rocketed out of his ‘Mech as the auto-eject system tried to save his life, which is exactly what it did. As he rocketed from the dying corpse of his ‘Mech, the last laser struck the already damaged cockpit armor, blasting the entire head assembly into a vapor and sending the remains of the ‘Mech falling once again to the ground.
As he landed safely behind his dead ‘Mech, a voice cracked over an open frequency. “This is Mechwarrior Timothy Rice. Following Clan tradition, I claim Mechwarrior Josepho as my bondsman.”
Captain McKenna focused on her target as the newly arrived Flashman darted away at over 75 kph. Concentrating fire on the enemy Chaparral as she cleared the enemy jamming, she let loose a volley of laser and PPC fire. As she did so, the tank suddenly spun around, exposing it’s more heavily armored rear to her and loosing a flight of SRMs in return. Dodging out of the way spoiled her own aim and neither managed to hit with their weapons. When she heard the claim for Josepho, she thought quickly how to keep Josepho in the battalion, knowing he would honor the claim. Keying the channel open, she made challenge. “This is Captain McKenna of the Silver Eagles. I challenge Mechwarrior Rice to single combat for right to the bondsman Josepho. Let no one interfere!”
Closing in to point-blank range against Lt. Jones’ Marauder in a dazzling display of marksmanship, it loosed its blistering array of lasers, striking him with all seven while hitting with its rear laser fired at Lt. Windsor’s Hellbringer. Trying to return the favor, Lt. Windsor triggered his trio of Clan medium lasers, but even with the sophisticated targeting computer, could not track on the swift machine. As the Flashman blasted gaping rents from all over his machine, Lt. Jones struggled to maintain his footing and his tracking on the Alacorn Tank he’d targeted. His aim spoiled, he could only hit with one of his heavy pulse lasers, striking the tank in its right side as all the Blake vehicles pulled into a defensive circle. Now free of the threat of the Executioner, the Alacorns and Demons turned their attention toward Lt. Jones and Lt. Sanderson.
Firing first on the ‘Mech that had nearly killed one of their own, the Demons swiveled their turrets around and fired their deadly load of nickel and iron at Lt. Sanderson’s hapless, burning ‘Mech. One slug missed, but the other struck the side of her Kali Yama autocannon. Luckily, the protective shell of armor splayed most of the damage away from the gun, but the impact shredded all of the armor protecting it and slightly damaged the structural supports holding it. To her benefit, the diagnostic showed the gun to still be operational as she triggered the cannon and deadly shells tried to track the swiftly moving Flashman across the battlefield. Just as she pulled the trigger, the impact of two medium lasers from the Demon tanks rocked her as one struck her right leg and the other buried itself in her already damaged right rear flank. The laser cut through the thin remaining armor and chewed away at her ‘Mech’s insides, blasting a heat sink into shards of exploding vapor. To her dismay, the exploding liquid spoiled her aim and her heavy cannon failed to even injure the new threat.
Meanwhile the pair of Demons unleashed their missiles on Lt. Jones, peppering his ‘Mech with ten high explosive missiles. Two hit the left arm, blasting through the negligible armor and ruining the shoulder and elbow joint, while four peppered armor off the ‘Mech’s torso. One hit on the right arm leaving it with not much protection at all while the rest blasted armor from his legs. Then, five slugs of hypersonic nickel and iron slammed into the Marauder from the two Alacorns, shredding his ‘Mech to ribbons. Two struck his right leg, smashing the heavy armor aside and boring into the structural framework, destroying a jump jet vent and smashing the hip to ruins while another smashed all but the last shreds of armor from his left leg. The last two each caught one arm and smashed them both to ruins. With his ‘Mech flung like a rag doll and his right leg nearly totally unresponsive, his 75 ton war machine came crashing to the ground heavily on its right side, smashing what little armor remained there and ruining his MASC system.
Slowly righting his fallen LAM, Lt. Amdecker tried to get his bearings. Glancing at his damage display, he saw only minor internal damage, but his right arm machine gun was jammed. As he did so, Lt. Thorpe landed only 90 meters away. With static filling his neurohelmet, Lt. Amdecker watched as the two Magi tanks backed into a firing position. Intent on stopping his new harassers, he raised his arms and triggered all his weapons. The heavy laser tracked too high and missed but the two arm lasers found their mark, lazing armor off the rear and left side of the lead tank, while the left machine gun jammed as it tried to cycle.
As the laser cut into the left side, 2nd Armor took aim at the Magi, lashing into the entire length of the tank and sending it spinning as laser and missile fire exploded all over the tank. Finally having closed the distance, 2nd Motor Platoon opened up with their lasers as well, scattering light damage over the rear of the stricken tank. As it did so, its companion sliced armor off Lt. Amdecker’s torso while the two Demons fired their right-side lasers at him, vaporizing armor more off his right arm and flank, leaving almost no protection left on the priceless AirMech.
As Lt. O’Hare looked over the battlefield, he ordered 1st Armor to aid in stopping the new Flashman while 2nd Armor aided Recon Lance. Lasers and missiles arced in on the undamaged ‘Mech, but its quick pace across the battlefield left few shots hitting, none lingering long enough to do real damage. Lt. Thorpe stepped forward and triggered his lasers, but only the heavy laser found its mark on the second Magi, cutting into the left side. Waddling up to the tank, he reared beck and slammed his AirMech’s foot into the side to add to the wound and hopefully draw him off his grievously wounded wingman.
While his ‘Mech burned, Lt. Faller tried to find any enemy through the smoke and fire. Drawing a bead on the Mongoose only thirty meters away, he triggered his pair of pulse lasers, but neither managed to damage the enemy ‘Mech. As his lasers recycled, Lt. Windsor was startled when the Mongoose fired its small laser at him once more. Though it failed to do any damage, it distracted him long enough to not notice the threat warning indicator. Suddenly, his ‘Mech was rocked with explosions as another Arrow IV missile detonated in front of him, blasting into his stripped left arm and damaging the structure while the majority of the blast shattered the armor over his torso and drove shards of it into his Summoner’s gyro housing. Struggling to maintain his footing with only one leg, he somehow managed to remain standing.
Limping over the berm, Major Silver opened the battalion frequency. “The SRM Carrier and the Flashman engaging Captain McKenna are non-viable targets. Everyone else keep on your targets.”
Taking aim at the nearest Alacorn, Lt. Windsor fired a quartet of medium lasers, striking with three and splaying armor off the rear and the turret while the Mongoose yet again fired its light laser at him, failing to inflict damage while two M-21 tanks ineffectively shot SRMs at the Blake light ‘Mech. The two Demons swiveled their turrets around while they came around behind the downed Marauder, loosing a pair of Gauss slugs at the one-legged Hellbringer. One struck the right arm and shattered it into oblivion while the other smashed into the wounded right flank. The last bit of protective armor was smashed aside as the hypersonic slug buried itself in the ‘Mech’s engine shielding. His heat levels already running high, the shattered shielding spiked his heat up to intolerably high levels. The engine’s safeties kicked in and shut the reactor down before it was too badly damaged. Deprived of power, the clan ‘Mech once again smashed down, this time heavily on its left arm, shattering it and leaving the ‘Mech armless.
As they shot down Lt. Windsor, the two Demons fired their missiles on Lt. Jones again, with the two Magi tanks pulling up to join them. One Magi fired its lasers and machine guns hitting with one of each in his back after he righted himself, the laser coring into the open left flank and ruining the SRM launcher, joined by a laser from the Demons. The missiles from the Demons came sailing in behind them, smashing into holes in its back and destroying the structural supports in the left flank. His engine shuttered to a stop and his war machine fell forward, taking him down one last time.
The remaining Zephyr continued to zip around the battlefield, attempting to target Lt. Amdecker’s Phoenix Hawk for homing artillery attack. One M-21 attempted to hit the fast hovercraft with its SRM launcher, but the missiles continued to fall short. The new Flashman ran up to Lt. Amdecker’s position and triggered a pair of heavy lasers, both coring into his right flank and damaging the internal structure while he was attempting to convert out of AirMech mode. Failing to lock with the homing laser, the Chaparral fired a standard artillery missile at his LAM, blasting armor off his left flank while digging into the structure of his left arm. Staying on their previous target, both Lt. Thorpe and Amdecker fired together on the retreating Magi, hoping to take it out of the fight. Six lasers arced through the air, but Lt. Thorpe’s lighter lasers missed wide, his one heavy laser burning armor off its right side. Lt. Amdecker’s lasers smashed into the rear of the tank, obliterating over half its protection, but neither ‘Mech managed to take out the tank.
Concentrating on the new Flashman, Lt. Chekov ordered 1st and 2nd Armor, as well as all the infantry to fire on him as he passed. Lt. Sanderson swung in behind the ‘Mech hoping to take it out with a single blow, but the damage to her autocannon appeared to be greater than her display showed. The guidance lock failed to track properly as her shots sailed past his ‘Mech harmlessly. Of all the fire leveled at the Flashman, only two short range missiles and a single heavy laser fount their mark, nicking armor of its left foot and burning a hole in its chest plate.
Backing off away from the smoke, Lt. Faller finally could take aim at the Alacorn tanks threatening to destroy his battalion. Leveling his Zeus’s missile arm at the tanks, he let fly a full salvo of missiles. Just short of the tanks, the missiles exploded into a series of swarming submunitions. Eight missiles struck one tank while twelve found the other, blasting armor off the right sides of both tanks and the turret and rear of one of them. Pounding at the two tanks, one seemed to swerve off aimlessly, its crew apparently dazed from the impacts, but the missiles came in too late. The tanks had turned their turrets and smashed three hypersonic slugs into Lt. Sanderson’s Thunder. One found the felt flank and smashed the protective armor there to near scrap. Unfortunately, the other two both smashed into the right flank, obliterating the armor and sending hypersonic shards into the autocannon magazines. A deafening explosion ripped through the air as the remaining shells there exploded in a fantastic display of destruction. Only the advanced cellular ammunition system saved the ‘Mech from total obliteration, but the damage was done. The engine shielding on that side ruined, her ‘Mech shuttered to a halt. As her ‘Mech began to fall, she pulled the eject handle. Rocketing out of her dead machine, she landed a short distance behind it, bruised and beaten.
Beginning carefully, the Flashman pilot that had claimed Lt. Josepho backed away from Captain McKenna, laying into her Striker with only a single pair of medium lasers, the others shooting wide as she zigzagged her approach, striking her in the right arm and left flank, leaving dangerously little armor in either location. In retaliation, she triggered her PPC and a trio of lasers, hitting with one light laser and her PPC, blasting armor into vapor. Continuing to back away from her mad rush, he triggered another salvo of laser fire, but her rabid attack let only a single laser hit her left leg. As she closed in to point blank range, she triggered another burst of laser and PPC fire. The Particle Cannon blasted the remains of the wounded left arm to vapor and dug deeply into the shoulder while the lasers scattered light armor damage over the torso. Swinging her Assault ‘Mech in close, Captain McKenna slammed her foot into the Heavy ‘Mech’s upper right leg. Backed up by the powerful artificial muscles, armor was shredded to ruins and the upper femur disintegrated, sending the Blake ‘Mech crashing to the ground.
“Man down!” came the call from Major Silver as he saw Lt. Sanderson’s ‘Mech fall. Analyzing the situation quickly, he keyed his comm system open. “Scout Leader, this is Silver Actual. Switch off Magic and set your IFF to neutral status. Begin
-
Ok... I've been rather busy... too busy in fact to even visit the boards in the last few months. Given the choice of talking about BT and prepping for actually PLAYING it, guess what I picked? At any rate, there is so much backlog on the events of the battle, I think I'm just going to skip ahead and tell you all what happened in a nutshell. (sorry it's not in story form)
The battle turned into a meat-grinder. Lt. Josepho lost his honor dual and was making his way off the battlefield when Captain McKenna challenged the Flashman pilot to a 'Trial of Possession' for now-Bondsman Josepho. She brutally savaged his machine and won, but with the last blow (a TSM-backed kick that transferred to the CT) the engine lost containment and a hydrogen fireball billowed out of the dead machine. Josepho was caught in the blast wave and severely injured.
The deepest cut of all came when a Blake Arrow IV missile was miss-directed and it came down 30 meters from Lt. Solovitch's position after he had vacated his dead machine. He was killed instantly. Lt. Solovitch had been a member of the Silver Eagles for over a year. He left no family. The next deepest cut was when Lt. Thorpe's Phoenix Hawk LAM was savaged by one of the Blake Alacorns, destroying his LAM's left arm completely. The arm cannot be reconstructed and there are no spares in the company stores. Luckily, he was on the ground when it happened. Neither LAM can convert now and both are listed non-operational.
After that, Major Silver ordered the Armor Platoons to leave their fortifications and swarm the enemy. A brutal fight ensued and Captain McKenna tried to rush to assist, but her damaged gyro made her lose footing and she was sent slamming to the ground, knocking her out cold and rendering her Striker dead. Foot Infantry disabled the 1st Alacorn and 3rd Armor took out the 2nd, 1st Armor took out the remaining Chaparral and Jump Infantry took out one of the Demons. After that, the fight was a forgone conclusion and the Blake Commander radioed his concession of the battlefield. Of the Blake forces, one SRM Carrier, one Demon, one Zephyr, both Magis, and the CO's Flashman limped off the battlefield, all with heavy damage.
Here is the TO&E of the Silver Eagles after the battle, with damage reports included.
Pilot (Skill-Status) Unit Status .
Command Lance
Major Silver (V-L) WHM-7M Warhammer Non-Operational; RA & LT Destroyed, RL & CT Severe Dam, LL Damaged
Lt.SG Sanderson (R-W) THR-2C Thunder Non-Operational; RT Destroyed, LA & RA Damaged
Lt.JG Josepho (CR-W) Summoner Non-Operational; H LT & RL Destroyed, RT Dam, CT & Eng Severe Dam
Lt.JG Windsor (R-W) Hellbringer Non-Operational; LA RA & RT Destroyed, RL Severed, CT & Gyro Damaged
Fire Lance
Captain McKenna (V-W) STC-3D Striker Non-Operational; LA RA & LT Destroyed, Eng & Gyro Sev Dam, CT & LL Dam
Lt.SG Faller (R-L) ZEU-9C Zeus Non-Operational; RT Destroyed, CT & Eng Severe Dam, Gyro Damaged
Lt.JG Solovitch (R-K) Executioner Non-Operational; LA RA RL & Gyro Dam, CT RT & Eng Severe Dam
Lt.JG Jones (R-W) MAD-5D-X Marauder Non-Operational; LA RA & LT Destroyed, RT & Eng Severe Dam, RL Dam
Strike Lance
Lt.SG Farrell (V-L) EXT-4C Exterminator Operational; Heavy Armor Damage, LT Damaged, LRM Destroyed
Lt.JG Scott (R-W) WVR-7C Wolverine Non-Operational; LA Destroyed, LT CT RA Gyro & Eng Severe Dam
Lt.JG Yar (R-L) Stormcrow Semi-Operational; LA & LT Destroyed, CT Gyro & Eng Damaged
Volunteer Jamison (R) VL-5M Vulcan Operational; Light Armor Damage, LT ML Damaged
Recon Lance
Lt.SG Thorpe (V) PHX-HK3 P-Hawk LAM Non-Operational; LA Destroyed, LT RA & RL Damaged, CT Severe Dam
Lt.JG Amdecker (R-L) PHX-HK2 P-Hawk LAM Non-Operational; RA LA & RT Damaged, LT RL CT & Eng Severe Dam
Staff Sgt. Chi Lin (R-L) Ferret Light Scout VTOL Operational
Unassigned Ferret Light Scout VTOL Non-Operational; Heavy Armor Damage
Aerospace and Transport Unit
Captain Friedrich (R) Union DS "Ace of Spades" Operational
Captain Kaufman (R) Scout JS "Jim Bridger" Operational
Cmdr. Hunter (R) K-1 Dropshuttle "Danube" Operational
Lt. SG Hernandez (R-W) CSR-V14 Corsair Destroyed (unsalvageable)
Lt. JG Tucker (R) Visigoth Operational; Light Armor Damage
1st Armor Platoon
Lt. SG Chekov (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational
Staff Sgt. Dobson (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational
Sergeant Carleson (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational; Light Armor Damage
Sergeant Lancaster (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational
2nd Armor Platoon
Lt. JG Owens (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational
Staff Sgt. Crowder (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational; Very Light Armor Damage
Sergeant Avery (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational
Sergeant Williams (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational
3rd Armor Platoon
Mst. Sgt. Thiemann (G-W) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational; Light Armor Damage, Turret Lock
Staff Sgt. Sing (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational; Light Armor Damage, Turret Lock
Sergeant Marshal (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational; Light Armor Damage, Mobility Hit, Driver KIA
Sergeant Valenzuela (G) M-21 Alvarez MBT Operational; Light Armor Damage
Infantry Support Platoon
Mst. Sgt. Green (G) M-22 Banford IFV Operational; Armor Damage, SRM Jammed
Staff Sgt. Whyler (G) M-22 Banford IFV Operational; Armor Damage, Mobility Hit, Stabilizer Hit
Sergeant Sandusky (G) M-22 Banford IFV Operational; Light Armor Damage
Sergeant Nunez (G) M-22 Banford IFV Operational; Heavy Armor Damage, Mobility Hit
Infantry Company
Lt. JG O'Hare (G) Armored Support Motor Off-duty; 12 KIA, 8 Wounded, 1 Driver Transferred to 3rd Armor
Mst. Sgt. Kobel (G) Armored Support Motor Operational
Staff Sgt. Vadnais (G) Reinforced Jump Operational; 1 KIA
Staff Sgt. Volk (G) Reinforced Foot Operational; 1 KIA, 3 Wounded
Marine Armor Squads
Mst. Sgt. Spanner (R) Clan Battle Armor (X5) Operational
Sergeant Rhode (R) Clan Battle Armor (X5) Operational
--
V: Veteran
R: Regular
CR: Clan Regular
G: Green
L: Light Wounds - Active Duty
W: Wounded - Medical Leave
K: Killed in Action
As you can see, they aren't looking too hot. Most of the 'Mechs are non-operational. Strike Lance is the only operational Lance, with the Stormcrow classified as only semi-operational (half of the 'Mech is missing, but it IS operational) and the Wolverine is completely out of action. (severe engine damage) Command Lance and Fire Lance are completely out, with Recon Lance only having a single VTOL remaining operational. Of the 25 infantry injured, 14 died either on the field or in transit to medical aid. 3rd Armor platoon suffered a loss when one of its drivers was injured in the fighting. After the battle, he was sent for medical treatment, but died on-route.
The severely injured, including Captain McKenna and Josepho, were air-lifted by Sergeant Chi Lin to the nearest hospital in Agata, the largest city on Major Silver's landhold. (Agata lies 10 kilometers west-by-southwest of Major Silver's estate) After the battle, reports started coming in that there was fighting all over the planet. Negushevo Reserve units were siding with Countess Silver with the majority of the southern population siding with Major Silver. (including several southern media concerns) There was also heavy fighting being reported in Agata itself. Mounting up as temporary head of 3rd Armor Platoon, (Master Sergeant Thiemann having been wounded) he and headed for Agata with 1st and 2nd Armor, along with Lt. Farrell in his Exterminator and volunteer Jamison in the Vulcan. 2nd Armored Infantry and 3rd Jump Platoon were also being ferried to Agata to assist.
As the reached the city, the signs of fighting were everywhere. Their tanks immediately started taking small arms fire from scattered Militia fighters. It was then that Agata Police SWAT teams showed up and helped drive them off. As Major Silver and 3rd Armor made their way through the city toward the hospital, (which reports were that there was fighting in the hospital itself) a large mob swarmed 1st Armor as they made their way into the city. Their anti-personnel machine guns tore through the crowds of militia like a hot knife through butter, scattering the remainder and breaking up the mob. Major Solver continued to press for the hospital. Halfway there, he encountered another mob, but this one was made of citizens of Agata, and they were fighting a small group of Negushevo Militiamen. They joined up with Major Silver and they pressed on to the hospital.
As they got close, they stopped short when Major Silver got a 'bad feeling' and he ordered the Vulcan forward. Spotting movement in a storefront, Nick Jamison (the volunteer pilot) leaned his 'Mech over to peer in a storefront. The single story building promptly exploded, sending the BattleMech flying into the building across the street. Major Silver moved his platoon forward and began searching the area for enemy infantry. As the Vulcan regained its feet, the building it landed on exploded, sending the 'Mech flying again and damaging 3rd Armor further. 2nd Armor opened up the building from the rear as they drove through the rubble, killing lone snipers and sappers at will, joining 1st and 3rd Armor.
Finally reaching the hospital, Lt. Thorpe, along with Jump Infantry were landing on the roof of the hospital. 4th Foot Infantry, under the command of Captain McKenna, began making their way up through the hospital while Lt. Thorpe and Jump Infantry made their way down, clearing the hospital while the citizen volunteers cleared the surrounding buildings. Major Silver ordered the Ace of Spades to land in the city center, a large park in the middle of the city, effectively controlling the entire area. By nightfall, the city had been split in two, with Negushevo Militia forces siding with Countess Silver holding the Northwest corner of the city, including most of the city's industrial center, power plant, and water treatment plant. Major Silver and the City police and most of the population hold the remainder. Ordering the Armor Platoons up to establish a front line so the local police could be pulled of the lines, Major Silver and the remainder of the Silver Eagles slept the night with one eye open.
The next morning, Major Silver called for a strategy session. Armed with information obtained by Lt. Faller, (that he'd obtained that night in a recon sweep through the enemy controlled areas) the Silver Eagles prepared a small raid into the industrial center. A major offensive was out of the question. The militia has organized ambush points and explosive charges throughout the industrial center. Any major push would be brutal on their already hammered unit. A small raid of half a dozen might sneak through unnoticed.
What was known was that their HQ was an industrial building that had the proper chemicals for manufacture of Compound C8. If they had been working all night, there would be enough C8 in the building to destroy most of the northwest corner of the city. (along with the charges placed throughout the city) What was NOT known was if there was any sort of WOB leader heading the forces. (the players feel that a WOB leader means that they'll blow the city up if they're going to lose it)
As a next step, Major Silver contacted Baron Karminov, the Baron in charge of the area. Making a play for his allegiance, he conveyed his intent to supplant his sister as count of the northern half of Negushevo. The Baron told Major Silver that if he could regain control over Agata within 48 hours, he would see that as a sign of Major Silver's capability and give his public support for Major Silver's cause.
Thus, Major Silver, Captain McKenna, (now released from medical leave) Lt. Thorpe, Lt. Faller, Lt. Amdecker, and Sergeant Chi Lin are going to make a sneak attack on foot into the enemy's HQ in an attempt to drive them out without destroying the city.
Hopefully, I'll have the time to write more often and continue the story... we'll see!
-
And last but not least...
Ok... here's the update. It's a little late and a lot of this stuff has already circulated out... but better late then never, right?
When the last update was done, the Eagles were trying to figure out how to get Adept Cheswick out of his office and secure the building. In the end, Major Silver just picked up a phone... and talked to him. He learned that Adept Cheswick was convinced the Eagles would kill him if he gave them half a chance, having bought WoB's story of what happened on Clipperton hook, line, and sinker. To assure the Adept that he would accept and abide by a proper surrender, and treat the prisoners as outlined in the Ares Conventions, Major Silver put a call out the the Ace of Spades. He asked them to get one of the reporters that had set up outside their Dropship and get ready to go live with a news report that would make Tri-vid News Channel 4 the top rated channel for weeks.
He then accepted Adept Cheswick's surrender on live tri-vid and promised that the Blake Militia would be handled according the the Ares Conventions. Thus, Major Silver secured Agata without too much bloodshed.
The next morning, Baron Karminov publicly committed his entire land-hold and all his knights to deposing Countess Silver, and asked all the other landholders of Negushevo to examine the evidence for themselves and join against the Countess. By the end of the day, all the Barons of the Southern Hemisphere had made public commitments to join with Kevin Silver against his sister.
After 10 days of consolidation, the Eagles had only repaired the Visigoth, the M21 and M22 tanks, and part of Hermes. That day, the Capellan Leopard class Dropship Yuan Lo landed under the watchful eyes of heavy press coverage. Both sides of the conflict were gathering their forces for a final confrontation. As the Silver Eagles watched on the tri-vid, the saw the Dropship doors open to reveal...
Col. Sandra Relph of the 8th Orloff Grenadiers...
...and Col. William Assellin of the Capellan Confederation's Stapelton's Grenadiers.
Twenty minutes later, Major Silver and the command staff of the Silver Eagles were asked to join Col. Relph at the Silver Estate (his father's land-hold) for cease-fire talks. An hour later, they were at the Estate. Escorted into the waiting room, they met Major Silver's Father on the way in. He seemed to be well, and didn't have any better idea what was going on than the Silver Eagles did. As they entered the main hall, they saw Col. Relph sitting at the head of the table... a place reserved for Major Silver's father, the Duke of Negushevo.
They took their seats as Countess Silver entered, along with Demi-Precentor Marlin and a few members of the Negushevo militia... and Col. Assellin. They took seats opposite the Silver Eagles, the Countess opposite Major Silver, Col. Assellin opposite Captain McKenna, and Demi-Precentor Marlin opposite Lt. Thorpe.
"Thank you all for coming." Col. Relph began. "To begin with, Col. Assellin of the Capellan Confederation has asked for extradition of an Erin Fitzpatrick, a.k.a. Erin McKenna. In the name of the Captain-General, the request for extradition has been denied. Next is the matter of the succession of House Silver and rulership of Negushevo. By order of the Captain-General and Parliament assembled, House Silver is hereby removed from their position as inheritors of the Duchy of Negushevo."
She paused and looked at the shocked faces (and I reveled in the shocked looks from my players... hee, hee, hee...) before she continued.
Countess Silver spoke first. "You can't do this!"
Col. Relph snapped back. "Watch me! From this day forward, the hereditary rulership of the Duchy of Negushevo will fall to House Karminov. Your debate has been rendered moot. No matter who wins your little fight here, neither of you will inherit the Duchy. And if anyone gets any ideas to try to violate the will of the Captain-General," she paused and looked at Countess Silver and Major Silver both. "I have a regiment of troops only one jump away. I've wasted enough time here. I was due on Tematagi a week ago. As it is, I won't get there for another two weeks. With rumors of rising conflict on the Clan border, delays in shipments of League weapons costs lives. Settle your dispute how you like. Kill each other. But in the end, this war is over."
With that, she stood and walked out.
Countess Silver stood and looked at Major Silver. "Well Kevin, I hope you're happy. Your meddling has cost us our position! If you had just..."
Ex-Duke Silver returned to the head of the table and turned to his daughter. "Shut up! As the head of the House, since you're now powerless, I am revoking your inheritance and family ties. You are no Silver." He turned to a house guard. "Get her out of here."
Captain McKenna and Col. Assellin stood at the same time. Col. Assellin asked McKenna if he could speak to her outside.
Once there he bowed to her. "Fitzpatrick. It seems I cannot take you."
McKenna responded "It would seem so."
He retorted "I would ask you to return... to restore your honor... as well as my own and that of your family."
McKenna paused a moment. Then suddenly, Countess Silver burst out the front doors. Storming past the two, she stopped in the middle of the courtyard and turned to Col. Assellin. "This is all your fault, snake! If you just killed him on Clipperton like I ask..."
She was interrupted as her head exploded. A moment later, a rifle report was heard.
An hour later, they had a suspect in custody... a Negushevo Park Ranger who lost his job when the wildlife preserve was closed. He was carrying a Minolta 9000 Sniper rifle when they picked him up and after a brief attempt to escape was arrested. He freely confessed to assassinating the Countess and had no remorse over it.
Later that afternoon, Vlad Karminov was installed as the new Duke of Negushevo. In his speech, he swore that House Silver would forever hold a Barony on Negushevo. Naming Baron Horrus Karminov as the new Count replacing Countess Silver, he then granted Major Silver the vacated Barony.
When Baron Silver returned to his land-hold, Mr. Sutton, his land manager, had a stack of papers that he needed to all authorize. That kept him busy for almost an hour. Meanwhile, Captain McKenna met with the other high-ranking members of the Silver Eagles. As Major Silver finished authorizing the grant of title to Sir Jameson, the command staff met with him. It was at that time that Captain McKenna revealed her intentions to return to the Capellan Confederation and face her crimes.
Over the next hour and a half, the command staff laid out the plans for the next few months. During Captain McKenna's absence, Lt. Thorpe would be promoted to Captain Thorpe and take the position of XO. Meanwhile Lt. Faller and the newest member of the Silver Eagles, Lt. SG Piotr Vahzenov, would head to Tematagi with the Visigoth with the intent of selling it to raise capital. Their intent is to upgrade their Dropship to an Overlord vehicle carrier variant. (the one that can only carry 24 'Mechs, but can carry 18 Heavy or 36 Light Vehicles... I don't know the proper name, nor even if it's ever been given official stats... it's mentioned in the Overlord fluff)
So, McKenna heads off with Col. Assellin to Sian to stand trial while Lt. Faller and Lt. Vahzenov search for buyers for the Visigoth on Tematagi. They find four interested parties with serious offers. Nimakachi Fusion Products Ltd. offers 150 million Eagles for the Omnifighter. An anonymous private buyer offered 213 million C-bills. A representative of Wakazashi Enterprises offered 270 million Ryu plus 68 million Ryu in credit on Wakazashi Enterprises purchases. Lastly, Andurien Aerotech offered 365 million Eagles plus 80 million Eagles on account for Andurien Aerotech purchases. (keep in mind... this is 3054, 566 light years - or 25 jumps - from Tukayyid, and the fighter is in MINT condition... they should have sold it even sooner!)
During the talks with Andurien Aerotech, Lt. Vahzenov asked their representative if it would be possible to get replacement arm bones and shoulder joint for a PHX-HK2 Phoenix Hawk LAM. The guy almost swallowed his tongue! After a few days, and some hard negotiations, they made an agreement.
In exchange for the Visigoth and their Union class Dropship, Andurien Aerotech would:
1) Acquire one replacement Left Arm Assembly for a PHX-HK2 Phoenix Hawk LAM and make it available to the Silver Eagles for 1,000,000 Eagles
2) Locate an Overlord V class Dropship and refurbish to the Silver Eagles needs
3) Grant 80 million Eagles of credit towards the purchase of any model Stingray or Riever class Aerospace fighters and parts, including minor customization
Their specifications for the Overlord were:
18 'Mech bays (removal of one of the four 6-'Mech bay decks for extra Cargo space)
6 fighter bays
4 Heavy Vehicle bays (leaving room on the two vehicle decks for up to 28 light vehicles)
23 Light Vehicle bays (freeing up 250 tons for Infantry and Marines)
1 Foot Infantry bay for 32 Infantrymen
1 Jump Infantry bay for 24 Infantrymen
2 Motorized Infantry bays for 56 Infantrymen
20 Armored Marines
Leaving 950 tons of Cargo Space
In addition, they requested the following changes to the weapons load:
Replacement of the entire Nose mounted weapons bay with 2 Long Tom Artillery Systems with 10 tons of ammo
Replacement of the Side-fore AC/5s and Medium Lasers with an additional pair of Large Lasers, a double pair of Medium Pulse Lasers, and Artemis IV FCS for the LRM 20s
Replacement of the Side-aft Medium Lasers with Medium Pulse Lasers
Replacement of the Aft AC/5s and Medium Lasers with 10 Medium Pulse Lasers and Artemis IV FCS for the LRM 20
Using their 80 million Eagle budget, they chose the following:
2 F-700a Riever Heavy Aerospace Fighters (52,000,000 Eagles)
2 F-92 Stingray Medium Aerospace Fighters (10,907,000 Eagles)
Customize the 2 F-92s: replace the Nose ER PPC with 3 MPLs and 1 SPL; replace the 240 Fusion with a 300 XL and upgrade the Wing MLs to MPLs (15,789,842 Eagles)
1,303,158 Eagles in spares and replacement parts, including the replacement LAM arm
By the way... in case you are wondering, Lt. Vahzenov is played by a new gamer to our group. He set out to make "Sergeant Bilko"... the supply Sergeant from hell... he succeeded!
When we ended, Andurien Aerotech was set to deliver the Dropship, fighters, and parts by August 16th, 3054. (McKenna left on February 19th, due to arrive on Sian on July 2nd)
Over the next few months, McKenna traveled on the Capellan Dropship, repairing the Striker on her own. She finished up only 2 weeks before reaching Sian. When she arrived, the Maskirovka took her into custody. After processing, she was taken to a tribunal where she was officially charged.
Count 1) Theft of State property
Count 2) Desertion
Count 3) Violation of her Oath of Allegiance
Count 4) Treason
She pled Guilty on the first three counts, but pled Not Guilty on the count of Treason. When the tribunal asked if she had anything to say to answer for her crimes before they reached a verdict on the Treason count, she said only "It was wrong of me to leave, but it would have been a greater wrong to continue to serve a dishonorable Chancellor."
They immediately found her guilty of treason. She was then sent to a holding cell, where she waited for sentencing. Seven days later, she was brought back to answer for her crimes. By order of Sun-Tzu Liao, her sentence of death was commuted. In its place, official records would list Erin Fitzpatrick as having died on Eom in January of 3052. From this day forward, she would have no past... no history... no family... and no honor. She was remanded to the Free Worlds League and ordered to leave the Capellan Confederation. At that, she was led to the processing center, where all her belongings were confiscated as having belonged to Erin Fitzpatrick. She was issued Servitor's garb and shown the door.
Once outside, a representative of the Free Worlds League met her. He escorted her to his limo where he went over what was needed. She held Citizenship on the world of Marik, but she had failed to ever pay income tax. She owed over 1.5 million Eagles in taxes and penalties. Once she reached the Starport, she booked passage to the first FWL world she could, Calloway VI. As soon as she reached the Shuen Wan system and the safety of the FWL, she wired Marik her back taxes and sent a message to the Silver Eagles.
"Estimated Arrival October 23rd. All Hail the Free Worlds League. Erin McKenna"
Reaching Calloway VI, she received a return message from the Silver Eagles.
"Message received. Change of plans. Will meet you on Outreach. Expected arrival date, November 26th. Love, Joe"
So, she booked passage aboard a transport to Outreach that would get her there 16 days before the Silver Eagles. The ship that would take her wouldn't depart until September 12th, so she bought room and board for 5 weeks at Calloway VI's Zenith Station. Next she put out a mass of HPG messages to begin trying to locate a new 'Mech to drive. She'd settled on a GHR-5H Grasshopper that she could fix up just the way she wanted. A short two weeks later, she received a message that there was a GHR-5H only one system away on Oriente. The buyer was asking 9 million Eagles. She was forced to exchange 6,000,000 kroner into Eagles, costing her 5% in exchange rates, but she authorized the transfer and three weeks later, she was headed for Outreach with her Grasshopper, which she named "Dreoilín". (that means grasshopper in Irish Gaelic... original, no? )
That's where we left off. Now they just need to hire 8 Mechwarriors, 2 Aerospace Pilots, 26 Vehicle crewmen, 1 Scout, 10 Marines, 15 Motor Infantrymen, 2 Vehicle Techs, 10 'Mech Techs, and 1 Medical Officer. Then they have to buy 7 'Mechs, 10 Battlearmor suits, 2 Partisan Tanks, a MASH truck, and a wide assortment of parts and supplies. (they're severely short on Ferro-Fibrous Armor) Then they'll be all set to hire out as a fully supported and self-sufficient combined arms Battalion.
Now we just get to see what the MRBC has to say...
-
Ok... it’s been a while since I had a moment to update the situation, but here it is! (yeah!)
Major Silver walked into the briefing room aboard the Comstock and looked at his assembled officers. He mused how the unit had grown over the last two years since they had last been on approach to Pandora and cracked a wry smile. Walking to the head of the table, he nodded to the assembled officers.
“Good morning, all. Captain Friedrich, are we on schedule?”
“Yes Major.” Darious replied. “We’ve got an approach pattern that will settle us into a brief orbit around the planet, then we can de-orbit for landing 95 kilometers west of the capital city of Needgate.”
Major Silver looked over at Lt. Windsor. “Lieutenant. Have you made inquiries with the local government about us doing a practice hot-drop on our landing site?”
Lt. Windsor looked up at the Major. “Yes sir I have. The local authorities gave us permission to land wherever we like in Zone 382, but they denied us permission to perform a hot-drop so close to the Quikscell Company factory complex.”
Major Silver nodded. “Very well. Lieutenant Vahzenov, how are we looking logistically?”
Piotr shrugged his shoulders. “Well, we are set for at least ze six months of our duty schedule Major... plus an additional three months after zat before we will need additional supplies. Ozzer zan zat, we will need very little.”
Major Silver nodded and looked to Lt. Chekov. “Lieutenant, how are the men holding up?”
Chekov sighed and looked at the table. “Well sir, they really can’t wait to get off this bucket. They’ve been living on the Comstock and Jim Bridger for months now. It’s a good thing we’re here, because if we weren’t, we might be facing some losses and contract terminations. As it is, it’ll be good to get the men some fresh planet-side air.”
Major Silver nodded. “That it is. Major McKenna...” he said, using the ancient tradition of referring to army Captains as ‘Major’ while on-board ship, “have you reviewed the landing site for troop deployments?”
Captain McKenna straightened up and nodded. “Yes sir. I think we should land about 2 kilometers west of the factory complex in Region 3616 at coordinates 03121103, close enough that we can deploy our units in a defensive perimeter but not in the way of the disassembly crew. After landing, I suggest we deploy the Infantry first and the tanks last, that way we can scout out the best defensible positions and see where we stand.”
Major Silver glanced at the map of the area Captain McKenna had just referred to. A large bowl-shaped depression seemed the perfect spot for deployment and created natural defensible positions. Though not very rough terrain, it was sparsely wooded and large clearings made setting up a base camp easy, while leaving them defendable and made observing the surrounding area easy.
To the east would lie the Quikscell factory complex that ran right up to Pina Lake. Several piers connected the factory by river shipping to the equatorial sea and the southern continental mines that provided the factory with raw materials. To the north lie Dod Marsh, a barren and desolate alkali swamp that would make approaches from the north difficult and slow. To the east and south was the Angslan Forest, mostly small clutches of evergreen trees and underbrush. The low temperatures in the coming winter months would ensure that snow would cover most of the area and make tracking people and military equipment in the area easier with thermal sensors. Indeed, it seemed the ideal location.
“I concur.” He stated. “The location is solid and easily defendable. However, I’d like the VTOLs unloaded immediately after the infantry to get the in the air so we can do a close inspection of the immediate area for tactical analysis. Captain Friedrich? Do you see any problems in putting down there?”
The captain of the Comstock examined the map as though he were scrutinizing a suitor for his virgin daughter. Seeming satisfied, he shook his head. “No. I think we can set down there all right. We won’t be in zero-g for long though. We’ll only have about a minute or two after we enter orbit until we’ll have to begin our braking maneuver to make that LZ. I’ll take this up to the bridge immediately sir.”
“Very well. I’ll leave the details up to you then.” Silver replied. “If there’s nothing more Darious, I think you’re done here.” At that, Darious stood and left the briefing room.
“Major Thorpe.” He continued. “I’d like you and Lieutenant Amdecker to scout the area out as well; looking for potential approach points that could blind us and let someone sneak in. Coordinate your search patterns with Sergeant Chi Lin and compile the data into a high-detail map of the area.”
Captain Thorpe nodded and added, “Good idea sir. If possible I’d like to get the Venoms out there scouting out there as soon as possible. It’ll give us better detail on the ground conditions themselves.”
Major Silver nodded. “Very well. We’ll make them a priority for unloading after your units are out.” He looked over at Lt. Hernandez-Silver, his wife, and head of the Aerospace Lance. “Lieutenant. I’d like to set up a field runway. Coordinate with Master Sergeant Green to have the engineers clear an appropriate space and we’ll unload your fighters last. Until then, your unit is on leave.”
Jan smiled at the Major. “Ok, sir. I’ll take a look at the maps after Major Thorpe compiles them and ask Sergeant Green where he thinks would be best.”
Smiling back at his new wife, he glanced at his watch. “Ok people, we have a few minutes until MECO. Anything that needs to be covered that we haven’t already?”
Lt. Faller nodded and spoke up. “Any specific instructions for MI?”
The Major looked at Joe. “Once we’re down and secure, I’d like you to take a trip to Needgate. Just get the general feel of the place and people. I don’t want any surprises this trip!”
Joe chuckled and nodded. “Aye, sir. I’ll do that.”
Looking around the room, Major Silver finished, “Well, if there’s nothing else...” He waited a moment and looked around. “Then you’re dismissed. I want this deployment to go smooth and by the numbers. Lets do it people.”
Just then, the speaker crackled to life with an artificial feminine voice. “Warning. Zero gravity in 30 seconds. All personnel are advised to secure for zero-g.” Quickly, the people gathered around the table grabbed what few items were scattered over the table and put them in briefcases and other secure places. Half a minute later, the ever present thrum of the engines ceased and people began belting into their secured chairs. Lt. Scott immediately started turning green and grabbed a space-sickness bag.
As the passengers waited a moment, Captain Darious’ voice came over the speaker. “Now hear this. Braking maneuver in sixty seconds. Engine room, prepare for descent burn. All personnel are advised to prepare for re-entry.”
As the gathered officers of the Silver Eagles waited, the silence was disturbed by the artificial voice of the ship’s public address system. “De-orbit burn in ten seconds... nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one...” Just as suddenly as it left them, gravity once again was felt as the engines fought against the pull of the planet. As the ship descended toward the planet’s surface, the roar grew louder and the force it exerted on the passengers grew. The ship began to shake as they descended into the atmosphere, with each moment adding to the shaking as the air grew thicker and the ship slowed.
Finally after several minutes of shaking, the artificial voice was heard again. “Touchdown in thirty seconds.” An interminable time of waiting followed, until the sudden jarring of the ship indicated that the landing legs had touched firm ground. Just as suddenly as the descent had begun, the engines stopped and the ship settled into place.
Once more, Darious’ voice came over the loudspeaker. “We are Stable-one. All crew report status. Passengers are free to begin disembarking at any time.”
McKenna unbelted herself and stood. “Alright people, you heard him. Lets move it!”
-
more...
The Silver Eagles personnel began filing out headed for their respective tasks. Ten minutes later the ramp began extending from the Comstock. When the ramp was fully lowered, the doors opened and Lt. O’Hare began directing his Infantrymen outside. Lt. Vahzenov asked Lt. Collins to join him on a trip into Needgate to take delivery of the three BattleMaster engines that they were planning to use on their newly acquired Longbow-7Qs. They hurried down to his vehicle, but had to wait for the infantry to finish off loading before they could disembark.
While they were waiting, a horrible crash resounded through the lower deck of the ship. Lt. Vahzenov watched in stunned silence as one of the pallets of food he’d acquired fell off the loading elevator, sending crates crashing to the deck. Technicians and personnel scattered trying to escape the flying debris. Some were lucky, some were not. Medical teams were called to tend to the wounded.
Erin was in her office going over reports when the comms beeped. “McKenna.”
“Major this is Petty Officer Ramirez. There’s been an accident on the lower deck. Lt. Thorpe has been injured.”
Erin dropped her papers on her desk. “I’m on my way.” She hurried down to the lower deck. She arrived just as they were loading Lt. Thorpe onto a stretcher. She grabbed the nearest doctor. “What happened?”
Dr. Benson turned to face her. “One of the food crates shattered and Lt. Thorpe was caught in the debris. We’re stabalizing him now, but he’ll have to be transported to the local hospital as soon as possible.”
Half an hour later, Lt. Thorpe was being admitted to the hospital, and base camp was being set up around the Dropship. By dinnertime, the camp was mostly set up. The runway still had several hours more work on it, but camp was set and the perimeter watch was ready to begin. Lt. Vahzenov sat down at the table with Major Silver and the rest of the command staff. “We may have a problem, sir.”
He went on to relate the sentiments of the locals. It seems that the people of Needgate aren’t too happy about the Quickcell Company being moved off world. So not only did they have to worry about possible attacks by the Clans, but also possible rioting.
Major Silver rubbed his eyes. “All right, we’ll talk about this at tomorrow’s meeting.
----------------------------------------------------------
Major Silver’s comms beeped just as he was rising. Sighing, he sat back down. “Silver.”
The comms officer in the HQ tent spoke. “Sir I have a call from a Kommandant Cyrus Hubbard. He says he’s from the Pandora War College.”
“Put him through.” Major Silver spoke for a few moments with the Kommandant. When he was done, he turned to his officers. “We’re going to the War College tomorrow at one o’clock. I’ll see you all in the morning. I’m going to bed.”
At the meeting the next morning, everyone was clutching a steaming mug in order to stay warm. Major Silver looked around the table. Everyone was present, with the exception of Lt. Faller. He looked to McKenna. “Where is he?”
She shrugged. “Don’t ask me. I haven’t a clue.”
Kevin nodded. “Very well, let’s get down to business. So far we’ve had a pretty quiet stay.” He looked at Captain McKenna again. “How is Lt. Thorpe?”
“I spoke to the doctors this morning. He’s been listed in serious but stable condition. It’s gonna be a while before he’s able to be released, I’m afraid, but on the up side, it appears that he’s going to be all right.”
“Good.” He sighed. “Chi Lin and I did a pretty good Recon sweep yesterday. I think we’re in a very defensible position. We’re set to meet with the Kommandant of the War College at one o’clock this afternoon. I want you lance commanders ready to go by twelve thirty.”
Everyone nodded. McKenna turned to Sven. “So how are the repairs coming?”
“We’ll have those engines installed by tomorrow, like I promised.”
“Good.” She turned back to Major Silver. “Sir, I think we should keep everyone here in base camp until we’ve ascertained the situation a little better.”
Silver nodded. “Yes. Last night, it was brought to my attention that the locals aren’t too happy about our presence here. I want everyone to pass the word that no one is to leave the camp except on official business. We don’t want to cause any unnecessary problems.”
Just then Lt. Faller walked into the tent. “Sorry I’m late. What’d I miss?”
McKenna chuckled. “We were just discussing the disposition of the local populace.”
Major Silver frowned slightly. “Where were you?”
“Doing some Recon work. What Vahzenov told us last night is pretty much true.” Joe sat down at the table. “The locals are pretty unhappy about the Quickcell Company being moved off planet, because they’re losing their jobs. But the most, unhappy, are the local nobility. In particular the Duke of this region.”
“Is there any way we can get in touch with him? I’d like to be able to talk with him about his subjects.”
Faller shook his head. “You could get in touch with him, but I’m not sure how much good it would do. He’s not on planet.”
“That presents a problem.”
“Not really, sir. It wouldn’t really matter if he was. From what information I can gather, he’s instigating a lot of the descent.”
Major Silver frowned. “Well, we’ll just have to work around that.” He stood. “So, until further notice, I don’t want anyone leaving the base camp.” He smiled. “Lt. Scott, I’m leaving you in charge this afternoon. I trust that you’ll do a good job, but I want to be notified, immediately, if anything should happen.”
Ben was mildly surprised. “Yes sir. Thank you, sir”
McKenna looked across the table at her newest element leader. “Lt. Collins, you will be in command of Assault lance this afternoon.” She turned her gaze to Joe. “Lt. Faller, you will be coming along. You’re the representative for Assault lance, since I’m representing the entire ‘Mech Company.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Major Silver turned to Piotr. “Lt. Vahzenov, I want you to attach one of your Strike units to Recon, for the short term. I want them out there patrolling while we’re gone.”
“Da! Yes, sir.” Piotr turned to his wingman. “Lt. Sadowski, you’re temporarily assigned to Recon.” He then turned to his second in command. “Lt. Yar, you are in command of ze lance.”
Ivana nodded. “Yes sir.”
Major Silver nodded. “Very good. Ian, have Sgt. Titus ready for ferry duty. Tell him I want his chopper ready by twelve thirty.”
Ian nodded. “Yes sir.”
Major Silver took a sip of his coffee and looked around the table. ‘Is that all?” Everyone nodded. “Dismissed.”
At twelve thirty Major Silver, Captain McKenna, Lieutenant’s Faller, Vahzenov, Sanderson, Amdecker, and O’Hare climbed aboard the VTOL and headed towards the War College. They were met by a vehicle, and escorted to a huge mansion sized building. They were escorted inside. As they waited in the foyer, they noted that it looked very much like a posh party was in progress. A few moments later, a voice boomed out, “”Kommandant Hubbard!”
They watched a man descend from the left side of a split staircase. When he reached the bottom, Major Silver and the rest of his unit crossed to the Kommandant. “Kommandant? I am Major Kevin Silver of the Silver Eagles. This is my command staff.” He introduced each in turn, then told them to mingle.
The cadets of the War College were watching the mercenaries, but none approached. While the Kommandant and Major Silver were talking, Piotr made his way to the bar. He sat down and ordered vodka. Minutes after he received his drink a brawny looking Cadet approached him. “Why don’t you go back where you came from.”
Lt. Vahzenov smiled and replied in Russian that he didn’t understand what the cadet was saying. The exchange went on for some minutes, with Vahzenov continuing to play dumb. When the cadet advanced on him in a threatening manner, Piotr drew his pistols, and pointed the laser sights at the cadet.
The Kommandant, Major Silver, and Captain McKenna all saw what was going on at the same moment, and headed in that direction. The Kommandant cleared his throat. “What is going on here?”
The cadet didn’t move. “I was expressing how much we’re looking forward to training with the gentleman’s unit.”
Major Silver threw a dark glance at his officer. “Lt. Vahzenov?”
“He was telling me his opinion of working with a mercenary unit. I was simply trying to diffuse ze situation before it became hostile.”
When the cadet heard Piotr conversing in English, he bristled and took a menacing step forward. Vahzenov didn’t move his pistols an inch.
There was an audible click from behind Vahzenov. “Disarm.” When Lt. Vahzenov did not comply, “Disarm or you will be shot.”
Major Silver made a frustrated sound. “Lt. Vahzenov! Give me your pistols.”
Piotr nodded, clicked off the laser sights, and handed the weapons to Major Silver. The cadet began advancing again.
“Cadet!” The Kommandant stepped forward. “That will be all. Dismissed!” When the cadet was gone, he turned to Kevin. “Major Silver, I apologize for that rude display.”
“I too apologize Kommandant. I don’t know what could have gotten into my Lieutenant.”
The Kommandant nodded. “I think, given the current tensions, that we should wait a while to begin training together, as we’d discussed.”
Major Silver nodded. “I agree. Contact me when you are ready to begin.”
The Kommandant nodded and offered his hand. “I will. I look forward to training with you and your people.”
The Silver Eagles took their leave. When they were outside, Major Silver handed Piotr’s pistols back to him. “I don’t ever want to see these with your dress uniform again, understood?”
Lt. Vahzenov nodded. “Da.”
They returned to the VTOL in silence. When they were about half way back to camp, Sgt. Titus relayed that he had Lt. Scott on the comms.
Major Silver plugged his headset into the comm. system. “This is Silver.”
Ben felt relief. “Major, we’ve had a trip line triggered in the Northwest sector. I sent Lt. Collins and Second squad to check it out.”
“Good. Keep me apprised. We’ll be there in about twelve minutes.”
“Yes sir.”
When he was done, Erin asked him, “What’s up Major?”
Silver looked at his officers. “A trip line was triggered. Ben’s got people checking it out. When we get back to camp, I want all of you to mount up.”
McKenna nodded and began unbuttoning her uniform jacket. As the chopper set down, the occupants jumped out and hurried to their ‘Mech’s. Reaching her Grasshopper, McKenna handed her briefcase and Uniform Jacket to her personal astech. “Hang on to those for me, would you Jeff. How’s me Dreoilín running?”
“He’s in top shape ma’am,” Lt. James replied. “I’ll put your uniform in your office ma’am.”
McKenna smiled as she changed into her combat gear. “Thanks.” Finished, she scaled up her ladder.
The Mechwarriors were on the line for ten minutes and nothing happened. Finally the word was given to stand down. All of the ‘Mechs returned to their standby positions around the Comstock. McKenna dismounted and headed for the HQ tent. They were in the middle of discussing what happened, when they heard a rifle report. Major Silver looked up. “What was that?”
The comms officer in the HQ tent looked up from his console. “Sir, I’ve got Sgt. Kobel for you.”
Kevin took the headset the man was holding out. “This is Silver.”
“Sir, this is Kobel. We’re under fire.” They were interrupted as another rifle report rang out. “They’ve hit Markham!”
Major Silver frowned. “Hold tight. We’re sending in reinforcements.”
“Yes sir.”
Silver asked the comms officer to put him through to Sgt. Vadnais. After speaking to her for a few moments, he asked to be connected to Lt. Owens of the second armor platoon. After giving them orders to assist, he looked to Erin. “McKenna, mount up and get out there.”
“Yes sir.” She hurried from the tent and mounting her ‘Mech moved in on the engagement.
Moments later, the gunman was in custody and was being escorted back to the base camp. Major Silver met the infantry and the prisoner just outside the HQ tent. “What’s going on, here? Why are you taking pot shots at my infantrymen?”
“They’re trying to steal my kill!”
The Major looked at Sgt. Kobel. “What happened out there?”
“We were patrolling the perimeter when one of the sensor lines was tripped. My men went in to investigate and this gentleman started shooting at them from a rock outcropping.”
“I see.” McKenna walked up at the tail end of the explanation. Major Silver looked at her, then continued, “What were you doing on the perimeter of a military camp?”
“I told you. I was hunting. They tried to take my kill away.”
Major Silver took the bag that one of the Jump infantry was holding. He opened it up and looked inside. “What are these?”
“Swamp Rats.”
“Swamp Rats?” McKenna looked at the bag in disgust. “What would our infantry want with swamp rats?”
“Hey, them are good eating!” He struggled against the Infantrymen that were holding him.
McKenna chuckled. “Let him go. He’s not going anywhere.” They let him go and she asked, “Why were you shooting at our infantry? They didn’t want your swamp rats. They were just doing their job.”
“I tell you they were trying to take my rats!”
“You shot a man over swamp rats!” Erin was close to losing her temper.
Major Silver held up a hand. “Take him to the mess. I want to question him further.”
“I ain’t going nowhere!”
McKenna barely controlled her temper. Stepping up to him she took his arm. “You’ll go without a fuss.”
“I said, I ain’t going nowhere!” He pulled away and took a step back.
McKenna dropped to the ground and attempted to sweep his feet from under him. She missed. The brief struggle, which ensued, left her lying flat on her back on the ground.
Major Silver stepped in, and motioned the two jump infantrymen to take charge of the prisoner. “Take him to the mess,” he growled. When they had moved off, he turned to glare at his exec. “What the heck just happened?”
“I lost me temper.” Erin picked herself up off the ground.
“Mount up! I want you to report to Lt. Vahzenov on the perimeter.”
“Aye, sair.” McKenna turned smartly and marched off towards her ‘Mech.
Major Silver turned and hurried to the mess. Clicking on his comms as he entered the room, he said, “Connect me to Lt. Windsor.” He waited a moment.
“Windsor.”
“Contact the local authorities. I have a gentleman here that they’ll know better how to handle.”
“Yes sir.” Lt. Windsor contacted the local authorities. A few moments later, he contacted Major Silver. “Sir, the local authorities are on their way.”
“Good. Thank you Lieutenant.”
A few minutes later, as McKenna was just approaching his position, Lt. Amdecker spoke. “I have two contacts coming in from the east.”
Lt. Vahzenov confirmed the reading, and called the armor squad posted in that area.. “Stop them at the perimeter. I want confirmation of who they are and what business they have here.”
McKenna opened her comms. “Six guns this is Orchid. That’s likely the local authorities. Major Silver wanted them called in to deal with our sniper. Where do you want me?”
Lt. Vahzenov paused for a moment taken aback. “Cover the road.”
“Aye sair.”
Ten minutes later the small convoy was escorted to base camp. The infantryman that escorted the police officer and his men to the mess tent saluted. “Major? This man says he’s here at your request?”
Silver looked up. “He is. Thank you, Corporal .you may return to your post.’
“Yes sir.” The Corporal departed.
Silver held out his hand. “Major Kevin Silver.”
The police officer shook his hand. “Sergeant Crimmer. What’s going on here?” He took a pad from his pocket. “Start at the beginning..”
“This gentleman was apparently hunting on the edges of our base camp. He tripped some of our sensors. When my men went to investigate, he started shooting at them, injuring one man before we apprehended him.”
The police sergeant looked at the man. “Dan, what are you doing? This is the third time this year you’ve had a scrape with military personnel. One of these days you’re gonna get shot!” He motioned to one of the men standing behind him. “Take him into custody. We’ll handle it from here Major. The DA will contact you for whatever information he needs.”
“Thank you Sergeant.” When the locals had gone, he headed for the HQ tent. “Give the order to stand down, and tell Lt. Vahzenov and Captain McKenna that I want them to meet me in my office.”
“Yes sir.” The Commtech hurried to carry out his commander’s orders.
Five minutes later, Both Vahzenov and McKenna reported to the CO’s office. Piotr took a seat as they entered, but Erin stood at strict attention and saluted. “Captain Erin McKenna, reporting as ordered!”
Both Silver and Vahzenov looked at each other. “At ease Captain.” Major Silver frowned at both of the officers. “What the heck got into you two today?”
Piotr shrugged. “I acted with thinking, sir. I won’t make zat mistake again.”
McKenna still standing, but now at parade rest, replied stiffly, “I lost me temper. That man was being uncooperative and rude!”
The flap opened and revealed Lt. Faller. “Am I interrupting?”
“No,” Silver replied. “Come on in here Joe.”
Joe came in and sat down. He noticed Erin standing rigidly. “What’s wrong with her?”
McKenna’s frown, deepened. “I lost me temper a while ago.”
Silver nodded. “Things have been rather busy around here. Where’d you disappear to?”
Joe shrugged. “I was busy. So what happened?”
Kevin sat back.” Some local hunter tripped our sensors, then started taking pot shots at out men.”
“Dan Mordell?”
“I didn’t catch his last name, but I assume so. You know him?”
“I know of him. He’s been caught “hunting” around two other military camps over the last year. Personally I think he’s a spy.”
Silver smacked his forehead. “And I let him right into our base camp!”
“With all due respect, sir. I don’t think it matters what he learned. It could have been learned by an over flight, just as easily.”
Kevin nodded. “True. So now what do we do? Do you think he’ll press charges?” He glanced over at McKenna.
Joe chuckled. “I believe he will. What about us, are we going to press charges?”
Kevin nodded. “We are. He did wound one of our men.”
“If we drop charges, we may be able to get him to drop his charges.”
“Very well. I’ll talk to Lt. Windsor and let him know.”
Joe turned to Erin. “Will you sit down McKenna? You’re making me nervous.”
She shook her head in firm denial.
“Don’t make me sit you down.”
“Ye don’t frighten me.”
“I know how to.”
Erin turned her attention to Kevin and spoke. “Is that all, sair?”
Silver nodded. “We are.”
McKenna nodded stiffly, saluted, and stormed out of the tent headed in the direction of her ‘Mech.
A few moments later Joe caught up with her. “Hey, Erin! What’s up?”
She frowned. “I’m just angry, that’s all.” She glanced at him. “You want to spar for a bit?”
“Sure.”
Together they walked to her ‘Mech and began sparring, Joe beating her soundly, every time.
Major Silver and Lt. Vahzenov walked to the HQ tent. “Lt. Windsor?”
“Yes sir?” He turned to face Major Silver.
“I want you to discuss the option of dropping all charges when the DA contacts you.”
“Yes sir. I’ll take care of it.”
“Good.” Silver turned to Lt. Vahzenov. “You want to go work on the SIMs with me?”
“Sure. I have nothing else to do at ze moment.”
“Good. I’ll call Josepho and we can work on your Clan tactics. Know anything about Zelbringen?”
The two were still chuckling as they left the tent. When they passed by the Grasshopper, Piotr pointed. “Looks like captain McKenna is working off her steam.”
Kevin looked up just as Joe threw her to the ground for the fifth time. “So it would appear.”
Joe rose and extended a hand. ‘Have you had enough yet?”
Erin lay on the ground breathing hard. “Aye. I suppose I have.” She got to her feet slowly. They went to eat dinner. After nearly half an hour, she pushed her mostly untouched plate away.
Joe looked at her. “Let’s go. We’ve got an early morning.” When they got back to their tent, Erin broke down and told him everything that had happened, then they turned in for the night.
Major Silver clicked on his comms as they were reaching the simulators. “Connect me with Lt. Silver.”
A few moments later Jan came on the line. “Hi Hun. What’s up?”
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m in the SIMs. How’s the runway coming?”
“We’re just about finished for tonight. The runway should be done sometime tomorrow.”
“Okay. Well, let me know when you’re done and we’ll grab some food and watch a vid.”
“Okay. Love you.”
Kevin blushed. “Love you too.”
Two hours later, he was in the middle of combat, when he heard a knock on the Simulator door. “Pause simulation,” he growled. He opened the hatch and came face to face with his wife. ‘”What are you doing here,” he asked in shock.
Jan smiled at him. “I was on my way in, and I thought I’d meet you here instead.”
Kevin chuckled. “Well, we’re almost done with this simulation. Why don’t you grab us some food, and I’ll meet you at our tent.”
“Okay. What do you want?”
“I’ll eat whatever they’re serving. See you in a bit.”
“Okay. Have fun.”
Kevin chuckled as he closed the hatch. “All right boys. Let’s get this battle over with.”
Twenty minutes later, they climbed out of the simulators. Josepho and Piotr headed off to the mess for dinner and Kevin headed for his quarters. When he stepped in, Jan had a plate of food warming under the heater. “So how was your day?”
She sat down at the table. “Oh, it was hectic. The wind kept causing problems, and we had to re-grade the strip twice, but it should be done tomorrow. Dr. Heiser says I’m pregnant. How was your day?”
Major Silver’s fork paused on it’s way to his mouth. “Pregnant? Are you sure?”
“That’s what Dr. Heiser says. Two months from what she says. In another couple of months, she wants me to take some time off, and she doesn’t want me doing any high G maneuvers until the baby’s born.” She paused to think for a moment. “Maybe I should go off the active duty list now.”
Kevin nodded absently. He was still stuck on the fact that she was pregnant. As they finished dinner he asked, “Is it a boy or a girl, do you know?”
Jan shrugged. “I’m sure Dr. Heiser does. Why, is it important?”
Kevin shook his head. “Not really. It will carry the Silver name, that’s all that matters.”
Jan turned back to the stack of trivids on the desk. “So what do you want to watch?”
Kevin reached over absently, and picked one at random. “How’s this?”
“The life and times of Aleksander Kerensky? You know I hate that one.”
He tossed it aside, and picked another one at random. “How’s this?”
“That’s better.” Jan put the vid in the Holoplayer. At the end of the movie, she switched off the Holoplayer and yawned. “That was a good movie, wasn’t it? We should probably get to bed, we’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”
“Yes dear,” Kevin answered absently.
They went to bed, Jan falling asleep almost immediately, but Kevin lay there awake for some time contemplating the wonderful news he’d just received.
-
and....
Okay, last night’s session was quite fun. NightHawk was finally able to rejoin us. We spent a good deal of the session bringing him up to speed and getting sidetracked. Anyway, on with the update…
“Sir?”
Major Silver groggily opened his eyes to see his aide bending over him. “What is it?”
“Sir, we’ve just had a call from the hospital in Needgate. Captain Thorpe is awake.”
Silver smiled dreamily, “I’m going to be a daddy.”
The aide looked confused. “Sir?” He tried again to notify Major Silver of Captain Thorpe’s condition. “Major? Captain Thorpe is awake.”
“Tell him I’ll see him at the morning meeting.” Major Silver felt a elbow jab him in the ribs. The brief pain managed to clear his head, long enough for him to grasp what the aide had said. He pointed to the tent flap. “I’ll be out in a minute.” As the aide left, he rolled out of bed, and got dressed.
Meanwhile, Captain McKenna felt someone shaking her shoulder gently. Her eyes snapped open. “What is it?”
Lt. Faller leaned over her. “Randall’s awake.”
She nodded. “All right. I’m getting up.” Five minutes later, she was lacing up her boots when she heard a voice from outside.
“McKenna, you up?”
“Yes sir.” She rose and poked her head out of the tent. “What’s up?”
“Randall’s awake.”
She noticed the bleary-eyed look and the steaming cup of coffee in his hand. “Yeah, I know. Give me a sec, okay?”
Major Silver nodded.
McKenna dropped to one knee and finished putting on her boot. A moment later, she and Lt. Faller joined the CO. They headed to the mess. The cooks were just starting to get everything set up for the day.
When they walked in Lt. Vahzenov was leaning against the wall drinking a steaming cup of coffee. “Good morning, sir.”
Major Silver went straight to the coffeepot and poured himself some more coffee. Captain McKenna turned to the aide who was hovering near the door. “Alert Lt. Scott that he will be in command, then wake Sgt. Titus and tell him to prep his chopper for immediate ferry duty. Also,” she added as the aide started off, “Notify Sgt. Chi Lin that Captain Thorpe is awake.
“Yes sir.”
The group grabbed a couple of power bars and headed for the HQ tent. Ten minutes later, they were notified that the VTOL was ready to go, and Sgt. Titus was waiting. They stepped out of the tent and headed for the VTOL. During the flight, Major Silver revealed that he was going to be a father. Thirty minutes later they were landing on a helepad adjacent to the parking lot of the hospital. The group headed into the hospital and was directed to Captain Thorpe’s room.
McKenna stood in the doorway. “Good morning, Captain.”
Randall swiveled his eyes in the direction of the voice. “That’s a familiar voice. Howdy McKenna.”
As they filed into the room, everyone saw his condition. Randall was lying in a hospital bed with his legs in traction, looking like a mummy. A nurse was hovering near the bed checking the monitors and making some notes.
“It’s good to see you alive, Captain.” Major Silver crossed to the side of the bed.
Randall looked over. “Yeah. It’s good to be alive. What happened?”
Captain McKenna glanced up at Major Silver.
“Good morning,” a slight pause, “Mr. Thorpe. How are you feeling?” A gentleman in a white coat, obviously a doctor, walked in glancing at a chart.
“Bad,” Randall replied.
The doctor nodded. “That’s not surprising, after what you’ve been through.” The doctor looked around at the assembled group. “You are his compatriots, I assume?”
Captain McKenna placed her hands behind her back. “Aye. How is he doctor?”
“Well, none of his major organs were hit. He’s going to need some rehabilitation time, but I think he’s going to live.” The doctor stepped over to the bed. “You’re doing a lot better. We can take that cervical collar off now.”
Randall looked up at the doctor. “Good. I’d like to be able to move a little better.” He paused, then hurried on quietly, “Am I paralyzed Doc? I can’t move my legs.”
The doctor shook his head as he undid the collar. “Your legs aren’t paralyzed. There was no neurological damage. Your legs are in traction, so that they don’t start bleeding again.”
Randall turned his head to look at Major Silver. “What happened sir?”
Captain McKenna turned to the doctor. “You didn’t tell him?”
“No. He only woke up about an hour and a half ago. In any event, we felt that it would be better coming from someone he was familiar with.”
Erin nodded. “Understandable. “ She turned her attention back to Captain Thorpe. “Well, Randall, you had a crate of MREs dropped on you.”
“We saved zem for you, my friend.”
Randall chuckled. “Hey Piotr. Good to hear your voice.”
Lt. Faller spoke. “You were standing near the lift when a crate of MREs fell from about thirty meters up. The crate shattered on impact and you were showered by what amounts to shrapnel.”
The doctor spoke again, “Your suit saved you. The damage would have been a great deal worse if you had not been wearing it. You’re very lucky.”
Randall groaned. “Ugh! Not the suit.” He glanced at Kevin. “Major, I’d like to take a vacation on Earth?”
Major Silver chuckled. “Sure, just as soon as our contract is up.”
Randall groaned again. “How long have I been out?”
“You’ve been in a coma for a day and a half. If it weren’t for your flightsuit, you’d be dead.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke. “What color flightsuit do you prefer? Brown, orange, gray, black?”
“The standard black,” Randall responded without thinking.
Lt. Faller chuckled. “He’s not talking about a standard flight suit, Bilkanov. He’s talking about the ComStar Mechwarrior Combat Suit.”
“Ah.” Lt. Vahzenov smiled. “Let me make some calls. I will get back to you.”
“So where’s Chi Lin?”
“The Sergeant is sleeping, sir,” Sgt . Titus responded.
“Hey, Joe, good to see you. Well, it would be if I could lift my head.”
Everyone chuckled. Lt. Faller quipped, “Try.”
Randall frowned at the ceiling for a moment, then tried to lift his head. He succeeded, and looked around at everyone. “Hey! Great to see you all. So how is everyone?”
McKenna looked over at Major Silver. “You want to tell him, or do you want me to?”
Kevin smiled. “I’ll tell him.”
“Tell me what,” Randall asked.
Major Silver chuckled and a grin split his face. “I’m going to be a daddy.” He looked down at his watch. “We ought to get going. We’ve got a meeting to go to.”
Randall smiled. “Congratulations! Do you know what it is yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, are you going to find out?”
“Yeah,” Kevin paused, “when it’s born.”
Randall chuckled. Tell Jan congratulations for me. Sir, I regret to inform you that I will be unable to attend the meeting for some time to come.”
Kevin reached out and patted Randall’s shoulder. “I know. Don’t worry, we’ve got six months on this rock, there’s plenty of time.”
Erin looked at the doctor. “When will he be able to return to duty?”
The doctor consulted the chart he held. “I’d like to keep him for another four or five days, then he’s going to need at least a month of rehabilitation, learning to walk again.”
Kevin frowned and pulled Lt. Vahzenov aside. “I’d like you to stay with him.”
Lt. Faller leaned against the wall. “You’re worried about the locals?”
“Yes. I think he should have a guard.”
“We can move him to a secure room,” the doctor interjected.
“That’s a good idea. I still want him to have a guard, however.”
Randall had been listening intently. “What’s going on?”
“We’ve had a couple of minor incidents with the locals,” Captain McKenna said slowly.
“We’re not going to get involved in another civil war are we, sir?”
Kevin looked over at Randall. “No, Captain. No more civil wars. The locals aren’t happy that the Quickcell plant is moving. It’s nothing to worry about.”
Randall snorted. “Where have I heard that before?”
“Don’t worry, Randall,” McKenna chuckled, “We won’t start any wars without you.”
“Gee thanks.”
“Do you want me to stay, sir?” Lt. Faller asked. “I could bring him up to date on what’s going on. Besides,” he gestured to Lt. Vahzenov; “Bilkanov’s got work to do.”
Major Silver nodded. “Yeah. You two stay here. We’ll figure out what to do about a permanent guard later.”
“Yes sir.”
“Da. I vill make my calls, later,” Lt. Vahzenov shrugged.
McKenna patted Randall on the shoulder. “We’ll see you around Captain.”
“Yeah. See you guys later.”
Erin turned to Joe with a smile. “I’ll catch you later. Have fun Vahzenov.” Turning, she headed out the door with Sgt. Titus on her heels.
Major Silver hesitated a moment. “I’ll talk to Sgt. Spanner about sending one of his marines out here to relieve you.”
Joe nodded. “Sure. In the meantime, we’ll just hang around and bend Randall’s ear.”
Kevin chuckled. “You do that.” Turning, he walked from the room and hurried to join Captain McKenna and Sgt. Titus.
The doctor followed him out. “Major. If I may?”
Kevin glanced at the doctor and continued walking. “Yes doctor?”
“I believe he will be just fine in a secure room. You really don’t need to send a guard.”
“Nevertheless, doctor, I will be sending a guard. Don’t worry doctor. My marines are very discreet. You’ll hardly know they’re there.”
“Very well,” the doctor grumbled grudgingly.
Major Silver joined Captain McKenna inside the VTOL, the door slid shut, and they took off. When they were about ten minutes out, Major Silver leaned back and shut his eyes. “Keep talking Erin. I’m still listening, I just want to rest my eyes.”
McKenna smiled. Moments later, his soft snoring could be heard. She clicked on her comms.
“Commtech.”
“Petty Officer Ramirez, patch me through to Sgt. Spanner.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Spanner here.”
“Sergeant? Meet Major Silver and I at the HQ tent.”
“ETA?”
Erin glanced at her watch. “Ten minutes.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Ten minutes later the VTOL landed. As he stepped out, Major Silver heard the sound of gunfire. Jogging towards the HQ tent, he clicked on his comms.
“Comtech.”
“Get me Lt. Scott.”
“One moment, sir.”
“This is Lt. Scott.
“Ben? Where’s the fighting?”
“Sir? Lt. Collins and some of the infantry are doing some target practice.”
Kevin stopped short of his destination. “Oh! All right. The meeting is in twenty minutes.”
“Yes sir.”
Erin jogged up and headed past Major Silver.
“How come you’re jogging? In a hurry?”
McKenna chuckled. “I didn’t get a chance to exercise this morning. Some one rudely woke me at four a.m.
Major Silver chuckled. “Yeah, I know. Me too.”
They arrived at the HQ tent. “Why don’t we spar for a bit after the meeting.”
“Sounds good.” Major Silver allowed her to precede him.
Captain McKenna stepped into the tent. “Attention!”
Major Silver walked in. “At ease.” He went to the head of the table. “Let’s get down to business.”
McKenna took her seat. “It will please all of you to know, that Captain Thorpe is still among the living. He woke up a couple of hours ago.” She turned to the Chief Technician. Sven, what’s our status?”
Sven sat back. “Well, we’ve run into a little snag.”
“What is it?”
Sven looked at his CO. “Those engines we got for the Longbows. There are a few bugs we’re going to have to deal with. Some heat issues, possible stalling. The engines aren’t exact fits, afterall.”
“So what are we looking at, here,” Major Silver asked. “Are they going to be delayed, or are they going to be ready for combat today?”
Sven shook his head. “They’re ready for combat, but we’re gonna have some issues with them for a while. We just need time to work the bugs out.”
“Very well,” Major Silver nodded, then picked up a can of soda that Sgt. Titus had given him.
McKenna looked across the table. “Dr. Benson,” she addressed the CMO. “How is our Infantryman?”
“He’s recovering well. I’d like to make a suggestion.”
“Go ahead,” McKenna nodded.
“We can move Captain Thorpe to the camp. The White Whale is fully equipped to take care of him during his rehabilitation.” He shrugged. “Besides, it’ll probably save the unit some money.”
Erin smiled. “Aye, it will at that. You’ve been keeping up on his status?”
“I have. I wouldn’t want to move him by air transport, though. Ground transport would be the safest.”
Major Silver sat back. You’re certain he can’t be air lifted?”
Dr. Benson nodded. “He shouldn’t be moved by air transport for at least another week.”
“We’ll talk about this more after the meeting doctor.” Major Silver picked up his coffee cup.
Captain McKenna looked across the table again. “What’s our legal status, Lt. Windsor?”
He leaned forward. “I’m still speaking with the DA. It’s looking good, however. He’s been notified that we’ll drop charges, if he does. And all the guy will get is a misdemeanor.”
Captain McKenna nodded. “That sounds fine. Keep me apprised.”
“Will do ma’am.”
Major Silver rose. “Does anyone have anything else?” He glanced around and saw everyone shaking teir head.
Lt. Silver spoke up. “We’ll need a new pilot.”
McKenna caught Kevin’s smile. “Yeah. I wanted to talk to you about that after the meeting Jan. How’s the runway coming?”
“Everything is progressing fine. We should be done by this afternoon.”
“Good.”
Major Silver looked around the table again. “Anything else?” When everyone shook their heads, he smiled devilishly. “We’ll be having readiness drills sometime today. Dismissed.”
People started filing out. Lt. Silver, Dr. Benson, Lt. Scott, and Captain McKenna remained where they were. “I can have the Whale prepped and ready to move in half an hour sir?”
Major Silver looked at Dr. Benson. I don’t know how safe that’s gonna be. I wouldn’t want you to be ambushed.”
Ben spoke. “Well, sir, we could send an escort force with them.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Well, sir. We’ve got the IFV’s, and the tanks. We’ve also got the ‘Mechs”
McKenna interrupted. “I don’t think we need to use the tanks. An IFV or two would work fine. And it might send the wrong message, if we use the ‘Mechs.”
Kevin rubbed his eyes. “I agree that we don’t need the tanks. We’ll take an IFV and Command Lance. I’ll also take the marines. Dr. Benson, get ready, I’ll see you in half an hour.”
“Yes sir.” Dr. Benson rose and hurried out.
Kevin turned to Erin. “McKenna, I want you to stay here and take command. “
“Aye sir. Lt. Silver, do you know of anyone that can take your place?”
Jan shook her head. “We’ll have to hire someone.”
“Okay.” Erin nodded. “Congratulations, by the way.”
“For what,” Jan asked in puzzlement.
“The baby.”
Jan smiled. “Oh! Thanks.” She rose. “I’ve got to get to work.”
Erin shook her head as Jan hurried out. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Major Silver leaned over to the private monitoring the radio. “Get me Sgt. Spanner.” A few moments later the private handed Kevin a headset. “Sgt. Spanner, there’s been a slight change in plans. I want you to take charge of the Marines. We’re escorting the White Whale to retrieve Captain Thorpe.”
“Yes sir.”
“We’re taking one of the IFV’s. I want full armor for this. You’re to provide and defensive support that is needed. We leave in a half-hour.”
“Yes sir. We’ll be ready.”
Major Silver handed the headset back to the private. He and McKenna went over the plans for the readiness drills that he wanted. Twenty –five minutes later, he turned to the radio setup. “Private, call a readiness drill, now.”
“Yes sir.” The private opened up the camp wide communication system. “Attention all personnel. To arms for readiness.”
McKenna frowned at Kevin. “Gee thanks, sir.”
Major Silver chuckled. “You’re in command.”
They headed out of the tent. Captain McKenna headed to her ‘Mech, and Major Silver headed to the VTOL, where Sgt. Titus was still waiting. “Sergeant?”
Titus turned around. “Yes sir?”
“Sgt. Titus, I want you to return to the hospital for Lt. Vahzenov and Lt. Faller. You will wait with them. You’re their ride back.”
“Yes sir.”
Major Silver’s aide finished putting on his coolant vest, then took the Major’s clothes back to his tent.
Meanwhile, McKenna had just gotten up and running when her comms beeped. “McKenna.”
“Captain, all units report ready status.”
“Good. Move everyone to the front lines.”
“Yes ma’am.” The private broke the connection. “All units, move to the front lines.”
A minute later, everyone was in position. Major Silver opened a channel to Lt. Scott. “Ben, I want you to take command of the Lance.”
“Yes sir.” Ben opened a comm channel to Erin’s ‘Mech. “Captain, this is Lt. Scoot.”
“Go ahead Ben.”
“Requesting permission for detached duty.”
“Request granted. Good hunting, Lieutenant.”
“Yes ma’am.”
McKenna switched over to a private channel with Major Silver. “Good hunting, sir. Bring ‘em back in one piece.”
“Will do, Captain. You’re to do readiness drills until I return.”
“Yes sir.” She switched to the company command channel. “All right people. We’re going to spend some time drilling.”
Sgt. Titus arrived at the hospital a half an hour later. Landing on one of the pads, he shut down the VTOL and headed up to Captain Thorpe’s room. Knocking on the door, he entered. “And that brings you up to speed…”
Joe looked up. “Sgt. Titus,” he said in surprise.
“Major Silver wanted me to come pick you and Lt. Vahzenov up.”
“I thought you were bringing our relief,” Vahzenov asked.
“I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just a pilot.”
Joe held up a hand. “I’ll be right back.”
Major Silver’s comms beeped. “Silver.”
“Sir, I have a patch through from Lt. Faller.”
“What’s up, Joe?”
“Sir? That’s what I was going to ask you.”
“The White Whale is en route to pick up Randall.”
“Yes sir. This is an unsecured line.”
“I know. Silver out.”
Two hours later, the White Whale and it’s escorts reached the hospital. They loaded up Captain Thorpe, and Lt. Vahzenov and Lt. Faller joined Sgt. Titus in the chopper. When all was ready, they began heading back towards the camp. As they took off, Lt. Faller ordered, “Sgt. Titus. Fly an over watch.”
“Yes sir.”
“Zat is a good idea.”
Moments later the comms beeped in the cockpit of the VTOL. “Sgt. Titus.”
“Sergeant this is Major Silver. I want you to fly over watch.”
Titus smiled. “Yes sir.”
As they reached the edge of the city, Command Lance came into view. Joe smiled. “He just couldn’t resist.”
“Vhat do you mean?” Piotr glanced out the window, where Joe pointed. “Da. I see vhat you mean.”
---------------------
That’s where we ended this week. There’ll be much more next week, so stay tuned…
BTW: An official announcement(of Jan’s pregnancy) has not been made to the unit as a whole. Major Silver wants to see what the rumor mill will produce.
-
this story is just too good to stop...
Ok, this week’s game was short. Old friends, and character leveling cut this week’s game a little short, but we did manage to get some things done… so… on with the update…
The Silver Eagles convoy began making their way back towards the compound. When they reached the bridge they had crossed on the way in, Major Silver took point with Lt. Josepho coming up behind. Lt. Scott and Lt. Jones were bringing up the rear. As the lead ‘Mechs crossed the halfway point on the bridge, which spanned nearly ten kilometers. Major Silver spotted movement and jumped down to investigated. Seconds later a ten-meter section of the bridge directly behind Lt. Josepho exploded. The north side of the bridge simply disintegrated and the centerline structural support was gone completely.
“Pull up,” Major Silver ordered. “I’ve got a possible contact. Sgt. Titus do a recon sweep of the immediate area and confirm. And put Fallguy on.”
“Yes sir.” Sgt. Titus began sweeping his chopper in a slowly widening arc scanning the close area around the convoy.
“This is Fallguy. What’s going on, sir?”
“Fallguy, it appears that the bridge was mined. Gamma and I are scanning the underside of the bridge now, but we’re not sure what we’re looking for.”
Joe thought for a moment. “Tell me exactly what happened?”
“I saw movement and jumped off the bridge. Seconds later a ten meter section of the bridge exploded.”
“Try scanning the upper frequencies with Mag-Scan. If the bomb was remote detonated, there should be a signature at those frequencies.”
“Hang on.” Major Silver sent his sensors to scan the upper frequencies. “Nothing,” he said after a moment.
“Try checking the lower frequencies.”
A moment later, Major Silver came back on the line sounding frustrated. “Nothing. What now?”
Fallguy frowned, “Did you check the water? It could be a vibrobomb.”
“I’ll check.” Silver dropped his sensors down on the water. He was picking up fragments and debris from a vibrobomb. “Damn! It was a vibrobomb! Josepho, scan with mag-scan in the lower frequencies. Check the water for more mines.”
“Aff, sir.” Josepho scanned the water in the surrounding area. Finding nothing, he radioed the CO. “I have found nothing, sir.”
“Thanks Josepho. Keep your eyes peeled.”
“Aff.”
Major Silver keyed up the White Whale. “This is Silver. Get me Dr. Benson.”
“One moment sir.”
“This is Dr Benson. What can I do for you Major?”
“Doctor, we have a slight situation. The bridge is mostly out. I’m getting ready to call in the Danube. I want to transport the Whale back to the compound in it.”
“Sir,” Dr. Benson hedged. “I highly recommend against this. We’re pushing the safety of our patient as it is. The expedience isn’t what I’m worried about, but the G-Forces. Is there another option?”
Major Silver frowned. “We could back up and take the long way around, which would take us much longer, or we can return him to the hospital.”
“Well, sir, that’s your call. I still do not recommend any type of air transport.”
Major Silver hesitated for a moment. “There is on last option, but it is much riskier. We could carry the Whale. Are you willing to do that?”
“It certainly wouldn’t make moving him any harder, but I would advice against flank speed.”
“I understand. Prepare to be lifted off the road and carried.” Silver switched over to the Command frequency. “Hot Shot, Grizz. Move forward and take up positions on either side of the White Whale, we’re going to carry it across this swamp.”
“Yes sir.” Lt. Scott and Lt. Jones jumped off the bridge and sloshed through the mud towards the White Whale.
Silver got on the comms again. “IFV four, who’s in command of the marines?”
“Master Sgt. Rhode, sir.”
“Patch me through.”
“This is Master Sgt. Rhode.”
“Sgt. Rhode, I want you to disembark and run interference. We’ve got possible infantry lose. How are your men at swamp movement?”
“They’re adequate, sir.”
“Good. I want you to pace the White Whale as it’s moved. Your job is to guard that medical transport at all costs.”
“Yes sir.” Moments later the back doors of the IFV opened and the Battlesuited marines began pouring out.
Major Silver radioed the chopper. “Sgt. Titus, I want you to do a recon sweep of the length of the bridge. Go low, and check for signs of people. Lt. Faller, Lt. Vahzenov, I want you to keep your eyes peeled too.”
Several moments later weapons fire could be heard in the distance. Sgt. Titus’ voice came over the comline. “I’m taking fire.”
Kevin swore softly. “Comstock this is Silver. I want the Danube prepped to fly ASAP. They are to fly to coordinates 4313, pick up the IFV and return it to base.”
“Yes sir.”
Major Silver switched to the IFV. “IFV four, I want you to return to coordinates 4313. Link up with the Danube and return to base.”
“Roger that. Moving to coordinates now.”
--------
Meanwhile back at camp….
Captain McKenna was putting the unit through their paces. The readiness drills were proceeding smoothly. Suddenly her comms beeped. “McKenna.”
“Captain, this is Darius. Major Silver has requested the Danube to rendezvous and pick up the IFV.”
“Understood Captain Darius. What’s the situation?”
“I’m not sure ma’am. Major Silver wasn’t real clear. He said something about the bridge being damaged.”
“I see, patch me through to him.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“This is Silver.”
“Silver, this is Orchid. What’s the situation?”
“The bridge was bombed. We’re maneuvering the Whale via ‘Mech.”
“Do you require assistance,” she interrupted.
“Hang on a second.” She heard weapons fire just as his line went into standby.
Switching over to the company channel, she began issuing orders. “To all personnel, this is Assault leader. We are going to a heightened state of alert. Strike Leader, I want you to take your lance out towards the convoy’s position. Keep your eyes peeled, Lt. Yar, we don’t know what’s out there or how many.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Major Silver’s voice came back over the line. “Captain, I want you to scramble the Aerospace fighters, and get Chi Lin in the air. We have a light Battlemech contact and several infantry.”
“Yes sir. I’ve already sent Strike out to assist.” She switched over to the general frequency. “Comstock this is Orchid. Scramble aerospace assets.” On the Company channel, she said, “Black Lotus, this is Assault Leader. I want you in the air, now. Link up with the convoy, they may need infantry suppression.”
“Roger that. I’m on my way.”
Captain McKenna opened her comms unit wide. “All personnel, move to defensive positions.”
----------
So there you have it. Hopefully we’ll get more done next week, but the Silver Eagles are in an interesting position, no? Stay tuned..
-
Okay, we didn’t have a very long session this week. We kept getting sidetracked. Though we did manage to make some interesting discoveries.…
Sgt. Titus swung his VTOL around in a low wide arc, trying to get out of range of the light ‘Mech’s weapons fire. As he swung back over the swamp his sensors picked up massive heat blooms. He was immediately surrounded in a cloud of small arms fire. Swinging around, he pulled up in an effort to get out of range for the infantry weapons. As he reached a safe altitude, his threat-warning indicator began blaring at him. He glanced at the sensors and saw, to his horror, two dozen missiles heading straight for him. He dropped to the deck as most of the missiles detonated harmlessly. Roughly half a dozen continued to follow him. Thinking to gain as much cover as possible, Sgt. Titus got as close to the causeway as possible. His trick worked, for the most part. Four of the missiles impacted the bridge, but the other two impacted the VTOL from the right side. One missile hit in the tail section, while the other impacted further up.
The VTOL bucked wildly for a moment as Sgt. Titus strove to retain control. “Hang on back there,” he hollered, “We’re taking fire!”
Major Silver saw the smoke trails from the missiles being fired. Scanning downrange, he noted that there were two dozen missiles in the air. Before he could discern their target, he saw the VTOL drop to the deck. When it came up a moment later, he noticed that it was now smoking. “Scout Wing, status report,” he barked over the Comm frequency.
“I’m taking fire sir,” was the trained reply. “There’s a large number of infantry down in the swamp!”
“Vehicle status?”
“Mild armor damage,” Sgt. Titus paused. “Sir, most of my board is green, but I’ve got an indicator telling me that there was minor damage to my tail rotors. I can still fly, but not for long. I’m already having trouble with my yaw controls.”
Major Silver frowned. This was not a good situation. “Copy that, Sergeant. Patch me through to Lt. Faller and get your chopper back here.”
“Yes sir.”
“This is Fallguy.”
“Fallguy, we appear to be facing a large number of infantry. I want you on the ground, pronto.”
“Yes sir.” Joe turned to Sgt. Titus. “Sergeant, put me down next to the Whale.”
“Yes sir.”
Lt. Vahzenov came over the line. “I’ll be down momentarily, sir.”
Major Silver continued to watch his sensors. “Good. Sgt. Titus after you make your drop, I want you to return to base. What about Lt. Vahzenov?”
“I vill return vith the VTOL. I’m much better in a ‘Mech zan on ze ground.”
“Roger, Lieutenant. Mount up and attach yourself to Assault Lance.”
“Yes sir.”
Major Silver switched over to the command frequency. “Command Support, what is the status of your operation?"
Lt. Scott ‘s voice came over the line. “We’re just moving out, sir. What do you want us to do, we can’t take the Whale through infantry infested territory?”
Major Silver looked at his sensors. He was still picking up the heat bloom. “Find some high ground and set the Whale down. I want you and your wing to guard the Whale. I’m sending you some marine back up.”
“Yes sir.” Ben relayed the order to Grizz and they began moving towards the north, away from the bridge.
Major Silver switched over to the marines. “Sgt. Rhode, I want you to send a detachment with the Whale, the rest of you form up with me.”
Sgt. Rhode’s metallic voice came over the line. “Yes sir.” Seconds later two of the battle-armored marines began moving with the White Whale and Command Support.
When all of his forces were in position, Major Silver opened up his comms on the general frequency. “This is Major Kevin Charles Silver of the Silver Eagles to the forces massed on the western edge of the swamp. Please state your reasons for this attack?”
After a moment a voice came over the line. “Please re-identify?”
“This is Major Kevin Silver of the Silver Eagles.”
“Major, what are you doing here? Why did you over flight our position?”
“Why did you blow up the bridge,” Major Silver countered.
“That mine wasn’t meant for you. Listen Major, we’re the Planetary Militia. We’re here at the request of Kommandant Hubbard of the War College. There’s a large force of rioters headed this way, and we’ve been dispatched to stop them. What are you doing here?”
Major Silver blew out a breath. “We’re transporting a severely wounded pilot to out base camp. I apologize for the lack of communication. We’d like to help.” In short order, Command Lance was integrated with the militia forces. Major Silver asked for an ETA on the forces he’d called in, and was told that Aerospace was in the air, Recon and Strike were about halfway, and Chi Lin was on her way. He then switched over to the Command frequency. “Command Support Leader, what is the status of your operation?”
Ben’s voice came over the comline, “All secure. Fallguy has just linked up.”
“Good. The forces we’ve encountered are the Planetary Militia. We’re going to stick around and help them with a rather large group of rioters that are headed this way. I want you and Grizz to get that Whale back on the road, then join up. Have the elements of Recon escort it back to base camp.”
“Yes sir.” Ben gave the order to pick up the White Whale and begin moving it to the road at the edge of the swamp.
Major Silver switched over to the Marines’ frequency. “Sgt. Rhode, I want your squad to form up with the infantry and provide support.”
“Yes sir!”
Major Silver’s comms beeped. “Silver.”
“Major, you have two Battlemechs moving in on our position, care to explain?”
Major Silver fought the urge to chuckle. “They’re the two ‘Mech’s that are moving our injured man. We’re maneuvering our vehicle to the road.”
The Militia Commander interrupted, “Do you require assistance? We can get your vehicle back on the causeway. We’ve got engineering equipment.”
“Thank you,” the Major replied as his comms beeped again. Switching over, he responded, “Go ahead.”
“Command Leader, this is the Danube. I’m picking up a large force at five klicks.”
“Copy that, Danube. What’s the Status of the IFV?”
“ETA about two minutes.”
“All right. Expedite your orders and get back to base.”
“Yes sir. Danube out.”
Major Silver’s comms beeped again. “Go ahead.”
“Command Leader, this is Air Leader. We’re on your position now, orders?”
“Roger that Air Leader. We’ve got a large force of rioters heading our way at about five klicks. Send one of your people out to assess the situation. I want a report ASAP.”
“Roger that. Dispatching now.” Lt. Tucker, who was in temporary command of the Aerospace Lance due to Lt. Silver’s condition, dispatched Lt. Siebert’s Riever to do an over flight.
Major Silver switched to Command. “Command Support! Change of plans. The Militia is going to help get the Whale back on the causeway. Move the Whale over to the bridge directly west of my position.” Ben’s reply was cut off as Major Silver spoke again, “Command Wing. I want you to hop over the bridge and cover the Whale. I will do the same from this side.”
“Aff. Moving into position now.” Lt. Josepho lit off his jump jets and sailed over the bridge, landing softly in the muddy swamp on the other side.
Major Silver switched to the Militia’s frequency. “Commander, I have five Battlemechs headed towards this position. They should be reaching your support element shortly, may they pass, so they can form up with us?”
“Send me their IFF and I’ll make sure they’re allowed to pass.”
Major Silver fired off the code and contacted Recon and Strike. “Strike Leader, begin transmitting IFF codes. You will encounter the Militia’s support forces shortly. When you reach my position, form up behind the infantry line and hold position.”
Lt. Yar keyed in a message and sent it to her wingman. “Copy that Silver. We’re approaching their position now. ETA to your position, ten minutes.”
“Understood, Strike Leader.” Major Silver switched to the general frequency. “Comstock this is Command Leader. Patch me through to Assault Leader.”
A few moments later, “McKenna.”
“McKenna this is Silver. You’ve been monitoring the situation?”
“I have. Base camp is quiet, do you require assistance?”
“Hang on.” Major Silver switched over to the Aerospace frequency. “Go ahead Air Leader.”
“Air Leader, here. Sir, Air wing reports that there are roughly five hundred modified, civilian vehicles bearing down on your position. They are approximately one point two klicks out.”
“Understood Air Leader. I am authorizing you to do an attack run. Don’t hit the vehicles, these people are disgruntled enough. Shoot the ground in front of them, I want to try and deter them, or at very least, slow them down.”
“Roger. We’ll give ‘em what for sir, with no casualties.” An electronic warning indicator sounded over the comline. “Sir, my fuel indicator just notified me that I’m at forty-five percent. The rest of Air Lance reports the same. After this run we’re going to be bingo fuel.”
“Understood. How long would it take for you to get back to base, refuel, and return?”
“Five minutes tops.”
“Understood, Air Leader. Make your run and return to base. I want you refueled and back here, pronto.”
“Yes sir. Beginning run now.”
Major Silver switched back to the connection with base camp. “Assault Leader, I’m sending Air Lance back to refuel. I want you to load the ‘Mechs on the Dropship and land behind the approaching force.”
“Roger that. ETA thirty minutes. McKenna out.”
Captain McKenna switched over to the Company Channel. “Assault Leader to all Battlemechs. Prepare to board the Comstock and lift off.” She contacted the Comstock. “Petty Officer Ramirez, get me Captain Darius.”
“This is Darius.”
“Captain, prep the Comstock for immediate dust off, and lower the ramp. We’re going to drop in behind the rioters.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Ramirez,” Captain McKenna barked. “Patch me through to Master Sgt. Spanner, please.”
“This is Spanner.”
“Sergeant, suit up! I want you to prep your men for immediate drop. We’re coming in behind the rioters and Major Silver wants you and your men there for crowd control.”
“Yes ma’am. Spanner out!”
Captain McKenna then switched over to the Armor Company. “Armor Leader this is Assault Leader.”
“Go ahead, Captain.”
“Lt. Checkov, I’m placing you in command. Major Silver has ordered the ‘Mech Company to assist. I want you to remain here and guard base camp.”
“Yes ma’am. Camp will be well guarded.”
“Very good.” Captain McKenna stopped as she caught sight of the smoking VTOL inbound. She watched it land and Lt. Vahzenov jump out, headed in the direction of his ‘Mech. A few moments later, she caught the report of repair time for the VTOL over the command frequency. She heard Sgt. Titus explaining that he was going to find some form of vehicle to return to battle with. A spark of memory flared in her mind and she contacted the scout pilot. “Sgt. Titus, what is your status?”
“My VTOL is out for a while. I’m looking for something else to rejoin battle in.”
“How are you at piloting an Aerospace fighter?”
“Not too bad, why?”
Captain McKenna smiled. “Go talk to Lt. Silver. We’ve got a fighter with no pilot.”
“Yes ma’am,” was his excited response.
Captain McKenna contacted Lt. Silver. “Jan this is Erin, I’m sending Sgt. Titus to you. Would you have a problem with him flying your Stingray?”
Lt. Silver thought for a minute, then asked, “Is he qualified?”
“He is. We could really use all of our Aerospace assets out there, that way Lt. Amdecker can get back to his lance.”
“I understand. We’re refueling the rest of Air Lance now. I’ll see what I can do.”
-
When we left off the ‘Mech company was loaded onto the Comstock, which was still prepping for flight. Strike and Recon had just reached the edge of the swamp and were forming up. The IFV had loaded and the Danube had lifted off. They were still in the process of loading the White Whale onto the bridge. Major Silver finished taking out the section of the bridge that was destroyed, in an effort to contain the rioters. Next week we should be getting into some real action, and I’ll have a battle report to give you. So stay tuned………….
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Major Silver jumped onto the causeway facing the gap that he’d created. He watched as the rioters began filling the causeway. As they got closer he could make out some of the vehicles. There were four large trucks (think tractor-trailer rigs here) leading the pack, most of which appeared to be civilianized light transports (think civilianized Hum-V’s). When they were about kilometer out, the vehicles began accelerating. When Major Silver realized that the approaching vehicles wouldn’t be able to see the gap until they were falling through it, he jumped into the gap and fired his flamers at the edge of the bridge directly in front of him.
The drivers of the lead vehicles watched as the large Battlemech disappear from the bridge in front of them and flames started shooting up through the bridge. That was when they realized that the bridge was out. Three of the lead vehicles managed to stop, but the fourth continued to speed towards the gap. Lt. Josepho watched as the vehicle shot over the right side of Major Silver’s Marauder and crashed into the ruined edge of the causeway. The vehicle’s fuel tanks exploded coating the Major’s Marauder in a skin of flaming diesel fuel.
Major Silver smiled sardonically as he jumped out of the gap and onto the section of bridge he’d been flaming. He turned on his external loud speakers and jacked the volume up. He wanted to make certain that the group, that had stopped about two hundred meters away, could hear him clearly. “Return to your homes,” he said. “If you continue your advance, we will be forced to use deadly force to stop you. There will be many casualties, and much destruction of property. Return to your homes, now!”
Major Silver saw movement through the cloud of smoke that the fire was causing. Suddenly, he began to hear the sound of small arms fire bouncing off his ‘Mech, then he was rocked by the explosion of a missile against his right leg. He jumped back across the gap, landing on the bridge, roughly two hundred meters in front of the White Whale, which was just being levered onto the bridge.
The vehicles began moving forward again, though at a much slower pace. Major Silver sighed and clicked on his comms, contacting the commander of the militia forces. “They didn’t take the hint.”
“Roger. It was a valiant effort Major, but I didn’t think we’d be able to stop them easily.”
Major Silver’s comms beeped. “Silver.”
“Major this is Captain Darius. We’re just lifting off, ETA two minutes.”
“Roger that, Captain. Fly low and straight over the causeway. I want to give these people something to think about.”
“Yes sir. We’re on our way.” Captain Darius switched his comlink down to the Battlemechs waiting in the drop bays. “Captain McKenna, Darius here. We’re ready to lift off.”
“Roger that. Launch!”
The Comstock lifted its bulky weight off the ground, and the four Aerospace fighters launched to fly escort.
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Major Silver watched the vehicles come to a stop at the edge of the gap thirty meters away. He opened up his external loudspeakers again, “By the authority of the Planetary Militia and the Silver Eagles Mercenary Company, I hereby order you to desist and return to your homes.” His threat-warning indicator began beeping like mad, as three missiles slammed into his ‘Mech. He weathered the assault and took aim at the three lead vehicles. He leveled his right arm ERPPC at the first vehicle and fired. After missing a couple of times, he noticed that every time he fired, the weapon seemed to be pulling down. He glanced at his damage assessment console and saw a warning indicator light flashing. The computer was indicating that the right arm ERPPC was malfunctioning.
Dropping his right arm ERPPC, he leveled his left arm mounted ERPPC, and took aim at of the each vehicles. He destroyed each vehicle in an effort to hinder the rest of the rioters. Moments later, the smoking, charred debris was pushed off the edge of the bridge, and temporary bridge layers were lowered into place. Vehicles began filing over the temporary bridge. One drove straight up to Major Silver’s ‘Mech and exploded. The fireball and the shock wave rocked the Marauder, nearly causing the Major to black out, and knocking him to the bridge.
Lt. Josepho saw this and opened fire on the causeway. He managed to chip more away from the structural support, but failed to cause any severe damage. Major Silver regained his feet and took aim on one of the vehicles that were coming over the bridge. He managed to take out the vehicle, but there were more behind it, about thirteen to be exact. A thought suddenly occurred to Major Silver and he ordered, “Command Support, activate Electronic Counter Measures.” Moments later, two of the onrushing vehicles drove off the bridge and detonated in the swamp. Major Silver took aim with his flamers and began flaming the bridge section directly in front of the vehicles. Two of the vehicles stopped just outside the range of his flamers, five kept coming, three of which exploded halfway through the flames. Four of the larger vehicles stopped in the middle of the flames and launched missiles (btw: the missiles they are lobbing are Thunderbolt 5’s).
Major Silver brought the leg of his Marauder up in preparation to kick one of the vehicles that had made it through the flames as it tried to push passed him, but the vehicle managed to swerve out of the way, just barely.
--------------------------------
Minutes later, the Comstock had reached its destination and Captain Darius came back over the comline. “Major McKenna, we are over the drop point and ready to begin dropping.”
“Roger that Darius. Give me a SitRep.”
“It looks like a fire fight’s going on down there, ma’am.”
“Roger.” McKenna switched over to the Company channel. “All right people, we’re going into a fire fight. Watch yourselves down there, and let’s try to kill as few people as possible. Remember folks, we’re here for suppression, not destruction. Sgt. Spanner, I want you and your men to stay out of the main firefight. Suppress from the rear.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Captain McKenna switched back to her connection with the Dropship. “Begin dropping Captain.”
“Roger that, Major. Good luck.”
Captain McKenna felt the weightlessness of being dropped from a high altitude. As she and the rest of her unit was coming down, she began issuing orders. “Assault Wing, you and I are dropping onto the bridge. Assault Support, I want you and your wing to drop on either side of the bridge. Fire Leader split off, two and two on either side of Assault. I want these people to know that they’re flanked, and to see their fate coming.” Her comms beeped as she finished speaking, “This is Orchid, go ahead.”
“Welcome to the party, Captain. Spread the word. Vehicles are primary targets, but allow any pedestrians to retreat.”
“Roger that, Silver. Orchid out.” McKenna switched back to the Company channel. “All right people, Vehicles are primary targets. Let any pedestrians fall back, but keep your eyes peeled, I don’t trust these rioters.”
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When we left off, Assault and Fire Lance’s had just touched down. Major Silver was still in the middle of a nasty firefight, and the White Whale had just started moving along the causeway on its return trip to base camp. We didn’t play for very long, but we did manage to get into the battle. Next week’s update should prove rather interesting.
Enjoy!
-
Okay, this week was a bit more productive. We had a lot of fun getting sidetracked, but we did make progress….
Assault lance opened up with a hail of laser fire aimed directly at the rear of the column of vehicles. In a matter of seconds eleven of the dozen or so targeted vehicles were reduced to flaming rubble.
Major Silver continued flaming the bridge in front of him. His head was beginning to really ache from the fall he’d taken, so his aim was a little off and he was unable to walk the his Flamers forward, like he had before. The fire he concentrated directly in front of him must have done the trick though, because several more vehicles caught fire.
Lt. Josepho opened up with his weapons on the support pylon of the bridge again. This time, his aim was true. Lasers and Auto-Cannon shells slammed into the ferrocrete, stripping it away to reveal the weakening steel structure beneath it. He managed to land a homing beacon as well, and his voice came over the comline, “Homing beacon deployed.”
Lt. Sanderson and her Fire lance heard the report and opened up their missile racks. Seconds later, one hundred and sixty long-range missiles were flying through the air. Nearly half of the missiles detonated harmlessly before reaching their target. However, the rest slammed into the bridge weakening the support structure further. The steel, unable to withstand anymore stress, collapsed under the weight of the temporary bridge sections.
As the smoke began to clear, Major Silver began seeing doors opening and people emerging from the vehicles with their hands behind their heads. All along the causeway, rioters were dropping their weapons and surrendering. Major Silver keyed his comms and spoke to the Militia Commander, “This is Silver. They are laying down their weapons and surrendering. What do you want to do, now?”
The line hissed for a couple of moments. “Do what you like Major,” the Commander said in an indifferent voice. “Send em home, waste em, it makes no difference to me.”
Major Silver was taken aback, slightly. “Yeah. Silver out.” He opened up his external loud speaker. “This is Major Silver of the Silver Eagles. You are hereby ordered to disarm, abandon your vehicles, and return to your homes.” He killed the external pick up and switched over to the command channel. “Command Support, start clearing the bridge. I want those vehicles out of the way, now!”
“Yes sir.” Lt. Scott moved him Wolverine forward and began picking up cars. Major Silver shoved his feet into the floor activating his jump jets. He neatly sailed over the gap and landed on the other side. He opened up his external loud speakers again, when he noticed the people hadn’t moved. “Abandon your vehicles and return to your homes. I need to clear this bridge. Move, now!” To make sure they got the point, he took a step forward. People began slowly backing away. The Major switched to internal comms. “Second Marine, this is Silver. I want you to gather your prisoners and get them onto this side of the bridge. And Sergeant? Gather up any stragglers you find.”
“Yes sir.” Sgt. Rhode turned to his squad. “Move ‘em out. Silver wants these people on the other side of the bridge.” He turned to the people and opened up his external speakers. “On your feet! You’re all gonna get a little wet.”
Meanwhile, Sgt. Spanner moved First, Third, and Fourth Squads forward. As they came abreast of Captain McKenna’s Grasshopper, his comms beeped. “Spanner.”
“Sergeant this is Orchid. Hold position, I’m going to dismount and join up.”
“Roger that. Holding position.”
Captain McKenna watched the marines stop just at her position. “Six Guns. I am dismounting and joining up with the Marines. Keep your eyes peeled.”
“Da. I vill cover you.” Lt. Vahzenov swiveled his torso and trained his weapons on the mob of people in front of them.
Major Silver watched as his Company Commander’s indicator went dark. Keying his mic, he said, “Company Command, is your end of the bridge clear?”
Captain McKenna smiled slightly. “Yes sir. I’m dismounting and joining up with the marines.”
“Roger that. Silver out.” Major Silver switched over to the marine’s frequency. “Sgt. Spanner, what’s your situation?”
“I am waiting for Captain McKenna to join up.”
“Good, good. Send third and Fourth Squad my way. We need some crowd control down here.”
“Yes sir.” Spanner sent the squads ahead, while his squad waited for Captain McKenna.
Major Silver watched Lt. Scott’s progress, and kept an eye on the people in front of him. He had his external pick-ups turned on so he could monitor the people’s activities. Suddenly, he heard the sound of small arms fire. He turned his eyes to his display. The fire seemed to be coming from behind. Major Silver’s comms crackled to life. Static filled the transmission, but he was able to make out, “Sir…” Then, to his surprise, Second Squad’s indicator went dark.
---------------
That’s where we ended the session. Captain McKenna (that’s me isn’t it?) had linked up with Sgt. Spanner armed to the teeth with her Man-Pack PPC, which incidentally scared the crap out of the civilians, and was busy herding people passed the line of ‘Mechs. Isn’t our GM great? (Fallguy likes to throw us a monkey wrench now and then.) No one in the group expected this outcome. We all thought that this fight, was going to be protracted and bloody. So to say that we were all surprised, is an excellent example of understatement. Given the situation, next week should prove interesting, no?
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Major Silver barely had time to formulate that there was something wrong when smoke suddenly erupted all around him. All of his sensors went dark. He looked at his HUD. Through the smoke, he could barely make out Lt. Scott’s Wolverine, right behind him. “Command Lance, report,” he barked over the comline.
“My sensors are dead, sir,” came Lt. Scott’s puzzled reply.
“I’ve lost my sensors, as well, sir,” Lt. Jones responded.
“My sensors are dead, sir, but I can see infantry moving in on our position,” came Lt. Josepho’s clipped response.
Major Silver heard the chatter of small arms fire hitting his Marauder. He was just reaching for the switch on his companel when he heard a dry chuckle come over the line. “You are surrounded Major, Give it up.”
Silver recognized the voice of the Militia commander and felt his anger rise. He opened up the general com frequency. “This is Silver Actual to all Silver Eagles. Target all Militia forces with extreme prejudice!”
Captain McKenna heard the Militia commander’s transmission and began watching the people milling around her, very closely. She saw one man in the crowd begin reaching behind his back and leveled her Man-Pack PPC at him. She opened up her comms as his movements were arrested. “This is Company Command to all units. It’s a trap! Open fire on all civilians on the bridge!”
Every member of the ’Mech Company heard her transmission and paused a moment in confusion. Lt. Vahzenov, who had been watching the “rioters” closely, saw that they were drawing weapons and firing upon Captain McKenna and their Marines. He fired his jump jets and landed in the middle of the crowd, making people scatter.
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Meanwhile, Captain Thorpe and Lt. Faller felt the White Whale slow and stop. Lt. Faller, who had been monitoring comms said, “Aw crap!” He pulled his needler pistol and handed it to Randall. “You’re gonna need this.” Then he shouldered his blazer rifle and took aim on the doorway.
Dr. Benson stepped in front of him. “You will put away your weapons. I will not allow weapons to be used in my ambulance!”
Joe drew his sonic stunner and shot the doctor. “Not now, Doc.” Then he re-shouldered his rifle and waited. He didn’t have to wait long. The door in front of him opened and a man-sized shape filled the doorway. Joe fired three shots in rapid succession.
Randall squeezed off a shot as the man loomed in the doorway, and managed to hit the wall. It didn’t matter though, because he watched Joe’s shots hit the man, square in the chest, dropping him like a stone.
Another man loomed in the doorway and took a shot at Lt. Faller. Joe took a shot while he was ducking out of the way and fired wide. Lt. Thorpe took the shot and hit the man with a blast of shredded plastic, knocking him back. As they waited for more to come through the door, Randall thought. When no one else appeared, he commented, “You know, if I were an infantry commander, and I just saw two of my guys get wasted trying to take a non-hostile vehicle, I’d probably throw a grenade.”
Lt. Faller lowered his rifle. “Damn!” He began edging forward. As he got to the door, he glimpsed the mass of infantry outside, who took a shot at him, and hurriedly slammed the door shut and locked it. He backed away and took aim on the door again.
-
Major Silver hit his jump jets and rose out of the smoke. Landing on the opposite side of the gap in the bridge, he turned to face the oncoming infantry. As his feet touched ground a missile slammed into his right leg. He managed to keep the 65-ton war machine upright, but his damage indicators started going red. All of his armor protection was stripped away and the Jump vents located there went red as well. The safeties kicked in and shut down the corresponding jump vents in his left leg, decreasing his maneuverability considerably. He opened up on the infantry in front of him, laying down a carpet of flames, and adding his pulse lasers for effect.
The Militia forces saw the gouts of flame and electrified particles coming at them. One platoon freaked out and began running away. The other three, with a fanatical gleam in their eyes, kept rushing towards the Marauder. Nearly an entire platoon of men was wiped out by the flames and PPCs, but still they kept coming.
Lt. Scott managed to remove himself from the smoke and saw the infantry rushing his commander’s position. He opened fire on the on rushing infantry, cutting their numbers back with the precision of a finely honed laser scalpel. Lt. Jones also opened fire on the infantry, dwindling their numbers even further. Lt. Josepho watched in disgust as the militia forces turn on the Major. He opened fire on them and cut their numbers back with more precision than his comrades.
Major Silver watched as the infantry rushing his position seemed to evaporate in a hail of laser fire and flames, then he looked up. There were more infantry rushing in to fill the gap. “Enough of this,” he muttered to himself. Aiming all of his weapons at the section of bridge directly in front of him, he opened up fire. His right arm weapons began pulling wide as his PPC overheated began making the Myomers sluggish. He only managed to do minimal damage to the bridge, but the rest of his lance must have caught on, because they immediately opened fire on the bridge section, as well.
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Lt. Collins signaled to his wingman. “Crawler, this is Smoke. Follow me in, we’re moving to defend the Commander.”
“Roger that. I’ve got your six.”
Lt. Collins hit his jump jets and landed on the bridge behind Captain McKenna’s Grasshopper. Having been warned about the weight tolerance of the structure, he lit off his jump jets and sailed over the Grasshopper and Lt. Vahzenov’s Quickdraw. Landing on the bridge, he opened fire on the infantry in front of him.
Lt. Vahzenov began dancing his ‘Mech around, in an effort to confuse and take out as much of the mob as he could. He opened up his comms, “Orchid, this is Six Guns. No disrespect ma’am, but you’d better get back in your ‘Mech.”
Captain McKenna was busy dodging weapons fire, so she didn’t immediately respond. Clicking on her comms, she barked, “Spanner this is McKenna. Cover me, I’m re-mounting.”
“Roger that, ma’am.” Sgt. Spanner and his squad closed ranks and blocked the infantry’s path to Captain McKenna as she raced for her Battlemech.
Lt. Vahzenov continued to dance around and began firing his lasers into the crowd, dwindling their numbers.
Lt. Windsor jumped his Gallowglass into the fray, and was immediately surrounded by infantry. He fired his lasers, managing to take out a number of them, but those that remained swarmed up his legs. Satchel charges went off tearing into the actuators and hip joint.
Lt. Collins saw his wingman’s ‘Mech settle to the left. He turned and opened fire on the infantry swarming the Gallowglass. He managed to take out a number of the men hanging onto the legs and surrounding the feet.
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Lt. Amdecker finished making a recon sweep and was returning to the Commander’s position when he saw the infantry swarming the legs of his ‘Mech. Taking aim, he unleashed his lasers and machine guns. As he swept passed, he managed to clear the CO’s ‘Mech and the surrounding area of infantry.
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Air lance was escorting the Comstock back to base camp, when warning indicators began blaring. Sgt. Titus glanced at his screens and noticed that he was being painted from the ground. Seconds later, missiles came streaking towards his position. Taking evasive actions, he managed to get out of range before they detonated. A moment later, his comms squawked. “Titus.”
“Sergeant, this is Rogue. Escape altitude, immediately!”
“Roger that, ma’am.” He pulled his fighter out of it’s dive and pointed the nose towards the sky. As he was reaching the upper atmosphere, Sgt. Titus glanced at his map of the area where the battle was raging. Where the bridge would be, was nothing more than a static strip. He clicked on his comms. “Rogue this is Sgt. Titus. I was just looking at my indicators. There’s jamming along the entire bridge.”
“Roger that. I see it too. You’ve got good eyes.”
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That’s is where we left off this week. The quicksand seems to begetting deeper, doesn’t it? Well, there’ll definitely be more nastiness for Fallguy to throw at us next week, so stay tuned…. Enjoy! ;D
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Major Silver took a second to survey the damage to the bridge section in front of him. There were large holes, but the superstructure appeared to still be intact. Glancing further up the bridge, he saw something that filled him with dread, roughly a regiment of infantry bearing down on his position. With his jump system out and no armor left covering his right leg, Major Silver found himself in a difficult position. A glance at his indicators told him that the heat building up in his right arm had locked the servos, making any weapons he had there, nearly useless. With a frustrated sigh and some quick calculations, he had a plan.
Kicking Mercury, his brand new Marauder, up to its maximum speed of 64 kph, he lit off his flamers and barreled through the on-rushing infantry. The move was risky, to say the least, but he figured that he’d strike some fear into the hearts of at least a few of the on-rushing horde. He managed to strike fear into a platoon of men that he passed, when his flamers turned another into human torches.
Lt. Scott watched as his CO took off like a shot, through the infantry. He saw the infantry taking shots, and when the Major emerged on the other side. He saw the already heavily damaged Marauder limping and smoking. Hitting his jump pedals, he landed on the bridge with the intent of taking some of the heat off of his CO. His plan worked, he discovered, as his threat warning indicators screamed at him. Looking at his HUD, he saw four missiles come streaking out of the smoke to his rear. Apparently the smoke was affecting their guidance systems, because only one of the missiles slammed into his ‘Mech. Ignoring the obvious threat to his rear, he opened fire on the Infantry that were now rushing his position, dwindling their numbers even further. He took a number of shots in return, several of them shutting down two of the lasers in his right arm.
Lt. Josepho watched his Commander barrel through the on-rushing infantry. He watched with a grim sort of satisfaction as a number of the dezgra militia were cut down by the gouts of flame shooting from the Marauder’s arms. Taking a cue from Lt. Scott, he blasted the infantry with his lasers and autocannon.
Lt. Jones took aim from the opposite side of the bridge and several of the infantry were cut down in the crossfire. “Gamma, this is Grizz,” he said opening up his comms, “We’ll flank the bridge and give the Major some cover fire.”
“Aff, sir.”
Lt. Scott, seeing that the situation was well in hand, turned his attention towards the smoke behind him. Lighting off his jump jets, he sailed over the gap that had been created in the bridge. As he landed, he discovered that there were three vehicles between his feet, and six more beyond that were responsible for the missile fire. Opening up with his remaining lasers, he targeted the vehicles in front of him, destroying nearly all of them. He glanced at his heat indicator and smiled. “Now, let’s see what these Triple-Strength Myomers can do.” Pulling back his leg, he then punted the vehicles that were at his feet, sending two of them sailing out of the smoke and crushing the other entirely.
-------------
Lt. Vahzenov saw the vehicles come flying out of the smoke just as he was unleashing another laser storm into the rioters in front of him on the bridge. He continued to dance around, making it difficult for the infantry surrounding his Quickdraw, Billy, to get any shots in.
Lt. Collins in the Executioner, and Lt. Windsor in his battered Gallowglass, surged forward crushing vehicles as they went. They were mildly surprised to see vehicles come flying out of the smoke in front of them, but it did not deter them from their course.
Sgt. Spanner and his squad of Marines covered Captain McKenna’s position as she got strapped into her Grasshopper and brought up the fusion reactor. Shortly after the reactor rumbled to life, the rioters that they were facing began running.
Captain McKenna had just gotten strapped in, when her sensors suddenly cleared. She could now see all of the Silver Eagles’ IFF codes, but none of the infantry. Glancing at her HUD, she saw that the infantry on the bridge in front of her was in a full route. Keying her comms, she sent a scrambled message to the Marines at her feet. “Sgt. Spanner, pull your men back to my position.”
“Yes ma’am.”
-----------------
Meanwhile… back at the ranch…
Captain Thorpe lay in the hospital bed watching the door, waiting for someone to come through. “Is the door locked?”
Lt. Faller glanced at his compatriot and snorted derisively, “What lock? That door doesn’t have one.” He paused as the import of that statement hit him. “Damn! Can you cover the door, Randall?”
Randall looked at him for a moment. The adrenaline was at a low ebb, but he managed a smile. “I think so.”
“Good! Cover me.” Joe rummaged through his bag for a moment, pulled a device out, and hustled to the door, where he began welding it shut.
Randall smiled weakly. “Good idea.”
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Okay, this week we didn’t get a lot of game time in, but we did manage to get pretty far. Major Silver had ordered the Comstock to pick up the ASF, sometime during his mad dash to through the infantry, and load them out with bombs that we’ve been carrying around for nearly two years. At least we’re out of formal combat. The players who are running Aerospace and the second element of Assault lance weren’t able to make it to this week’s game. Anyway, we should get more done next week. Enjoy!
-
All right, this week’s game was pretty short. We did manage to get some stuff done, so if everyone will sit down and get comfy, I’ll begin…
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Major Silver opened up his comms. “To the commander of the hostile forces. I see this becoming a bloody, protracted battle. I am giving you a one-time offer. Cease fire and pull out now, and we’ll let you go.”
Major Silver opened his comms to the rest of the Silver Eagles as the jamming screen fell. “This is Silver to all units. Hold your fire, I repeat, hold your fire.” The Silver Eagles ceased fire and watch in fascination as the infantry forces began executing a full-scale retreat.
Captain McKenna had just gotten strapped into her command couch, when she saw the civilians on the bridge in front of her begin running towards her. She was surprised, when they did not stop at her ‘Mech, but continued running. She opened her comms, “Silver, this is Orchid. Do you want me to move the Company forward to reinforce your position?”
Major Silver glanced at his displays. “Roger that Orchid. Move the Company forward and secure the White Whale.”
“Aye, sir.” Captain McKenna opened the Company frequency. “Company Command to all ‘Mech’s. Okay folks, begin moving forward and secure the Whale.”
Major Silver opened his comms, “Command Support this is Silver. I want you to take command of the lance and attach to Company Command.” Switching to Recon, he said, “Recon Air Leader this is Silver. I want you to rendezvous with the White Whale and secure it.” He switched channels again, “Sgt. Rhode, take your squad and secure the Whale.”
“Yes sir,” was Lt. Amdecker’s reply.
“Yes sir,” came the metallic response of Sgt. Rhode.
Major Silver switched to a new channel and spoke, “Lt. Faller, report!”
Lt. Faller, who had been monitoring the situation responded, “Sir, we’re pretty secure in here. I welded the door shut, to prevent their entry.”
“Roger that, Lieutenant. I’m sending Second squad and Ian to help secure the Whale.
Captain Thorpe, who had been covering the door, felt the Whale rock. It felt like people jumping down from the roof. He looked at Joe questioningly, “What’s going on?”
“They’re retreating. Just on the off chance that there’s still someone hanging around, cover the door, will you?” Joe knelt down and began unwelding the door.
Randall chuckled. “Yeah, sure.” He took careful aim on the door, hoping he could hit anything that might come through the door.
Major Silver reached the White Whale’s position and halted. Over comms, he said, “Company Command, Silver. Take your lance and Command lance and continue to the end of the causeway. See if you can find out what happened to Strike and Recon.”
“Roger that.” McKenna opened the Company channel. “All right, Fire Leader, you’re attached to Major Silver. Stay with him and keep their fat out of the fire. Assault, Command, form up and begin making your way to the end of the causeway. Six Guns, you move faster than the rest of us, right? I want you to pick up the pace and move in ahead of us. See if you can’t get in touch with your lance. Take Second Squad with you. Watch yourself out there, we’ll be right behind you.”
“Da. I vill keep you apprised.”
Erin watched as Piotr’s Quickdraw picked up its speed and took the lead. “Okay folks, best possible speed. Let’s move it out.” She switched to the Marines. “Sgt. Spanner, I want you to stick with me. I have a feeling we’re going to need eyes lower to the ground.”
“Roger that, Ma’am.”
About five minutes later, the seven Battlemech’s approached the end of the causeway. Lt. Vahzenov stepped to the end of the bridge and took a look around. He saw evidence indicating that a pretty tough battle had taken place, but there were no bodies, no damaged or destroyed vehicles anywhere in sight. “Sgt. Rhode, dismount and take a look around. See if you can find me some spent shell casings. I vant to be able to trace dese folks.”
“Yes sir.” The marines dismounted and began executing a search pattern.
Captain McKenna reached the end of the causeway. “Spanner, dismount. I want you to take your men and begin a search of the area.” She switched over to Assault’s frequency. “What have you got for me Six Guns?”
“It would appear zat dis vas an ambush point, ma’am. I vould say zay Strike encountered an ambush vith more infantry and perhaps a vehicle or two.”
McKenna glanced around. “I agree with your assessment that this was an ambush point. What I want to know is where everyone went. You got any ideas?”
Piotr was about to respond when he was interrupted. “Sir, this is Rhode. I think you’d better come here, we’ve found something that you’re gonna want to see.”
“Alright, Command, Six Guns, form up on me. Smoke, I want you and Crawler to stay here and guard the area. Make sure this bridge stays clear for that Whale.”
“Yes ma’am. We’ll keep the bridge clear.”
Captain McKenna and the others began moving into the forest that was on either side of the road. They approached the location of Second Squad, and came upon a clearing. In the clearing lay the five Battlemech’s of Strike and Recon lance’s. “Mary, Mother of God,” she whispered. Collecting herself, she opened her comms. “Spanner, take your men and begin a sweep of the area. I want to know if there are any signs of our people or those who did this. Sgt. Rhode, take your squad and secure those ‘Mechs. Keep your eyes peeled folks, I don’t like this.”
--------------------------
Major Silver kept over watch of the White Whale. “Recon Air,” he said over comms. “Take a turn over the area at the end of the causeway. See if you can’t find any sign of Strike and the rest of your lance.” He switched again, “Black Lotus, I want you to take a turn by the Factory complex. See if anything is out of the ordinary, and report it at once.”
“Yes sir.”
“Roger that Silver, I’m on my way.”
Major Silver heard Sgt. Chi-Lin’s VTOL fly overhead. “Fire leader, I want you and one of the Longbow’s up on the bridge, one fore, and one aft, of the Whale.” He switched channels. “Comstock, this is Silver, what’s your status?”
“Comstock here. Sir, we’re in stable orbit.”
“What’s the status of the recovery operations?”
“Recovery complete, sir. We’re currently outfitting with new ordinance.”
“Understood Comstock, continue re-armament, but do not launch. Have your sensors picked up any signs of Strike Lance?”
“Let me transfer you to telemetry, sir.”
“Telemetry?”
“This is Silver. Have you had any sign of Strike Lance?”
“Negative, sir.”
Major Silver ran an idea around in his head for a moment, then blew out a breath. “Scan grid 4213 mark 13. I want anything you find.”
“Yes sir. One moment.” A few seconds passed and the Telemetry Officer came back. “Sir, we have no heat signatures in that area. I expanded the search are a little and saw some intermittent heat blooms that might indicate infantry, but nothing to indicate large scale fusion reactors. Sorry, sir. We’ll keep looking.”
“Roger that, Silver out.” He switched frequencies. “Alright, people, let’s get a move on. I don’t want to be on this bridge any longer than necessary.”
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Okay, Like I said, we didn’t game for that long this week, but we did manage to get quite a bit done. Next week should prove to be a bit more active and exciting. Stay tuned… and as always, enjoy!
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Major Silver ordered all Eagles units to cease fire first. Then he announced over open frequency that if the enemy infantry would execute an orderly withdrawal, they would continue to hold fire. (there was no direct response from the enemy commander at all, a small but important point) The enemy's only response was to cease fire themselves.
Lt. Amdecker was ordered to fly his LAM ahead and secure the White Whale. As he did so, the infantry around the White Whale fired on him with LAW rockets. He evaded the fire by sweeping low and away from the White Whale's position. However, it was obvious that the infantry were just providing cover fire for their retreat, not acting aggressively, so the 'cease fire' remained intact.
Major Silver and 3rd Marine Squad reached the White Whale first, with the rest of the Company still minutes behind. 3rd Marine began a search of the vehicle for tampering. (they found nothing obvious)
Once all units had gathered on Major Silver's position, (and continued attempts to raise Strike Lance were unsuccessful) Lt. Amdecker was ordered to fly ahead and scout the area just past the end of the causeway. Meanwhile, Vahzenov and 4th Marine would move as quickly as possible to the end of the causeway to scout the ground with Captain McKenna and the rest of Assault Lance following behind. Sergeant Chi Lin was ordered to proceed to the last confirmed location for Strike Lance and scout the area there.
Major Silver asked the Comstock if they could locate Strike Lance from their position in low orbit. Telemetry on the Comstock reported scattered and sporadic heat signatures in the area where Strike Lance was last reported, but no neutrino signatures. (indicative of fusion reactions) In fact, other than the Silver Eagle units themselves, (Command Lance, Assault Lance, Fire Lance, etc.) no fusion reactions were detectable within 20 km of the end of the causeway at all. (meaning also that the enemy's Vulcan had completely disappeared somehow)
Lt. Amdecker, on reaching the end of the causeway, found nothing from the air. He began a sweaping search of the surrounding area. (concentrating heavily on the swamp which was easily searched from the air)
Lt. SG Vahzenov reached the west end of the causeway with 4th Marine Squad in tow several minutes before Captain McKenna and the rest of Assault Lance and 1st and 2nd Marine showed up. 4th Marine began a search of the area while Lt. Vahzenov provided cover and surveyed the area. (he determined that it was an ambush point, set up to ambush anyone coming from the west, not the east)
Major Silver and Fire Lance began making their way to the end of the causeway at just over 20 kph (the best speed that Major Silver's damaged Marauder could get which happened to match the best speed of the slow 'Mechs of Fire Lance through the swamp) while the rest of the 'Mechs scouted ahead. He had 3rd Marine Squad cover the White Whale, which they were escorting off the causeway.
Before Captain McKenna reached the end of the causeway, Lt. Vahzenov and 4th Marine Squad found spent semi-portable autocannon casings, heavy mortar craters, and a large volume of other support weapon casings. (heavy machine guns, etc.) Spectral analysis of the area just west of the ambush point showed signs that a large amount of explosives had gone off there. (matching where the ambush point could first be seen coming out of the forest on either side of the road) Lt. Vahzenov reported that this was likely where Strike Lance had been ambushed. (because that's where he would have done it) He split fourth Marine up into two elements, one to begin searching the forest to the north and the other to search to the south.
Major Silver ordered Fire Leader and Fire Support to find someplace where they could jump onto the causeway and provide cover. (they have leg-mounted jump-jets that prevent them from jumping while in the swamp... they need to find dry ground within jump distance of the causeway to get up there) So far, only Fire Leader (Lt. SG Patricia Sanderson in her ARC-4E Archer) has found such a spot on the north side of the causeway. Fire Support (Lt. JG Grace Bibbs in her LGB-7QE Longbow) on the south side was still looking when the session ended.
The 'Mechs were found in a small clearing just north of the ambush point... all five heaped in a wrecked pile showing a large amount of damage. (but still likely salvageable) No visible signs of the pilots, and with salvageable 'Mechs left behind... odd to say the least.
The last thing Major Silver ordered was for the Comstock to land near the clearing and begin recovery operations. (he is monitoring while limping toward the end of the causeway) He also had them patch him through to Lt. SG Chekov, who reported that all was quiet at base camp, but they were still on alert.
-
So it would seem that the Silver Eagles have gotten a bloody nose, nothing more. Eight damaged 'Mechs and five missing 'Mechwarriors is hardly devastating to a battalion, especially since the damage looks repairable. They certainly inflicted much more on the enemy. The question is... who are they and why did they attack? (ok, so that's two questions... ) Make that four questions... where did they come from and how did they get here? (they're fairly certain that these are not the planetary militia... they didn't fight like them... they didn't act like them... and they were certainly not equipped like them) Make that six questions... where are they now and what are their plans?
Ok, make that a lot of questions!
Ok, for this update I am taking the time to write it up myself. (keep the booing to a minimum please!) Oh, and it’s a long one, so be prepared!
As Captain McKenna stood there taking in the scene, she collected her thoughts. “Assault Support! I want you and Assault Support Wing here now to stand over-watch. Strike Leader. Do a perimeter sweep. First Marine, I want a report immediately!”
As he finally composed himself and stopped the stream of curses spewing from his mouth, Lt. Vahzenov replied, “Da. Moving out.” His anger boiled inside him as he throttled up Billy and began moving around the perimeter of the clearing.
Major Silver keyed his mic. “Comstock, this is Silver Actual. ETA to touchdown?”
A moment later, he heard Petty Officer Ramirez reply, “Comstock to Silver Actual. ETA 10 minutes. Captain Friedrich is bringing the Comstock down slow, sir.”
Looking down at his display map, he checked his closure rate to the end of the causeway and marked it as waypoint gamma. Himself, Fire Lance, and the White Whale would reach the end of the causeway at about the same time. “Roger that Comstock. Fire Leader, on reaching waypoint gamma, you and the rest of Fire Lance will make best speed to Base Camp.” He switched frequencies again. “Silver Actual to White Whale. Fire Lance and third Marine will escort you from the end of the causeway to Base Camp. Stay with them.” Changing frequencies again, he queried “Captain McKenna, status report?”
As she stood over the wreckage, Captain McKenna responded. “Area secure, sir. I have Strike Leader on perimeter patrol with Assault Lance and Second and Fourth Marine on over-watch. First Marine is investigating the downed ‘Mechs. Orders?”
“Sit tight.” Major Silver replied. “The Comstock is en-route and should be there in nine minutes, as should Fire Lance and myself.” As he spoke, Lt. JG Grace Bibbs’ LGB-7QE Longbow finally lit off its Jump Jets and landed behind him. Switching channels, he ordered “Fire Leader. Keep this formation until we reach waypoint gamma.”
“Roger that, Silver Actual.” was her reply. “Fire Support. You stay behind Silver Actual and cover the rear. I’ve got point.”
Major Silver switched channels one more time. “Silver Actual to Recon Air Wing. Zero, I’ve got an assignment for you. I want you to fly north to the War Collage and take a look around. See if anything looks out of place or if the forces we fought here are there. And keep it low-key.”
Lt. Amdecker replied, “Affirmative, sir. I shall report all I see.” At that, he swept close to the ground and slowed to near stall speed, making his way slowly toward the Pandora Collage of Military Sciences.
Endless minutes passed as the Eagles awaited the arrival of their Dropship. As it approached, it started to come down just to the west of the clearing where the ‘Mechs has been left. Stopping just above the tree line, the massively powerful engines blasted a clearing of their own, flinging debris away and lighting several trees aflame. As it settled down into the pit that it had just created, its comm officer announced, “Touchdown. Comstock is Stable One.”
Just reaching waypoint gamma, Major Silver keyed his mic. “Roger that, Comstock. Prepare for recovery operations.”
He was interrupted by another communication. “Sir, Fallguy here. I’d like to disembark and stay with the Comstock if you don’t mind. Lt. SG Benson has ordered me out of the Whale anyway. He was a little displeased with my decision to defend the Whale. Oh, and I don’t think he liked getting stunned either. Permission to disembark?”
Major Silver chuckled before responding. “Permission granted. I’d like you to start digging for answers as to just what the heck is going on here ASAP. I want them as soon as possible. Silver Actual out.” At that, he began limping toward the landed Dropship.
Lt. Vahzenov couldn’t hold it back any longer. “Captain McKenna. Permission to disembark and form a search party?”
McKenna replied more quickly than he expected. “Permission granted. Take whomever you need.”
Somewhat surprised, Lt. Vahzenov responded. “Da, thank you. I should like to take Sergeant Chi Lin, Lieutenant Scott, and Lt. Faller.”
“Understood.” Captain McKenna replied. “Fallguy, Black Lotus, Hotshot... you’re on detached duty. Find ‘em fast. McKenna out.”
“This is Silver Actual. I want reports every half-hour, Lieutenant Vahzenov. I’m designating your team ‘Special One’. Sergeant Titus. I want you to take Ferret Alpha and provide support. Lieutenant Vahzenov, would you like Battlearmor support?”
Vahzenov looked at Chi Lin who shook her head as she strapped on her field pack. “Negative sir. Ve vould like to try to keep zis covert. Battlearmor are... how should I say... not quiet, sir.”
“Very well.” Major Silver replied. “Good hunting. Silver Actual out.”
An hour later, the four stopped to rest a moment. They had hiked through nearly 10 kilometers of dense forest, following a trail that had led off to the north. Keeping their search party small meant that they would be hard to find while Sgt. Titus was never more than a minute away. Fallguy stood watching the forest while Chi Lin examined the tracks and Vahzenov and Ben rested.
Vahzenov noticed an odd look on Chi Lin’s face. “Vat is it?” he asked.
“They split up.” She answered. She pointed to a spot on the ground. “Here. Half of the people on foot went west while the other half went east. The vehicle went further north.”
Lt. Faller approached. “Any signs of our people?”
Chi Lin shook her head. “No. These tracks were all left by combat boots, not Mechwarrior gear. I’m pretty sure our people must have been loaded in the vehicle. I haven’t seen a trace if them on the ground.”
Fallguy glanced at his chronometer and looked to Vahzenov. “Time.” was all he said.
Vahzenov pulled out his Long-range communicator. “Special Vone to Comstock, come in?”
Static filled the reply. “Comtech. Putting you through to the Major.”
A moment later he heard, “This is Silver Actual, go ahead Special One.”
“Sir, it appears zat zey split up, but ve are sure zat our people are on ze vehicle. Ve vill continue to follow it and vill check in at...” he glanced at his chronometer. “1305. Special Vone out.”
Vahzenov took a moment to look at one of the prints. Combat boots... and from the look of them, likely standard issue FedCom gear. Who are these people?
Major Silver noted their position. They were still in range of the Battalion’s Long Toms if they needed real help, so he wasn’t that worried.
“Captain McKenna.” Her comm system crackled with the transmission from senior tech Iverson. “Sergeant Major Spanner and I have completed our investigation and my team is ready to begin recovery operations. Permission to proceed?”
She replied quickly. “Affirmative. Spanner, I’d like to see you immediately.” She clicked off her comm systems and pulled the neurohelmet off, setting it on its shelf for the moment. A minute later, her rear hatch rang with a metallic knocking. Reaching over, she unlocked the hatch and was greeted by Sgt. Major Spanner, still in his Battlearmor.
Opening his visor, he said, “You wanted to see me, ma’am?”
“Yes, I want to know what you found.”
Sgt. Major Spanner exhaled. “Well, from the looks of it, they were all five taken down very quickly. Massed fire and some very well placed satchel charges brought them down without much fuss. The enemy then used small explosive charges to blow the hatches open and get to our pilots.” He paused for a moment. “It would seem none of our pilots even tried to eject.”
The import of what he had just said struck McKenna like an autocannon. Could our missing pilots have turned on us? She quickly discounted the idea as all five had very different backgrounds and were hired at different times. The odds of all five being plants or traitors were too long to even fathom. She turned to the Sgt. Major. “How could that be?”
Spanner thought a moment. “Well, either they couldn’t eject, or they didn’t want to. I’ve seen some ways that can keep a Mechwarrior from wanting to eject. Nerve gasses, threats of being killed if they do, but the best way is to use a metal foil sheet thrown over the ejection hole. It’s quick and obvious to the pilot... a great way to keep them where they are.”
McKenna nodded. With a metal foil tarp over the ejection hole, the pilot could be shredded to pieces trying to eject. “But why keep them from ejecting?” She asked.
Spanner shrugged. “If it were me, I’d do it to keep their emergency homing beacons from going off. That way, no one knows they’re in trouble once the jamming was lifted...”
McKenna interrupted. “... giving them more time to get away with our pilots. Thank you, Sergeant Major.” She nodded as he began climbing back down. She turned back to her console and tied her ‘Mech’s computer into the Comstock’s main computer. The Silver Eagles had been given a lot of data on Pandora when they took the contract, including the manifests of all the shipping that had been taking place and the Drophips that had done it. It was a lot of information and would take some time to sort through, but she had a hunch it might lead to some answers.
Ten minutes after setting out again, Chi Lin stopped and pointed off to the east. “They turned that way, back toward the swamp.”
Vahzenov looked around. Suddenly, he spotted something. “Look there.” He pointed at a broken branch of a tree about ten feet off the ground in the direction Chi Lin had pointed.
Chi Lin nodded as she started off in the new direction. “Good eye. I’m starting to get a better picture of this vehicle. Looks like a typical light military car rigged for transport. My guess is it would hold about a squad.”
Vahzenov nodded. “Zat means our pilots plus a few guards. Makes sense. Let’s get moving.”
As they reached the edge of the forest where it met the swamp fifteen minutes later, Chi Lin stopped again. She started looking around at the ground very puzzled. “It’s gone!”
Vahzenov stopped. “Vat is?”
“The tracks!” she replied. “They’re gone! Just up and disappeared!” She looked more intently at the ground around her. “There!” she said as she pointed at a spot on the ground.
The four made their way to the place she indicated. Sure enough, the tracks just ended in the fetid mud and muck of the swamp with no signs of where the vehicle had gone. As Chi Lin and Vahzenov looked around, Joe and Ben watched and kept ready.
“Vell, I don’t see any signs of an underground entrance, do you?” Vahzenov asked.
Chi Lin was staring intently at the mud and muck ahead of her. “No, but I know what happened. Look there.” She pointed a few meters ahead of where the tracks ended. “See that, the swirling in the mud? It was a hover transport. They were met here and ferried off into the swamp.” She pointed out into the seemingly endless wide swamp.
“Zey could be anyvere now.” Vahzenov sighed.
Joe spoke up. “Time.”
Vahzenov pulled out his radio. “Special Vone to Silver Actual, come in?”
“Go ahead Special One.” Major Silver replied over the static.
“Sir, ve have reached ze swamp again. Zey turned east about 1.7 kilometers north of our last check-in point. It appears zey were met by a hover transport and ferried away. Orders?”
Major Silver scowled. “Sergeant. Do you have any idea where they might have gone?”
She pulled out her portable computer and brought up a map of the swamp area. Thinking a moment, she pulled her helmet mic down. “Well, if it were me sir, I’d head north along the western edge of the swamp. Likely exit points up in zone 4210 at the north end of the swamp.”
Major Silver looked at the map of the area. Damn! 4210 is just at the edge of our Long Tom range. “Very well. Special One, you are to proceed to zone 4210 and investigate the area. Keep me apprised. Silver Actual out.”
Joe pulled his helmet mic down. “Twitch, this is Fallguy. Come in for pickup.” A short time later, they were off to the north edge of the swamp at high speed.
“Major?” It was Captain Darious Friedrich. “Chief Tech Iverson reports that recovery operations are complete.”
Major Silver nodded. “Very well. We’ll wait here for Special One to report in. Thank you Captain.”
As he spoke, he heard Lt. Amdecker report in. “Sir, over-flight of the Pandora training facility impossible. I was ordered away from their air space without a flight plan. However, I managed to get some reconnaissance photos from a distance. Orders?”
“Very well.” The Major answered. “Head to Needgate and see if anything is amiss there. Then RTB. Understood?”
“Affirmative.” Ian replied. “Shall I keep a low profile sir?”
Major Silver sighed. “Affirmative. Keep it quiet and uninteresting, like you’re just on a security patrol. Silver Actual out.” What else can go wrong? he thought.
As the four made their way along the muck of the northern edge of the swamp, their spirits were low. No sign of the hovercraft had been seen for the last hour that they’d been searching the swamp. Finally, Vahzenov spoke up. “Have you found anyzing, sergeant?”
The exhausted ex-Capellan shook her head. “No sir. Not a trace. Looks like a dead-end here.”
Joe spoke up. “They could have gone anywhere. We could spend days searching and still not find anything.”
Vahzenov sighed. “Very well...” He pulled out his radio again. “Special Vone to Silver Actual.”
“This is Silver Actual,” Major Silver replied. “Go ahead.”
“Sir,” Vahzenov began. “I regret to say ve have found no trace of vere ze hovercraft has gone. Zey might even have turned south and gone out onto ze lake. I’m afraid ve’ll have to abandon ze search unless you vant to commit to a long-term search.”
Major Silver hung his head low. They’re gone. Let them go, Kevin. he thought. Picking his head back up he replied, “Very well, Lieutenant. Get back to Base Camp ASAP. We’re dusting off. Silver Actual out.” He turned to Darious. “Captain, prepare to return to Base Camp.” He pulled his mic down and switched to the ‘Mech Company frequency. “Silver Actual to Company Commander. Load up for liftoff. We’re going back to Base.”
McKenna responded. “Roger that. Request permission to take Assault Lance back by foot.”
Major Silver was quick to reply. “Request Denied. From now on, no unit is to operate independently without direct authorization from myself. Understood?”
“Very well, Major.” McKenna replied. “Loading up now.” She switched to her tactical frequency. “Listen up. Everyone load up on the Comstock, we’re pulling out.”
Half an hour later, the Comstock was in the air and returning to Base.
-
“It just doesn’t make any sense!” Joe practically yelled. “Kidnap five pilots and leave the ‘Mechs? Five good, salvageable ‘Mechs... why?”
The Silver Eagles had gathered their command staff in the Comstock’s briefing room at 2000 that evening. Major Silver and Captain McKenna were present in person with Captain Thorpe on videoconference from his hospital bed below. Lt. Hernandez-Silver, Lt. Chekov, Lt. Vahzenov, Lt. Windsor, Lt. Jones, Lt. Scott, Lt. O'Hare, Sgt. Major Spanner, and Staff Sgt. Chi Lin were also in attendance with Lt. Faller.
Major Silver closed his eyes. “Calm down, Joe. We’ll figure it out.” He turned to Captain McKenna. “Major.” he started, using the ancient tradition to prevent confusion with Naval Captain ranks while aboard ship, “What did you dig up?”
McKenna punched up a list she’d compiled. “These six Dropships are the only ones listed as having arrived over the past few months and are still on-planet. The list includes two Mule class carriers that are owned by the Pandora Southern Mining Coalition and have been in their employ for over two hundred years. There is also the Mammoth class that is a part of the factory relocation project. The other three are a Seeker class that is on-call for planetary defense, and two independent aerodynes. A Triumph class and a Buccaneer class, both registered as being at the Needgate Starport.
Captain Thorpe spoke up. “Those aerodynes sound like the best candidate for having gotten foreign troops here. And from what I’ve heard, these guys didn’t fight like untrained locals. They have to be imports.”
Major Silver spoke up. “Ok, so what do we know? We know that whoever they were, they weren’t the planetary militia. Their equipment and training were all wrong for that. That leaves the possibility of them being brought here as the most likely and reasonable. To get here, they needed a Dropship and those don’t just disappear. So it has to be one of these six, right?”
Joe spoke up next. “I agree sir. My money is on the Triumph. It’s a military transport designed to carry both vehicles and infantry, it could easily carry a regiment of infantry and still have cargo space for supplies, and it’s an independent.”
Lt. Scott spoke up. “What about the Buccaneer?”
Joe shrugged. “It’s smaller, not designed for military transport, and would be lucky to fit the infantry in there, let alone all the supplies an entire regiment would need.” He thought a moment. “Still, I wouldn’t discount it entirely, but the Triumph fits the bill better.”
Major Silver interjected. “What do we know about this Triumph?”
McKenna looked at the data she’d found. “Well, it’s independently owned and operated. The owner/operator lists as a freelance transport service for buyers of Quikscell Company products.”
Major Silver nodded. “Likely he’ll move to wherever the factory moves then. When was the last time it was off-planet?”
McKenna didn’t even need to look at the data screen. “Six months ago he left for two months. He listed a manifest of some Heavy Tracked APCs and a few Scorpion Tanks for sale to a mercenary company. He reported no manifest on return and has spent the last few months doing nothing but light intercontinental shipping. The Buccaneer hasn’t been off-planet for almost a year. Their owners claim lack of repair parts for a damaged transit drive. In the last year they have been relegated to nothing but local transport duties.” McKenna paused a moment. “Oh, and it’s been up for sale for the last month.”
Joe thought for a moment. “Sounds ripe for a reason to stick around to me. Earn some cash doing local ferry work while you’re getting under-the-table pay to be ready to pull these guys off-world.”
Lt. Hernandez-Silver spoke up. “But that still doesn’t tell us who they are, does it?”
Major Silver smiled. “No, it doesn’t. Good point. We need to figure out with whom we’re dealing and why they took our pilots. Ideas?”
Randall spoke up first. “Ransom? That’s the only reason I can think of. Either that or blackmail. Maybe they were hoping to nab someone important to us and hold their life over our heads, either to make us do something we shouldn’t, or not do something we should.”
Joe spoke next. “Perhaps they were hoping to get some information about us from our pilots, something they could use against us.” He chuckled. “I’m just paranoid enough to believe that it’s WOB trying to dig up some secret piece of info about the Clipperton incident, something they can blackmail us with. We know they think we were hiding something. Maybe they were hoping one of the pilots would crack and give something up?”
Major Silver shook his head. “No, this doesn’t feel like WOB. Besides, how could they get an entire regiment of infantry on-planet without anyone noticing this far into FedCom space? And how could they know we were going to even be here? We didn’t ourselves until three months ago. No, I don’t see it. Still, nabbing pilots to squeeze them for intel is possible by anybody.” He looked up around the room. “Anyone else?”
Lieutenant Vahzenov spoke up. “Vell, I don’t know how important it is, but ze infantry vere vearing standard issue FedCom combat boots.” He held up his hands to forestall a debate. “I know, I know... zey are easily obtained on ze black-market, but still I thought to mention it.”
Major Silver nodded. “Thank you Lieutenant Vahzenov. What abut the shell casings? Any luck tracing them?”
Vahzenov shrugged. “Nothing obvious at first, no Major. Ve vill have to run zeir serial numbers through FedCom intelligence to see vere zey came from.” He smiled. “But don’t vorry, I vill find out who made zem and who bought zem, Major.”
Major Silver nodded and looked down at his agenda notes. Looking up he reached over and touched a com panel. “Please patch me though to Chief Tech Iverson.”
A moment later a voice came back over the com system. Loud noises of machinery and hydraulics could be heard in the background. “Sven here.”
“Sven, this is Kevin. Got an estimate for me yet?”
“Well, it looked a lot worse than it actually is sir. I’m guessing a week downtime in total for the five downed ‘Mechs. Yours and the other lightly damaged ‘Mechs I can have patched up and running in three days easy. The Battlearmor only have some minor damage, I’d say a day there. Figure two weeks and we’re 100%, machinery-wise.”
Major Silver started making notes. “What about supplies and spare parts?”
The Rasalhaguian tech’s voice again could barely be heard over the noise of the ‘Mech bay far below. “We’re good there. We have plenty of spares on-hand to fix what was damaged.”
Major Silver finished jotting his notes. “Thank you Sven. Give priority to the least damaged first, but the pilot-less ‘Mechs are lowest in priority overall. Keep me updated. Silver out.”
“Well,” started McKenna, “We seem to have come out of this alright at least, pilots excepted of course.”
Joe started pacing. “Yeah, we did... didn’t we?” He stopped pacing and looked to Randall’s video display. “Randall, you’ve had a chance to review the battle reports, right?” After a quick nod he continued while pacing. “You know what the enemy commander did. After he got us thinking he was on our side, he brought all his infantry forces up onto the bridge. Then, he turned on us.” He stopped and looked back at the display. “Would you have done that?”
Randall was about to speak, but he stopped and thought for a moment. “Not really. The smartest thing would have been for him to set up his platoons about a hundred meters off either side of the bridge and catch anyone on the bridge in crossfire. After all, they were already in the swamp that way.”
Joe looked at the floor. “So why pull up onto the bridge? They got slaughtered that way.”
Major Silver interrupted. “One thing at a time Lieutenant.” He looked over at Chi Lin. “Sergeant. What was your analysis of the troops that captured our pilots?”
Chi Lin looked at the ceiling. “It’s pretty much as Lieutenant Vahzenov pointed out. Standard FedCom gear was used, but black-market dealers could have sold that stuff to almost anyone. We’ll have to start a trace.”
Major Silver nodded and looked at Lt. Windsor, the company Civil-Military Operations Officer. “Make that your top priority, Lt. Windsor. Get our FedCom liaison officer on that pronto.” Looking again to his notes he was about to speak again when someone knocked on the briefing room door. “Enter!” he yelled.
Corporal Winters peeked his head into the room. “Sir, Captain Friedrich wanted me to bring you a message. You might want to switch on the local broadcast channel, sir.”
Major Silver could already feel what was coming. “Thank you corporal.” He reached over and switched the video display over to read local broadcasts. After searching the local frequencies, he found what the corporal was talking about. There on the display was amateur video and tri-vid footage of the Silver Eagles attacking the mob on the causeway. As the footage played out, an announcer was reporting the events.
“...sometime this morning. As the footage shows, a mercenary force, hired by the Federated Commonwealth Armed Forces to guard the controversial movement of the Quikscell factory off-world, attacked the protesters in what some are calling, ‘an appalling display of carnage and death.’ While the details are not fully explored, what is known is that the ten-kilometer Needgate Swamp causeway was severely damaged in the process, leaving Collage Highway, which goes around the swamp, the only way to the Quikscell factory complex from Needgate.”
The scene changed on the display to that of the announcer, with the words ‘Editorial’ lettered across the bottom of the display. “This reporter has looked into the events surrounding the disaster. While the easy reaction would be to blame the mercenary force, I have to conclude that they acted in no way other than one would expect them to react. The real question is ‘Why were they needed here in the first place?’ With the Pandora Collage Training Battalion so close at hand, and the Tenth FedCom RCT and Fourth Davion Guards RCT available, why hire these mercenaries to guard a closing factory? It is this reporter’s opinion, that poor judgement on the part of the AFFC hierarchy led to this disaster. To bring in troops that are not well equipped at obvious ‘police duties’ was poor planning. This was not only a tragedy, but a travesty because it could have been avoided. Back to you, Ted.”
Major Silver turned the display back to the videoconference. “Oh boy!” was all he said.
Ok, a lot of discussion this week and not much action, but here’s the update.
-
As Major Silver turned to face the gathered officers, Lt. Scott spoke first.
“What a bunch of BS!”
He glanced up at Ben. “That’s enough, Lieutenant. Opinions?”
Lt. Faller spoke first. “I have to agree with Lieutenant Scott, sir. Not one scene of the organized infantry. Sure, they made it sound like we couldn’t have been expected to do anything else, but we still come off as the nasty mercs.”
Major Silver nodded. “True.” He looked to his second in command. “Captain?”
McKenna sat quietly a moment before speaking. “‘Tis true, we do come off looking like we slaughtered civilians. The big question is, what do we do about it? I doubt that a press conference voicing our side will do much. People believe what they see, especially if it meshes with what they believe.”
Major Silver sighed. “There has to be a way we can reverse this.” He thought for a moment and then turned to Lt. Hernandez-Silver. “Lieutenant, what’s our fuel status?”
His wife glanced at a data pad. “We came here with one hundred tons of fuel set aside for Aerospace operations. We’re down to eighty-eight tons after the sorties we flew today.”
Major Silver looked at the assembled officers. “I’m thinking that despite the bad press, we need to make our presence felt here. Let the local populace know that we’re here and we’re not leaving. I’m thinking we should begin running Aerospace sorties every day... over-flights of the city, etc. Opinions?”
Captain McKenna shook her head. “I think some patrols would be fine, but daily Aerospace sorties over Needgate? That will get expensive, sir. Local market price for hydrogen fuel is eight hundred Kroner per ton.” Most of the assembled officers nodded in agreement, including his wife.
Lt. Chekov spoke up. “By the way sir, in regards to any patrols. Word about the ambush has gotten around camp. I’d advise, for moral purposes, that no patrols be sent out unless they are patrols-in-force. The troops are a little jumpy about the idea of getting piecemealed to death.”
Major Silver nodded. “Agreed. From now on, any patrols or long-distance missions are to consist of at least a company in strength at all times. That should eliminate fears about safety.” He turned to Lt. Hernandez-Silver. “As head of Aerospace Lance, what is your recommendation? Keep in mind, I want us to be seen, as well as get some good aerial reconnaissance.”
Lt. Hernandez-Silver thought for a moment. “I think outfitting the VTOLs with recon gear and highly visible weaponry would work. Have them fly in tandem at medium altitudes over Needgate and the College to let people know ‘We’re here and watching you.’ but keeping things easy. Lieutenant Amdecker could make routine over-flights of the factory complex for the same purpose. That should keep fuel costs low as well as reducing wear and tear on our pilots.”
Major Silver nodded. “That sounds good, but I want more.” He looked to Lt. O'Hare. “What would you think about roving patrols with your infantry company? I’m thinking it can make us look a little tougher than we are if we have infantry out on random patrols, plus nothing beats a pair of eyes on the ground.”
Lt. O'Hare sighed and shook his head. “Only problem there sir is that our infantry aren’t well suited for it. Their training is all in static defense, not random patrol. Plus it would leave base camp a lot more open to infiltration. As you say, nothing beats a pair of eyes to spot an intruder.”
Major Silver sighed and glanced at the unit roster. “Ok, what about Armor Company?” He looked up at Lt. Chekov. “How often can your Company manage a patrol route from here to Needgate and back?”
Glancing at the map of the area, Lt. Chekov replied, “Looks like about four hours to Needgate using the northern College Highway route. Figure in some stop time and maneuvers to make our presence felt, I’d say it’s an eight-hour round trip. We could pull that off a couple times a week without too much wear and tear on the men and machines.”
Major Silver nodded and jotted down some notes onto his data pad. “Sounds good. Anyone see any problems with that?” After a moment with no objections, he continued. “I would like any opinions about our current circumstances.” He glanced around the room before continuing. “We’re facing an unknown enemy here. I want answers and I want a name to put on them. It’s a priority for everyone in the unit. I want all ideas, no matter how crackpot they are, brought forward. The last thing we need is some wild idea starting a rumor about what’s going on. If ideas can be discussed, then the outlandish ones can be discounted on the facts. That should keep rumor control better contained.” He glanced up at Lt. Faller. “Joe, what about those Dropships? What do you need to get some real intel on them?”
Lt. Faller shrugged. “Time... and permission to take a few days away from the unit. Two or three days should be sufficient.”
Major Silver nodded. “Permission granted. Take all the time you need. Do you need any personnel? Equipment?”
Joe shook his head. “No, I can handle it. I work best alone on these kind of missions.”
Captain McKenna spoke up next. “I’ll contact Kommandant Hubbard and see what I can find out from him.”
“Very well.” Major Silver concluded. “Anyone else have anything to add?” When no one responded, he continued. “Very well. You all have things to do.” He glanced at his chronometer. “Get some chow, do what you need to do, and get some rest. Dismissed.”
Lt. Vahzenov looked at Lt. Morander Collins sitting across from him in the mess. “Vell, I’d like you to come vit me tomorrow. I’ve arranged a meeting vit an old acquaintance of mine zat verks for Quikscell. Showing up vit ozzers makes it look like I’m just stopping by, not making a special trip.”
Lt. Collins nodded as he ate his warmed over meal. “Alright. Is there anything in particular you want me to keep an eye out for?”
Vahzenov shook his head as he picked at the simulated beef of his meal. “No, nozzing in particular. Just anyzzing out of ze ordinary.”
“What time are we leaving?” Lt. Collins asked.
Vahzenov spoke around a mouthful of food. “Ze meeting is at twelve hundred hours. I told him I’d try to be zere a little early if I could.”
As he spoke, Lt. Faller joined the two. “Artificial beefsteak! I hear this stuff hasn’t actually been made since before the First Succession War, they just keep pulling it out of old warehouses.”
Vahzenov chuckled. “Da. Watch out for ze hard bits. I understand zat every meal has at least vone rat ground up inside it!”
The trio laughed as they ate. Once finished, Vahzenov turned to Lt. Faller. “Vell, I am going to go enjoy a bottle of Vodka. Care to join me?”
Joe shook his head as he stood up. “No. I gotta vanish. Have fun all! See you in a few days.” At that he headed for the exit to the mess tent.
Vahzenov turned to Lt. Collins. “Vat about you? Care to...” as he mimicked drinking.
Morander shrugged. “Sure. Why not?” as the two headed out of the mess tent into the night.
Major Silver walked into the HQ tent at 0700 exactly. “Take your seats people, we’ve got a lot to cover this morning.”
As the officers took their seats, only Lt. Faller, Captain Thorpe, and Lt. Scott were absent. Looking at Captain McKenna he started. “Changes in Status?”
McKenna turned to her CO. “Lieutenant Faller is off on assignment. Other than that, no change in status, sir. Lieutenant Scott will be here momentarily as I told him to change into dress uniform as you requested.”
“Thank you Captain.” He replied, noting so to his data pad. Looking up again, he continued. “What’s on schedule for today?”
McKenna continued. “Senior Tech Iverson reports that all BattleArmor units will be fully repaired by twelve hundred hours local time. I’ve got an appointment with Kommandant Hubbard at 1330 local, and Lieutenant Windsor has scheduled a meeting with the local authorities to begin an official investigation about the incident yesterday.”
As she finished, Lt. Scott came in wearing full dress uniform. “Sorry I’m late sir but I didn’t realize this was going to be full...” He stopped as he looked and saw that other than McKenna and Silver, no one else was wearing their dress uniform. His face wrinkled up with irritation as he whined, “Hey, why did I have to go full dress?”
“Lieutenant Scott!” Major Silver barked as he stood. “Front and center!”
Ben reacted instinctively and trotted up to the Major, remembering not to salute in the field, coming to attention in front of his commanding officer.
Major Silver reached to his collar and plucked the Lt. JG rank insignia off as Captain McKenna approached his opposite side and did likewise. Dropping his rank pins on the table, the two officers began pinning new rank insignia on his uniform.
Finally, Major Silver spoke. “Congratulations, Lieutenant Senior Grade Scott.”
“You earned it.” McKenna followed as the two officers stepped back.
Caught quite in shock, Lt. Scott finally said, “Does this come with a pay raise?”
The room burst out in laughter and McKenna replied, “Yes, Ben... it does!”
“And increased responsibility.” Major Silver continued. “Take your seat, Lieutenant. We’ll discuss your new responsibilities after the meeting.” As the officers settled back into their seats, the Major looked back at McKenna. “Continue.”
McKenna shrugged. “That’s all sir. I’d like Lieutenant Vahzenov to join me if possible.” She turned to the Russian former Capellan. “What say you?”
“Vell,” Vahzenov began “I had scheduled a meeting vit a contact to look into an independent trace so ve could confirm vat ze official report says, but I vill have to reschedule it if Captain McKenna vishes me to go vit her to se ze Kommandant. I can contact him and ask.” He looked back at McKenna as she nodded. “Vill you excuse me for a moment, Major?”
Major Silver nodded and Lt. Vahzenov headed for the exit. Looking toward their liaison officer, he continued. “Hauptman Conley, what is the position of the AFFC on this turn of events?”
The FedCom officer looked toward the Major. “Well, I’ll have to put in a request for information up through my chain of command. As far as the AFFC’s position, we stand behind the actions taken yesterday. From what I’ve seen, you could have made no other choice and that’s what I will report to my superiors.”
Major Silver nodded. “Thank you Hauptman.” He glanced at his notes again and looked up at the others. “Is there any other issues that need to be brought up at this time?” Seeing no one respond, he turned to Lt. Josepho. “Lieutenant. I want your official opinion regarding the capture of our pilots. Being this close to the Clan Front, I cannot help but suspect that a Clan might have been responsible for the attack and taken our pilots as abtaka. Do you think it possible?”
Lt. Josepho squirmed slightly in his chair and showed a mild amount of irritation on his face before answering. “I find it highly unlikely that a Clansman would be responsible for the attack or the taking of our warriors. They issued no batchal and apparently took great pains to capture obviously inferior warriors.” He held up his hands to forestall objections. “Do not take issue with me wrongly. I only mean that to a Clansman, they would obviously be inferior due to the fact that simple dezgra infantry could defeat them. Also, the attackers engaged in the highly dishonorable act of not allowing the pilots single combat, even though we have always followed the rules of Zelbrigen and this is well known.” He shook his head and let a slight smile escape his normally blank expression. “No, this was no Clan action. Not even Crusaders would stoop so low.”
As Lt. Vahzenov returned to the tent, Major Silver nodded. “I agree. I just wanted to voice the option to dispel any ideas to the contrary.” He looked again to his notes and turned to Lt. Vahzenov. “Lieutenant?”
Vahzenov nodded as he took his seat. “Da. I vas able to reschedule for eleven hundred hours local time. Zat gives us a full half-hour lee-vay time counting travel to ze College.”
McKenna nodded. “Thank ye, Lieutenant. I could really use your insight with the Kommandant.” She glanced at his BDUs and in particular, his sidearms. “It will be full-dress.”
Vahzenov nodded wryly. “Da, Captain.”
Major Silver looked to his notes. “Moving on...” he looked around the room. “Ok, I want thoughts and opinions. If you have suspicions, let’s hear them.” He looked to McKenna. “Captain?”
McKenna thought a moment. “Well, I’ve been trying to figure who has to gain from the attack. Unfortunately, no one stands out as obvious. Effectively what happened was we got a bloody nose, the AFFC looks bad for hiring us, the causeway got damaged...” She stopped a moment. “It could look like we just aren’t the right people for the job to some.” She finished.
Major Silver thought a moment. “Ok, let’s examine the players here.” He began ticking off on his fingers. “We have the planetary businesses, Quikscell, Red Devil, the mining guild, and the other planet businesses. Do any of them gain by this?”
Lt. Windsor spoke up. “Not really sir. Quikscell might think the AFFC let them down, but the likely response there would be to pay off our contract and bring in someone else. It would cost the AFFC some, but it’s not the end of the world. Quikscell still gets their security and they still move.”
Lt. Scott continued the thought. “Red Devil has everything to gain from Quikscell moving out smoothly too. They get the total output of the Southern Hemisphere mines and lose their only planetary competition. No motive there to louse things up.”
Lt. Jones kept the discussion moving. “The mining guild stands to gain with the move because they can begin selling excess raw materials on the open market for the first time in over two hundred years. That means market prices instead of government contract payments, a lot of which are far below market price.”
Lt. Vahzenov nodded in agreement. “Da. Ze smaller local businesses also aren’t loosing much because of ze increase in funding ze College is getting. Ze local economy vill hardly even notice ze difference, ozzer zan ze actual factory vorkers zat aren’t moving vit ze factory or transferring to Red Devil, zat is.”
Major Silver nodded in general agreement to all and ticked off another finger. “What about the College itself?”
McKenna shook her head. “They stand to gain nothing if we don’t get the job done or Quikscell’s movement doesn’t go smoothly. They’re getting increased funding from the FedCom because of the move as the factory’s jobs are eliminated. That makes me believe that they would want it over with sooner rather than later. Delays in the movement equate out to delays in the funding increases, right?” She turned and looked at Hauptman Conley for confirmation who nodded in agreement.
Major Silver ticked off another finger. “What about the local nobility? It’s almost common knowledge that they are fighting any ideas about Red Devil moving with every trick in their arsenal. Do they stand to gain anything by this?”
This time, Lt. Chekov spoke up. “Well, if Lyran nobility is anything like League nobility, they may think that making this move go badly would make moving Red Devil look like an even worse idea. Noble types do tend to think that we’re all just stupid sheep.” He paused and looked at the Major with a slight smile. “Present company excepted of course, sir.”
Major Silver smiled and nodded back. “Agreed, it is a possibility. Ideas?”
“In this case,” Staff Sgt. Chi Lin began, “I don’t see how they could get away with hiring that large a force and have it not be noticed by someone in their rank-and-file. On top of that, according to Lieutenant Faller’s information, their efforts in this area are centered on bribery and blackmail of nobility higher up in the decision-making chain. So that pretty much leaves them out unless they are very good at hiding their secrets.” She glanced at Lt. Collins. “If he could take up the investigations into the two suspected Drophips, I could pour over the data we’ve got on the nobles and see if I can ‘liberate’ any new information they might not be telling their higher-ups.”
Major Silver nodded. “Very well, proceed.” He continued as he ticked off another finger. “That leaves the FedCom itself.” He glanced at Hauptman Conley. “Do they gain anything here? I think not. In point of fact, they end up looking foolish for hiring us in the first place, right?”
Hauptman Conley nodded. “Indeed. In fact, that may be the entire point.”
Major Silver continued the thought. “Exactly. Since we have eliminated all the other players involved with Pandora directly, that leaves an outside influence at work here.” He let the thought sink in a moment before continuing. “Lt. Collins, go ahead and look into those Dropships. I want every piece of data you can find on them. Chi Lin, I want anything you can find on the planetary nobility, I don’t care if it points to them or not. See to it that Captain McKenna gets it. We have a mystery here and I want it solved. Either the nobility is playing games with the FedCom to dissuade them from getting ideas about moving Red Devil after Quikscell is gone, or the FedCom has an enemy here that we need to know about. I need to know which one it is.”
Major Silver paused a moment while he looked around the room before turning to McKenna. “Captain, is there any other business?”
McKenna sighed. “Just the usual status reports and briefings, sir.”
Major Silver nodded and replied, “Lets get those over with. Proceed.”
An hour later, Major Silver dismissed the group to begin their assignments.
-
I’m not done with the update yet, but I thought I’d let you all chew on this while I finish. (Yes, there’s more! They talked a lot!) Enjoy!
Part 2 of this week’s update.
Sgt. Titus had brought the VTOL down just outside the main office of Quikscell’s factory complex. As Captain McKenna, Lt. Vahzenov, and Lt. Collins waited, they discussed their plans.
“Now.” Vahzenov began, “Ven he comes out, try and look casual, like zis is nozzing important, da? If he suspects it is important, ze price could skyrocket, eh?”
The two nodded. “Don’t worry Lieutenant.” McKenna reassured as she smiled. “We figured that much out when you said ‘No dress uniforms.’ We won’t spoil anything.”
As she spoke, the doors to the office opened and Vahzenov smiled. “Comrade!” He yelled across the parking lot and swung his arms wide.
As the man approached the trio, Vahzenov embraced him in a short hug. “It is good to see you again, my friend! How is your vife?”
The man glanced around quickly. “She’s fine, thanks. Say, I have to be kinda quick here.” He spotted the VTOL and pointed at it. “Shall we?”
Vahzenov nodded and led him to the VTOL. “Da, ve vill get right down to business zen. By ze vay, vitch is your car? I have zat box of Timbiqui Dark you love!”
As the two entered the VTOL, McKenna and Lt. Collins waited outside with Sgt. Titus. Closing the VTOL’s door, Vahzenov turned. “So, down to business. I need some information.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a data chip and handed it over. “Zis contains lot numbers for some shell casings zat I need tracked down. I need to find out who made zem and who purchased zem, da?”
As he took the data chip, he tumbled it around in his fingers and examined it as though he could read the data right there. Nodding as he listened, he looked at Vahzenov. “Twenty-five thousand.” was all he said.
Vahzenov balked. “Zat much? It’s just shell casings my friend, not ze combination to ze Capellan Chancellor’s private bedroom!”
The man shrugged. “It’s not the data, it’s running it through private channels. Do you want everyone who might be interested to know you got it or do you want the data to ‘just happen to find it’s way to you’?” He shrugged as he continued. “The cost cover’s my risks, and Pandora security has a tight lid on pretty much everything these days.”
Vahzenov shrugged as he reached into another pocket. “Alright. It is a deal.” He pulled out several C-bills and handed them to him after a quick count. “Here is your payment.” As he was about to take it, Vahzenov pulled it away at the last moment. “How soon?”
He thought a moment. “A few days, maybe a week. Depends on how difficult the data is to track.”
Once more Vahzenov handed the C-bills to him. “Zere vill be ten tousand more if you can get it to me quicker, da?” He finally let go of the C-bills and let him take them.
He smiled as he counted the C-bills. “Got it.”
Vahzenov smiled. “Now zen, comrade! How about zat lunch?”
He shook his head and looked at his watch. “Sorry, friend. I have to get moving. As it is I’m late for a meeting.” Vahzenov shrugged and opened the door to the VTOL. Picking up the case of liquor, he hopped out of the aircraft and looked back at Vahzenov. “See you around.” At that he headed off to his groundcar.
McKenna approached the VTOL. “Is that it?”
Vahzenov stuck his head outside. “Zat is it. Shall ve get going?”
The three climbed into the VTOL. McKenna grabbed her bag and pulled out her dress uniform. “You did bring yours, right Vahzenov?”
“Da.” He replied as he pulled his own uniform out of his pack. “And do not vorry, I vill try not to make any scenes zis time!”
All Lt. Collins could think was What have I gotten myself into this time!
As the VTOL lifted off the ground, the three changed in the rear for their meeting with Kommandant Hubbard.
Two hours later, they were met at the College’s helipad by a hoverlimo. Whisking them quickly off to the Kommandant’s residence, they were surprised to see a lot of activity in front of the building.
The trio were escorted in by one of the Kommandant’s many aids. As they were shown in, they saw people coming out of the building carrying boxes... moving boxes. When they reached the foyer, the aid said, “Please wait here. Kommandant Hubbard will be with you shortly.”
Vahzenov caught his attention. “Could you please show me vere ze... facilities are?” As the aid rolled his eyes, Vahzenov gave a quick wink to McKenna.
“Follow me, sir.” The aid said as he led Vahzenov off.
Once they were out of sight, McKenna waited for an opportunity to speak to one of the movers. Finally, she spotted one alone. “Excuse me,” she began. “What’s going on here?” The mover just pushed past her like she wasn’t even there, totally ignoring her.
A short time later, Vahzenov returned and took a seat next to McKenna. “Did you find out anyzing?”
“No.” she replied. “No one would even speak to me.”
After a moment, the aid returned. “If you will follow me.” The three stood and followed the aid to a finely decorated dining room. He gestured to the seats and said, “Kommandant Hubbard will be with you shortly.” He then turned and left, closing the heavy wooden door behind him.
“What goes on here?” McKenna asked, mostly to herself.
“Perhaps ze Kommandant is leaving for some reason.” Vahzenov retorted as he took a seat.
At that, the door opened again and Kommandant Hubbard entered the room. Looking over the three, he made his way to Captain McKenna. “Ah, Captain. Good to see you again.” He looked around the room. “Major Silver is not with you?”
“No, Kommandant.” McKenna replied. “Unfortunately, he could not be here in person, but he sends his regards.”
Kommandant Hubbard took a seat at the head of the table. “I must apologize for meeting here, my office is being packed up. What is it you wish to discuss?”
McKenna, who had not taken a seat, began pacing. “Kommandant, you are aware of what happened yesterday?”
Kommandant Hubbard closed his eyes and nodded briefly. “Yes. A terrible turn of events. I can assure you, the local authorities are looking into the matter. The truth will be discovered and fault placed where it belongs.” He paused a moment in thought. “I understand that you maintain that there was an organized infantry regiment involved that claimed to be the Pandora Militia?”
McKenna nodded as she continued to pace along the table. “Aye, Kommandant, and we have BattleROMs to prove it.”
Kommandant Hubbard nodded. “That being the case, I can assure you that the Pandora Militia was not involved.” He paused again as though in thought before continuing. “The Pandora Militia was not mobilized at all yesterday. Those who were on active duty were all at their bases in Needgate, Southport, and here at the College.” He looked to McKenna who was still pacing. “Please, take a seat Captain.”
She waved her hand at the Kommandant. “Thank you, but I’m more than a bit restless over all this.”
Kommandant Hubbard shrugged. “As you wish. In any event, I can tell you this much. The Pandora Militia is not equipped with the weapons described in the report you gave to your liaison officer, Hauptman Conley. Yes, I had the opportunity to review it before it was forwarded on to the AFFC central offices.” He let his tone take on a bit more seriousness than usual. “I can assure you Captain, it was not Pandora Militia that attacked you.”
McKenna stopped and looked at the Kommandant. “We figured that out pretty quickly ourselves once they started shooting at us. They didn’t fight like any militia unit.” She resumed her pacing. “Kommandant, if you don’t mind my asking, what is going on here? Why are their moving people here?”
Kommandant Hubbard took a long breath. “I was only assigned here temporarily while Hauptmann-General Steven Merriam, the normal commander of the College, was away.” He let out a deep sigh. “I had hoped that my performance record here would allow me to succeed the Hauptmann-General who has talked of retiring upon reaching the rank of Marshal, but I have been given... other orders. Hopefully, I will still be able to keep my position as head of the Training Battalion at least after this mess.”
The Kommandant pulled a pen from his pocket and began twirling it in his fingers absently. “The Hauptmann-General was not due to return for another two months, however he has chosen to return early in light of these troubling events. As a result, I’ve been asked to move to another assignment. Don’t worry, Captain. I’ll speak to the Hauptmann-General about the plans we’d made concerning joint exercises. I’ll recommend that your unit still be involved in PCMS activities.”
McKenna stopped and nodded to Kommandant Hubbard. “Thank you. By the way, would you happen to know of any Mechwarriors looking for work to replace our lost warriors? We hate to give up on them, but ‘Mechs with no pilots do us no good.”
Kommandant Hubbard nodded. “Indeed. The College always has people that are dropped from the rolls for various reasons. I understand one of your Lance Commanders was a failed entrant to our College on your last visit here two years ago, isn’t that correct?” As McKenna nodded in confirmation, the Kommandant continued. “I’ll have my aid give you a list of some people that could suit your needs. Is there more?”
McKenna nodded. “I would like to ask you one other thing Kommandant. Do you have any idea who it was that attacked us?”
Kommandant Hubbard sat up and looked at McKenna, his voice even and controlled. “Captain, don’t you think that if I could tell you who it was that I would? Honestly, if there was any information I could give you, I would. As it is, all I can tell you is who it wasn’t. The people who attacked you and took your pilots are not a part of any FedCom unit stationed on Pandora. I know where all of them were yesterday and none of them use the equipment you described. They must be a rogue or independent unit.”
At that, the door opened again and the aid entered. “Kommandant, your appointment with Hauptmann-General James Ito is in fifteen minutes.”
Kommandant Hubbard stood. “I regret that there is nothing else I can tell you Captain, I wish there was. I wish you luck in your investigations.”
McKenna stiffened. “Thank you, Kommandant Hubbard.” At that she executed an about face and walked out of the room.
Kommandant Hubbard let out a sigh. He walked over to Vahzenov who stood as he approached. Taking his hand in a firm shake, Hubbard said, “Lieutenant, it has been a pleasure knowing you.”
“And you as vell, Kommandant.” Vahzenov replied. Hubbard nodded to Lt. Collins and stepped silently from the room.
As the two left the building, Vahzenov leaned over to Lt. Collins. “Go to ze limo vit Captain McKenna, I’ll be vit you shortly.”
Vahzenov slowly walked up to the large truck that the movers were loading things into. Peaking inside the cabin, he spotted a clipboard with some papers on it. Looking around, he spotted two movers standing at the back of the truck.
Knowing he couldn’t get into the cab without them seeing, he approached the two. “Vorking hard?” He asked. The two looked at him as though he were wearing a clown suit. Reaching into his inner pocket, he retrieved a flask. Showing it to the two men, he asked “You two wouldn’t happen to know ver all zis is going vould you?”
Licking his lips, the closer of the two said “Well, the shipping order is on the front seat. But I’m supposed to alert my foreman if I see anyone looking into company information.”
“Vell zen,” Vahzenov coyly replied. “I guess I should give you somezing else to look at, da? Zat vay you can say you didn’t see me.” At that, Vahzenov handed the flask over to him. He quickly jumped into the front seat and began memorizing the crucial details of the shipping order. Once done, he hopped out and trotted toward the hover-limo.
Catching up with McKenna and Lt. Collins, Vahzenov climbed into the hover-limo. “Vell, vone zing is for sure, I know he vas outright lying ven he said it had been a pleasure knowing me!”
McKenna smiled. “That’s a good one, sorry I missed it!” She pulled out her personal coms. “Sergeant Titus, get her ready for take-off, we’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Once safely in their VTOL and headed back to their base camp, Vahzenov turned to McKenna. “I got a look at ze shipping forms. Ze Kommandant is having his personal effects sent to a Dropship. I did not recognize ze name.”
McKenna barely looked at Vahzenov. “Look into it. I want to know where he’s going.”
Vahzenov continued. “He vas hiding somezing, of zat I can be sure. But vat? Zat I couldn’t tell you.”
McKenna nodded in agreement. “Could be nothing... but it could be everything.”
As the officers gathered for their evening meeting at 1900, the mood was somber. No word on their missing pilots all day, no ransom demands, nothing. It was as though they had simply vanished. Everyone was quiet when Major Silver came into the HQ tent with Lt. Scott behind him.
McKenna looked at Lt. Scott. “Been learning about Battalion ops, Ben?”
He looked back at McKenna as he took his seat. “Don’t use big words, my head hurts.”
A light chuckle ran through the assembled officers as Major Silver took his place at the head of the table. “Ok, that’s enough. Let’s get started.” He looked to McKenna. “Captain, how did the meeting with Kommandant Hubbard go?”
McKenna sighed. “Well, to start with the Kommandant is leaving. Hauptmann-General Steven Merriam is returning early.” She looked at Vahzenov.
“I vas able to find out vat Dropship he vas scheduled to leave on.” Vahzenov began. “It’s a Monarch class passenger transport zat is due to arrive in two days carrying normal military rotation personnel. It also is likely the transport zat Hauptmann-General Merriam is arriving on as zer are no ozzer inbound ships due for ze next two veeks.”
McKenna continued from there. “The Kommandant did say that he would speak to the Hauptmann-General about our joint training exercises. Other than that, both Lieutenant Vahzenov and I felt that the Kommandant was holding something back.”
Hauptman Conley spoke up. “Well, that could mean anything. I’m sure there are lots of things that the Kommandant can’t talk about that have nothing to do with yesterday. I don’t think the Kommandant would have any part of it.”
Major Silver turned to their FedCom liaison officer. “Hauptman, what is your opinion of Kommandant Hubbard?”
Hauptman Conley sat back and thought a moment. “Well, to be honest his position as temporary head of the College was only out of necessity. Most officers under his command know that he’s not much of a military leader but more of a social general, and a bad one at that. Though he’s a decent educator, he’s got a poor grasp of tactics. In all honesty, he’ll probably just get another temporary assignment if they don’t just relegate him back to being the Training Battalion CO. He hasn’t seen a promotion during the entire Clan Invasion, which is notable in itself. With the expansion of the College, they’d be better off with a new CO for the Training Battalion. But that’s just my opinion, Major.”
Major Silver wrinkled his brow and nodded. “Thank you for your frankness, Hauptman.” He turned to Chi Lin. “Sergeant, any progress?”
Chi Lin shook her head. “Not yet, sir. But give me time. I’ll get something.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Collins. “Anything else on those Dropships?”
Lt. Collins shook his head. “Nothing else beyond the publicly available information. I’m going to have to dig a lot deeper before I find anything else.”
“Keep at it.” Major Silver ordered. “We need all the info we can get.” He looked to McKenna. “Any word from Lt. Faller?”
McKenna shook her head as well. “No sir. No word since he left last night.”
Major Silver nodded. “I hope he has better luck than the rest of us.” Looking once more to his notes, he looked up at Lt. Windsor. “Lieutenant?”
Ryan looked to his commanding officer. “Well, I contacted to local authorities about the organized infantry. They gave us the run around, stating that the Pandora Militia was not deployed at all yesterday. I told them we knew all that, but they said if it wasn’t the Militia, then I’d have to ask the 10th FedCom and the 4th Davion Guards about it. In short, I got nowhere. I’ve got a teleconference with both unit’s PR people tomorrow morning. Honestly though, I think each is going to point to the other and say it’s not their problem.”
Major Silver shook his head in disgust. “And these people are supposed to be protecting the planet. How can an entire Infantry Regiment get here with nobody knowing about it?” He sat back in his chair and covered his eyes, holding back frustration. Finally looking to the vid-display of Captain Thorpe, he continued the meeting. “Did you learn anything from the BattleROMs recovered from the wrecked ‘Mechs Captain?”
Randall looked back through is return display. “Unfortunately yes sir. I learned they were deliberately sabotaged. They’re dead sir, wiped completely blank and rendered useless. I had Sven take a look at them. He can tell you about it.”
Major Silver turned to his Senior Tech. “Report.”
Senior Tech Iverson closed his eyes before beginning. The stress of the near continual workload over the last few weeks apparently was beginning to wear him down. Finally, he began, “Their substrates were burned out with a high power electrostatic discharge. It could only have been a deliberate act. Nothing in the cockpit can generate those kinds of ESD. Not at those intensities anyway.”
The meeting was interrupted as Lt. Vahzenov’s personal com toned. Pulling it out, he said, “Vahzenov here.”
“Sir, Ramirez here. I’ve got a private communiqué for you. No identification.”
“Vone moment.” Vahzenov turned to Major Silver. “Vill you excuse me, sir?” With a nod from Major Silver, Vahzenov took a step outside. “Go ahead.”
The voice could barely be heard over the radio. “Vahzenov, I got the info you wanted.”
“Zat vas fast.” Vahzenov replied as he pulled out his portable noteputer. “Go on.”
The voice was barely audible, even with hardly any noise around the camp. Vahzenov took down the information onto his noteputer with exacting detail.
When he was finished Vahzenov quietly replied, “Zat is perfect. I have arranged a delivery of ten tousend to you by tomorrow. Good vork, comrade! I thank you.” Vahzenov pressed print on his noteputer twice and closed it. He then switched off his personal coms and returned to the tent.
Major Silver glanced at Vahzenov as he returned. “As far as continuing operations, until further notice we’ll be having a 1700 evening meeting every day. This will give us a chance to discuss ongoing operations before the beginning of night shift.” He looked to Vahzenov. “Lieutenant?”
He just handed a paper to Major Silver and Captain McKenna without a word and took his seat.
The two looked at the papers they’d been handed.
The entire lot was manufactured by New Earth Trading Company, and I mean all the shells we found tags for. They were all a part of a shipment that was reported ‘lost in shipping’ en-route to the planet Skye for the 11th FedCom four months ago.
Major Silver looked up at the assembled group. “Dismissed. McKenna, Vahzenov, meet me in McKenna’s office on the Comstock in five minutes.”
That’s where we ended this week’s session. Sorry it took me so long to write it up, but I hope you enjoyed both parts!
Comments welcome as always.
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I know it's a lot for one update, but the Pandora arc is a really good one. Enjoy. O0
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Just remember the old saying.
To much of a good thing is never enough. [watch] [cheers]
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Just remember the old saying.
To much of a good thing is never enough. [watch] [cheers]
Never ever enough, must have more
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Aye. Ill get more up soon. I'm looking for the rest of a previous post I put up. It was woefully short. I still have LOT of archived posts to go through. ;)
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Ooops backwards! moving to the end :-[
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removed
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Removed.
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Me thinks you doubled on a couple of posts...
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which ones?
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at any rate. I"m going to wrap up the Pandora angle today. I'm still looking for the rest of that one piece. Lots of back posts to sift through. Fallguy was prolific. 8)
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Ok... that was fun. I had to rewrite the last two weeks 'cuz I'm an idiot and accidentally deleted the update instead of copying it. >:( So here it is... 10 pages of fix for all you Silver Eagles Fans! Enjoy...
When Major Silver entered McKenna’s office on the Comstock, Captain McKenna and Lt. Vahzenov were already there. “Captain, I want your opinion. Can we trust the Hauptman?”
Captain McKenna thought for a moment before speaking. “Well, I believe he can be trusted to do his job. But then his job is to ensure that the FedCom gets what it wants out of our contract here, not do what’s best for the Silver Eagles.”
Major Silver looked at Lt. Vahzenov. “Lieutenant, I want you to get Lieutenant Collins access to the Pandora Collage computers. I don’t care how you do it, but I want to know what they know. I think they’re hiding something and I want to know what it is.”
Lt. Vahzenov shrugged. “Da. I believe I can get him vat you vant. It von’t be cheap, but I can arrange it.”
Major Silver nodded. “Do it. Do whatever it takes. Pay whatever price. Just get me that info. I need to know who I can trust and who I can’t.” He turned back to McKenna. “I want roaming patrols between here and Needgate every day. Enough to make our presence felt here, but try and keep things in order. I don’t want another incident like the one at the bridge. Just keep things running until we get more answers. We’ll figure out what to do from there.”
McKenna nodded. “Aye Major.”
Two days later, Lt. Vahzenov and Lt. Collins waited outside the compound fence surrounding the Pandora Collage of Military Sciences. Lt. Collins kept looking to his watch.
“He’s late.” Morander commented.
Vahzenov shrugged. “He vill be here.”
Not a moment later, a noise was heard from inside the fence. Ducking back into the bushes, the two waited. The unused access gate’s lock opened up and a man wearing an AFFC field jacket came through the gate. He looked around nervously, obviously looking for someone.
“Vas!” He whispered. “You out here?”
Lt. Vahzenov stood up. “Da. Here.”
The man gestured quickly toward the gate. “Well, if you want in you better hurry your butt up! Security patrol will be around in two minutes!”
The two lieutenants quickly ran toward the now open gate and through it. As they entered the collage grounds, the man turned to Lt. Vahzenov. “Who’s this?”
“A friend, comrade.” Vahzenov smiled. “And here is yours.” He handed the unnamed man a bundle of kroner. “I zink you dropped it out beyond ze fence. Most fortunate zat I happened along and found it, da?”
“Yeah, thanks Vas.” He smiled back as he took the bundle and handed Lt. Vahzenov a key card. “Remember, one hour. That’s it. If you aren’t here, you’ll just have to hole-up in whatever lady’s dorm room you... ehem... end up in and find your own way out.” He smiled and winked at Lt. Vahzenov.
Lt. Vahzenov slapped the man on the back. “Da! I vill remember.” At that the two made their way to the nearest building and entered using the key card Lt. Vahzenov had gotten.
Ten minutes later the two members of the Silver Eagles were in a computer lab. Once Lt. Collins brought the computer up, he began looking over the network protocols that connected the computers together. After only ten minutes of study, he isolated a weakness in the security log system. Entering the user name “JFett” and the password he’d cracked from the system, the computer brought up the system administrator’s access screen.
Lt. Collins laughed out loud. “I’ve got complete access to everything on their network. I’ll see if I can find anything about guerrilla activity in recent history.”
After searching the entire network, the only data files found were encrypted intelligence briefings. Lt. Collins inserted a data disk into the computer and copied them, making sure to alter the logs to erase the event from the system. Making a similar search for any data on the Silver Eagles turned up archived data from their last visit to Pandora in 3053 as well as a few current files relating to the recent attack. Copying all the data to the disk, he kept searching for any other information he thought might shed some light.
Lt. Vahzenov looked at his watch as he waited. “Ve are out of time. Ve have to go, now!”
Lt. Collins ejected the data disk and logged out. “Right. Let’s move.”
As the two made their way back to the access gate, they stopped as a patrol guard walked past the gate. Once he was gone, the two ran out to the gate and looked for their contact.
Lt. Vahzenov looked again at his watch. “Ve are too late. Ve missed him.”
Lt. Collins kept looking around. “Great. Now what?” He looked up the fence at the razor wire top. “I’m not trying to get through that.”
Lt. Vahzenov pulled out a large pistol and screwed a silencer onto it. “Stand back.” He said as he took aim at the lock. A muffled shot sliced through the air as the lock exploded. “Hurry, ze next guard vill notice zis.” The two men ran through the gate and into the blackness of the night.
Within minutes, alarms could be heard behind them as they quickly ran from the compound toward Lt. Vahzenov’s truck. Trying hard to avoid being spotted, they managed to avoid any pursuit and reached the safety of the main road.
Once they were free and clear, headed back to the Silver Eagles compound, Lt. Vahzenov turned to Lt. Collins. “Some fun, da?”
Lt. Collins chuckled lightly. “No... but it definitely lets you know you’re alive!”
When the 0700 meeting convened, everyone was present except Lt. Faller who was still missing. Major Silver could see that Lt. Collins and Lt. Vahzenov were nearly exhausted.
As the briefing was nearly over, Lt. Faller came in looking like he hadn’t slept in days and had just crawled out of a grease pit. “Sorry to interrupt, Major. Lieutenant Faller reporting in.”
The assembled officers all turned as he took his normal seat next to Captain McKenna. Major Silver nodded to Lt. Faller. “Welcome back, Lieutenant. Do you have anything to report?”
Lt. Faller could barely keep his eyes open, but he managed to stand and deliver his report just the same. “Well, I took jobs posing as a maintenance crewman on both shuttles. I can definitely tell that the Buccaneer is not space worthy. Her transit drive is indeed burned out and looks like it’s been that way for some time. I don’t think it’s a cover-up. If it is, not even their technicians know about it.”
Major Silver nodded. “What about the Triumph?”
Lt. Faller looked down in thought before proceeding. “Well, I examined her logs and talked to her crew. If they brought in anyone on their last trip in, they aren’t talking and they hid it well. Fuel logs indicate that they only bought replacement fuel for an unloaded flight in. If they had come in fully loaded, they would have burned a lot more than they replaced.” He shrugged. “But then, they could have brought extra with them to hide it. They have spare fuel bladders, but that’s not unusual, a lot of Dropships do.”
Major Silver looked at his disheveled Intelligence officer. “Very well. Go get some rest Lieutenant. A full report can wait.” He turned back to the assembled staff. “Seeing as how the situation has calmed down some, the evening briefing is hereby canceled. We’ll reinstate it if it becomes necessary again. If there is nothing else?” He looked around the room and saw no responses. “Very well, dismissed.”
When 1900 hours rolled around, the senior staff were all collected in the Comstock’s briefing room as usual. Captain Thorpe was teleconferenced in from his bed in the MASH tents. Major Silver walked in and looked at the monitor display. “Evening Captain Thorpe. Goodbye.” As he reached up and killed the connection. Everyone went dead silent.
Captain McKenna spoke up first. “Sir, if I may. I know you told us that this would be a secret meeting, but Randall is a part owner and third in command. He has a right to know what’s going on.”
Major Silver turned to his XO. “I know, Major but we have a security leak and right now I need this contained.” He turned to Lt. Collins. “Report what you told me, lieutenant.”
Lt. Collins stood up. “Well, it took Chi Lin and I the better part of today to even crack part of the cipher the collage uses for secured documents, but we cracked enough to know that they obtained a full copy of our battle ROMs covertly.”
Lt. Faller spoke up. “If I may sir, I set up the private link to Major Thorpe’s bedside myself. There is no way it could be tampered with or monitored and me not know it.”
Captain McKenna turned to her Commanding Officer. “With all due respect sir, I think that Major Thorpe needs to be a part of this.”
Major Silver sighed. “Lieutenant Faller. Can you guarantee to me that there is no way that someone could eavesdrop on the feed going to Major Thorpe?”
Lt. Faller stiffened. “No sir, I cannot guarantee it, however I’d stake my reputation on it.”
“Fine.” Major Silver capitulated. “Bring him back up.”
Lt. Faller reconnected the vid-link and entered the security scramble code. A moment later Captain Thorpe was back on the conference screen after securing his end of the link. “Am I invited in?” He snidely asked.
“The Major was concerned about security because we have a leak, Randall.” Captain McKenna retorted. “Cycle your coolant.”
“Lieutenant Collins.” Major Silver began again. “What else did you learn?”
“Well,” He continued, “we figured out that whoever they are that attacked us, the PCTB doesn’t know who they are. The way what we can see of how the report reads, they’re as anxious as we are to find out who they are.”
Lt. Faller spoke up. “How much of the report have you deciphered?”
Lt. Collins shrugged. “About 80%. There are still a lot of code words that we don’t know what they mean. It’s all a matter of context. They use code words to refer to places and people that we don’t know what they refer to. Piecing it together is like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle when you don’t know how the pieces fit or what the final picture is.”
Major Silver nodded. “Keep on it. You and Sergeant Chi Lin have duty off until you figure out everything you can.” He turned to Lt. Faller. “Joe, give them a hand if you can.”
Lt. Faller nodded. “Will do.”
Major Silver looked worried. “Ok, who could have gained access to our battle ROMs?”
Captain McKenna spoke up. “Well, after the battle they were pulled for analysis. The data was loaded onto the Comstock’s computer.”
Lt. Faller interrupted. “That means any of the Dropship crew could have copied the data before it was purged. On top of that, there are the techs and astechs themselves. Any one of whom could have gotten the data as they worked on our machines.”
Major Silver shook his head. “We have a spy in our midst. Discussion of important information is to be kept to Staff Officers only for now. That includes repair operations and patrol schedules. I know it’ll be a pain, but until we figure out were the leak is, we need to contain the potential damage. Dismissed.”
As the officers filed out, Major Silver stopped Lt. Faller on the way out. “Joe, I need you to do something for me.”
Lt. Faller closed the door to the briefing room. “What do you need?”
Major Silver looked like he was about to commit treason. “I need you to dig up everything you can about Jan. I need to know if there is any way she could be connected to all this.”
Joe furrowed his brow. “You know I’ll do what needs to be done. I may find out things you won’t like.”
Major Silver nodded. “I know, Joe. I can take it. I just need to know that I haven’t left myself blind. Whatever you find out, tell me.”
Joe nodded. “Will do, sire.” At that he saluted and left Major Silver alone.
When the staff officers met again the following evening, Lt. Faller met Major Silver in the hallway as he was about to enter.
“Sir, that matter you asked me to look into?”
Major Silver felt his skin grow cold and could feel his heart begin to race. “Go ahead.”
Lt. Faller sighed. “Well to start with, I can rule her out as being the spy. I have numerous eyewitnesses that can account for her whereabouts during the time we had the data on the Dropship. She also never had unrestricted access to all of our ROMs. That means she can’t possibly have gotten copies of them all.”
Major Silver breathed a sigh of relief at those words, yet he could tell that his long-time friend had more. “There’s something else though, isn’t there?”
Lt. Faller nodded. “Unfortunately yes, sir. I did some digging around in the files I picked up from AFFC records. Some of those files were commercial Dropship records through FedCom space. I ran a search on Lt. Hernandez prior to her having joined up. It seems that while we were on Irian, that’s where she was headed. When we got off Irian and headed for Outreach, she transferred her ticket for Outreach as well.”
Major Silver felt a knot building up in his throat, but something bothered him about the idea. “You mean that you think she was deliberately seeking us out? That long ago when we were a lowly Merc Lance?”
Lt. Faller shook his head. “No, I mean I think she was deliberately seeking you out.”
Major Silver wasn’t yet convinced. “Yes, but couldn’t it just be coincidence? I mean, that was right as Outreach was declared the new Merc hiring hall.”
Lt. Faller shook his head. “She had a prepaid ticket from New Syrtis to Irian, no further. I checked financial records and she put herself in severe debt to get the trip paid for. When she cashed her ticket in to get a new one to Outreach, it set her back even further. The timing is what is telling. She changed tickets at Axton only two hours after the Axton HPG received a regularly scheduled transmission block. Back-tracking the HPG routes and schedules, I figured out that if someone spotted you at the nadir station after we jumped into Van Diemen from Irian, the message would have reached her on that transmission cycle.”
Major Silver still looked puzzled. “But why me?”
Lt. Faller sighed. “It wouldn’t have taken too much to find out that an heir to the Duchy of Negushevo was heading home from a doomed fight on the Clan Front. Your little mission did draw some press as I recall, especially among the scandal-vids that eat the whole ‘noble warrior-knight’ line up like candy.”
Major Silver sighed in exasperation. He couldn’t help but wonder if his new wife had sought him out simply because of his title and he never suspected it. She had always seemed so clueless when it came to social matters. She was no fool, but it was almost common knowledge that his wife just simply ‘didn’t get it’ when it came to social situations. He just couldn’t picture Jan as the ‘gold digger’ type. Am I just letting my feelings cloud my judgement? Could she be that good at hiding her true self?
He nodded to Lt. Faller. “Thanks Joe. I’ll think about it and try to figure out what to do. Let me handle it from here.” Joe nodded as they entered the briefing room where everyone waited.
“We managed to decipher about all we can from the documents we copied.” Lt. Collins began. “The only other relevant piece of information we were able to obtain was that the information came from an informant code named ‘Raptor’. The informant is referred to in a tense that suggests that it is not someone planted in the unit, but someone who they were able to ‘do business with’.”
Major Silver nodded. “So, what we have is not a spy, but a sell-out.”
Lt. Faller shrugged. “To be honest sir, I think I can shed some light here.” He stopped and lit a cigarette. “Look at it from the Garrison’s point of view. We get here on contract to guard the factory movement. On the first day of our contract, there’s a major incident that makes them look bad. We say that there was an entire Infantry Regiment on that bridge, but the news footage shows only civvies. There are two ways you can look at things from their viewpoint; one, that we’re telling the truth and there is indeed a rogue unit operating on Pandora that they know nothing about, or two that we’re making up the whole thing to mask our own mistakes.”
Captain McKenna continued the thought. “Or three, that we are actually a part of some conspiracy to discredit the FedCom.”
Major Silver thought for a moment. “I think you may be right there, Joe. In fact, if I were in their shoes I just might do the same thing.”
Lt. Chekov spoke up next. “But why not just ask us for copies of our ROMs? Why the cloak-and-dagger bit?”
Lt. Faller turned to the Armor commander. “Because ROMs can be faked. They wanted a source they thought they could trust to get them a copy of unaltered data. That way they could know with greater assurance that we weren’t lying.”
Major Silver added. “Or setting them up. Good point. What of ‘Raptor’? I still don’t like that someone in the unit sold us out for a bribe.”
Captain Thorpe spoke up first. “Well if I may sir, it’s the nature of mercenaries. Every single person in our ranks is here for a paycheck, not for national pride.”
Major Silver looked to the vid-screen. “True, but I’d like to think of the Silver Eagles as more of a family than a simple mercenary business. Yes, we have to make ends meet, but I’d rather know that the guys backing me up aren’t going to sell out for a quick C-bill.”
They were interrupted when the intercom toned. Being an unofficial and secret meeting, it had to be Captain Friedrich as he was the only one who knew the meeting was even taking place that wasn’t in the room. Major Silver reached down and touched the com panel, but didn’t speak.
“Major.” Began Captain Friedrich. “You there?”
Major Silver replied lightly. “I’m here, Darious. What’s up?”
Darious’s tone was ominous. “You’d better get up here.”
“Oh hell, now what?” Major Silver cried. “Be right there.” He clicked the coms off. “Dismissed. Captain McKenna, you’re with me.”
As the two entered the bridge, Captain Friedrich gestured to them from the tracking console. “Over here Majors.”
The two approached slowly, unsure of what to expect. Captain Friedrich stood up. “Space track just picked up a Dropship on an escape course from Needgate starport. Her readings match up with a Triumph class under heavy load.”
Major Silver turned to Petty Officer Ramirez. “Comtech, get me the Collage, or Needgate Starport, or the Forth Guards... whoever you can get on a moment’s notice.”
A moment later, PO Ramirez replied, “I have Needgate Space Control sir.”
Major Silver did his best to hide his anger. “Needgate Control, this is Major Kevin Silver of the Silver Eagles aboard the Comstock. We’re tracking a Triumph Class Dropship that just took off from your Starport. Can you identify them?”
Static hissed across the room as the reply came back. “Comstock, this is Needgate Control. The Dropship took off three minutes ago without a flight plan and after we warned her from taking off without clearance. She was unresponsive. Can you intercept?”
Major Silver scowled. “Is there anything we can do, Captain?”
Darious Friedrich looked over at his navigator’s console. “I don’t think so, Major. They’re on an outbound vector at 3 G’s. Given the distance they’re at, even if we scrambled fighters now, they’d get one pass and then be dead in space. It would be a one-way trip.”
Major Silver thought for a moment, calculating the navigation permutations. If they’re burning 3 G’s on an escape course, our fighters could catch them by burning 4 G’s... but then by the time our fighters caught up with the Dropship, they’d get one pass and fly past them. They’d also be nearly out of fuel and not have enough to even slow down. They’d also be on an escape trajectory out of the system... we’d have to lift the Comstock off and chase them down, hopefully catching them before they ran out of air or hit something. Those kinds of rendezvous in deep space are tricky even for two Dropships with fuel to burn, let alone combat fighters adrift at high speed.
“No.” He finally said. “We’ll have to let them go. See if the Jim Bridger can track them to their Jumpship.” Looking over at Ramirez, he nodded to open the comline. “Needgate Control, this is Major Silver. We cannot effectively intercept. If the other planetary forces cannot intercept, I recommend that the Dropship be tagged for criminal charges on next sighting. Major Silver out.”
Major Silver looked at the navigation plot. “If I read this right, they’re making s-turns to disguise their eventual stop point, somewhere about 40-50° above the local plane of the ecliptic, on an azimuth between 260-270° right?” Captain Friedrich nodded as Major Silver continued. “They likely have a Jumpship out there, or due to jump out there, somewhere well outside the minimum safe distance. We wouldn’t even have a clue how far out until they turn around. For all intents and purposes, they’re already uncatchable.”
Captain Friedrich sat up straight. “Pretty much Major. Unfortunately, it’s the nature of the beast. It’s a tactic well understood from the days when Jumpships were fair game for combat. No one bothers anymore because Jumpships and to a certain extent even Dropships are non-combatants. For some reason, these guys feel the need to revive the practice. Maybe they think we’d do the unthinkable and attack their transport.”
Captain McKenna turned and left the bridge without a word.
Major Silver looked off at nothing for a moment in thought. “Either that or they just don’t want us to know who’s picking them up. A jump signature from a couple dozen AUs is pretty generic. They don’t want to be IDed.”
Major Silver slammed his fist against the bulkhead. “Who the hell are these people?” Collecting himself, he turned to PO Ramirez. “Comtech, I want an emergency meeting in the briefing room immediately, all Staff officers and Intelligence personnel.” At that, he turned and left the bridge.
When Major Silver walked into the briefing room at 2100 hours, he looked around to see who was present. Captain McKenna, Lt. Faller, Lt. Vahzenov, and Staff Sgt. Chi Lin were seated on one side of the table with Lt. Chekov, Lt. Windsor, Lt. Jones, and Lt. Collins on the other. Taking his place at the head of the table, Major Silver nodded to Lt. Faller who walked over and opened up their secure line to Captain Thorpe’s bedside com interface.
Lt. Faller nodded to the Major. “We’re secure here.”
Major Silver sighed. “All right people, it looks like our quarry made good their escape. Lieutenant Windsor, what’s the legal situation for taking our security personnel into the Starport to look for signs of our missing people?”
Lt. Windsor shrugged. “It’s a jurisdictional problem. We have no civil jurisdiction to run an operation that has no bearing on our contract.”
Major Silver looked exasperated. “What about the Starport’s security cameras? Can’t we make claim for the footage based on our contract’s stipulation of Independent Command authority? We might find evidence concerning our missing people in that footage.”
Lt. Faller spoke up. “If I may sir, based on the total lack of footage of their grounding, I’d be willing to bet that there was similarly no coverage of anyone boarding that ship. I mean, it can’t hurt to look, but I’ll bet they were conducting another maintenance cycle when the troops boarded her. Either that or they would have taken steps to see to it that the security system was disabled. That’s what I’d do in their shoes.”
Major Silver looked ready to explode. “Well, what can we do? Just hire new pilots and be done with it?” He tried to regain his composure as the day’s events began to weigh down on him. Finally he let out a long breath and continued. “As of this moment, I want Intelligence to devote to finding any sign of what may have happened to our Mechwarriors. The rest of the unit will proceed on with normal operations.” He turned to Lt. Vahzenov. “Lieutenant, do you know where I might be able to get a bottle of Regulan Vodka before tomorrow?”
Lt. Vahzenov smiled. “Da. I jus happened to haf gotten a few bottles before ve left League space.”
Captain McKenna turned to Major Silver. “Getting drunk won’t fix anything, sir.”
Major Silver turned to Captain McKenna. “It’s not for me. Major, I want you to arrange a meeting with Kommandant Hubbard and myself before he leaves tomorrow. Beyond that, the meeting is yours.” He then turned and left the briefing room.
Taking Major Silver’s place at the head of the table, Captain McKenna began. “Alright, does anyone have anything to add here?”
Captain Thorpe cleared his throat. “Well, it occurs to me that they might have left because one or more of our missing Mechwarriors got free and was heading here to let us know where they were hiding out. It would explain why they seemed to have left in such a hurry.”
Lt. Faller shook his head in disagreement. “I think this wasn’t done in haste. I think it was likely just the next step in their plans, whatever they were. If the engagement was the sole reason they were here, there was no point in them sticking around any longer than they had to. We were beginning to close in on them, running daily Recon and even set to put up our satellite.”
Lt. Collins continued the thought. “That means that the Triumph was just sitting around waiting for them to need their ticket off-planet. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense if they were the ones that brought them here in the first place. It would have just been a matter of time before someone came up with proof and nailed them to the wall with it.”
Joe Faller nodded. “With all likelihood, that ship will never be seen again. Well, not and still be recognizable as the same ship. It’s not easy, but doable.”
Captain McKenna jotted something down. “Very well, your opinions have been noted. Anything else?”
The group fell silent as they looked around to see if anyone had any ideas. Their silence was deafening.
“Alright.” McKenna finished. “Dismissed.”
The next day, Major Silver found himself waiting at the Starport for Kommandant Hubbard to arrive. With him was Corporal Mark "Ace" Layard of Second Marine Squad. Sgt. Major Spanner had insisted that the Major not go unescorted. No fewer than seven times, they had been stopped and searched by Starport security. The extra precautions no doubt due to the arrival of Hauptmann-General Steven Merriam and departure of Kommandant Hubbard.
As the two waited, Major Silver turned to the Corporal. “If anyone asks again, just tell them I’m Baron Silver here to see off Kommandant Hubbard. I hate using nobility as a wedge, but maybe they’ll leave us alone then!”
Corporal Layard nodded. “Aye, sir.” He felt marginally exposed without even his sidearm, but his hand-to-hand training made him feel confident to take down anyone threatening his Commanding Officer.
When Kommandant Hubbard finally arrived, he walked up to Major Silver and shook his hand. “It is very good of you to see me off, Major.”
Major Silver smiled and handed the Kommandant the bottle of vodka. “The pleasure is mine, though I’m sorry to see you leave. Hopefully, when you return we can work on those joint exercises we talked about.”
Taking the bottle and scrutinizing it, he turned back to Major Silver. “I look forward to that. I’ll keep this until I can share it with you, Major. It has been a pleasure, in spite of the circumstances.” Once again he shook Major Silver’s hand, bowed slightly and proceeded on to board his flight out of the system.
Major Silver turned to his Marine escort. “Let’s get back to business.” At that they both returned to the VTOL where Sgt. Titus waited to take them back to the Silver Eagles’ compound.
Days passed uneventfully. Security patrols and search parties turned up nothing, no trace of where their missing Mechwarriors had gone. The only sign of where the Triumph had gone was a weak jump signature of an Invader class Jumpship that had jumped into a point over 1,100 AUs distant. Even if they could jump out to intercept them, the ship would just jump away rather than face capture. By the time her signature had reached the Deep Space tracking stations, over 152 hours had passed; enough time for the Jumpship to have recharged safely off her fusion drive allowing instant escape. Even if it meant abandoning their passengers on the Triumph on their 60+ day transit, it would ensure that no one would ever learn who was responsible.
It was the perfect escape plan.
After two full weeks with no sign of further disruption, a memorial service was held for the five missing Mechwarriors. Their names were added to the Silver Eagle’s “Last Full Measure” wall aboard the Comstock. They were only listed as Missing in Action. After that, things settled down to a more or less routine. A meeting had been scheduled with Hauptmann-General Merriam on the first of April to discuss training with the Pandora Collage Training Battalion.
The Silver Eagles were offered the use of the training facilities of the Pandora Collage of Military Sciences. They took the opportunity to train their Infantry Company in anti-BattleMech tactics. Though this move would increase costs and upkeep for the Infantry, it was felt that the versatility would make the Battalion more desirable as a whole, allowing more lucrative contract offerings. By early July, the Infantry were deemed fully capable of anti-BattleMech action.
In the mean time, Major Silver, Captain McKenna, and Captain Thorpe set up an Officer Candidacy Program, allowing members of the Silver Eagles with appropriate skills to earn a commission and become Aerospace pilots and Mechwarriors. While there were no end of applicants, the program managed to weed the candidates down to only a few skilled personnel in a few weeks. This would eventually allow the Silver Eagles a measure of independence should they be caught with injured or killed Mechwarriors in the future.
In late April, word of the Red Corsair attacks on Pasig reached Pandora. The Fourth Davion Guards were placed on heightened alert along with most units along the Clan Boarder. When word reached Pandora of the attack on Zhongshan in late May, tensions were running high all along the border. As reports of Jade Falcon troop movements were reported with over three Galaxies of Front-line troops moving up to the border worlds, moral began to suffer as the continual high alert status ran the Silver Eagles ragged.
When word reached Pandora of the assassination of Melissa Steiner-Davion, along with word of the Red Corsair’s attack on Deia, near-riots and prolonged protests broke out in Needgate. The Silver Eagles offered to help secure the city, but the local police and security forces declined the offer, citing the incident on the causeway as reason. It was felt that such a move would only make the local population resent their presence even more. In the end, the Silver Eagles sat out the ordeal and kept to their defensive operations guarding the factory complex.
That’s where we ended this week. Next week we’ll finish up the contract on Pandora and see where they want to go from there.
We’re picking up the pace and will start covering a great deal of time in very short updates. This will accelerate us up toward the current timeline a lot faster than we’ve been going. As it is, we’ve been playing things out at a snail’s pace, taking five Real Life™ years to cover three in-game years. (3052-3055) We’ll slow down for real role-play when it’s called for, but hopefully we won’t be languishing in the past for too much longer. ;)
Comments welcome as always.
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post 56 is same as post 64
post 57 is same as post 65
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So they are. Thank you. I should never post when I've been up all night. correcting now. :-[
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You are welcome. Enjoying the story very much.
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OK, on to the next arc. Posted as it appeared.
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Ok, I know you have all been patient, but this took quite a bit of doing to get’er done. Enjoy!
Edit 10-7-05: Sorry about the vague intro. Hope this is better.
Edit 31-8-05: Further cleanup correcting a few minor errors.
The Contract on Pandora ended when the Quikscell factory completed shipping to an undisclosed location. The only outcome of the whole event was a minor report that issued that Quikscell Corporation was no longer satisfied that a Factory anywhere in the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth was safe. Red Devil Industries agreed to purchase the Factory complex from Quikscell in exchange for 500 billion Kroner in stocks and with the financial support of Pandora Nobility. It was not known where the Factory was moved to, but wherever it was, it was now the property of Red Devil Industries. Quikscell was satisfied with the 500 billion Kroner and intended to use the capital to improve their factory complex in the Sarna March. No sign of their missing pilots ever turned up, nor any solid explanation for why they were taken in the first place. Even more important was that the whole reason for the attack remained a total mystery.
Once free of their contract, the Silver Eagles took a contract agreement in the Draconis Combine out of the world of Wolcott: a Diversionary Raid on the world of Outer Volta. The contract had no pay, no support, and no compensation of any kind. What it did have was 100% salvage rights and an opportunity for a small unit like the Silver Eagles to make a name for themselves. They spent from September 1st through December 8th in transit to Wolcott to take the contract. While en-route, Jan Hernandez-Silver gave birth to Joseph Alecsander Silver on October 15th, 3055. Once they reached Wolcott, they stayed until December 26th, preparing for their mission. Baron Silver's son remained on Wolcott while they launched their mission.
Outer Volta, Smoke Jaguar Occupation Zone
January 3rd, 3056
The Jim Bridger materialized over the occupied world of Outer Volta. Having jumped into a pirate point in the L1 zone over the planet, they were glad to still be in one piece between the planet and its type G8 star. Having jumped in from Wolcott where they got briefed on the particulars of their mission, the Silver Eagles prepared for the worst. They were to jump to Outer Volta, engage the ground forces there, and make them cry for help from one of the neighboring systems. All this to draw the 3rd Jaguar Cavaliers away from Hyner while a strike force was ready to hit there.
Captain Marta Kaufmann turned to her XO. “Lieutenant Wingate, secure from jump and order engineering to begin charging the drive, maximum safe rate.”
Lt. Wingate nodded. “Yes, ma’am.” She reached over her console and called up the intercom for the engineering section of the Scout class Jumpship. “Lieutenant Callaway, begin fusion charge. 141 hour timeframe.” Lt. Wingate was glad that the Scout class Jumpship could charge safely much more quickly than most other Jumpships, even if it was only by a day and a half.
Captain Kaufmann turned to the other person on the bridge. “Mister Demos, do we have any contacts yet?”
Petty Officer Tyrone Demos continued to stare at the ‘waterfall’ display showing passive sensor readings. As he watched the fading effects of their jump in, several sections of the display began to resolve into recognizable indicators. “Affirmative, ma’am. Contact, designating Sierra-Juliet One, bearing one-eight-zero mark eight-zero-four-seven-eight, distance approximately 761 million kilometers. Zenith point. Reads large, length triangulates at 839 meters, mass near 850,000 tons.”
Captain Kaufmann swallowed hard. That’s much bigger than any Jumpship... that’s a Warship! Collecting herself, she continued. “What does the Warbook say?”
Lt. Wingate had already taken the data and started running it through the ship’s database of known ships. It quickly hit on the design. Her voice took on an ominous tone as she replied, “She’s a Cameron Class Battlecruiser Captain.”
Captain Kaufmann exhaled heavily. “What’s her best speed?”
The XO breathed a sigh of relief. “Warbook says she can only make 1.5 Gs, Captain. That puts her a minimum of 126 hours out!” Her smile evaporated into a frown. “Unless of course the Clans improved her engines.”
“If they have,” Captain Kaufmann concluded after running a few numbers through the navigation computer, “we’ll know in about 85 minutes. If they have improved them to say 2.5 Gs, then best arrival time puts her about 98 hours out. We can push that, but it’ll be a little risky. No matter, either way, we’re jumping before she gets here.”
“Contact! Sierra-Juliet Two and Three.” Petty Officer Demos interrupted. “Bearing one-eight-zero-five mark eight-zero-five-three-zero-three, distance approximately 491 million kilometers and increasing at a rate of 2,300 km per second. Faint drive signs. Mass of each near 11-12 thousand tons.”
As Captain Kaufmann turned to her XO, she replied quickly after searching the computer. “Dropships. Warbook has two Clan designs near that weight, the Titan Fighter Carrier and the Overlord-C. The former can push 4 Gs, the latter only 2.5. At that distance they should be well past turn-around and into reverse thrust, almost 4 days out and moving in the wrong direction for an intercept.”
Captain Kaufmann nodded and punched a few numbers into the ship’s Navigational Computer. “Navcomp plots a minimum intercept time of 83 hours if either one is a Titan and they pull a 4-G continuous burn intercept. Even if they pull a 4-G quick stop in 16 hours and then a 2.5-G intercept, that can get them here in 100 hours. Best time for a 2.5-G continuous burn intercept would take 113 hours. Inform Engineering to rig for a 100 hour charge, we’ll have to push it a little.” She turned back to the engineer. “Mister Demos, any other contacts?”
“Negative.” He responded. “No other passive indications. If there’s anything else out there, it’s too small to see while not moving.”
“Very well.” She finished. “Open a channel to the Comstock.”
Captain Friedrich cleared his throat. “This is Comstock Actual, go ahead.”
Captain Kaufmann was very curt in reply. “Captain, we are stable and ready to drop you. Sensors show possible intercept within 100 hours. You’ll have 87 hours ground-time after transit. We have begun quick-charge, ETC 01:00 Tuesday January 8, 3056. If you aren’t here by then, we might not be here to take you out.”
“Roger that, Bridger Actual.” Replied Darious. “Ready to disembark. Release clamps in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Mark!”
The Dropship shuttered and floated free. After a few small maneuvers, the main engines fired up and the Comstock began its six hour flight to the planet below.
“Fire Leader! Move to grid 2187 and begin saturation fire of grid 1774!” Captain McKenna fought to control her Grasshopper and keep her feet under her. The whole ‘Mech Company had dropped practically on top of the Smoke Jaguar formation. Within seconds, honor duels had been tossed aside and a melee had begun. The Silver Eagles lost one ‘Mech and pilot in the first few seconds of battle; one of their Phoenix Hawks took fire from a Jaguar Hunchback IIC, coring out the center of the ‘Mech with a single shot from one of its massive autocannons and decapitating it with the other. After that, the Silver Eagles flew into a fury, smashing into the Jaguars with everything they had.
As she analyzed the tactical situation, Captain McKenna’s blood ran cold at a fearsome sight. From over the rise, a Dire Wolf strode onto the battlefield.
“Attention lucre-warriors. I am Star Colonel Aaron Wimmer, commander of the Seventh PGC. Who leads this mob of Freebirths who have the honor to die this day?”
Captain McKenna keyed open a reply frequency. “Star Colonel Aaron Wimmer, I am Captain Erin McKenna of the Silver Eagles. I lead my warriors this day. I would challenge you to honorable combat, if your dezgra underlings would stop their dishonorable mass attacks. Do you accept my challenge?”
Laughter filled the open frequency. “You talk too much like a Clansman for a worthless barbarian. Who was your teacher? Some worthless Falcon or Wolf? We are not so blind as they. You will have no honorable combat here today, you are undeserving of it. But if you prefer, I will kill you myself so that your pitiful little band can be put to death quickly.” The Dire Wolf stopped and raised its arms to fire. Four bright green flashes leapt from them, arcing across the landscape and carving gaping rents in McKenna’s already damaged ‘Mech. With the fury of the lasers still boiling armor off her legs and torso, 60mm autocannon shells began exploding all over her ‘Mech, deepening the wounds. The attack was nearly flawless, and almost made her lose her footing again, but she managed to stay up and return fire with her five-tube LRM and Heavy Laser of her own. The damage looked pitiful on the Assault ‘Mech compared to the savage beating she’d just taken. Very well, I’ll introduce him to the true meaning of ‘barbarian’...
Surging forward, McKenna brought Dreoilin to a full run, closing to only 180 meters so fast that the Clan machine seemed to actually looked surprised. Triggering a full spread from her fearsome arsenal of eight Diplan M3 Medium Lasers. With amazing efficiency she carved dozens of rents into the thick torso of the 100-ton Clan war machine. The audacity of her attack left the Jaguar commander stunned a moment, but his retribution was fierce. Unleashing four Medium Pulse lasers, both autocannons, an LRM spread and one of his Large Lasers, the lasers tore into her right leg, melting the support bones and almost collapsing the leg from the weight of the ‘Mech. As the lasers did so, the Autocannon shells and missiles ripped holes on the arms, nearly ripping the axe in her left hand free and crushing one of her Diplan lasers. She managed to keep hold of the weapon and continued her headlong charge, knowing that it had to end now.
Backing up by 90 meters, Star Colonel Wimmer tried to keep his distance. But her rate of speed let her close to within reach of her axe. Triggering a full laser strike with her remaining weapons, the heat blasted her cockpit like a furnace and nearly setting off the Magna Fusion Engine’s safety shutdown. Carving more chunks out of the Assault machine, she raised her weapon high. The Star Colonel saw the barbaric weapon and fired a devastating array of weapons, trying to stop her deadly charge. Lasers, missiles, and autocannon shredded her ‘Mech’s remaining armor and dug deep into the sensitive interior. Weapon systems blinked offline one by one as the Dire Wolf’s arsenal gutted her machine. Even more heat blasted Captain McKenna as an autocannon burst shredded engine shielding. But nothing, not even the screaming warning of her computer that her heat levels were critical would stop the inevitable.
She brought the Axe down perfectly, crushing the Head assembly with the force of a Gauss Rifle. Driving the Head down into the torso, the force of her blow smashed the ‘Mech’s feet down into the soil a good meter before inertia and mass took over, toppling the massive war machine onto its back.
With the rush of cool air, Captain McKenna realized she was rocketing out of her ‘Mech. Below her, LRM missiles still in their bin exploded out the CASE panels, saving the ‘Mech from utter destruction, but it was for naught. As it fell forward, the force of its fall shattered the remains of the central support structure. Her beloved Dreoilin came apart like a house of cards.
As the battle raged around her while she tried to escape the field, she saw that Lt. Faller had taken command of the company. Lt. Vahzenov’s Quickdraw was being pulled off the field by the Orion and Anvil of Command Lance. As she watched, Lt. JG Morander Collins in the heavily hammered Executioner drew fire off the recovery effort. Blasting away with both PPCs and his Large Pulse Laser, a distant Summoner was cut in half. Barely noticed was the fast moving Hankyu. It blazed up to point blank range and flanked the Executioner, letting loose with a quartet of extended range medium lasers and a pair of pulse lasers. The lasers dug into the already savaged right side of the Assault OmniMech, striking the engine shielding and adding to the damage done to the engine shielding on the left side from earlier. The ‘Mech shuttered and fell backward, crashing to the ground with a roar.
As the next minutes passed, Captain McKenna made her way to the prearranged rendezvous point. As the Jaguars pressed the attack, the Silver Eagles fell back, trading shots at range. However, time was on the side of the Silver Eagles. The Comstock had landed and artillery shells began to rain down on the Jaguar’s positions. Unable to push onward, the remaining Jaguar forces fell back to their defensive formation of support vehicles. Though neither side could claim a victory, the simple fact that the Jaguars had lost their commanding officer was a moral victory that the Silver Eagles would use to push themselves onward.
Six hours later, the Silver Eagles had assembled their full Battalion, or rather, what was left of it after the initial losses. With two ‘Mechs missing from Assault and Strike lance, they were not exactly up to the task of an assault. Sven and his tech teams managed a minor miracle though. They had managed to retrieve the Executioner from the field and repaired the engine shielding and patched the armor enough to get it marginally operational.
Captain McKenna entered the quickly assembled HQ tent to meet with Major Silver. As she approached, she heard static coming over the communication system’s speakers, interspersed with the voice of acting Air Wing Leader, Lt. SG Danielle Tucker and a smattering of other members of their air wing.
“Flash! Get............uy off of my six!”
“Rogue! Break right! Break right! Break right! Damnit! Where the hell is that ADA!”
“Recon Air Wing! Zero coming up on you, 9 o’clock low! Locking up that ‘Hawk............ns, guns, guns!”
“Silver Control! Now in position! Clear to fire!”
Lt. SG Jan Hernandez-Silver calmly keyed the mic at the console. “Roger. Commencing fire.” She turned and nodded to the Corporal next to her who dashed out of the tent. A moment later, a deafening roar filled the camp as four Imperator Code Red LB 10-X Autocannons and four Imperator Smoothie Light Autocannons lit up the early morning sky in saturation fire. Added to that were timed flak shells from the three massive Long Tom cannons in the nose of the Comstock.
“Splash one! Correction, Splash three!” Came the jubilant voice of Lt. Tucker. “They’re pulling back! You are a go!”
The tent erupted in cheers and then a flurry of activity as Mechwarriors ran for their ‘Mechs. Finally turning to Captain McKenna, Major Silver frowned. “Sorry you’ll have to sit this one out, Captain. You have the Base. I’m mounting up.”
Erin stood impassively. “With all due respect sir, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to lead this assault. We’re down three ‘Mechs and the Jags still have enough Toads to rip us up one side and down the other. If anyone has to eject out there, They are going to get cut to ribbons.”
Major Silver shook his head as he donned his coolant vest. “If we weren’t down three ‘Mechs already, I would. As it is, the four ‘Mechs of Command Lance will do more good out there than resting comfortably here. We’ve cleared the sky overhead for the moment, so we’re mobilizing the entire Battalion. ‘Mechs, Armor, and Infantry. If we hit them now, we might be able to take out a good chunk of their Elemental forces here. We might not get a chance this good.”
McKenna shook her head. “You honestly think one more ‘Mech out there will make the difference? Or is it that you can’t stand the idea of commanding from the rear? Damn it Kevin, you have a family!”
“Damn right I do, Erin.” He snapped back. “They’re called ‘The Silver Eagles’. I belong out there Erin, not here sitting on my cushion. I have to do what I can to safeguard this Battalion, just the same as if it were my own blood out there.” He looked out of the tent to his Marauder. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a job to do, and so do you. Carry on.”
Filled with frustration, Erin slammed her hand down on the map table, nearly cracking the surface.
“Armor Two! Armor Four! They’re on you! Move! Move! Move!” Major Silver screamed into his com system. But it was too late. He watched in horror as a mass of dozens of Jaguar Elementals almost tore the two M-21 tanks to pieces in seconds. One was on top of Tank Two, drilling into the hatch with the laser that formed the end of its right arm. With a sick feeling welling up inside as he tried to close to weapon range, all he could do is watch as the hatch caved in. The clawed hand ripped the hatch aside and another Elemental next to him stuffed his arm into the hole. Gouts of flame billowed out of the hatch and out tiny breaches in the hull as superheated flames saturated the interior of the tank.
Tank Two’s com line went dead the same moment. A moment later, Tank Four’s did the same. Glancing over at the other tank, he was horrified to see that an Elemental had pulled Staff Sergeant Allie Handel out of her tank. Without remorse, it crushed her skull with its clawed hand even as Sgt. Handel fired her Magnum Auto-Pistol at its visor slit.
As he finally reached to within firing range, he aimed for the Elemental that was now reaching once again into the tank. Triggering his left arm Clan-made PPC, it struck the Elemental dead center, exploding the suit in an instant. A moment later, a hail of fire followed his own as the rest of the ‘Mechs following him added their own form of vengeance. Within 30 seconds, the Elemental binary was decimated. None ran. None surrendered. And Major Silver wasn’t sure he would have cared if they had.
“So what’s the butcher’s bill, doc?” Captain McKenna asked as Lt. SG Benson came out of the White Whale MASH unit.
Dr. Benson stopped and leaned against a support pole and shook his head. “The members of Fourth Foot Squad never had a chance. They were DOA. Same goes for what was left of the poor bastards from First and Second Armor. We did manage to save the eight injured from First Jump Squad, though I have to admit if it weren’t for Corporal Diarte, several of them wouldn’t have lived.”
He took a long breath before continuing. “I do have some bad news there though. Staff Sergeant Lorra Vadnais lost both of her arms and Corporal Winters is totally paralyzed. When his PPC pack exploded, it severed his spine and took out a good 8 inches of spinal cord right below his shoulder blades. He won’t let us even mention the ‘C’ word... apparently he’d rather be a quadriplegic than submit to mechanical replacement therapy. Same goes for Sergeant Vadnais.”
Erin balked. “What is it with Leaguers and their hatred of cybernetics?”
Dr. Benson shook his head. “I don’t know. They think it makes them inhuman. It’s a cultural effect of their own choosing.” He let out a long breath. “Still, I’ll obey their wishes. I’m afraid you’ll have to find someone else to command Third Platoon, Captain.”
Erin nodded reluctantly. “I’ll inform Lieutenant O'Hare. You’ve had a bad enough day. Thanks doc.” She turned to leave.
Dr. Benson called after her. “Was it worth it, Captain?”
Erin stopped. She turned her head and spoke over her shoulder. “Yes, doctor. It was worth it.” And I’ll keep telling myself that until I believe it.
Ok, it’s not done yet. There are still several battles left for me to write up. (6 more in fact, plus the wrap up) But I figured if I didn’t post up something soon, you all would be going to detox. As always, enjoy!
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and more
Ok, sorry about the confusion there. My first paragraph should have been a little better of a descriptive than it turned out to be. Please re-read the new introduction paragraph above.
Anyway, here’s the second installment of the Outer Volta campaign. Going from bad to worse.
The Silver Eagles had been fighting the 7th Jaguar PGC for nearly 12 hours now. After the near tactical disaster against the Elemental Trinary guarding the Jaguar’s forward command base, the Silver Eagles pulled back to regroup and reorganize. The Jaguars still showed no signs of calling for help. In fact, the two Dropships that had been picked up on entry to the system, as well as the Cameron Class Battlecruiser, were showing no signs of trying to intercept. If the 7th was really hurting, they certainly weren’t telling anyone or calling for reinforcements.
This was not a part of the plan.
Major Silver rounded a low hill with the rest of Command Lance flanking him. With the destruction of three M-21s and two out for necessary repairs, the Armor Company had been reorganized into two platoons, one of which only had three tanks. As such, they were pulled back to support duty to safeguard the Infantry. The ‘Mech Company would take the brunt of attacks. The two remaining ‘Mechs of Strike Lance had taken point in following a convoy of Jaguar support tanks, hoping to catch them off guard and cut them apart one at a time. Unfortunately, the convoy had completely disappeared when they had reached a ferrocrete road.
Major Silver keyed up the command frequency for the Vulcan “Strike Support, any signs of contact?”
“Negative, Silver Actual.” Replied Lt. JG Barwick. “No signs. Looks like they must have gone south down this road, not north.”
Major Silver cursed. It makes no sense for them to have gone south! They must know that the Armor and Infantry are north. Why pass up the opportunity to hit them when they look vulnerable? His mind raced for an answer. “Strike Support, make best time to meet up with Armor and Infantry. We’ll cover your six and be there in five minutes. Silver Actual out.”
Two minutes later, he knew why.
“Incoming!” Screamed Staff Sergeant Marian Volk. As the foot soldiers scattered out of their prepared defenses, four Arrow IV missiles slammed into their position. Earthworks exploded into a shower of debris and fire. Picking herself up, she found the world totally silent, though she saw battle raging all around her. Grabbing her Intek Laser Rifle, she limped off toward one of the M-22 Infantry Fighting Vehicles. As she started toward it, she saw who she thought was Private Gates, the sole survivor of fourth squad from the second battle, pulling himself along the ground with his hands, his legs skewed off at an odd angle. Staggering toward him to help him reach the IFV, she watched as his legs stopped moving along the ground but the rest of him from mid-abdomen on had continued to crawl through the dirt. She reached him as he finally stopped crawling. Reaching around him, she flipped him over to discover that he was still alive.
She pulled out her field kit and reached inside, retrieving a dose of morphine. Jabbing it into his shoulder, she pulled her pack off and retrieved a set of magnesium tabs. Striking one against a rock, she mashed the igniting tab into the area of heaviest bleeding at the end of the stump that used to be where his hips were. Even through her heavily insulated gloves, she could feel the burning of her hand, but she pressed until she was sure she had cauterized the wound. Looking down, she saw that the most massive bleeding had stopped.
Slinging her pack and grabbing his hands, she started pulling him off toward the waiting IFV where she could see other members of her platoon were gathering. Corporal Layhe, he platoon’s medic and two other members of her squad were racing towards her, but she felt that they kept getting farther and farther away. The world began to dim as she continued to drag the body onward. She wasn’t sure just when she had fallen, but as she rolled her head around to try to figure out where Private Gates had gone, she managed to stay conscious just long enough to see Gates’ lifeless eyes.
Major Silver was racing into the battle zone just in time to see two Anhur take off after dropping several platoons of unarmored Clan Infantry into his own defenses. Laser rifles and assorted machine gun fire started peppering his Marauder from the new landlords of his trap. “All units! Close on the support vehicles! Gamma, cover me!” At that he ran forward toward the earthworks occupied by the Infantry Star, firing his Clan PPCs at the infantry, trying to make them keep their heads down.
As he approached the defenses, he switched over to his alternate target interlock. Once inside 60 meters, he let loose a withering array of five Olympian Flamers, running fire up along 180 meters of trenchworks. Dozens of Clan Infantry came running out of the trench, their entire bodies consumed in fire. A few that managed to avoid the deadly touch of flame started to rush his position, but were cut to ribbons when Lt. Josepho fired his Kali Yama LB 10-X Autocannon into their hopelessly exposed bodies. Those that managed to survive the cloud of cluster explosives were vaporized by the touch of one of the two Intek Medium Pulse Lasers he fired. In only twenty seconds, the two had managed to wipe out an entire Infantry Star with hardly a scratch.
As Lt. JG Alisha Calame raced her Phoenix Hawk toward the two Huitzilopochtli Tanks, she kicked in her MASC system to reach a speed of 130 kph. She fired all three of her lasers once in range at the Tank on the left, scoring armor off the front and shredding one of the two Artillery launchers there. Hoping to swing around behind them, she risked a second burst from her MASC system. She was horrified to hear the actuators seize as her ‘Mech slowed from a run to a dead stop in seconds. As she watched, the two tanks pivoted in place to bring their 60mm autocannons to bear on her now immobile ‘Mech. She triggered another burst from her lasers on the same tank, but only managed to damage turret armor with her TharHes Thunderbolt-12 Large Pulse Laser.
Seeing her doom she saw the two vehicles open up with their own pulse lasers and a stream of autocannon shells. Reaching down she pulled the ejection handle just in the nick of time as the massive weapons fire obliterated the center of her ‘Mech. Rupturing the hydrogen storage tank as well as the fusion engine casing, the superheated hydrogen blew out of the reactor, igniting a hydrogen fireball that consumed her ‘Mech in flames. When the flames reached the ammunition stores for the Machine gun and AMS, they began cooking off, blasting the entire left side of the ‘Mech into shards.
Lt. JG Kurt Barwick shoved his feet down on the pedals controlling the Vulcan’s Jump Jets. Feathering them evenly, he sailed over the two Artillery Tanks, coming down just behind them, ready to unleash his weapons into their weaker rear armor. His lasers and machine guns cut into the armor and even dug into the support frame of the tank, but it seemed that he failed to kill it with one blow.
Even as he triggered his own weapons, he was shoved into his command couch with a force so powerful he thought he had not been touching the ground when he cut off his jump jets. The only problem was that his damage indicator was now showing the fact that his left arm was now missing and the armor covering his rear center frame was gone. Then he felt a dozen or so small explosions blast into him as nearly every armor indicator along his rear arc started showing damage like it was being pealed off. Explosions started going off in the delicate interior of his Vulcan, just as his threat sensors registered the fact that two Oro Heavy Tanks were only 120 meters behind him. As his ‘Mech’s gyro tore itself apart, the autoeject system rocketed him skyward, sending him forward as his ‘Mech fell face first into the dirt.
As Lt. JG Joseph Titus screamed over the battlefield in the F-92e Stingray, he took aim at one of the Oro Tanks that could so threaten the rest of his Wing. Lining up perfectly, he unleashed his entire load of cluster bombs onto the target, pulling into a hard left bank to avoid return ground fire. The bombs detonated above the tank, spreading their hundreds of bomblets all over the area, detonating on contact with anything. Smoke streamed up from the tank, moments before the fire started lapping out of the ammo compartment. The Tank’s ammo stores detonated, venting their fury but leaving the Tank helpless.
As he swung back around over the battlefield, he saw a Ku Wheeled Assault Tank open fire on one of the M-21s of third platoon. The combination of the high-speed stream of 90mm autocannon shells and terrawatt-scale laser tore the right half of the tank to shreds, igniting the SRM missiles and blowing out the rear of the tank to add insult to injury. Finishing his sweep, he lined up on the Ku and triggered the quintet of pulse lasers and pair of extended range lasers along the ground. The lasers blasted the turret off the tank and scored armor off the front and side. Without its turret though, the Ku would be considerably less dangerous.
He opened a frequency to Major Silver after moving out of retaliation range. “Silver Actual, this is Air Support. Bombing run complete and we are bingo fuel. We’re heading home.”
Major Silver collapsed into his bunk. In the 17 hours since the Silver Eagles had landed, they had already racked up a significant number of casualties and damage. 21 dead, 47 wounded and ten of those are missing enough of their body that their career is over, 7 damaged or destroyed tanks, 3 destroyed ‘Mechs, 3 more damaged or out of action, and all we’ve managed to do is hit their ‘Mech stars kinda hard, take out some second-line vehicles, and injure or kill some of their infantry and Elementals. He felt the weight of the casualty reports most now, when he had time to think about it. These are good soldiers. I hope this is worth the price we’re paying.
He rolled over as Jan came into the room. “How we looking?”
Jan shrugged. “Alright. Everyone is antsy to get this one over with and get the hell off this rock though. Can’t blame them either. This mission stinks on ice. These Jags are nothing like the Falcons. With the Falcons you expected them to fight well, but they didn’t bombard us with artillery.” She continued to talk as she got undressed. “I thought Clans always fought honor duels?”
Kevin shook his head. “It depends. Some Clans have revoked their honor system when fighting Inner Sphere units, especially Mercenaries. They see us as disgraceful sell-swords that only want to use it to trick them and then turn it against them.” He sighed heavily in an effort to push past the feelings of loss of the past day.
Jan climbed into bed. “Well, lets hope they can’t take much more and call for help soon. The sooner they do and we get out of here, the better I’ll sleep.” She reached over and flicked the light off.
Captain McKenna had already gone to bed when Lt. Faller came into their shared room. He undressed in the dark without a sound and was nearly asleep when McKenna spoke.
“What time is it?”
Joe groaned out, “A little after twenty-hundred hours. Best intel has the Jags back at their base licking their wounds so everyone is catching some sack-time.”
McKenna rolled over. “Any new reports?”
Joe shook his head. “Nope. Their remaining air forces won’t get close to us after the loss of half their Star and their ground forces are too badly injured to likely risk a ground assault. Spanner is covering the watch along with Ian. Wish I had his stamina, I don’t know how he can stay awake after the prison-job we got today.”
McKenna slipped her arm around Joe. “You’re no slouch in that department.”
Joe chuckled. “You’re incorrigible.”
“No, but I am encouragable.” She retorted slyly.
Ten minutes later, the Comstock’s boarding alarms sounded.
“Hold your ground!” Sgt. Major Spanner yelled across the lower bay. “Here they come!”
The first sign of Jaguar Elementals had been a chance sighting by a 2nd Platoon’s Fourth Motor Squad Support Laser Gunner. He’d noticed movement out of the corner of his eye while sitting atop his R-11 Light Combat Vehicle. Shouting the alarm nearly cost him his life, but the warning saved the Silver Eagles from a surprise raid. Now all that stood between the Silver Eagles command staff, still trapped in the Comstock, and death by an entire Binary of Jag Battlearmor was 20 Marines.
As the first Jag Battlearmor swarmed into the bay, the Marine squads in their prepared positions cut it to ribbons. Still more Battlearmor swarmed into the bay, returning fire at whatever targets they could make out. As fast as they stormed in, Spanner and his men cut them down. Yet still more came, shoving aside the shattered remains of their dead comrades to try and force their way in by sheer numbers. As minutes passed, it seemed that they would never stop coming. Already ten Battlearmored Marines had had to pull back due to excessive suit damage, but still more came.
Then just as suddenly as the attack had begun, it was over. The lower bay looked like a war zone, with parts of Elemental suits strewn around the entrance. The walls of the bay were pockmarked with weapon discharges and ruined equipment. Of the twenty Marines that stood against the onslaught, 17 were so badly damaged that they would likely have to be scrapped. Luckily, none of the Marines themselves were severely injured, a testament to their training and ability.
But the damage was done. Before attempting to board, the Elementals had done severe damage to the Silver Eagles. One Partisan tank was so badly damaged that it would have to be torn down and rebuilt. The only two ‘Mechs on patrol were a pair of Longbows. One was swarmed and an Elemental managed to dig through the back armor and totally gut the interior. When it was finished, there was nothing left of the gyro, engine, or support structure; all blasted to scrap. Lt. JG Grace Bibbs, the Mechwarrior of the gutted ‘Mech even tried escape, but she was shredded by Machine Gun fire from one of the Elemental’s point-mates. The other Longbow was only marginally damaged, but enough to take it out of service for quite some time.
Lt. JG Ian Amdecker, the ranking duty officer, ordered all forces to hold the line while he boarded his Land-Air ‘Mech and launched from the Comstock’s number 3 Fighter bay. As he circled around to get into a good position to attack the Elementals as they attempted to board, his LAM was smashed by weapons fire from apparently nowhere. As he scanned his diagnostic display, his worst fear was confirmed. His LAM had been struck from the rear by a Gauss Rifle round that had lodged in his left torso. His AirMech began to sideslip as the left side Jumpjets died, sending him into a flat spin. Desperately trying to pull out of the spin with only one jet and no left wing, he saw the ground racing toward him.
At the last moment, Ian shouted, “Eject! Eject! Eject!” to which the computer detonated the explosive bolts that kept the canopy from flying off. A fraction of a second later, the rocket under his seat ignited, throwing the Kuritan free before the LAM hit the ground. As it plowed into the countryside, the near total destruction of the left side structural supports caved in under the stress of impact, crushing it into oblivion. As Lt. Amdecker’s parachute opened, his priceless AirMech was cartwheeling through the trees, finally coming to rest over 200 meters from where it impacted.
As Major Silver reached the exit ramp, he surveyed the destruction. “Damnit, I should have expected this. We should have kept more people on duty.”
Captain McKenna stood next to him. “Kevin, the men need sleep sometime. I mean they’re not machines. You did what you could. It was the right decision to make at the time.”
Major Silver stiffened. “Well right now, my instincts are telling me that this is the time to counterblow. They think we’re hurt, lets prove otherwise.” He turned into the bay. “Mount up! We’re going hunting!”
Ok, almost halfway done! (pant) I will try to get the rest banged out by tomorrow at the latest. I Promise! As always...
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and last one for today.
Ok, sorry for the delay in the third installment. I needed sleep and didn’t finish before we got together for tonight’s game. But here it is... enjoy!
A half-hour later, ten ‘Mechs and five M-21s were approaching the Jag’s forward base. Sven and his tech teams had managed to bring Lt. Vahzenov’s Quickdraw back online, but the other three members of Strike Lance were damaged or destroyed. So Lt. Vahzenov had joined with the two remaining ‘Mechs of Fire Lance, the Archer and remaining Longbow.
Lt. Faller slowly plodded forward in his Zeus. With Lt. Collins in his Executioner on his left and Lt. Windsor in his Gallowglas on his right, the trio constituted the bulk of the Silver Eagles firepower. That means we’ll be prime targets once we’re seen. Joe thought. Sure hope the CO knows what he’s doing. He could barely make out the Major’s ‘Mech only 60 meters ahead of him without sensor aid.
Major Silver pushed his Marauder through the tree line that was all that stood between his command and the enemy forward base. As he did so, Lt. Scott’s Wolverine lit off its jump jets and sailed over the trees blocking his approach. Lt. Jones’ Anvil likewise ignited his jump jets to clear the obstacle, landing just to the right of Major Silver. In his typical manor of dealing with obstacles, Lt. Josepho fired the four Lasers on his Orion at the trees, blasting the majority of them to splinters. He then easily strolled through the now much thinner tree line. It was actually fortuitous, as the M-21s would have had a difficult time getting through the thick tree line.
As the Command Lance cleared the trees, alarms sounded throughout the forward base. Star Captain Marc ran from his tent. The Elemental attack on the dezgra Mercenaries should have kept them busy for hours, if not broken them entirely once they captured their Dropship. Yet here were four enemy ‘Mechs.
“To your positions!” He shouted to his infantry trinary. Turning to a technician he bellowed, “Call the air base. I want our remaining fighters here immediately, quiaff?” The technician nodded as he turned to his console. Looking around quickly, Star Captain Marc spotted Star Captain Rhonda, head of their vehicle Binary. Jogging toward her, he shouted out, “Star Captain! I have called for air support, but they will be some time in coming. We must hold until they arrive.”
The Vehicle commander turned to the Star Captain and spat him a look that would freeze hydrogen. “Cowardly Surrat! Can your entire trinary not handle four pitiful Inner Sphere BattleMechs? Our Strike team will no doubt return shortly with word of the capture of their Dropship. These four are nothing more than what is left of these so called ‘Silver Eagles’.”
The arrogance of presumption grated on Star Captain Marc. “We have not had word on the success or failure of that operation, quineg? These four could be followed by the rest of their unit!”
Star Captain Rhonda narrowed her eyes. “You dare question the might of the Jaguar? Very well Star Captain. I will mobilize the remainder of my binary, but we will settle this in a Circle of Equals after our victory.” She turned and stalked off toward a nearby hangar.
Star Captain Marc looked over the open field where the four ‘Mechs stood motionless. These barbarians are waiting for something. This will not end well.
“Armor Lead, are you in position?” Major Silver queried.
“Affirmative Silver Actual.” Lt. Chekov replied. “Awaiting your go-ahead.”
Major Silver looked at his tactical display. His force of ‘Mechs and armor were now arrayed right along the tree line and ready to attack. He cleared his throat before activating his external speakers and general broadcast frequency. “This is Major Kevin Silver of the Silver Eagles. I challenge the Smoke Jaguars for possession of this base. With what forces do you defend?”
An interminable time passed waiting for a reply. Finally a female voice replied over his open com line. “This is Star Captain Rhonda of the Smoke Jaguars. Your audacity at playing at Clan Trials is a mockery of our ways. We will not honor any challenge from your unit of freebirth surrats! The Jaguar will have your blood this night!” At that the line terminated.
Major Silver switched to his tactical frequency. “They didn’t go for a trial. ‘Magic high’.”
With the issuing of that order, Lt. Faller and Lt. Jones activated their ECM systems. Static briefly filled Major Silver’s com systems before the computer began frequency shifting through a preset pattern that would avoid the jamming. He opened the Battalion command channel. “Attention all units. We will hold position here another sixty seconds from my mark, then all units will move out. No one is to rush the camp. We will proceed with formation Alpha. Ready? Mark!” He touched a timer on his console that began counting down from 60. Now we see if they buy the fact that we’re only a lance.
Star Captain Marc was furious. He had monitored the exchange between Star Captain Rhonda and Major Silver. The challenge was issued properly and was in keeping with the traditions of the Clans. Barbarian or not, this Major Silver was at least trying to behave like a warrior. When com systems registered local jamming, he knew that Star Captain Rhonda had tossed away their only chance at victory.
He turned to his second in command. “We will hold our ground. If Star Captain Rhonda wants to charge ahead, we will let her die in disgrace. Those are my orders. See to it they are carried out.” He turned back to look at the enemy ‘Mechs through his binoculars. Any moment now...
4... 3... 2... 1... now! Major Silver’s Marauder started walking forward with the rest of his Command Lance. On the ground ahead had assembled eight vehicles, the warbook identified five as Indra Infantry Transports and two were Hachiman Fire Support Tanks. The last was an Ishtar Heavy Fire Support Tank. Three Donar Assault Helicopters hovered over the camp like moths attracted to the lights. He glanced at his range indicator. 780 meters and closing Just then the rest of the Battalion emerged from the forest and ran to form up on the Major’s line. The five M-21s rolled out through the still burning ruins of trees Lt. Josepho had cleared and accelerated to full flank speed, coming up right behind the 300-meter-wide formation of ‘Mechs.
As the mass of ‘Mechs and vehicles came out of the trees, Star Captain Rhonda’s eyes grew wide. “This is impossible!” she raged. She pulled her mic down and opened a channel to all her units. “These freebirth have violated the very concept of dueling by bringing such a huge force. All units, move forward at flank speed converge fire on the Marauder. Now!”
Major Silver wasn’t sure what had happened. As the range closed, he had locked his weapons on the Ishtar, the vehicle he’d designated as his dueling opponent, followed by the Hachiman next to it. Every Silver Eagle had picked out two vehicles that would be their opponent with the understanding that Clan dueling code would be strictly followed. As the range closed to only 660 meters, the vehicles leapt forward and all began blasting away, but they had focused fire exclusively on him. All around him, the scent of burned out electronics filled the air and everything was as dark as Negushevan midnight. All his indicators were dead and he could see nothing out the front.
He released the straps holding him in his command couch and slid onto the front view port. Well that explains it. He thought. I’m face down. Feeling around, he found his storage locker. Opening it by feel, he pulled out his pack and fished around for his emergency light. Flicking it on, he redressed in combat gear before opening the emergency hatch. As he poked his head out of his destroyed machine he looked around. Spotting his Battalion, they had continued with the formation and were now almost at the outskirts of the base, except for a lone M-21 tank that apparently was sitting back next to his machine.
Hopping out of the fallen ‘Mech, Major Silver ran toward the tank. Climbing up the side, he reached the hatch as it opened up. “Master Sergeant Thiemann, thanks for the lift.” He said as he climbed into the vehicle. Though crowded with a fifth person, it felt better than being outside once the hatch was closed and secure.
Sgt. Melissa Thiemann extended her hand toward the Commander’s seat. “Sir, would you care to take command?”
“No.” Major Silver replied. “Just give me a headset so I can monitor what’s going on out there.”
She handed Major Silver a headset and took her seat. “Alright driver, move out! Lets catch up with the rest of the pack!”
Lt. Chekov hated being in charge. When the Jaguars concentrated fire on Major Silver’s ‘Mech, destroying it in just a few seconds, he was left in command of the Battalion. He countermanded the order to separate attacks and issued orders to concentrate fire by Lance, assigning the Ishtar and two Hachimans to Assault Lance, Fire Lance, and Command Lance respectively. His own M-21s he ordered to focus fire on the closest Indra, ordering Sergeant Thiemann to stay with Major Silver in case he survived, supporting from the rear.
The exchange of fire dropped the four vehicles within 10 seconds, but not before one of the Longbows of Fire Lance fell to concentrated fire as well. A shot from the Ishtar’s rapid-fire 90mm autocannon struck an LRM ammo bin in the ‘Mech’s Left torso, blowing out the CASE panels, but shutting down the Edasich Motors fusion engine, moments before the Executioner’s Clan PPCs obliterated the vehicle. Fire Lance felled their Hachiman when one of Lt. Sanderson’s Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers cored a clean hole through the front armor, striking the crew compartment and vaporizing them instantly. The other Hachiman was torn to pieces by Lt. Josepho’s 90mm smoothbore autocannon. Lt. Chekov’s M-21 platoon hit the first Indra in the main body with all four Tronel III Heavy Large Lasers, quickly turning the light vehicle into a slag of useless junk.
As the remaining four Indra were targeted, they all focused fire on Lt. Ryan Windsor’s Gallowglas, hitting with three hugely powerful Clan PPCs directly in the center of the ‘Mech. The first two vaporized nearly two tons of armor and left the core of the ‘Mech exposed. When the third hit, it vaporized structural supports and shattered the ‘Mech’s gyro. With nothing to keep the 70 ton ‘Mech balanced, it crashed onto its back. Refocusing fire on the four Infantry transports, the remaining eight ‘Mechs and four vehicles destroyed each in turn, leaving nothing but ruined and twisted metal in their wake as they pressed on to the main base.
Star Captain Marc steeled himself for the coming onslaught. In less than half a minute, Star Captain Rhonda was dead, along with the remains of her vehicle binary. The two Anhur and three Donar VTOLs were all that was left that hadn’t gone out on the raid. Pulling out his personal radio, he cursed the static that filled the frequencies. He turned and shouted down the line, “Wait until the enemy units are within 30 meters, then first Star will lay down suppression fire while second Star attempts to seize or destroy those tanks! Third Star! You are to load into the Anhurs and have the Donars escort you back to our base and report in! Go! Now!” Star Captain Marc glanced at his wrist chronometer. We only need hold them for two more minutes. May the Great Father protect us!
As the Silver Eagles closed on the forward base, there was an eerie silence from its defenders. Lt. Faller squirmed in the command couch of his Zeus. I don’t like this. It’s too easy. They’re up to something. Switching to infrared display, he spotted almost a hundred infantry queuing up to load into the two Anhur VTOLs. Keying his mic onto the Battalion frequency, he reported. “Armor Leader, this is Assault Leader. I’ve got a hundred-plus Jag PBIs loading up in their transports. Looks like some of them are bugging out. I think we toasted the rides for about another 125 PBI, but I don’t see them.”
Major Silver replied. “This is Silver Actual. Roger that, Assault Leader. All units keep a watch out for traps. They may be bugging out, but I don’t want any surprises. Move in.”
Star Captain Marc clutched his Pulse Laser Rifle close to his chest, listening to the approach of the enemy ‘Mechs. Suddenly, a large leg slammed into the dirt only a few meters away. Waiting a moment more, he peeked his head around the corner of the large cargo container he was hiding behind. Seeing an enemy tank only a short distance away, he drew a deep breath and shouted. “Now! Jaguars attack!” He rounded the corner and leveled his weapon at the nearest tank. Depressing the trigger switch, a stream of coherent light pulses connected his weapon with the enemy tank.
It was joined with a dozen others, then several dozen. He dropped to prone as he heard the whine of an anti-personnel machine gun, barely missing being caught in the hail of fire that now saturated his former hiding place. Rolling out of the position and taking a kneeling stance, he resumed fire on his target. As he pressed the trigger, his shot joined with another from his Star, piercing a small hole in the tank they had targeted. A moment later, smoke started pouring out of the opening hatch. As the tank crewman pulled himself from the stricken vehicle, Star Captain Marc took careful aim and depressed the trigger again. The exiting tanker slumped over dead. He grinned, just a moment before the entire world exploded around him.
It was bedlam. From nearly every corner of the camp, small arms fire had erupted at the same time. Within seconds, one M-21 was out of action and another was swarming with infantry, all trying to force their way in. Lt. Josepho sneered at the thought. We offered them honorable and worthy combat, but they dishonor themselves with their disgraceful conduct. How so like Jaguars. All muscle, no brains. He leveled his KYWI LB 10-X Autocannon at the M-21 that was being swarmed. Triggering a burst of cluster shells, he saw the tank was saturated in small explosions. It effectively cleared the infantry swarming it, but the side effects were not good. A muffled explosion could be heard all across the base as the ammunition stores ignited. The CASE panels blew out, killing even more infantry attempting to continue their assault, but sparing the vehicle’s crew.
Lt. Josepho took careful aim and triggered another cluster burst, adding his Intek Medium Pulse Lasers to the mix, carving a swath of infantry away from the tank and keeping it safe for the moment.
The infantry continued to press their attacks, but after a minute all lay dead or dying at the hands of the Silver Eagles. The two Anhur VTOLs and their escorts vacated the area, just as the scream of aerospace fighters roared over the base. Rather than let the Silver Eagles take the base, the Jaguars bombed it. Within minutes, there was nothing left of value to salvage for the Eagles, who then headed back to their own base.
Major Silver looked back at the burning base as the M-21 headed home. These Jaguars are like no Clanner I’ve ever known. he mused. Breaking them might take make than we’ve got.
Ok, I still have three more battles to do, but they all take place in a very short span of time, so I’ll write them up together as the fourth of five installments of the Outer Volta campaign. The last will deal with the aftermath.
Comments welcome as always! ;)
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Ok, here’s the fourth installment. I decided to only do the 6th and 7th battles in this one, saving the 8th and wrap-up for the fifth.
Taking the war to the Enemy.
As Major Silver strode into the briefing room at 0400 hours, it felt good to see his warriors looking a little less bleary eyed than how they looked 6 hours before in the middle of their attempt to take the Jaguar forward base. He sat at the head of the table and looked over the assembled officers. “Good morning. This briefing is to plan out the specifics needed to assault the Jaguar base of operations on Outer Volta.” He let a moment pass as the import of what he was saying sank in to the assembled officers.
He typed a short command into the computer controls for the briefing room’s large display screen. “Here you see the layout of their space port and defensive base. Our first attack will be a direct attack on the defensive systems located at the main entrance here.” He indicated a series of buildings on the overhead map. “Once their defensive turrets are offline, our ‘Mechs will press inward while Recon Lance and the M-21s cover the approach of the M-22s carrying Infantry Company. The ADA platoon will deploy here,” indicating a waypoint on the map, “just outside the perimeter and provide air cover and artillery as needed.”
Lt. JG Eugene Bazemore interrupted. “Pardon me for saying Major, but how are we supposed to get that close without drawing fire before we even get there? We’re not exactly fast you know. We try creeping up on their positions like that and we’ll probably get a load of Elementals dropped on our heads.”
Major Silver looked up at the head of Air Defense Artillery Platoon. “Simple. You will deploy off the Comstock after it lands here.” He indicated another waypoint, right next to the waypoint designated for the ADA platoon.
Murmured voices swept across the room. Committing the Comstock to the battle was extremely risky. If it took too much damage, the Silver Eagles would have to abandon nearly all their equipment and flee in the Danube, their K-1 Dropshuttle. Failure meant the death of the Silver Eagles, even if they survived.
“I’ve discussed the matter with Captain Friedrich,” Major Silver continued “and he has OK’d the plan. By our best estimates, the Comstock’s worst threat will come from artillery attack. That’s why the two Jaguar artillery tanks will be our top priority.”
Ben spoke up. “Any word on what they have for remaining forces defending the base?”
Joe pulled out a cigarette and lit it before starting his briefing. “Well, best intel says that the Jags only have one ‘Mech Binary in the 7th PGC, the one we dropped on. We know for a fact that we downed seven of them, three of which had been damaged so bad not even Sven could piece them back together. That leaves them three to seven ‘Mechs. We’ve accounted for about a trinary of Infantry, and two binaries of Elementals, so that should leave another binary of Toads and maybe a Star or so of PBIs, the Star the escaped us last night. Other than that, they should still have half a Star of fighters which we match, plus a pair of Mars Assault Vehicles. That is, in addition to the two artillery tanks and their VTOLs. All total, about 6 stars worth of defenders plus static defenses.”
Ben crossed his arms. “And we have what? Nine ‘Mechs, five fighters, two VTOL scouts, three MBTs, some IFVs and about half a company of Infantry?”
Captain McKenna looked over at Lt. Scott. “You’ll also have the ADA and the Comstock there to support you, Ben. With the loss of all three Longbows, we’re assigning Lieutenant Sanderson to lead Assault Lance. You’ll head up Command Lance’s three remaining ‘Mechs and have tactical control over the Battalion until the Comstock lands. Lieutenant Vahzenov’s Strike Lance will be assigned the two Venoms of Recon and follow you down. Recon Lance will only have the Ferrets, so they are eyes, not firepower. Major Thorpe will head up the Aerospace force. Once grounded, Major Silver and I will coordinate attacks on all fronts with special emphasis on taking out their remaining ‘Mechs and vehicles.”
He looked incredulous. “Pardon me for sounding pessimistic Major, but is the ADA and the ComStock going to make that much of a difference? I mean, we’re still facing down prepared defenders. Classic battle theory says three-to-one is what you strive for in situations like this. By my count, they outnumber us.”
Major Silver spoke up. “True Lieutenant Scott, ideally we would want a better position. But we don’t have that luxury. We need more then to make them call for help at this point. We need to beat them.”
As he said it, realization spread across the room. The Silver Eagles had only been trying to make the Jaguar PGC call for help, but they had negotiated for no cash compensation on this contract with the DCMS, only salvage rights. Thus far, the Eagles had yet to salvage a single thing of real value from the Jaguars. The Jaguars never gave them a chance to, fighting to the bitter end. If the PGC were actually defeated, they could claim the PGC’s supplies as isorla, allowing the Silver Eagles to rebuild after the mission was complete.
Lt. Windsor spoke up first. “You mean, we’re going to risk the Comstock and all we own... so we can get paid?”
Major Silver looked down. “It’s not just that. Sure, that’s part of it, but more importantly we still haven’t even completed our objective, make the PGC call for help.” He looked up at the officers. “Right now, the PGC is holed up in their base, waiting for us and thinking we don’t have what it takes to kick them out. If we sit here and wait, they won’t come out until they can fully repair, re-equip, and heal up. Then, they can hit us with a force much greater than we have. Time is on their side, not ours.”
Major Silver shook his head as he continued. “We need to make them admit they don’t have what it takes to drive us off, that they need to call for help. For crying out loud, they have a Cameron here in system and it’s just sitting there, probably waiting to pick up those two Dropships that are still burning toward it to leave. We need to make them call in the cavalry. We need to make them admit we are too much for them to swallow. The only way we’re going to do that is if we hit them now, while they think they are impenetrable.”
Captain McKenna added to the point. “There is also another thing to consider. Pride. They have bloodied us and we have gotten nothing from them but arrogance. We need to beat them, not just to complete our objectives or get enough salvage to pay for this mission, but because if we fail, then the last day of fighting was for nothing. 26 dead and 54 injured... and for what? What do we have to show for our blood? If we cut and run now, than we might as well disband and go home.”
As the Comstock hovered over the drop zone, her drop doors opened and the first six Silver Eagle ‘Mechs fell toward their fate. Major Silver and Captain McKenna sat in the CiC, monitoring the drop.
“Command and Assault Lances away!” Lt. Scott reported. “Contact in 30.”
“Roger that, Command Leader.” Captain McKenna replied. “Fighters will launch in 10 and we are set for touchdown in 120.”
The Comstock rocked hard to one side. Gripping the console, Captain McKenna looked to Major Silver. “That was major weapons fire!” She exclaimed.
Major Silver punched the intercom. “Silver Actual to Bridge. Damage report.”
Captain Friedrich responded quickly. “We’re taking fire from the ground, it’s those damn artillery tanks! Armor is holding, but we may have a breach on deck eight. Get your men off so I can set down, Major!”
Major Silver nodded to Captain McKenna. “Roger that bridge. Dropping second element and launching first fighter flight now.”
With a shudder, two fighters and four more ‘Mechs dropped from the Comstock. As they plummeted toward the ground below, one pulled out away from the others and began to slowly reshape into an Air-Mech. Ten seconds later, it lit off its engines as an Aerospace fighter, just as the second set of fighters launched from the bay doors of the now descending Comstock. Pulling up and around the descending Dropship, Captain Thorpe joined up with the four standard Aerospace fighters and escorted the Comstock to the ground.
As his Wolverine’s feet touched the ground, Lt. Scott opened his command channel. “Command Lance! Concentrate all fire on the western weapons platform. Assault Lance, take out the eastern platform! Move out!”
Kicking his 55-ton war machine up to a full run, he triggered a blistering array of weapons at the static target. The heat levels in his machine rose considerably, but as they did the special myomers started gaining in strength. As he readied another attack on the turret, his speed had increased to over 97 kph. Zigzagging to avoid the return fire from the platform, he was pleased to see that he had managed to draw the attention of the turret operator. As his own weapons discharged, they were joined with the weapons fire of the other two members of Command Lance, blasting armor plates and ferrocrete understructure to shards. After the third volley of fire, the turret crumbled to dust under the focused fire.
Keying his mic to Assault Lance, he queried. “Command Leader to Assault Leader. What’s your situation?”
Lt. Sanderson was slow to reply. “Fire... I mean, Assault Leader here. Our turret went out on the first volley. Ready for orders.”
Ben sighed. “Then move on to your next target, Scrawler! You’ve got three more turrets to kill before the Comstock lands! Get it done!” He exhaled slowly. They should have given command to Fallguy. She can’t hack it. Turning off several heat sinks to keep his ‘Mech running hot, he switched back to his Lance frequency. “Command Lance, form up on me and proceed to waypoint Beta.”
As the Comstock settled into place, Major Silver breathed a sigh of relief. Looking over at McKenna, he nodded as he monitored the battalion command channel.
Erin punched up the intercom for the lower bay. “Armor Company! ADA! You are a go! Move out!” Major Silver was still monitoring the Battalion when Erin turned back around. “Any word from Six Guns?”
Major Silver shook his head. “Nothing. They touched down on target, but were jammed almost the moment they hit the ground. Lost track of them as we descended.”
The Comstock rocked hard again, but this time they didn’t move much thanks to being grounded. Major Silver touched a button on the intercom. “Bridge, damage report.”
Captain Friedrich was slow to respond this time. “Bridge here! That one smacked us hard! Port-aft weapons are off-line. I hope your men silence those guns soon or we won’t be going anywhere!”
Lt. Vahzenov cut hard to the left to avoid the return fire of the Mars that was covering the flank of the Huitzilopochtli artillery tank. He had hit his target once already, ignoring the Mars, but the 100-ton assault tank seemed intent on not letting it happen again. A Gauss Rifle slug whizzed past his Quickdraw as he cut right again, closing the gap while trying not to get killed. “Damnable Jaguars! Vhy cannot you simply die! You alvays make it so complicated!”
He triggered another blast from his twin Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Lasers. This time both struck the side of the Artillery tank, vaporizing the remaining armor and cutting deep scars into the chassis.
Just then, a pair of bright beams struck the Mars in its rear from the two Venoms that had circled around. The tank rocked slightly, and fell silent. Taking the opportunity, Lt. Vahzenov rushed forward and fired his Omicron 4000 Medium Lasers at the artillery tank. Though one missed, the other struck the open side. The tank heaved to the right as the superstructure collapsed under its own weight. As it did, a secondary explosion erupted, shattering the tank into a thousand pieces. The Mars just sat there, still and silent.
Lt. Vahzenov raised his Quickdraw’s hand and pointed further west, indicating where the other Huitzilopochtli had set up to bombard the Comstock. The two Venom pilots recognized the ‘move out’ hand signal and took off at high speed. “Vone down, vone to go.”
As Captain Thorpe brought his Phoenix Hawk around at only 25 meters above the ground, his weapons locked on the old Star League Zero that had been hounding him. “Weapons lock. Firing.”
Three beams spat out energy toward the aft of the Jaguar fighter, but as he fired the Zero pulled hard right to its own detriment. The three beams raked across the wing of the fighter, carving it to pieces and finally chopping the wing off at the root. Spiraling out of control, the Zero angled down toward the ground below. A moment later, the canopy exploded outward as the pilot ejected to safety, just before the fighter impacted into the hillside.
He switched his com frequency over to the Air Wing. “Recon Air Leader to Air Lead. Splash One. Report.”
Lt. Tucker replied. “Air Lead here. CAP is in formation with no targets. You are free and clear.”
Captain Thorpe smiled. “Roger that Air Lead. You have command. I’m taking her downtown to kick some tires. Recon Air Leader out.”
As he approached the Jaguar base, Captain Thorpe slowed his airspeed to just over 180 kph, near stall speed for the stubby wings of his Phoenix Hawk LAM. “Computer, rig for Air-Mech configuration.”
The SLAIR Voice Assist system attached to his LAM’s Hartford J25 A com system replied in its oddly feminine voice, “Affirmative. Beginning conversion sequence.” The advanced Star League-era system automated many of the mundane tasks a normal LAM pilot would have to do himself. Among them was handling the complex aerodynamic shifts and monitoring of complex conversion equipment as the fighter shifted parts of itself around to form a hybrid that was part BattleMech, part Aerospace fighter. As the main thrust engines died, the vectored thrust jets ignited, supporting the bulk of the Air-Mech’s weight with raw thrust. His control stick began responding sluggishly as the aerodynamic surfaces lost ability to control the attitude of the machine, but the computer compensated by aiding with slight changes to the trust vents. Finally, the automated system replied, “Conversion complete.”
As his LAM was converting, Randall had been watching his threat warning indicator and area map. He was now only half a kilometer from the Jaguar base and approaching at only 15 meters off the ground at over 160 kph. As he flew rapidly over the defense towers, dozens of long-range missiles leapt into the air, trying to track him as he screamed overhead. Feathering his jets and vectoring full forward, his airspeed cut to almost nothing in seconds, straining the straps holding him in his cockpit seat. His sudden drop to the ground caused the missiles to overshoot their mark and they slammed into the ferrocrete in front of him.
“Computer! Rig for ‘Mech configuration!” He quickly shouted as he began pushing the awkward form of his Air-Mech forward on the half-legs that his ‘Mech had in this form.
Once again, the computer calmly replied. “Affirmative. Beginning conversion sequence.” A short time later, his Phoenix Hawk gained the agility of a normal Medium ‘Mech. Kicking into a full run, he raced forward to meet up with Lt. Vahzenov as planned.
Lt. Vahzenov could hardly breath. The blast of heat from his continuing weapons fire scorched his lungs and threatened to make him pass out. Only the cool feeling of his coolant vest kept him awake as he tried once more to shoot around the Behemoth Assault ‘Mech to strike at the Huitzilopochtli artillery tank it was guarding and silence its guns. But once again, the damage to his ‘Mech caused his shots to fly wide, wasting their energy on nothing but ferrocrete.
The Venoms had spotted the monster first, one taking a Gauss Rifle round to the center of its torso section while the other took a pair of Pulse Laser blasts to either side. While nothing lethal, it was enough to leave both ‘Mechs vulnerable to total destruction if they took another hit in those locations, so Lt. Vahzenov had ordered them to fall back to the Comstock. That left him to face the demon alone.
But not for long. Vahzenov thought. I just need to keep his attention anozer few seconds... Risking another full strike, this time he hit true with his remaining Sunbeam Large Laser. The Huitzilopochtli shuddered as his laser’s energy cut through the damaged rear of the tank and into the heart of it, the fusion reactor. Though it didn’t destroy the tank, it did render it totally immobile, meaning it was now a sitting duck awaiting the slaughter. But it was not meant to be.
He never saw the Gauss Rifle slug that buried itself into his back, nor the Mars that fired it. It didn’t matter though. Its impact energy splintered the weak armor shell covering his ‘Mech’s fusion reactor and shattered the engine housing. His instruments all died as his ‘Mech came crashing to the ground. Pulling the ejection handle, he rocketed skyward and away from the two assailants towards his salvation. Running in at over 85 kph, Randall stopped just long enough to pick up Lt. Vahzenov, fire a parting shot from his heavy laser at the Behemoth, and run away again.
“Say again, Recon Ground Leader?” Captain McKenna queried.
Repeating his last statement, Lt. JG James Mirabito replied, “I say again, confirmed sighting of one Dire Wolf up and running. Saw it on our way out of the base. It was forming up with four other ‘Mechs, a Hunchback IIC, a Grendel, a Hankyu, and an Adder.”
Major Silver looked over at his XO. “That gives them at least six of the seven possible ‘Mechs they could have. Not good.”
Erin nodded. “No, not good at all.” She keyed up the frequency for Air Defense Artillery. “ADA Leader, are you deployed?”
A short burst of static was followed by the voice of Lt. Bazemore. “Roger that. We are deployed and awaiting orders.”
Erin looked up at Major Silver. “So who gets to play TAG?”
Kevin furrowed his brow. “Recon Ground Wing. Leader has tissue paper protecting that engine and one Gauss or PPC hit there and the whole ‘Mech is a write-off. Wing can lose a flank and be rebuilt.”
McKenna didn’t even blink. “Armor and Infantry?”
He sighed. “Send them all in.”
Erin looked back at her CO. “We’re a pair of bastards now, eh Kevin?” Keying the channel open she ordered, “Recon Ground Leader. Pull back into the Comstock for repairs. Recon Ground Wing, you are to hold position and target for ADA. Targeting at your discretion. Command and Assault Lance, I want you to be in support positions in three minutes. Armor Leader, move out to waypoint Zulu-three and deploy in support. McKenna out.”
Oops! Limit of 32,768 characters per post. See the next one for the rest!
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Here’s part two.
At least they only have four ‘Mechs left. Erin thought as she sat back in her chair in the Control Center aboard the Comstock. The battle at waypoint Zulu-three had gone quite well for the Silver Eagles. As the remaining Jaguar ‘Mechs moved on their position, they had begun to fire on Joe’s Zeus en-mass, trying to knock out the ECM system he was using. In retaliation, The remaining Venom had closed in and targeted the Dire Wolf with its Alloran Target Acquisition Gear while third squad of Motor 1 sighted for the Comstock’s Long Toms. The resulting devastation left only a crater where the massive Clan OmniMech had stood. The only downside of the events was the damage to third squad when their position was given away. The added armor on their R-11s and R-12s kept them from being killed outright, but their equipment was a shambles and the entire squad was in intensive care.
The really embarrassing part was when the Anhur went unnoticed until it had already dropped the Elemental Star over the Partisan. The Anhur was blown from the sky, and the Elementals eventually killed, but not before they had ruined the Partisan’s air tracking system and trashed the engine. Now both anti-air tanks were out of action, leaving the Silver Eagles’ four fighters and the weapons of the Comstock herself as the only defense against an air strike. The Jaguar’s Grendel and Hunchback IIC were destroyed by combined fire from the ‘Mechs of command and Assault Lance respectively, though. So in all, it was a fair trade.
Erin was tired, and it was only 0650. The Comstock was damaged, but repairs were underway and the area around her LZ was secure. Still, there was no sign that the Jaguars had yet given up hopes of defeating the Silver Eagles as the Dropships that were in-system were still burning toward the distant warship. Just what will it take to make them call for help? she mused.
As she went through the battle reports, Major Silver came into the Command Center. “Major, if you’ve got a moment, I still want to run our 0700 morning meeting.” Gathering up her files and data disks, she followed Major Silver to the briefing room.
As 0700 rolled around, Major Silver took his seat. “Alright people, what are we looking at here?” He turned to Joe. “Lieutenant Faller, what’s the intel on our Jag forces now?”
Lt. Faller sifted through some files. “Well, best estimate leaves them with four ‘Mechs, three of which have been damaged, but one of those is a Behemoth, so that’s nothing to sneeze at. That’s compared to our own list of now only eight ‘Mechs, one of which is heavily damaged and two others are only scouts.”
Sven Iverson interjected. “Actually, you can count on nine ‘Mechs. My teams got the Gallowglas up and running ten minutes ago. It’s not in the greatest shape, but it will fight.”
Joe nodded. Ok, ten ‘Mechs. Discounting the two scouts, that leaves us at a near parity with their ‘Mech forces, with them having the advantage of being the defenders. Then there is the armor. Best estimates are that they have two Mars assault tanks, and may have one of their Oro tanks back up, maybe even their Ku or a Hachiman. We know they still have one Anhur and their three Donars too, but don’t let the fact that they’re VTOLs fool you. They’re VTOLs with a really long range bite and enough speed that only our fighters could catch them.”
Randall spoke up. “And with our Partisans out of action, that leaves us looking pretty vulnerable.”
Joe nodded. “Right. That compared to our own armor, which there are now only three M-21s left operational, the lead tanks of all three platoons. All the others are out for damage or destroyed entirely. Together with our M-22 IFVs, Formal Artillery Tank, Alacorn, and the two Ferrets, we don’t look so good if they have one or more damaged tanks back up. Once again, we have scouts where they have Main Battle units.”
Lt. JG Eugene Bazemore, commander of the Formal spoke up. “Yeah, while we’re on that issue, I’d like to note that we only have ten unguided Arrow IV missiles left, and only 15 guided ones, so hopefully we can nab some ‘spares’ from the Jags. Otherwise, we’re in hot water.”
Major Silver nodded. “We’ll make it a priority. Also, the Comstock only has 50 shells left for her Long Toms, so saturation bombardment is pretty much out.” He looked over at his Intelligence Officer. “Sorry, Continue Joe.”
Lt. Faller let out a deep breath. “Last there is the matter of ground forces. Best intel says they have a minimum of a Binary of mixed armored and unarmored infantry left, giving them a rough strength of nearly 400 men. In contrast, we can field the two Motor Platoons, but both are down a squad, Foot Platoon is completely out of action, and only one squad of Jump remains. Even if we count our Marines, we’re outnumbered by over 3-to-1 in effectiveness, and 2-to-1 in actual numbers.”
Major Silver closed his noteputer. “That leaves us as a rough parity, with them having the advantage of being the defenders. What I want now are ideas to reduce the odds of getting smashed before we can...”
Alarms sounded throughout the Comstock. “General Quarters! General Quarters! All hands to battle stations! This is not a drill! General Quarters!”
Major Silver punched the intercom as the room cleared in a rush. “Bridge. SitRep.”
Petty Officer Brian Ramirez responded. “Major, we detected four Aerospace fighters launching from their airfield. We are tracking. Simultaneously, radar picked up a ground force moving on our position at 54 kph. ETA, two minutes ten seconds.”
Captain McKenna looked over at Major Silver. “When it rains...”
Lt. JG Joseph Titus pulled his Stingray into a 9-G turn. The crushing weight of his own body nearly blacked him out, but he managed to come around and onto the rear of the Clan Bashkir that was firing on his wingman, Lt. SG Christine Deal’s F-700a Riever.
“Air Support Wing! Break left-high! Locking him up!”
As the Riever banked over and began to climb, the Bashkir followed, right into Lt. Titus’ sights. A stream of missiles spat out the front of the Clan fighter, smashing into the rear armor of the 100-ton air superiority fighter as a series of laser pulses followed them. The damage wasn’t too bad, but the light Clan fighter could easily outmaneuver such a slow and ponderous target. As Lt. Titus triggered his array of lasers, the Bashkir was vaporized in a fireball of superheated gas.
“Splash one!” He shouted. Immediately scanning his radar, he saw that the other two Clan fighters had been picking Air Leader and her wingman apart. “Air Leader. Come around to 187. Will intercept.”
Lt. SG Danielle Tucker was getting frustrated. Five times now the enemy Batu and Sulla had drawn her into a turning fight that she kept losing. With most of the armor covering her right wing and fuselage gone, she was certain that she couldn’t make a sixth pass.
“Roger that Air Support.” She replied. “Coming around to 187. I can’t shake these guys! They’ve got me locked up!”
As Lt. Titus kicked into full overthrust, he rapidly closed the distance. Ten more seconds...
As the Batu opened fire, Lt. Tucker’s right wing collapsed. “I’ve had it!” She shouted as her fighter began spinning out of control. “Eject! Eject! Eject!” Pulling the emergency handle, she rocketed away from her doomed fighter. Moments later, an explosion only a few hundred meters away from her caught her attention.
“Splash one!” Shouted Lt. Titus as he sailed through the debris field. His long range lasers had struck the Sulla solidly, igniting the fuel reserves and obliterating the fighter. “That’s it! The last one is bugging out! Air Support to Comstock Control. I have a pilot down. Pickup requested.”
Lt. Hernandez-Silver’s voice came back clear and even. “Roger that Air Support. Hold there and begin CAP until the Ferret arrives. Comstock Control out.”
“Damnable Clanner! Why won’t you die already?” Lt. Faller shouted as his heavy laser yet again failed to penetrate the Behemoth’s thick armor. Readying a spread of missiles, he triggered a salvo as soon as he heard the lock tone. A dozen SRMs leapt from his Zeus’s right arm, scattering themselves all over the enemy ‘Mech. Small explosions wreathed the monster, but as soon as they dissipated, it looked as though they had never happened.
Joe cursed his luck and activated his supercharger. Surging forward to a speed of over 86 kph, he braced himself for the charge. The Behemoth’s two Pulse Lasers scythed their way up his Zeus’s arms as two nickel-ferrous slugs each slammed into his ‘Mech’s shoulders. The blow was nearly enough to stop him dead, but he kept his footing and followed through with his plan. Hitting the Assault ‘Mech as fast as his ‘Mech could go, he plowed through tons of armor and structure in a fraction of a second. The mighty Clan war machine that had stood up to a hail of fire, flew apart like a house of cards with the battering ram of Lt. Faller’s attack. His own footing fouled by the wreckage of the Clan machine, Lt. Faller went spinning to the ground.
As he finally came to rest, his power systems blinked out. “Damn! I’m dead meat out here!” reaching over, he desperately tried to reactivate the machine’s reactor core. After a moment of panic, the fusion reactions in the center of his ‘Mech roared back to life. He felt the deep rumble as systems reactivated and his ‘Mech’s limbs began to respond again. Slowly righting himself, he turned and looked over the battle zone.
The Jaguars were obviously desperate. The Behemoth had tried to tie up the ‘Mechs of the Silver Eagles while the Adder and Hankyu tried to end-run around them, carrying Elementals on toward the Comstock. All that stood in their way were the three M-21 tanks left to the Eagles.
Lt. SG Nicoli Chekov saw the oncoming duo and prepared to meet them. “Driver! Back 30 meters, I don’t want them getting around us. Gunners! Prepare to fire!”
As the ‘Mechs ran up to the tanks, their load of Elementals jumped off the two OmniMechs and began rushing toward them. Streams of short-range missiles were exchanged between the two sides, blasting armor and ferrocrete to shards. As the tanks brought their main guns to bear, three Elementals were vaporized at their touch. Anti-missile fire chewed through most of the missiles fired at the tanks, but still some got through. Machine guns roared to life, joining with the flurry of weapons fire as another Elemental fell from damage. It looked as though the tanks would carry the day.
Then the two OmiMechs fired. The Adder’s 60mm autocannon chewed through the front armor of Lt. Chekov’s tank, sending a cloud of shrapnel through the crew compartment. Nicoli didn’t even feel injured, he just felt suddenly cold as the tank went dark.
Major Silver, Captain McKenna, Captain Thorpe, and Lt. Faller stood outside the MASH unit, waiting to hear the casualty report. A somber attitude hung over the entire camp. Jobs got done, repairs continued, but everyone went about their tasks like automatons, numb to the world around them.
Finally, Dr. Benson emerged from the tent. He looked at Major Silver and shook his head. “There’s nothing we can do. He lost most of his digestive system and two-thirds of his liver. We’ve stabilized him for a while, but he won’t last the night. I’m sorry, Kevin.”
Major Silver stood up straight. “What about the rest of the crews?”
Dr. Benson looked at the ground. “The other three members of his tank crew were DOA. The other crews are all right, minor injuries only. Lt. Owens has a broken arm and some lacerations, but he’ll be fine.” He looked back into the operating theater. “You can go see him if you like, sir. He’s asked to see Lt. Owens. I was going to go get him.”
Captain Thorpe spoke up. “I’ll do it doc. You look like you need the rest.” He turned and jogged off to the post-op ward.
As the three entered the operating theater, the smell of dried blood permeated everything. On the bed lay Lt. Chekov, his lungs being inflated by a micro-respirator.
Major Silver approached his bedside. “Lieutenant Chekov. You and your men did the Silver Eagles proud today. You saved the Comstock. You saved us all. The Jags finally cried ‘uncle’. They called for help. We did it.”
Lt. Chekov rolled his eyes over to look at his commanding officer. A smile crept to his lips. He began to try to say something, but no noise came from his mouth. Closing his eyes a moment, he strained to whisper. “Good. My. Men.”
Major Silver nodded. “We only lost your crew, everyone else is fine.” He looked back at the other two owners of the Silver Eagles as Captain Thorpe entered the tent with Lt. Owens. Thorpe and McKenna both nodded.
Turning back to Lt. Chekov, he said firmly. “Attention to orders. The Silver Eagles hereby grant Lieutenant Senior Grade Nicoli Chekov the rank of Captain, with all the duties and privileges commensurate. Congratulations Captain.” He gently took Captain Chekov’s hand and shook it.
Chekov coughed a moment, then forced out a whisper. “Takes killing... yourself... for promotion... ‘round here.” He cracked a smile.
Lt. Owens approached the opposite bedside and saluted with his good arm. “You wanted to see me, Captain?”
Chekov rolled his head around. “You... in charge. Take... care... of them... Zane. Tell... Emily... it was... right... to go. Did... some good... here.” He began gasping for breath a moment. He continued once he had caught it. “Tell... her... ‘Love... you... always.’ ” His eyes closed and his breathed slowed.
Three hours later, he was gone.
That wraps up this installment. Last one should be out tomorrow sometime. Enjoy!
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Ok, this is it... almost the last update for the Outer Volta Campaign! Sorry it didn’t get out by Friday like I planned, but with my son’s 4th birthday, followed immediately by a mild case of heat stroke, (yes, even us native Nevadan’s suffer a bad day every now and again when it’s this hot and dry) plus prep for Monday’s game, I just managed to get this out. Enjoy the conclusion!
Lt. Scott was stunned. “We’re going to do what?”
Major Silver breathed a heavy sigh as he repeated his last statement. “We’re going to press the attack and force the Jaguars to surrender.”
The briefing room was deadly silent. Already the Silver Eagles had lost 99 personnel, 30 of who were going home in a body bag. The White Whale was treating 69 injured and it was fully expected that 12 of those would never see combat duty again. Of the other 57 injured, 31 would be back up within a month’s time and were resting aboard the Comstock, but the other 26 would need long-term care, leaving the White Whale running at 93% of capacity for some time to come.
The damage to the Battalion’s equipment was even more severe. All 12 of the Armor Company’s M-21 Main Battle Tanks were destroyed or out of commission, leaving only the M-22 IFVs functional. Third and Fourth Infantry Platoons were either dead or in the White Whale, and three of the eight squads of First and Second Platoons were similarly out of action. The Partisan Air Defense Tanks were out of action, but the Alacorn and Formal were still up and running, despite low ammo stores remaining. Recon Lance had lost one Venom, the grounding of Lt. Amdecker’s Phoenix Hawk LAM, and the loss of Lt. Tucker’s Stingray, leaving Recon severely limited. Of the Battalion’s 16 BattleMechs, only six were operational and two of those were barely so. Only Lt. Faller’s Zeus, Lt. Sanderson’s Archer, Lt. Josepho’s Orion, and Lt. Jones’ Anvil had been fully repaired. Lt. Windsor’s Gallowglas was still running hot from engine damage and missing half of its armor while Lt. Collins’ Executioner was nearly completely armor bare.
Lt. Josepho stood and faced Major Silver. “Give me command and we will crush their remaining forces and take their planet, my Khan.”
Major Silver looked over at the former Jade Falcon. “I am afraid that the honor of leading the Silver Eagles to victory will not fall to you this time, Josepho.” He looked to Lt. Faller and Sanderson. “You two are the only Senior Grade Lieutenants with operational machines. Since Lieutenant Sanderson’s Fire Lance is completely out of action save for her own ‘Mech and Lieutenant Faller’s Assault Lance is still 75% intact, it will be he that leads the attack.” He looked back to Josepho. “You will temporarily be assigned as Lieutenant Sanderson’s wingman. Lieutenant Jones, you will provide backup for Lieutenant Faller and keep him clear of enemy Elementals and Infantry.”
Lt. Jones spoke up next. “Sir, what exactly are we looking at for the remaining forces defending the Jaguar base?”
With a glance from Major Silver, Lt. Faller cleared his throat. “Last recon sweep by Captain Thorpe showed that we managed to take out the last of their defense turrets with the Comstock’s Long Toms. It’s good to know that, but unfortunately, the ‘Toms only have 5 more shells left, so we’re saving those for an emergency.” Glancing over at the head of Recon Lance, he nodded. “Captain?”
Captain Randall Thorpe stood up and waited for the map to be displayed on the wall screen before beginning. “After doing several recon sweeps, we spotted the remaining forces. They’re buttoned up in a hardened building at what is shown as Waypoint Omega. It looks to be a reinforced repair facility, so likely they have pulled their wrecks in there and are trying to get some of them back on line. A close sweep showed both Mars tanks and several points of Infantry and Elementals guarding it.”
Lt. Faller continued. “After the last battle, the Jags managed to pull three of their damaged ‘Mechs off the field, the Hankyu, the Adder, and the Horned Owl. Likely their technicians are working on them as we speak. If they get them up and running again, along with a few of their tanks that we know have survived, they’ll be able to throw a force up that will stop us cold if we try and take the base. We also know that one Batu fighter is still in flying shape, but for all intents and purposes, we control the skies three-to-one.”
Captain Friedrich interrupted. “Repairs are underway to seal the breaches on decks three and five, but if they manage another bombing run on us, we’re dead where we sit. We won’t be able to hold atmosphere for the trip back to Wolcott, let alone lift salvage and supplies.”
Major Silver nodded. “That’s why we’re going to hit them now, before they can recoup and strand us here.”
Lt. Scott looked unsure. “But why stay anymore? They’ve called for help, so we did our job. Lets bug out while we still have something left to bug out with!”
Major Silver shook his head. “We need to make the Jags commit to coming after us. That means we sit tight long enough for those ships near the Zenith Point to rendezvous with the Cruiser and plot a pirate jump. If we bug out before they commit, they can call it off and let what’s left of the 7th continue garrison while they call in a new Garrison to secure the planet more thoroughly. Or worse, just let the 7th rebuild and recoup so that they only need some fresh faces and equipment. If that’s the case, we’ll have failed our mission to make the Jags think they have a weakness here.”
Lt. Vahzenov added to the Major’s line. “Vorse yet, from a purely economic point of view, ve haven’t pulled in enough salvage to even come close to breaking even on zis mission. Ve’re looking at a near total loss of over half ze Battalion if ve leave now.”
Captain McKenna nodded in agreement. “Unfortunately, the Lieutenant is right. If we leave now, we’ll have to sell off most of our good units and equipment remaining and ship the bulk of the troops back to Negushevo for lack of ability of keep up the payroll. That, just to rebuild a Company at best. It will devastate our standing in the Hiring Halls. While we technically succeeded, it would be looked at as a failure of the unit to operate as an independent Battalion. We’ll be ruined.”
Major Silver knocked on the briefing room table. “We’re getting off the subject.” He looked toward Ben. “This is not a debate about if we should attack. The Majors and myself have already settled that decision.” Motioning to Captain Thorpe and Captain McKenna. “This is a briefing on what we are going to do, not if we should do it. Understood?” As the room grew quiet, Major Silver turned back to Lt. Faller. “Continue, Joe.”
“Right.” He began. “Anyway, on top of the two tanks, we believe that they have about another Star of unarmored Infantry and maybe three Points of Battlearmor. That and their three Donar attack VTOLs and one more Anhur transport.” He turned to the head of their Infantry Company. “Lieutenant O’Hare has agreed to lead the remaining squads of Infantry as a heavily reinforced Platoon to try and overpower the hangar where the VTOLs are stationed. Once secure, he’ll need the support of the M-22s to keep the Jags from retaking it. That means the ‘Mechs, Recon, and the Alacorn have to try and secure the two Mars tanks and Infantry without anti-Infantry support.”
Chief Tech Iverson spoke up when Joe looked his way. The technician looked barely awake after 30 hours of non-stop repair duty. “Well, we’ve finished reconfiguring the Executioner with a heavy anti-infantry load out. Don’t know if twill stand up to any ‘mount of pounding though, tis barely holdin’ t’gether in the bay, let ‘lone in combat.”
Lt. Collins beamed. “She will hold... she’s a tough old girl!”
Major Silver nodded. “That’s what I like to hear.” Turning back to Lt. Faller. “We’ll monitor from the CiC and provide tactical alerts as needed, but you’ll be in command on-site Lieutenant. Make us proud.” Glancing at his chronometer, he turned off the map display. “Ok, you have 30 minutes prep. I want you moving out by 1200 Terran Standard Time. Dismissed, and good luck.”
Lt. O’Hare let a smile creep onto his lips as he strode across the hangar toward the towering genetically enhanced Clan soldier. He stood easily over 2.4 meters high, a full half-meter taller than himself, even though he wasn’t short by any means. The muscular Clansman was clad only in shorts as he stood surrounded by an entire squad of first platoon’s infantry, his dark skin a sharp contrast to the cream colored garb he wore.
Stopping barely half a meter away from the towering Elemental, Lt. O’Hare looked up as he spoke. “I hereby claim this facility and all it’s contents in the name of the Silver Eagles. You and all your men are...” he nearly stumbled over the word. “...abtakha, property of the Silver Eagles. You will submit to the bondcord or die.”
The Elemental glared down at the tiny man threatening his life. “Your speech is abhorrent, freebirth! You expect me to take your claim seriously?” He bellowed out laughter that filled the hangar. “I single-handedly smashed aside an entire element of your attack force. Had you not caught us in the very act of preparing to drive you from existence, your blood would now stain...”
Lt. O’Hare lifted his hand as though to strike the huge man. “Silence! Your boasts are meaningless! You have lost! Submit or I will kill you myself!”
The shock of this small man’s boast nearly startled the living giant. The absurd idea that such a small man could defeat him seemed too ridiculous to contemplate. He arrives with seven times our number in his ramshackle little toy-trucks, catching us in the middle of donning our armor and presumes to think we are so easily cowed?
Lt. O’Hare knew that the elemental was planning to attack him. He could almost feel the hatred the man spewed from his eyes. Relaxing into a defensive posture, he waited for the lunge. Sure enough, two massive hands came hurtling toward his throat. Bad move... he thought. Snapping his lithe body to his right, he was almost surprised by the speed of the Elemental’s reaction, nearly catching him as he slid around the side of the giant. Racing his own hands up the man’s arm with the speed of years of training, his hand caught the massive wrist and continued to swivel his body around, hooking his leg around the massive trunk of bone and muscle the Elemental called a leg. Using his whole body as a lever, he pressed against his massive bulk and released the wrist.
The elemental was caught totally unaware as the tiny form nearly vanished from in front of him. Suddenly he found his legs cut out from under him and was sent sprawling across the ferrocrete floor. Skin abraded and tore along his side as his massive weight slid along the floor of the hangar. Quickly rolling with the impact, he tumbled out of the slide and came to rest on his knees several meters from the barbarian that had tossed him like a doll.
The shock of his own lack of discipline and the ability of the Inner Sphere infantry commander to use it against him hurt worse than the torn flesh and bleeding. Realization spread across his face as his stood up, only to fall again to his knees. “I just let you defeat me... I might just as well have handed you a sword to fight me with, quineg. You use my own hatred of you as a weapon. I have already failed... both myself and my Clan.” He spread his arms wide and closed his eyes. “I ask for bonsref.”
Lt. O’Hare relaxed from his defensive stance. “If I understand Clan ways, you’re asking me to kill you.” He shook his head. “No. You are mine... and you do not deserve death.” He ripped at the hem of his sleeve, yanking a stretch of cloth free as he walked up to the giant man. Slapping the cloth around the man’s right wrist, tying the lose ends in a knot. “These are the colors of the Silver Eagles. You are now bondsman to us, bound by custom. Your old life is gone... you will now know service in our Unit.” He let the words sink in. “Once again... you are mine.” Turning to his corpsman he said, “Clean him up... make sure he doesn’t die.”
“Artillery Support! Watch your flank!” Lt. Faller screamed into his helmet mic, but it was no use. His warning was never heard over the broad-band jamming that had plagued the Assault force ever since they had lost their Ferret. Gunned down in a flash by a flash of laser light from out of nowhere, the Assault team lost contact with half their force in seconds, overwhelmed in advanced Clan electromagnetic scattering systems.
The Mars emerged from around the building. Firing a 125-kilogram slug of nickel-ferris metal at over Mach 5, it smashed into the side of the 95-ton tank shattering nearly a ton of armor in a fraction of a second. A moment later, the air snapped with the discharge of several gigajoules of focused light, arcing into the buckled armor on the right side of the Alacorn Mk VI. As the armor flashed into a gas, it exploded outward, carving a gaping rent into the side of the tank. Next the 90mm smoothbore autocannon began spewing out a cloud of shells that scattered all over the tank, exploding against everything they touched. The ragged shards of armor exploded outward as less than a fifth of the protective armor remained from what had been there only a few seconds before.
As the Alacorn’s turret swiveled around and unleashed a trio of Mach-5 slugs of its own, the shower of 45 guided missiles came smashing into the tank. Though a full two fifths of them lost tracking lock only halfway to the tank and exploded harmlessly, over 20 missiles still found their way to the tank. A few impacted the well-protected front and turret, but fifteen dug into the already ravaged side of the tank. As the three Gauss shells smashed into the nose of the Mars, the LRMs dug their way into the superstructure of the Alacorn.
With a sickening crunch, the right tread came apart in a spray of flying metal as the entire right side of the tank collapsed under the stress of the tank’s pivot as the driver had tried to bring the stronger armor of the front to face the Jaguar assault tank. Too late, it only added to the destruction of the tank. Unspent Gauss shells came spilling out of the innards of the tank like a gutted animal. Screeching to a halt in seconds, the Alacorn would never move again.
Twisting his torso around to face the tank that had destroyed his support tank on less than 10 seconds, Lt. Faller triggered his trio of Defiance P5M Medium Pulse Lasers along with the Tronel PPL-20 Large Pulse Laser mounted in his ‘Mech’s left arm. The medium laser mounted below his engine missed due to the haste of his shot while the heavy laser harmlessly shaved armor off the tank’s turret, but the two pulse lasers mounted in the left side of his torso struck true into the shattered remains of the tank’s front armor. Both lasers cored into the tank. The first failed to strike anything of importance, but the second cored into the crew compartment, spending its energy on the Clan crewmen that had so efficiently worked a moment before.
Smoke poured out of the front of the Mars and it rumbled to a stop as Lt. Faller keyed in the Comstock’s command frequency that was now clearing. “Assault Lead to Silver Actual, scratch one Mars. Artillery Support is dead. Counter-jamming is cutting through the remaining ECM. One moment.” He quickly activated the Active Probe located right over his cockpit and began scanning the area. Quickly switching to the Battalion Command frequency he shouted, “Contact! I have a pair of VTOLs bearing 170 at 25 meters AGL... distance 150 meters! They’re right over the damn hangar!”
Major Silver marked two locations on the map overlay. Keying the Command frequency, he ordered. “Fire Wing, maneuver to waypoint Yankee-three and switch to flack fire toward waypoint Yankee-four.”
Static clouded the frequency a moment before the clanner’s curt reply came over the frequency. “Aff. En-route to Yankee-three, 10 seconds.”
Lt. Josepho sailed over a 15-meter concrete barricade, coming to stop right on Yankee-three. Quickly thrusting into a slight spin before landing, he came to a stop facing the Hangar. Triggering his Kali Yama LB 10-X Smoothbore Autocannon, a hail of fire saturated the air meters above the hangar. Though he could not see the VTOLs, he knew they were either taking heavy fire, or had been forced to flee.
He was rewarded when Lt. Faller called out over the command frequency, “Splash one! Donar two is breaking high and away.”
Bringing her Archer around the barrier, Lt. Sanderson saw the second VTOL go streaking off to the west. Lining up on the fleeing attack helicopter, she waited a moment for the lock tone. As she pulled the trigger she shouted, “Fire Leader, 40 away!”
Missiles arced up into the sky, sailing toward the aircraft that was now diving toward the ground. As it did so, the missiles tried to follow, but the swift speed of its decent broke their lock. Detonating harmlessly or smashing into ferrocrete, Lt. Sanderson cursed over the command frequency before reporting. “He got away! He’s headed toward the VTOL hangar!”
“Watch it Fire Leader.” came the irritated voice of Major Silver. “Concentrate on your job. Find that Mars, immediately!” Switching to Recon frequency he ordered, “Captain Thorpe, VTOL heading toward Motor One and Armor Four. Intercept.”
“Roger, Silver Actual. En-route now.” Captain Thorpe replied evenly. As his LAM jumped into the air, he saw the Donar dash around a building. Kicking his Air-Mech into high speed, he followed the course of the attack helicopter. As he came around the building, he was surprised to see the Donar had executed a 180° turn. Yanking hard on the control stick, Captain Thorpe was struck directly in the center of his Air-Mech with the gigajoule Clan laser. A moment later his threat warning indicator went off, a fraction of a second before two missiles impacted along his left wing.
Vectoring his thrusters hard over, he swung into a 60° turn that brought his heavy laser into line with his attacker. “Weapons Locked” came the cool voice of his computer assistant. At the confirmation of his targeting lock, he mashed down of the firing stud sending 1.3 gigajoules of energy surging from his reactor to the firing coil of the laser mounted in the right side of his airframe. A microsecond later, the beam sliced into the Donar’s rotor assembly, cleanly severing the root of the third rotor. Two seconds later, the rotor disintegrated itself due to the imbalance. As the craft lost lift, it tilted hard to the left and smashed into the side of the building, smashing the cockpit and sliding down the building as the hydrogen fuel lines ruptured. Superheated hydrogen came spilling out of the reactor’s fuel lines, igniting the moment the fuel reached oxygen. Turning the leak into a blowtorch, it blasted the SRM ammo stores, exploding in a fireball of detonating warheads and fuel.
“Splash one!” Captain Thorpe called out over the battalion frequency. “That leaves one Donar left. Anyone have a fix on it?”
Lt. O’Hare responded a moment later. “Motor One Actual here. We have secured the VTOL hangar with the Anhur and one Donar still parked.”
Major Silver keyed his mic. “Roger that Motor One. Recon Air Leader, stay with Motor One and provide support. Assault Leader, proceed to waypoint Omega and take out any remaining forces.”
Captain McKenna stood up. “I’ll be back.” At that she turned and left the CiC.
Lt. Faller slowly walked his ‘Mech forward. “Assault Wing, Assault Support, move up in flanking positions. Assault Support Wing, file in behind us. Let’s keep it tight people. Fire Leader, report position.”
Lt. Sanderson was slow to reply and her response was filled with static. “Assaul.......der, Now c....... up on waypoint .......-two. Can....... read you, over.”
Lt. Faller looked at his sensor readout. No sign of them, and with that kind of breakup that means that they’re within 180 meters of that last Mars. Better pick up the pace. “All units, form up and make to waypoint Omega at best speed.”
As Lt. Sanderson rounded the corner of the building, she could see the Zeus and three other ‘Mechs of Assault Lance closing at a dead run. “Say again Assault Lead, I can’t read you. I have you by eyesight; laser ranging shows you at 780 meters. Sensors completely clouded, I can’t even get...”
She was caught mid-sentence as something shoved her forward. At first she thought it was weapons fire, but soon realized it was too gentle to have been a weapon. As she swung her Archer’s torso around, she spotted the Mars. Behind her, Lt. Josepho’s Orion was wreathed in LRM and autocannon explosions. He pushed me out of the way! she thought. Seizing the opportunity, she swung her arms up and fired every weapon on her ‘Mech at the tank. One laser missed as did an LRM salvo, striking the overhang that the Mars had been hiding under. The other missiles and laser piled into the front and turret of the shrouded tank, destroying 885 of the 2,600 kilograms of advanced ferro-fibrous compound protecting the tank and scattering it across the ferrocrete.
Lt. Josepho recovered from the daze of explosions. He knew the cockpit had been struck by one of the small submunitions from the autocannon, but the damage to the ‘Mech was minimal. Focusing on the threat, he smiled. So, the solahma Jaguars think they still have teeth? Typically blind, the Jaguar leaps, but seldom looks. Flicking a thumb switch, he saw the Narc launcher switch ammo bins.
Lining up on the tank, he triggered a full burst of all his weapons, sending a warm wave of heat into his cockpit which the Orion’s heat exchangers quickly dissipated, returning the temperature to normal. His Kali Yama autocannon spat out a similar cloud of explosive submunitions that had assaulted him, with his Narc launcher firing a heavy missile straight at the tank. The twin Intek Medium Pulse Lasers each carved a line across the front of the tank, further diminishing the protection there, but his twin Irian Weapons Works Medium Lasers only spilled their energy into the ferrocrete. As the autocannon’s submunitions began exploding all over the tank, the heavy missile exploded on the front of the tank, shredding over a fifth of a ton of armor, leaving only a third of the armor remaining there. As the submunitions detonated, one blasted the entry hatch off the tank. The combination of shock waves and shrapnel turned the interior of the Mars into a chamber of death. Within seconds, the tank was silent.
As the tank died, the cloud of electronic jamming lifted. Keying his mic, Lt. Faller signaled. “Fire Lance, report!”
Lt. Sanderson wasn’t sure what to say. After a moment, she responded. “Assault Leader, the second Mars appears to be dead. No sign of the Infantry or Battlearmor.”
Damn! thought Lt. Faller. They’re probably waiting inside the building where we’ll have to take them the hard way. Switching over to the Comstock’s frequency, he reported in. “Silver Actual, this is Assault Leader. The enemy units have been neutralized. No sign of further armored resistance. Ten Battlearmor and the Infantry Star are still missing. Awaiting orders.”
Major Silver pumped his fist. “Yes!” Opening the Command Frequency, he ordered. “Silver Actual to all units. The base is secure. Armor One, I want you to take whatever you have left and secure the repair hangar. Recon Air Leader, you are to remain at the hangar with the rest of Recon and keep it secure.” Keying in Captain McKenna’s personal com frequency, he queried. “Orchid, what is your location?”
Erin was startled when her communicator went off. She had just gotten into her ground car and was about to set out toward the base facility. Reaching over, she keyed the radio open. “Orchid here. I’m in the lower bay ready to disembark and take charge of the capture of the facility.”
Major Silver wasn’t surprised. “Roger that. Take a squad of Marines and proceed to waypoint Omega. Take charge of the capture. Silver Actual out.” Letting out a long breath, he smiled. Might as well point her at the enemy.
As McKenna drove up to the Jaguar’s repair building, she was greeted with the sight of Motor One firing on the front of the building. Small laser flashes flew from the wide-open doors of the facility, but the armor of the R-11 combat vehicles kept Motor One safe. As she pulled to a stop beside the building, five Marines dived out of the vehicle. Grabbing her M-111 Laser Rifle from under her seat, she stepped out of the car. “Master Sergeant Rhode! Take your men up around the corner and support Motor One!”
With a quick nod, the five unarmored Marines sneaked along the edge of the building. Rounding the corner, They took up firing positions along the corner. Lasers flashed as the Marines added their marksmanship to Motor One’s heavy laser fire.
Captain McKenna dashed across the ferrocrete toward one of Motor One’s R-11 assault vehicles. Snapping a quick shot into the building, she used the distraction of the Marine squad to safely reach the vehicle. Ducking behind the assault car as a series of laser flashes exploded behind her, she recovered quickly and took up a firing position around the vehicle. Sighting quickly, she saw a laser flash out from a catwalk toward the Marines. Letting her eyes adjust to the darkness within, she saw several forms almost materialize out of the darkness. Sighting on one, she triggered her laser rifle three times in rapid succession. She was rewarded with the barely visible sight of a body falling from the catwalk. As she ducked back behind the vehicle, a hail of laser fire saturated the area around her.
As the hail of fire stopped, she peaked around the vehicle. The catwalk was lit up in a hail of laser fire from the Marine squad for a few moments, letting her watch as the squad cut down the fire team in moments. Catching a glimpse of movement on the floor of the repair bay, she quickly grabbed her personal coms and keyed it. “Motor One! Marine Two! Toads in the bay! All units open fire on them, NOW!”
Rolling out from behind the assault car, she leveled her laser rifle on one of the Elementals as a hail of laser fire filled the bay. She took steady aim and triggered her own weapon, and then again, and again, and again. The sound of weapons fire filled her ears with a deafening roar and brilliant flashes of light blinded her.
Then there was silence.
Ok, this one is longer than I thought it would be! The last fight and wrap-up will be up soon. Enjoy!
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Happy Independence Day from the Silver Eagles
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And on with the show....
Ok, got this hammered out to add to the fun. ;)
As Lt. O’Hare strode into the repair bay, both the Marine squad and his own first squad flanked him. Waiting in the middle of the bay was a contingent of ten Smoke Jaguar infantrymen, stiff and unrelenting. Even unarmed they were an intimidating sight, despite the fact that he and his escorts were armed. Stopping just short of the waiting Jaguar warriors, he examined them as if he could see through them. Seeming satisfied, he nodded and stepped aside.
“In the name of the Silver Eagles,” Erin began “I, Captain McKenna hereby claim this facility and all its contents as isorla. That includes you and your wounded worth saving.”
Stepping forward, a woman who could only be an elemental glared down at McKenna, but her face resolved into a look of defeat. “Aff. You have defeated us and we stand ready to take our place within your Clan as laborers. This is our way, and the way of the Clans.” Looking back a moment, she returned to look at her new master. “Star Captain, several of your bondsmen have asked for bonsref. Will you allow them the right to die like warriors, quiaff?”
McKenna shook her head. “Neg. You are the property of the Silver Eagles and our property you will stay. Destroying Silver Eagle property is a needless waste and will not be permitted. You have been defeated. We defeated you and claim you. You all must learn to accept that fact. That is our way, and it is now yours, quiaff?”
The ex-Jaguar elemental nodded. “Aff. I will see to it my fellow bondsmen adapt. Who is our caste leader?”
Erin stood at ease. “What is your name?”
The elemental stiffened with pride. “I am Cora, former Point Commander in the Seventh Jaguar PGC’s third Infantry Star.”
McKenna stood impassively. “Very well, for the moment Cora, you are the caste leader. That may change later, but for now I want you to gather your wounded and escort them to the infirmary. After that, report to Lieutenant O’Hare who will give you instructions on what to do next.” She glanced around the room. “How many of your ex-warriors remain?”
Looking at the floor, Cora replied, “Only twenty-six are unwounded. The rest are dead or dying.”
“And where is the commanding officer of the Seventh Jaguar PGC?”
Cora balked at the question and looked into McKenna’s eyes. “That is no longer my concern.”
Captain McKenna nodded. “Very well. I will root him out and take him soon enough. Carry out your duties, Cora.” As the elemental walked off to organize the remaining Jaguar infantry into first aid teams, McKenna turned to Lt. O’Hair. “Did any get away, Lieutenant?”
“Not that I saw, Captain.” He replied. “Those that didn’t surrender were slaughtered when Lieutenant Collins opened up with all those pulse lasers. It was a deathtrap in there. I’m amazed that even these guys survived.”
McKenna looked around the repair bay. “Certainly took me by surprise, though a welcome one at that. Lieutenant, I want you to organize your men into fire teams and cover the interior of the building.” Turning to Master Sergeant Rhode, she continued. “Sergeant, I want your men to guard that ammunition stockpile over there. If any Clanner gets too close to it, you have authorization to use whatever means necessary to prevent sabotage. These Jaguars are too hidebound for someone to not try something. Let’s not be caught unawares.”
As she finished speaking, her personal coms went off. “McKenna here.”
“Captain, you better get out here quick.” Came the voice of Lt. Collins. “We have a situation.”
As McKenna ran out the main doors of the repair bay, she immediately spotted several squads of Motor One training their weapons on a group of people standing next to the building. Their mode of dress suggested Jaguar warriors, but not Elementals. Striding toward the assembled Jaguars, she stopped just short of the one in the lead. “I am Captain McKenna of the Silver Eagles. Who are you?”
The Clansman sneered at her. “I am Star Captain Paul, Commander of the BattleMech Binary assigned to the Seventh Jaguar Provisional Garrison Cluster and temporary commander of the Cluster.”
McKenna crossed her arms. “Very well Star Captain, with what forces do you defend the possession of this world?”
He stiffened at her batchall. “I stand ready to defend this world with all of my remaining forces.” He motioned to the group of six men and three women behind him. “However, you now have possession of all of our ‘Mechs and vehicles, so we stand ready to face you as warriors of the Jaguar just as you see us.”
Glancing at the assembled warriors, she chuckled. “You are defeated already, Star Captain. I have claimed this planet and all on it as property of the Silver Eagles. I would grant you hegira and allow you to withdraw, if you had anything left to withdraw with.”
Furry creased his face. “Very well, Captain! I challenge you to a trial of possession of this planet!”
Nodding, McKenna relented. “Aff. However, seeing as you lack even one operational BattleMech, I will fight you un-augmented.”
A skinny Aerospace pilot stepped forward. “I am Star Commander Aaron, leader of the Seventh Jaguar PGC’s Aerospace Star. I still have my Omnifighter. If you dare, face me for the trial!” Turning to Star Captain Paul, he spoke through gritted teeth. “Please, Star Captain! Permit me the honor of facing this freebirth to crush her!”
“Silence!” Star Captain Paul bellowed. “I am in charge of this Garrison Cluster! And only I have the right to defend it!”
Captain McKenna spoke up. “If Star Commander Aaron is inclined to be destroyed to prove his lack of worthiness to contribute to the gene pool, we will accept his challenge. He may face one of our Fighter Pilots in a circle of equals if he so wishes.”
Star Captain Paul was visibly impressed with McKenna’s attitude. “Very well, Captain.” Turning to the pilot, he nodded. In a flash, the small pilot ran from the group toward his Batu. Turning back to Captain McKenna, he nodded in acknowledgement. “You know our ways well, Captain. Now, let us see how well you know the ways of combat. From where will you defend?”
McKenna nodded toward the repair bay. “As that is where we defeated you, we will await you there. Bargained well and done, Star Captain Paul.”
“Bargained well and done, Captain McKenna. May you meet a glorious death!”
Dang but this guy is good! thought Lt. Titus. When the challenge was relayed to the Comstock, Lt. Tucker was still in the infirmary. Given the choice between facing the Batu with one of their F-700a Rievers and Lt. Titus’s remaining F-92e Stingray, Space Operations Officer Hernandez-Silver asked him to face the Clansman. He remembered the only thing she had said to him.
“Please don’t get shot down. It’s my fighter you’re in you know!”
“Don’t get shot down.” She says... someone tell him that! he thought as he banked around again to avoid exiting the circle of equals. A 113 square kilometer area of airspace just north of the Jaguar base had been selected at the site of the trial, with the ceiling set at 6,500 meters and the hard deck set at 500 meters.
As he came around, he spotted the enemy fighter coming straight at him. Pulling into a tighter turn, he hoped the Clan pilot would try and slip in behind him. That’s it... take the bait. At the last second, the Batu shot past his position, letting loose a barrage of short-range missiles and trying to attach a Narc beacon to his fighter again. The beacon missed, but twelve missiles struck his fighter, weakening its armor all over.
Seeing him shoot by again, Lt. Titus started to climb up toward the ceiling of the engagement. Pressed back in his seat by the g-forces of his fighter’s engine and the gravity of the planet, he leveled off at 6,400 meters. Slowing to barely 200 knots, he brought his fighter around in a tight turn. The Clan fighter had skirted the edge of the circle of equals and was now coming straight at him, climbing from 4,000 meters and closing rapidly. Lt. Titus heard the threat warning indicator as he locked his own weapons on the Batu. Waiting for the range to close, he weathered yet another assault of short-range missiles. This time, he heard an audible thump as the heavy Narc projectile attached to his fighter’s nose. A moment later, his right wing took a beating as the Clan PPC tore a gash along the entire length of it.
Slewing hard to the right, he corrected his aim as he descended on the enemy fighter. Seeing the range drop to only a kilometer, he pressed the firing stud triggering all eight of his fighter’s lasers. Heat washed through his fighter, threatening to make him veer off course, but his aim was true; five Magna 400P Medium Pulse Lasers tore into the nose of the Clan fighter along with one of his two Hellion-a III ER Large Lasers. Armor stripped away and the fighter’s Fire control system was completely destroyed, leaving the Clan Fighter with no way to exploit the homing beacon now attached to Lt. Titus’s Stingray.
Seeming to accept his fate, the Clan pilot opened a communications channel. “I am powless. My weapons control is destroyed and I cannot fight any longer. Destroy me.”
The shock of the sudden admission of defeat caught Lt. Titus by surprise. Not being fully familiar with the ways of the Clans, he responded unsure of how it would come across. “You’re dead anyway. Shooting you down in cold blood wouldn’t be sporting. Go home.”
Banking to return to the Comstock, Lt. Titus was almost out of the engagement zone when he saw the Batu descending on him at high speed. Darting quickly into a barrel roll, he cut his thrust and pulled back on the stick, cutting his airspeed to almost nothing in seconds. As the Clan fighter shot past him and nearly collided with his Stingray, he recovered from the maneuver and lined up his sights. Triggering another full burst of weapons fire, the lasers sliced into the engine housing. As the two heavy beams cored into the reactor assembly, the remaining hydrogen fuel exploded in a fireball of destruction. Wreckage flew out of the expanding cloud of vapor, hurtling toward the ground that would become the Clan Aerospace Pilot’s grave.
Last installment will be done tomorrow... assuming I don’t suffer more catastrophe! :P
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Ok, here it is... the wrap-up of the Outer Volta Campaign! Enjoy!
McKenna stood next to Master Sergeant Rhode, waiting for any sign of the remaining nine Jaguar Warriors. She turned to Sgt. Rhodes. “Any word from Lieutenant Titus yet?”
Master Sergeant Mark Rhode was listening intently to his radio. “Yes ma’am. He’s engaging the Jaguar fighter now.”
Captain McKenna nodded. “I’m sure he’ll do fine.” As she spoke, her personal coms went off. “McKenna.”
“Captain.” Reported Lt. O'Hare. “Five of the Jaguars are approaching your position. Just walking up like they’re on their way to work or something! They’ve asked for something called ‘safe con’. I presume they mean to be asking to be let in to the hangar. Should we just let them through?”
McKenna smiled. “Yes Lieutenant. Let them through.” Clicking off her coms, she removed her field jacket and began stretching her muscles and loosening up her joints for what she knew was to come.
As the five Jaguars entered the hangar, several fire teams all covered them with laser rifles. With a gesture, McKenna had them lower their weapons. Striding across the hangar, she stopped in front of their leader. “Star Captain Paul, I granted you safcon because I consider you an honorable warrior deserving of a warrior’s fate.” Looking over the five assembled warriors, she queried, “Is this your bid?”
Star Captain Paul nodded. “It is. These are the last five Mechwarriors of the Seventh PGC. The other four warriors are but lowly VTOL pilots and gunners. We will not insult you with their lack of skill. If we are defeated, they will surrender.”
McKenna motioned to the Marine squad behind her. “These are the five warriors of second Marine Squad. I will bid them in defense along with myself.”
Star Captain Paul furrowed his brow and crossed his arms. “You bid five Elementals and yourself in a fight against five powless Mechwarriors? Hardly an honorable bid, Captain.”
McKenna stood impassively, resting her hands on her hips. “It is my right to. You have but ten warriors, while I possess the might of a full trinary’s worth of troops. You challenge our possession of this world with such a small force that it is within my rights to bid down to only six warriors. However...” McKenna turned and let a smile form on her face as the Star Captain waited for her to finish. “However, I think we can agree that the others are but ancillary combatants here.” She turned and faced the Jaguar warrior again. “The real battle here is between you and myself.” She waved her hand. “The others here are meaningless. You command the Jaguars, I command the Eagles. I bid only myself to defend our possession of this world. You will meet me in a circle of equals, quiaff?”
The Jaguar Star Commander smiled. “Aff. I will.” He stripped out of his heavy gray leather jacket as he turned to his fellow Jaguar warriors. “This will be settled here and now. Let no one interfere! All are bound by the outcome of this combat.” He turned back to Captain McKenna. “Is that not correct, Captain?”
McKenna nodded and she laced her combat boots tighter. “Aff. If you defeat me, the Silver Eagles are defeated and we will depart. If I defeat you, then this world belongs to us until such time as someone else challenges us for it. But that is a matter for strategists and politicians, not we warriors quiaff?”
Readying himself for combat, Star Captain Paul nodded. “Aff.” He pointed to an area in the center of the repair bay. “There. Form the circle.” As he spoke, the other four members walked to the middle of the bay, forming an arc that would make a circle 15 meters across. The five Marines followed suit and completed half the ring, with the fire teams of Motor One finishing out the circle.
Master Sergeant Rhode looked to his left at the Clan Mechwarrior standing next to him. She looked back at him with a scathing look of disdain. “What is it, freebirth?”
Mark smiled. “Nothing. I’m just wondering what you’ll be doing once you’re a bondsman to the Silver Eagles.” He pointed at McKenna. “Because she’s going to kick his rear.”
The Mechwarrior chuckled slightly. “You think so, lucre warrior?” She nodded toward the Star Captain. “Star Captain Paul once fought for the Kotare bloodname. He defeated an Elemental in the first round of fighting unaugmented before losing in the second round to another Mechwarrior. There is no chance your Captain McKenna can defeat him.”
Master Sergeant Rhode just continued to smile. “Care to place a wager on that?”
Furry swept across the woman’s face as her head snapped around at the comment. “Do not insult me by comparing me to some Merchant casteman! This is a circle of equals, not your blood sports of Solaris!”
Mark shrugged. “No insult intended. It’s an old custom dating back to ancient Terra for warriors to place side-bets on the outcome of honorable combats. I just thought you might be interested in exercising that ancient custom. I guess not.”
His comments succeeded brilliantly in manipulating the Jaguar warrior. Her furry melted away into a look of curiosity. “An ancient Terran custom?”
Sergeant Rhode pretended not to hear her as Captain McKenna and Star Captain Paul readied themselves for the trial. “What? Oh, yeah.” He cleared his throat. “Ancient Terran Alliance armies would sometimes stage trials called ‘boxing matches’ between different units of their militaries. To fight in one was considered an act of great honor as you were defending the reputation of your unit. Almost everyone in the units would make wagers against the opposing side, betting something or other that their fighter would defeat the opposing fighter. They would bet anything... money, duty hours, leave time, meals, whatever they happened to have of value. The more you thought your fighter was the better fighter, the more they would be willing to bet. It’s an ancient Terran tradition though, you probably have no place for it. Looks like they’re ready to start.”
The Clan warrior looked skeptically at the Marine as she faced back into the circle. Star Captain Paul entered the circle through the warriors of his command. Stopping near the middle of the circle, he waited as Captain McKenna entered from the opposite side. Raising his voice, he shouted loud enough for everyone to hear. “This trial is conducted in the manor and customs of the Clans of Kerensky! Despite the fact that we face dezgra Inner Sphere Mercenaries, all will be bound by the outcome of this trial! Let no one interfere!” The four Clan warriors gently echoed in unison, “Seyla.” He turned and looked at Captain McKenna.
She nodded slightly to Star Captain Paul before speaking. “As Executive officer of the Silver Eagles, I hereby order all present to stand down and depart this world if I am defeated. You will not interfere with this fight in any way! Understood?” The hangar echoed with a chorus of “Yes sir!” from the assembled Silver Eagles. She turned and faced Star Captain Paul, bowing ever so slightly before assuming a defensive stance.
Leaning slightly toward Master Sergeant Rhode as the two began circling, the Clan Mechwarrior spoke in low tones. “Very well, I will honor this ancient Terran tradition. Seeing as if your McKenna wins I will become bondsman to the Silver Eagles, I will wager the first month of my non-service time to you. What say you?”
Mark smiled. “A serious wager.” Thinking a moment, he replied. “If your Star Captain wins, I will be departing. However, I’ll surrender my prized collection of ancient Terran musidisks before I leave. Sound fair?”
She nodded. “Aff. Bargained well and done.”
He glanced over at her as she turned back to watch Star Captain Paul lunge forward toward Captain McKenna, who deftly avoided his leg-sweep. “By the way, who should I say they belong to if I cannot find you again before I leave and have to leave them with someone else?”
As McKenna brought her left leg around to try and kick the Clansman in the back of the head, the female Mechwarrior replied, “Mechwarrior Lacy.”
Sergeant Rhode nodded and turned his attention to the fight. McKenna’s leg had wept through the air as the Clansman rolled forward to avoid the blow. Regaining his feet, he cautiously circled inward along McKenna’s right side. In a flash, he moved in and let his left fist smash into McKenna’s ribs, visibly lifting her off the floor and sending her into the air. She tumbled as she landed, regaining her feet in one swift movement.
As she staggered to her right, she was in obvious pain but pushed past it. She regained her composure just as the Clan Mechwarrior closed again on the same side. Determined not to get caught like that again, she feigned a dodge to the left before dropping into a leg-sweep of her own. The Clansman’s quick reactions almost left her exposed, but she brought her other leg up and into the small of his back. Not expecting the second blow, he dropped to the floor on his back where McKenna slammed her elbow down, smashing into his breastbone and knocking the wind out of him.
Rolling away from her, he staggered to his feet as McKenna kicked her legs back and righted herself, tumbling back over her head to a standing position. The two circled each other; both not fully prepared for what the other might do. As they circled, Star Captain Paul made another attempt to close on her right side. As he approached, she prepared to swing past him and get behind him where she could do some real damage. As she swept along his left side, twisting her body like a top, he caught her right wrist and dropped to the floor, her hand protruding from his own as he pointed it toward the ground.
The sound of breaking bones and McKenna’s shout as his weight all smashed down on her wrist made the assembled warriors cringe, but her retribution was swift. Reaching behind her, she hooked her left arm around the Clansman’s neck and levered her whole body to bring the Mechwarrior up and over her shoulder. As she did so she stood up, flipping Star Captain Paul into the air and sending him smashing facedown onto the ferrocrete.
As she moved off cradling her right arm, Star Captain Paul slowly stood, blood pouring down his face. His eyes were slightly swollen and his nose flattened out. Looking around, he spotted Captain McKenna and slowly staggered toward her. “Nice try, Captain.” He said through ragged breath. “But it is not over yet.” He moved in with lightning speed, catching McKenna in a body slam that carried her to the ground near the side of the circle of equals. With the weight of his body pinning her in place, he smashed his left fist into her wounded right side over and over again.
McKenna brought her left leg up and scythed the heel of her boot down on the inside of his right knee. Howling in pain as he sat up, she smashed his face with her left fist, connecting with his right eye and sending blood flying across the floor. He rolled off of her and tried to right himself, but his right leg collapsed under his own weight. Dropping to his left knee, he turned just in time to see McKenna’s left boot smash into the side of his face. He dropped to the floor as McKenna continued to swing her body around. Looking down at his still form, she ached to catch her breath. After a moment, she reached down and pulled on his left arm, flipping him onto his back. His eyes were closed as blood still trickled out of one eye and his nose.
She looked to the four Clan Warriors at the edge of the circle. “It is finished.” She said through rapid breaths. “The Silver Eagles claim you and this planet as isorla.” At that, she limped out of the circle toward the corpsman of Motor One. As he pulled out his medical gear, she pointed to the defeated Star Captain. “Treat him first. I’ll live. I want to make sure he does too.” She nearly collapsed into the seat of the R-11 assault vehicle, cradling her right arm and cursing in Chinese.
Master Sergeant Rhode turned to the ex-Clan Mechwarrior. “Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, Lacy.” Emphasizing the lack of calling her a Mechwarrior. Her stunned silence was the only response he got for quite some time to come.
Nineteen hours later, the Silver Eagle command staff was assembled in the headquarters tent. As Major Silver walked in, Lt. Scott called out. “Attention on deck!” causing everyone in the tent to stand at attention.
Major Silver took his seat at the head of the table. “At ease.” As the assembled officers took their seats again, he looked at the empty seat normally reserved for Captain McKenna. Looking toward Dr. Benson, he asked, “How is she doing?”
Dr. Benson shrugged. “She’ll pull through. Re-breaking her right wrist wasn’t very healthy, but with therapy, she’ll recover. Her right lung was punctured and she has four broken ribs, but she’s recovering nicely. A month off wouldn’t hurt.”
Major Silver grimaced at the thought of losing his XO for that long. “Can she do light administrative duty?”
“Well so long as she doesn’t have to do anything physically taxing, paperwork is fine.” He replied. “Physical therapy will take up a lot of her time though, so it should be kept very light.”
Major Silver nodded. “Alright.” Looking to Lt. Faller, he ordered, “See to it she doesn’t try to take on too much too soon Joe.”
Lt. Faller nodded. “Right, like I can stop her! About all I can do is drug her, which I’m sure the doc here wouldn’t appreciate!”
Light laughter filled the briefing room a moment before Major Silver continued. “Ok, so what are we looking at here?” Turning to Lt. Vahzenov, he asked, “What’s the take so far?”
Lt. Vahzenov stood before beginning. “Vell, ze inventory of ze Jaguar base is almost complete, but ve’re going to have to be selective about vhat ve take. As ve discussed yesterday, ze Comstock lifted off to transfer cargo onto ze Jim Bridger, freeing up a total of 240 tons of cargo space to carry weapons and equipment off. Zey are already halfway done unloading wit anozer nine hours to go and should be back before 2300 hours tonight. After shuffling some zings around, ve vill have a total of 390 tons of space to carry off anyzing ve vant.”
Major Silver nodded. “What about whole units? What did we find?”
Lt. Vahzenov smiled. “Vell, in ze repair bay, ze technicians vere in ze middle of repairing three BattleMechs, vone Adder, vone Hankyu, and vone Horned Owl. Zey should fetch a handsome price! Also in ze bay vere three vehicles, an Oro, a Ku, and a Hachiman. Ve also have ze two VTOLs, a Donar and an Anhur. All should sell very vell! But ze best part is ze two Mars tanks, both vere only damaged and are still in vorking condition!”
Major Silver nodded. “What about lift capability? By my count, that haul is well over the 390 tons we have on the Comstock.”
Lt. Vahzenov shrugged. “But ve have a number of empty ‘Mech and vehicle bays, as unfortunate as zat may be. Ze technicians are stripping usable parts off ze ‘Mechs and vehicles as ve speak, zo in ze end, ve can still carry all three ‘Mechs and all seven vehicles in addition to the 390 tons of ozzer equipment!”
Major Silver looked at his S4. “Vahzenov, sometimes you amaze me. Very well, use your best judgement to gather up the parts and equipment you think will make the most of our limited space.” Glancing down at his noteputer, he looked over at Lt. Owens, promoted to the position of S1 after Lt. Chekov died. “Lieutenant, how are things in personnel? I assume you’re up to speed on the number of bondsmen we’re looking at here.”
Lt. SG Zane Owens stood up uneasily. Not used to the position of Personnel Officer, he was still very unsure of his abilities, but was determined to live up to the expectations of the Unit. “Well, not in the infirmary we have four former Mechwarriors, five former Elementals, twenty-six former Infantry, four former VTOL crewmen, and about fifty members of their technician caste. Oh, and ten members of their Merchant caste. On top of that are about two hundred infantry and Elementals and another twenty or so vehicle crewmen in the local hospital, along with one Mechwarrior, former Star Captain Paul. In total, about 320 personnel that aren’t Outer Volta natives.”
Major Silver balked at the number. “That’s all that’s left out of over eight hundred Smoke Jaguars?”
Lt. Owens nodded. “Yes sir. Eight hundred and ten to be exact. Apparently when word reached the infirmary that the 7th was defeated, two wounded Mechwarriors, twenty wounded Elementals, about fifteen vehicle crewmen, and twenty three infantrymen all took their own lives. Many of them would have fully recovered too. Most of those who didn’t kill themselves weren’t able to because of their severe injuries.” He finished, shaking his head as he sat back down.
Collecting himself, Major Silver continued. “Very well. Make plans to take the unwounded combat personnel with us, along with as many of the technicians as we can fit. The wounded we’ll leave here.” He turned to Lt. Hernandez-Silver, his wife and Space Operations Officer. “Lieutenant. What word do we have on those Jaguar ships in-system?”
Lt. Hernandez-Silver stood. “Well, the Jag Dropships seemed to have cut their engines for a while to get them to their Warship sooner, then kicked up into a 2.5-G burn that had them rendezvous at about 0200 this morning, about 9 hours early. The Jim Bridger detected a hyperpulse signal from the Cameron at 1550 yesterday, almost an hour after the Comstock lifted off, so it was possible that they didn’t know if they should just jump to where they were supposed to go in the first place, secure Outer Volta, or intercept the JB. But shortly after their Dropships docked, they jumped to the L5 point and began a 1.5-G maximum burn toward the planet.”
Major Silver nodded in agreement. “Thank you.” He entered some numbers into the noteputer in front of him. “Looking at the gravitational plots, they likely chose the L5 point because it was safer and still cut their travel time to only a little more than two days. Since they chose the L5 point, they could do it any time they liked, but they’ll be facing a 52-hour burn for the Cameron. Looks like we’re free and clear no matter what.”
Lt. Scott spoke up. “Wait. Why did they have to plot for the L5 zone? Couldn’t they just jump on top of the Jim Bridger any time they like?”
Major Silver smiled. “You’re forgetting that the L1 zone is never fully stable, Ben. They have to be extra careful when plotting a jump there and the tolerances are very tight. Luckily Outer Volta is well plotted and we had the data to make it safe enough to risk it. But with the Jim Bridger sitting there, it makes it more dangerous because they have to plot a point off-center, and the L2 point is not even a consideration. Gravity isn’t canceled out there; it’s just overcome by centrifugal force. This just means we caught a break because the Jag commander thinks we’re here to stay. So he jumps to the L5 point thinking he will get us soon enough. In the mean time, we can load up, burn for the Jim Bridger, and be docked, charged, and gone by the time they can make an intercept.”
Major Silver looked again at his gravitational plots. “Yes. If they’re on a 1.5-G burn, they’ll be almost 14 hours past the turnaround point by the time we lift off and well inside the gravity well of Outer Volta. They’ll still be almost 12 hours from the planet when we lift and unable to reach L1 before we get there six hours later. That makes them a moot point now because the soonest they can get to L1 is 0700 on the 8th with a course correction. They can’t touch us.” Major Silver cleared his display and brought his briefing notes back up. “Is there any other business?” Seeing no one comment, he stood up. “Very well then, next meeting will be 0700 tomorrow, with a second meeting at 1700 hours to cover any last minute changes before liftoff at 1740 Terran Standard Time tomorrow. Dismissed.”
Part two of the update will be up soon! (just finalizing it now)
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Part two of three! (yes, I can’t fit it all in two posts... darn character limits! :P ) Part three and the TO&E of the unit as they lift off and head to Wolcott to follow soon.
The next morning, Major Silver was surprised to see Captain McKenna in her seat in the briefing room of the Comstock that had returned the night before. “Major, shouldn’t you be resting?”
Captain McKenna smiled weakly. “Doctor Benson said I could attend, so long as I wear a vitals monitor.” She raised her left arm and displayed the electronic band around her upper arm that monitored her vital signs. “Don’t worry Kevin, I’ll behave.” She smiled.
Taking his seat, he began. “Ok, so how goes loading and repairs?” He looked at Captain Friedrich.
Captain Darious Friedrich stood. “All goes well. All the hull breaches are sealed and we’re topping off the hydrogen tanks with the reserves the Jags had. We transferred 60 tons of hydrogen to the Jim Bridger yesterday while we were there, so she’s topped off too. Lieutenant Vahzenov has been directing the loading of salvage since early this morning along with Supply Sergeants Diarte and Bywaters.” He looked to Lt. Vahzenov.
“Vell, zings are going vell.” Vahzenov began. “Ve have all of ze ‘Mechs and vehicles loaded already. Ze choice of loose equipment has mostly consisted of podded veapons for ze OmniMechs, vit a few choice systems zat ve pulled off of some wrecked vehicles and ze Cluster’s stores. If ve sell off all ze whole units, ve’re looking at almost 100 million C-Bills. Ze equipment is vorth at least 40 million as vell, if not more. Ve also captured ten Elemental suits intact or close enough zat zey are in better shape zen some of our more damaged ones. Lastly, zere is about 800,000 C-bills vorth of smaller equipment and veapons.”
Major Silver was surprised at the estimate. “Are you sure about that?” With a nod from Lt. Vahzenov, he continued. “I had no idea it would come to so much. Didn’t think we could lift that much. Well done everyone! Looks like we get paid after all!”
A small cheer went up throughout the room before Major Silver continued. “Alright, so what’s the damage total? Let’s start with total write-offs.” He looked to Chief Tech Iverson.
“Well of the seven destroyed ‘Mechs,” he began, “the two Phoenix Hawks are a loss, but there is some decent salvage we’re picking off one of them. Same with the Longbow, the Quickdraw, and the Venom. Major Silver’s Marauder is pretty messed up as well, there wasn’t much we could salvage off of it, but there was some. Major McKenna’s Grasshopper and the other Phoenix Hawk are total write-offs; nothing worth picking of either of them.”
Sven took a long breath before continuing. “The other five ‘Mechs that were knocked out and still are down should take upwards of a month to get operational except for Lt. Amdecker’s Phoenix Hawk LAM. The two that we managed to get running again, the Executioner and the Gallowglas, should take another couple weeks, while the last four that just took light damage should only take another couple weeks in total. All together, we’re looking at no less than 8-12 weeks of down-time for repairs.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Twelve weeks is a blink of an eye compared to our wounded. Speaking of which,” He turned to Dr. Benson. “Do we have a better projection on our wounded, Doctor?”
Letting out a long breath, Dr. Benson nodded. “If you’re looking out twelve weeks, the vast majority of the wounded that can return to duty will be back by then, except for the most severely wounded. Figure somewhere between 35 and 40 personnel back to duty after twelve weeks with about 20 more in long-term rehab, some of who will still be in rehab a year from now. That’s not counting the dozen that are so wounded they’ll be shipping home.”
Major Silver turned to Captain McKenna. “What’s the breakdown of the replacements we’ll need?”
McKenna shifted slightly in her seat as she glanced at her notes. “Lieutenant O’Hare and Lt. Owens have some promotions they’d like to give out, basically promoting up the Privates and PFCs to Sergeants and Staff Sergeants. That leaves holes in our lower ranks mostly. We’ll need 16 new gunners for the armor, all at starting pay and Private ranks, plus 4 PFCs to replace four of the five drivers we lost.”
She shook her head as she continued. “In the Infantry ranks we’re going to have to totally rebuild a platoon. Sergeant Tyrone Bevan and seven others, Sergeant Erika Coady, two SWS Corporals, two PFC riflemen, and two Privates are all that’s left there and their equipment is being used to build up the other platoons. Their corpsman, Corporal Shane Westcoat, is among the forced retirees. In total we’re going to need twenty new recruits to fill out the platoon.” She looked to Lt. O’Hare. “Lieutenant?”
He stood slowly. “After due consideration, I’m recommending that third and fourth Platoon be moved up to second and third respectively. As for the remains of Motor Two, I recommend they be reformed into a new foot platoon using some of the Infantry weapons we salvaged from the fight in the repair bay. They will form the core of a new fourth platoon to be kept in mobile reserve with third platoon.”
Major Silver shook his head. “I don’t like losing one of our two Motor platoons. That extra firepower and armor saved lives over the last few days.”
Lt. O’Hare nodded. “I know sir, but we’re that bad off. Unless we get all new equipment, there’s no way to reform the platoon.”
Major Silver looked down. “Fine. I’ll take your recommendation under advisement.” He looked back to Captain McKenna. “Continue Major.”
McKenna looked back at her notes. “Well, if we take the Lieutenant’s recommendation, after some deserved promotions, we’ll need fifteen new riflemen, four new Support Weapon Specialists, and a new corpsman.” She paused a moment before continuing. “Then we have the loss of the two Mechwarriors and the scout and worst of all, Lieutenant Amdecker and the severe damage to his LAM.”
Major Silver looked up. “What about the LAM? Can’t we get it running again?” He looked to Chief Tech Iverson.
Sven only shook his head. “The entire left side of the airframe is crushed. Broken actuators? Severed limbs? These I can fix. The airframe of a Phoenix Hawk? I haven’t seen or heard of parts that can completely rebuild a Phoenix Hawk LAM’s airframe in my lifetime. A Stinger LAM? Yeah, the factory was only captured by the Clans back in ’51 so there’s still lots of parts left for them hanging aground in depots. Allied Aerospace was bombed into oblivion back in the early Succession Wars, finding parts to rebuild Lieutenant Amdecker’s LAM?” He just shook his head in defeat.
Major Silver furrowed his brow before turning to Lt. Vahzenov. “Lieutenant, any chance of you finding anything?”
Vahzenov thought for a moment. “Mister Iverson is quite correct. Ze parts availability of ze Phoenix Hawk has been dvindling for decades. Honestly, ve ver lucky to have gotten ze replacement arm last year, and even zat took Andurien AeroTech digging into ze supply depots of ze entire Free Worlds League. Zat one part cost us a million Eagles, even zough it is only 25,000 C-Bills vorth of materials. If we can find ze parts, I should expect an asking price in excess of 1.5 million C-Bills. Zat is simply what ze market vill demand.”
Major Silver rested his head in his hands. “Ok, so what are our options?”
McKenna added to the difficulties. “Few if none, sir. Lieutenant Amdecker has a contract with the Silver Eagles stating we will repair his unit to original condition due to any damages he suffers while in the employ of the Silver Eagles, unless we can prove reckless misconduct in an MRBC hearing. I don’t think that would fly too well on Outreach. He didn’t do anything wrong, other than get hit from a hidden tank. Hardly reckless misconduct.”
Major Silver turned to his XO. “ I know we are required to fix it, Erin. My question is not if, but how.”
Lt. Faller joined the discussion. “As much as I hate to bring this up,” he pointed to Captain Thorpe. “but Major Thorpe has no contract with the Silver Eagles save for his ownership agreement. In essence, you three are the ones responsible for restoring Lieutenant Amdecker’s LAM to operational status.” He paused a moment before stating the obvious. “And Major Thorpe has the parts necessary to do so.”
Captain Thorpe looked puzzled for a moment. “Huh? I don’t have access to those kind of...” he stopped mid-sentence. “Now wait a minute! You don’t mean...” he saw both Major Silver and Captain McKenna looking at him with looks of resolve. “You can’t! That LAM is priceless! It has technology in it that was state of the art even for the Star League! Even more than Lieutenant Amdecker’s Air-Mech! The SLAIR system alone is...”
Major Silver interrupted. “Randall, we have no choice. As director of The Silver Eagles Mercenary Company, I ask for an open vote of the owners. Those in favor of dismantling Major Thorpe’s Phoenix Hawk to fulfill our contractual obligation to Lieutenant Amdecker, say ‘Aye’.”
McKenna bowed her head. “Aye.”
Major Silver continued the vote. “Aye.”
Captain Thorpe’s mind raced for an alternative, but after a moment he resigned in defeat at the hopeless situation. “Aye.”
Major Silver made a notation in his noteputer. “The vote is unanimous.” He nodded to Sven.
Sven nodded in accent. “Aye, I can do it. It will take about a month, but we appear to have the time.” He looked back at Captain Thorpe. “Don’t worry, I can get the parts I need without destroying it or leaving permanent damage. If we find the parts later, I can rebuild her.”
Captain Thorpe shook his head. “I don’t like this, but I don’t see any other way out of this.” He looked over at Sven. “Thanks.”
Major Silver continued. “That having been said, the LAMs, despite their versatility, are becoming a liability we can no longer afford.” He turned to Lt. Amdecker. “Lieutenant, if given the choice of retirement from the Silver Eagles or replacement of your LAM with a ‘Mech or Fighter of your choice, which do you choose?”
Lt. Amdecker closed his eyes and thought a long moment, the silence stretching out for what seemed like a trip through hyperspace. Finally he opened his eyes again and turned to Major Silver. “I chose to stay, Kevin-sama. I will contact my family living on Luthian and inform them that Hououtaka will be returning home. As to a replacement, I will have to investigate my options.” He stood and bowed to Captain Thorpe. “You uphold the Silver Eagles’ honor well, Randall-kun.” Turning back to Major Silver, he nodded slightly.
Major Silver nodded. “Thank you for deciding to stay Ian.”
Ian nodded. “I could not imagine leaving such honorable warriors when they need me most.” At that, he bowed his head to the assembled officers and resumed his seat.
Captain McKenna continued with her briefing. “That out of the way, there is another unfortunate issue that needs to be addressed in personnel.” She turned to Lt. Sanderson. “Lieutenant, while I have nothing but respect for the difficulties you have overcome, your last three review cycles have been below acceptable limits for a Lance Leader. Technically, by the regulations of the Silver Eagles, you should have been removed from the position after only two consecutive decreasing reviews. I gave you a pass last time and told you to do the best you could, but the Silver Eagles cannot ignore it this time.”
Lt. Sanderson nodded. “I know. I tried, and I thought I was doing better, but I guess I knew this was coming.”
Captain McKenna finished in somber tones. “In light of the need for reorganization, and your continuing poor performance in Leadership reviews, it has been decided that you will be reduced in rank to Lieutenant Junior Grade and reassigned to the position of Fire Wing. I’m sorry, Lieutenant. If you wish to tender a resignation before we do so, it won’t appear in your service record with us.”
Lt. Sanderson wiped away a tear. “No, I want to stay too. The Silver Eagles gave me a shot when no one else would even look at me, when I couldn’t even read. I wanted to be all you wanted, but I guess I’m just not good enough to lead a Lance on my own.” She stopped and wiped her face again. “I’ll accept the demotion.”
Major Silver picked it up from there. “Rather than hire a new Lance Leader, it was decided to promote from within the unit. I asked Lieutenant Faller if he would accept promotion to Lance Leader as he is already a Lieutenant Senior Grade, but he declined.” He glanced at Captain McKenna who had a shocked look on her face. “I know Major, I tried to take away your wingman without talking to you first. In this case, I wanted to know Lieutenant Faller’s position before talking to you. It turns out he doesn’t want to command Fire Lance, so it’s a moot point.”
Lt. Faller shrugged. “Hey, I like my job.” He smiled and winked at Captain McKenna, who seemed to be relaxing again.
“That being the case, I want suggestions for promotion.” Major Silver concluded.
McKenna pulled out her stack of performance reviews. “Well, to start with, Lieutenant Scott has the most seniority and has an exemplary service record.”
Major Silver stopped her there. “No. Lieutenant Scott is under my supervision and de facto head of Command Lance if I cannot. He has an exemplary record and is already a Lieutenant Senior Grade, but he is too important to Command Lance for transfer to Fire Lance, even at it’s head.”
McKenna flipped to another folder. “My next choice would be Lieutenant Josepho, however his talent would be wasted in a Fire Support Lance. That and I’m certain the Lieutenant would see the change as a demotion, not a promotion, quiaff Lieutenant?”
Josepho nodded with a curt, “Aff.”
Captain McKenna continued. “Next would be Lieutenant Amdecker.” She glanced at the Lt. before continuing. “Unfortunately, his qualifications in a support role are below minimum standards. He’s just not suited to the role, though he deserves a Lance Leadership of his own when a suitable one becomes available.” She turned to Lt. Amdecker. “I mean no offense, Ian-sama. However it would be a disservice both to the Silver Eagles and to you to you place you in a role that is not where you can serve best.”
Ian nodded his head. “No disrespect is taken, Erin-sama. It would indeed be a bad choice to place me in a support role, even if it a command position. In point of fact, I have decided that if I am to lose Hououtaka, it would be best if I left Recon Lance and entered the ‘Mech company. I would take whatever position the Silver Eagles require of me, be it Assault or Strike.”
Erin bowed slightly toward Ian. “I will find you a place.” She continued, flipping to the next folder. “Next in seniority is Lieutenant Windsor. His service record is impeccable and his reviews in support positions is adequate to meet the minimums of Fire Lance command.” She turned and looked at Lt. Windsor.
As eyes turned to him, he smiled. “Well! I figured you had to be League or Clan to get a good position in this unit! Guess I was wrong!” A chuckle spread across the room at the FedCom native’s observation that the most senior members of the Battalion were all from the Free Worlds League and the heavy influence of Clan traditions within the unit. As the laughter died, he continued. “However, while I appreciate the offer of a Lance command, I chose to remain in Assault Lance.”
Captain McKenna thumped the cast covering her right wrist on the table. “Well, my next recommendation would be Lieutenant Jones, but his ‘Mech is a very poor choice for head of Fire Lance.” She looked at Lt. Jones. “Unless you’d be willing to give it up for a ‘Mech better suited to the task, Lieutenant.”
Lt. JG Richard Jones, never one to say much at all. “Nope. I like my ride and my position. Maybe if a Strike Lance opens up.” He said smiling.
“Right.” Captain McKenna drew out. “Then my recommendation would fall to Lieutenant Collins. He lacks seniority, having only been with the Battalion for less than a year, but his reviews are flawless and he more than makes the grade in support positions. Honestly, if it weren’t for his lack of seniority, he would have been much higher on my list. I already have a recommendation for promotion sitting in your file, there was just nowhere to promote you to.”
Lt. Collins was surprised. “Command? Of Fire Lance?” He stopped and pondered the offer. “I have to admit, the offer is tempting, though fire support isn’t what I really love doing, it’s what I end up doing most of the time anyway.” He stopped a moment before speaking. “I’ll take the duty.”
Major Silver stood and looked to Ben. As he saw the look, Lt. Scott called out, “Attention to orders!”
As the entire room stood, Major Silver barked out, “Lieutenant Collins! Front and center!”
Moving crisply to the front of the room, Lt. Collins turned sharply to face Major Silver. As the Major picked up the pair of Lt. SG ranks taken from Lt. Sanderson, he read Captain McKenna’s promotion recommendation. “For service to the Silver Eagles above and beyond the call of duty, for dedication in the face of the enemy, for exemplary service, and for demonstration of unwavering Leadership skills, the Silver Eagles hereby grant you the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade, with all the duties and privileges commensurate.” He continued as he pinned the rank insignia on his uniform. “Further, we grant Lieutenant Senior Grade Morander Collins command of Fire Lance, with all the duties and privileges commensurate.” Stepping back, Major Silver snapped him a salute. “Congratulations Lieutenant.”
Returning the salute, Lt. Collins smiled. “Thank you, Major.” He turned and faced the other officers who saluted in unison. Returning the gesture, he walked back toward his seat, getting a pat on the back from Ben as he went.
Major Silver resumed his seat. “Now with that done, what do we do about his ‘Mech? Do we replace it and give him a new ‘Mech for Fire Lance and keep the Executioner in Assault, or do we just reconfigure it for a support load out and get a new ‘Mech for Assault?”
McKenna shrugged. “I recommend the latter. It adds a little more flexibility to Fire Lance with the Omni configuration, and besides we’ll be hard pressed to find an Assault ‘Mech other than just another Longbow that will fit the profile.”
Major Silver nodded and made another notation. “Very well, the Executioner will now be a part of Fire Lance. That leaves a hole in your Assault Lance. You’ll have to fill it.”
McKenna smiled. “I know.” She turned to Lt. Amdecker. “Ian-sama. I would be honored if you would join my Assault Lance.”
Lt. Amdecker nodded in a seated bow. “Indeed it would be an honor to become a part of your Command, McKenna-sama.” A smile crept across his face. “Assuming you can find me an appropriate ‘Mech to command.”
McKenna nodded a bow in return. “I will indeed.”
Major Silver looked at the two and cracked a smile. “Would you two like to be alone? We are trying to conduct a meeting here!”
Erin looked back at Major Silver. “Your sense of humor is still a little off, sir. Keep trying.” She flashed him a wink that spoke volumes of past memories.
Major Silver cleared his throat. “Right. Anyway, where does that leave us? McKenna? What are your plans? We can’t have the head of ‘Mech Company dispossessed.” He smiled in mock of his own status.
McKenna gave a witty smile. “Can I put in for a transfer?”
Major Silver frowned. “No. Next item...” He continued without batting an eye. “I see we have two positions to fill in Recon and one in Strike Lance. In addition, Strike Lance is all but destroyed. Add to that my own replacement ‘Mech and we’ve covered most of our losses.”
Captain Thorpe finally spoke up. “I think at this point, we ought to consider moving the Vulcan and Lieutenant Barwick to Recon to replace Lieutenant Amdecker. That leaves us needing a Scout for Recon plus their vehicle, and Lieutenant Stetler and myself will need new ‘Mechs. Of course if we do that, we’ll need all new units and two new Mechwarriors for Strike Lance.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Vahzenov. “That gives you a pretty free hand to build an all new Lance. What do you think?”
Lt. Vahzenov smiled. “I zink I could organize a very good Lance vit zat kind of freedom. Da, I like it.”
“Glad to oblige.” Major Silver smiled. “Next on the agenda is Air Defense Artillery. We have the crew, but we need a new tank. Any suggestions, Lieutenant Bazemore?”
Lt. JG Eugene Bazemore, head of Air Defense Artillery Platoon spoke up immediately. “Absolutely. We need more anti-air guns and better coordination between the two Partisans we have already. Ground defense isn’t really necessary. I recommend another Partisan tank.”
Major Silver nodded in agreement. “Added flack would have come in handy in that second battle against the Jags, as well as the seventh where we lost Lieutenant Tucker’s Stingray. How do you intend to improve coordination?”
Lt. Bazemore smiled. “Have you heard of the Kuritan C³ system? Kallon Industries of Nanking is working on a prototype that uses the Kuritan C³ system to better coordinate anti-air fire. It uses the same autocannons and engines that our current Partisans use, so compatibility is good. All we need are the control computers.”
Major Silver was curious. “I thought Kuritan C³ systems worked in quartets. Where do we put the large main coordination computer?”
Sven interrupted with a snap. “The Formal’s 5-ton infantry bay!”
“Exactly!” Said Lt. Bazemore. “That bay does us almost no good, but the integrated Target Acquisition Gear and fire link will make the Formal even more deadly. Arranged in a defensive array, the Formal with three Partisans slaved to it will be able to provide their own ground cover fire.”
“Good thinking, Lieutenant.” Replied Major Silver. “Let’s plan on that. Speaking of Lieutenant Tucker, what are we going to do about the loss of the Stingray?”
Lt. SG Danielle Tucker added her own opinion. “Well sir, If I could have my way, I’d like to get into something with a bit thicker of a skin. Those Stingrays are nice, but a little too flimsy for my taste.”
Lt. Hernandez-Silver leaned over the table. “Well, what would you like?”
Lt. Tucker, without batting an eye said, “A Lucifer. Preferably an R20 model.”
Jan threw her hands up in the air. “Good Lord, why don’t you just fly a Dropship? Those things are bricks of armor with a few laser ports! Can’t you even dogfight?”
Danielle spat a look back at Jan. “Excuse me, ma’am, but I don’t get paid to die. If that flimsy fighter you assigned me had even a glimmer of armor on it, I sure as heck didn’t notice it! You may like living on the edge, but I prefer to live to fight another day! With all those pulse lasers, it makes me wonder if you could actually hit anything without the help and having to be so close to them you can smell their BO!”
Jan rocketed out of her chair. “Listen here you reject from the pirate realms! I could shoot you down a hundred times in that brick before you even...”
Major Silver stood and shouted across the table. “Enough!” He shot both women a glare. “Both of you! At ease and grab chair!” As the two settled back into their chairs, he turned to his wife. “Lieutenant Hernandez, would you care to enlighten the staff officers about the problems you have with Lieutenant Tucker’s choice?” He resumed his seat before Jan answered.
“Well sir,” She began. “The R-20 Lucifer can barely push 2.5 Gs in full Overthrust. In fact, it only rates the same performance envelope as the two F-700a Rievers we have. It totally defeats the purpose of even having wingmen with better performance in a dogfight.”
Major Silver nodded. “A very good point.” He turned to Lt. Tucker. “Lieutenant, is there any reason why you cannot acquit your duties as Senior Flight Officer in a fighter with a better performance envelope?”
Lt. Tucker crossed her arms. “No sir. It’s not the performance envelope that is my trouble, it’s the feeling of being naked in a gunfight that bothers me. If I had a fighter with a respectable amount of armor on it, I wouldn’t have been shot down. That Stingray model we’re using is a deathtrap with lots of guns that are useless after the enemy has blasted holes in you with their frigging medium lasers big enough to drive a McKenna through.”
Major Silver sat back. “Just cool it, Lieutenant.” He looked at them both. “Do you two think you can pool your intelligence and improve on the Stingray model we’re using? If so, just do it! Submit your request to Senior Aerospace Technician Gerard, and see what we can do. Understand?”
Both responded meekly. “Yes sir.”
“Now, where were we?” Major Silver looked back to his notes. “Looks like we’ve covered everything except Armor Company.” He turned to Lt. Owens. “Lieutenant, do you have any recommendations for rebuilding Armor Company?”
Lt. SG Zane Owens stood up. “I believe I do sir, but I’m not sure what you’ll think of the idea. Are you familiar with the FedSuns tank, the Goblin?”
Major Silver closed his eyes and thought a moment. “Middle heavy-weight light tracked tank. Internal combustion, 65kph best speed, heavy turret laser, anti-infantry gun, and it can carry a foot squad. Main weakness is the side armor. Three PPC hits to either side and she’s done for.”
Lt. Owens smiled. “Ah, but that’s the old model! Johnston Industries has been pumping out a newer model. Fusion engine, heavy pulse laser, six short-range missile tubes, twin anti-personnel guns, plus it can carry an entire foot platoon, not just a squad! On top of that, the side armor can take three PPCs hits and still have plate leftover. Even triple PPC fire from the rear won’t kill it outright unless it hits something vital. And if that weren’t enough, an anti-missile gun to keep the tank even safer.”
Major Silver frowned. “Sounds like you’re trying to replace the M-22s, not the M-21s. Where you going with this, Lieutenant?”
Lt. Owens punched up a display graphic for the back wall. “I call it the Silver Goblin. No doubt you’ll recognize the twin-laser configuration of our M-21s, over-under Tronel III Heavy Laser and Tronel II Medium Laser? The weight shift down into the body allows the normally front-mounted AMS to be pulled up into the turret, increasing arc of coverage. Sound familiar, sir?”
Major Silver looked impatient. “Yeah, it’s just like the turret of the M-21. I don’t follow you Lieutenant.”
Zane felt like a kid in a candy store. “Ah! But our M-21s only have four front-facing short-range missile tubes with a load of 100 missiles. The Silver Goblin has six tubes on the turret and carries 162 missiles.”
Major Silver paused. “Continue...”
Lt. Owens ran to the wall display. “Look here. The beauty of this design is that the Infantry bay is mounted on the front of the tank. If you charge a fixed position and breach the wall or just drive up to an entrance, you can open the bay and let the infantry storm in without risk from outside fire.”
“What about protection?” Major Silver asked.
“Rated at nine-and-a-half tons of Durallex Light Ferro-Fibrous armor, a full ton more than the M-21s.” He answered. “Now, the ammo stores aren’t normally protected by Cellular Storage, but with a little bit of reinforcing on the crew compartment here,” He motioned to a section of the tank’s display. “and the loss of a few rounds of ammo, we can install CASE panels here, here, and here.” He indicated three places on the sides and top of the tank’s body. “While we’re doing that, we can move the anti-personnel guns out just a little further, give them full swivel turrets, and get 360° coverage against Infantry attack, just like our M-tanks enjoy.”
Major Silver looked intrigued. “So what’s the downside?”
Lt. Owens shrugged. “To get the extra ammo in there, We have to move the back wall of the Infantry bay up about one-third the way. That means she’ll only carry two-thirds of the Infantry she used to. The only other downside over our current model tanks is that the front and turret aren’t as thickly plated and she can only make 65 kph, not 86 kph.”
Major Silver thought for a moment. “Ok, it looks good, but two tons and that little space won’t carry our Motor platoons or Jump platoon. Heck, it won’t even carry our Foot platoon!”
Lt. Owens turned off the display. “It will if we have sixteen of them.”
Major Silver was about to say something, but he stopped before the words came out of his mouth. That space is still big enough to carry a squad of Motor or Jump, and half a platoon of foot. “With all four platoons carrying a squad in each tank, we could mobilize both companies at once, limit the impact of the loss of a single tank, carry more firepower forward, and still have space for picking up stranded crews and Mechwarriors. We even have enough excess that we could lose three tanks and still mobilize all the Infantry at once.”
Lt. Owens smiled. “Exactly! These tanks can do the job that both our M-21s and M-22s do now, and do both more effectively. Sixteen pairs lasers out there instead of just twelve. 96 missile tubes that can hit any direction and carry multiple payload types instead of only 64 that can only shoot forward and carry a single missile type. All we lose in the exchange is 25% of over-land speed and twelve anti-personnel flamers. But we can load up on Frag Missiles if we’re expecting heavy infantry entrenchment, or Infernos if we’re expecting lots of Armor units, or Narc missiles if we’re supporting anti-‘Mech duty, or...”
Major Silver held up his hands. “Ok, ok Zane. You’ve convinced me.” He dreaded asking his next question. “How much is all this going to cost us?”
Lt. Owens beamed. “A little more than 16.5 million C-bills after selling off the M-tanks and Sutel Pulse Lasers we won’t need. That actually only works out to just a little more than 2 million per tank if we bought the eight replacement tanks with the same money. M-21s are 2.2 million each, so we actually save money by doing this, while reducing supply lines. The Goblin is a common tank and we’re only changing it superficially. We’ll still be able to get parts from depots around the Inner Sphere. The M-tanks, as good as they are, are only available in the Rim Commonality. If we have them shipped to us, they’ll cost even more. If we go get them, we spend months just getting there.”
Major Silver looked at his new Armor Commander. “You’ve covered all the bases here, haven’t you?” With a smile, Major Silver relented. “Alright, we’ll take your recommendation under advisement.” Major Silver looked down at his notes one more time. “Have we forgotten anything?” As the assembled staff all shook their heads, Major Silver concluded. “Alright, dismissed. All except Lt. Hernandez-Silver and Lt. Tucker. You two stay. The rest of you get to your jobs. Lets get this mother over with and go home.”
Man, I just can’t shut up here! There’s just too much to get in and not enough room in each post to fit it all in. Though I’m very close to done now. Next part should wrap it up! (I know, I keep saying that, but this time, there’s too little left to stretch out! :P ) Enjoy!
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I'll post the TO&E and the Next mission Tomorrow.. >:D
All right... this is it! The last and final update! (yeah!) Enjoy!
As McKenna left the briefing room, she caught sight of Lt. Amdecker. Trying not to strain herself or run to catch him, she stopped just short of him as he stopped for the lift. As she approached, he turned to face her. “Ogenki desu ka, Erin?”
She bowed slightly and replied in what little Japanese she could. “Genki desu, Ian. May we talk privately?” She gestured toward the lift.
A minute later they were in his quarters aboard the Comstock. Ian gestured to the soft cushion on the floor. “Please, be seated Erin.” As she slowly lowered her wounded body to the floor, Ian poured two cups of tea. Returning to his guest, Ian handed her the cup and retrieved his own. Sitting in one smooth movement, he nodded to Erin. “I have not yet had the chance to tell you how impressed I was at your defeat of such a worthy opponent. You bring great honor upon the family we call the Silver Eagles, and me in particular when you chose to add me to your Lance. Sumimasen.”
Erin nodded. “The honor is mine, sensei. My only regret is that my education in Iaijutsu will have to be put off for some time.” She took in the mild aroma of the confection. “Most excellent, Ian.”
“Do not be troubled by it, Erin. Wounds heal, flesh mends, in time you will return. Arigatou.”
Erin shifted uneasily, trying not to aggravate her wounds, nor spill her tea. “Ian, I have come to discuss the matter of your replacement for Hououtaka. I have not forgotten my debt to you.”
Ian bowed ever so slightly. “Your debt is only one of currency, not a debt of honor. Though this does seem an appropriate time to settle it.”
Erin nodded after taking a gentle sip. “Hai, it does. Have you given further thought to what kind of ‘Mech would suit your position within Assault Lance?”
Ian smiled. “Indeed nakama, I have. Are you familiar with the new OmniMechs being produced by Luthien Armor Works?” He drank from his own cup as he watched for Erin’s response.
Erin blinked. “I’ve heard of them, to be sure. Though I thought that they were still untried.”
Ian remained as impassive as stone. “They have seen several engagements, both in testing and against the Clans. According to a tomodachi of my family who pilots one, they are very well made and reliable. He honored my family name once by praising the craftsmanship of my family, many of whom went to work for Luthien Armor Works after losing our home on Alshain.”
“I stand corrected.” Erin nodded. “Gomen nasai. So, what are you thinking of? One of the new Blackjacks? A Strider perhaps?” She took another sip from her cup.
He shook his head. “Iie. An Avatar.”
Erin had to contain her reaction, fairly choking on the tea as he shocked her. “Ian! How can we get an Avatar? Those are still new and very rare!”
Ian remained impassive as he sipped from his cup again. “Erin, we have done the Dragon a great service here on Outer Volta. What’s more, we did it without pay. Do not take that feat lightly, gakkousai. The Combine remembers such deeds, as not many Mercenaries will commit to so risky a mission. Why do you think the mission was not taken by one of the larger units?”
Erin considered the thought as she cleared her throat with another sip of tea. “It was simply not profitable to them. The Seventh PGC did not have enough assets to make a payless mission workable in a unit much larger than our own. As it is, we’ll have a hard time justifying the costs here, and not only the financial ones. A smaller unit would have been destroyed or at least unsuccessful, while a larger one wouldn’t have been able to avoid the attention of the Cameron. A single Scout class Jumpship and an Overlord class Dropship didn’t seem enough of a threat to warrant their attention until it was too late.”
“Hai, Erin.” He said after taking another slow drink. “This mission was one that no one wanted. It was not very easy to be profitable, nor was their any security should disaster strike. However, the Silver Eagles took the mission. Despite the fact that we are Mercenaries, we acted here not for mere profit, but to improve ourselves and assist the Combine in their continued war against the Clans.” He sipped once more from his cup before continuing. “Never underestimate the value of what we have done here.”
Erin was taking a drink from her own cup when she stopped in the middle of her drink. Lowering the cup, she looked intently at the Asian-Scandinavian. “Ian, do you know something about this mission that we do not?”
He shook his head. “Only that I see it as the Combine would see it, an act of valor without asking for reward.”
Erin felt a little more at ease. From the way he was talking, it sounded for a moment like he knew more than he was letting on, but I see the truth of what he says. Sipping once more from her cup, she looked down at the floor. “Sumimasen, Ian. I should not have doubted your sincerity. You simply see things we who are not of the Combine would overlook. In point of fact, that very fact is likely a part of what made this mission seem less appealing to others; they fail to see that the Dragon can show gratitude.”
Ian smiled. “Exactly, gakkousai.” He raised his cup toward her before taking his last drink.
Erin finished her tea along with Ian. He stood, took her cup and retreated to his alcove while Erin slowly made her way back to her feet. When he returned, she bowed as well as her broken ribs would allow. “Konnichiwa, sensei. I will take your wisdom to heart.”
“Konnichiwa, Erin. Just remember that the Dragon’s memory is long, his reach is endless, and his gratitude is awesome to behold.”
The Comstock lifted off Outer Volta on schedule, 1740 hours precisely. They rendezvoused with the Jim Bridger just after midnight Terran Standard Time, January 8th, 3056. An hour later, the Jim Bridger and the Silver Eagles vanished from the system.
TO&E to follow... 8)
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Monday's session was not a role-play session, but a bookkeeping session. (yeah... ::) ) Anyway, they did manage to reach a number of important decisions.
They took 41 bondsmen from Outer Volta; 26 were Infantry, 5 were Elementals, 5 were Mechwarriors, and 5 are Technicians. All the wounded Jaguars except for Star Captain Paul were left behind, as well as the 10 Merchant caste and 45 of the technicians. (they could only lift with 41 extra people, and that’s what they chose)
They’re selling off most of their Clan stuff. The sole exception is the Hankyu and some of the equipment. They got a little more than 119 million out of the sales.
After promoting up from their lower ranks, they filled the missing upper positions. The lost Ferret will be replaced with a new Pegasus Hoverscout with her crew drawn from the Cycle Scouts in Motor Infantry. The two Mechwarriors killed are being replaced by Infantry that had qualified in their Officers Training Program. They are keeping the Hankyu to replace their lost Venom. Captain Thorpe will be getting a CLN-7Z Chameleon, though he might have Sven modify it to have better electronics. (Active Probe likely) That rebuilds Recon Lance. (cost: 11.5 million)
The Silver Goblin will replace the M21s and M22s. (stats can be seen here (http://forums.classicbattletech.com/index.php/topic,27457.0.html)) The major difference there is that the Goblin only has a crew of 3 as opposed to the M21s and M22s that had a crew of 4. That reduces their crew requirements by 16 personnel. That rebuilds Armor Company. (cost: 16.5 million)
The Alacorn will be replaced with another Partisan, which requires 1 less crew as well. (Corporal Rhett "Overkill" Strauss is transferring to 1st Platoon, Tank #1) That reduces overall personnel requirements by 17. Plus they are getting C³ for all their ADA units. That rebuilds ADA Platoon. (cost 7 million)
They will use the 10 BA suits they salvaged to replace the 7 severely damaged ones from their Marine Platoon. That leaves them 3 suits as spares and restores the Marine Platoon.
Major Silver intends to stay in his MAD-5E Marauder. That means getting a new MAD-5D to start with and then modifying it. (cost: 16 million)
The F-92e Stingray will be sold to finance two CSR-V12M Corsairs and two CSR-V14 engines with DHS. The Aerospace techs will then install the V14 engines after removing the standard engines and heat exchange system. A standard 5-ton fuel tank will take the place of the 6-ton tank. Lastly, the Small Lasers will be replaced with an ER Large Laser, upgrading the other LL to an ER as well. The gear removed will be sold off to cover most of the costs. That satisfies both Lt. Hernandez-Silver and Lt. Tucker and rebuilds Air Wing. (cost: 601,430)
After scavenging the remains of the decimated Motor Two to rebuild everyone else, there are three men left, Squad Leader Sgt. Tyrone Bevan and two riflemen. For the time being, it will remain a disbanded unit. Major Silver wants to form a Clan Infantry Platoon from the Infantry bondsmen, but I don’t think he understands the problems involved. They’re all Smoke Jaguars and bondsmen. Getting more than a handful them to fight for the SE will be like pulling teeth. Still, he has placed Lt. Josepho in charge over the bondsmen, weeding out the hard-liners who will never come around from the people who can see the honor if fighting for the SE. Only time will tell.
McKenna has come up with a plan to repay her debt to Ian. Since the Silver Eagles have to pay to replace her lost Grasshopper, they will buy Ian’s Avatar and she will buy her own replacement ‘Mech. This will leave her owing the Company about 5 million C-bills, which she can pay back later.
Strike Lance is torn apart. Lt. Vahzenov is in the process of deciding what ‘Mechs he wants to rebuild the Lance. (see the thread on that here (http://forums.classicbattletech.com/index.php/topic,27598.0.html)) After accounting for all the various other costs to rebuild the Battalion, he has a maximum budget of 50 million C-bills to rebuild. Anything more and the company will be in debt within 6 months.
Helaman: Corporal Travis "Helaman" Diarte was lightly injured when First Jump Squad was attacked in the 2nd Battle of Outer Volta. He’s been released to light duty and should be back to 100% within a few weeks. He’s currently assisting in the aid recovery of the most severely injured personnel. He was commended for his actions in the 2nd Battle where he saved the life of his Platoon Leader, though she will not be returning to combat because she lost both her arms. Your new Platoon Leader is Mst. Sgt. Hugh Kobel who is recovering from his severe injuries. He’s expected to return to duty in six weeks.
That brings us to current. Next week we’ll finish up getting the replacements and figuring out what mission they will take next. Six months of repair and refit time are the minimum they’re looking at, but that gives them time to take another contract this year.
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Pilot (Skill) Unit Status .
Command Lance
Major Silver (V) {none} NA
Lt. JG Josepho (CR) ON1-M Orion Light Damage
Lt. SG Scott (R) WVR-7E Wolverine† Heavy Damage; Non-operational
Lt. JG Jones (R) ANV-3E Anvil† Light Damage
.
Assault Lance
Captain McKenna (V-WIA) {none} NA
Lt. SG Faller (R) ZEU-9C Zeus† Light Damage
Lt. JG Amdecker (R) AV1-O Avatar† {to be acquired}
Lt. JG Windsor (R) GAL-1GLS Gallowglass Heavy Damage; Operational
.
Strike Lance
Lt. SG Vahzenov (V) {none} NA
Lt. JG Calame (R) {none} NA
{to be hired} {none} NA
{to be hired} {none} NA
.
Fire Lance
Lt. SG Collins (R) Executioner Heavy Damage; Operational
Lt. SG Sanderson (V) ARC-4M Archer† Light Damage
Lt. JG Chism (G) LGB-7QE Longbow Heavy Damage; Non-operational
Lt. JG Arnold (G) LGB-7QE Longbow Heavy Damage; Non-operational
.
Recon Lance
Captain Thorpe (V) {none} NA
Lt. JG Barwick (R) VL-5M Vulcan Heavy Damage; Non-operational
Lt. JG Stetler (R) {none} NA
Lt. JG Mirabito (R) SDR-9EG Venom Operational
Staff Sgt. Chi Lin (R) Ferret Light Scout VTOL† Operational
{to be hired} {none} NA
.
Aerospace Lance
Lt. SG Tucker (V-WIA) {none} NA
Lt. SG Seibert (V) F-700a Riever Light Damage
Lt. JG Titus (R) F-92e Stingray† Light Damage
Lt. SG Deal (V) F-700a Riever Light Damage
.
Transport Unit
Captain Friedrich (R) Overlord DS "Comstock"† Light Damage
Captain Donnell (R) Scout JS "Jim Bridger" Operational
Commander Hunter (R) K-1 Dropshuttle "Danube" Operational
.
1st Armor Platoon
Lt. SG Owens (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Staff Sgt. Avery (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Sergeant Thornberry (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Sergeant Feldmann (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
.
2nd Armor Platoon
Lt. JG Thiemann (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Staff Sgt. Williams (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Sergeant Steinfeld (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Sergeant Finck (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
.
3rd Armor Platoon
Mst. Sgt. Green (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Staff Sgt. Valenzuela (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Sergeant Sandusky (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Sergeant Wisener (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
.
Infantry Support Platoon
Mst. Sgt. Whyler (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Staff Sgt. Nunez (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Sergeant Cram (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
Sergeant Kephart (R) Silver Goblin ISV {to be acquired}
.
Air Defense Artillery Platoon
Lt. JG Bazemore (V) Formal Heavy Support Tank Operational
St. Sgt. Chafin (R) Partisan Air Defense Tank {to be acquired}
Sergeant Holland (R) Partisan Air Defense Tank Heavy Damage; Non-operational
Sergeant Rains(R) Partisan Air Defense Tank Heavy Damage; Non-operational
.
Infantry Company
Lt. JG O'Hare (G) Armored Support Motor (x28) 14 Mild Injuries
Mst. Sgt. Kobel (R) Armored Support Motor (x28) 13 Mild/1 Severe Injuries
Staff Sgt. Vadnais (R-WIA) Reinforced Jump (x24) 18 Mild/6 Severe Injuries
Staff Sgt. Volk (R-WIA) Reinforced Foot (x32) 19 Mild/5 Severe Injuries/8 Dead
.
Marine Armor Squads
Mst. Sgt. Spanner (R) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Light Damage
Sergeant Rhode (R) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Heavy Damage
Sergeant McCleary (G) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Heavy Damage
Sergeant Lusk (G) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Heavy Damage
.
Battalion Support Unit
Lt. SG Benson MD (R) S1 White Whale MASH Operational
Staff Sgt. Bywaters (R) S19 Battalion Support Truck Operational
Sergeant Diarte (R) S19 Battalion Support Truck Operational
Sergeant Majors (R) S21 Mobile Field Kitchen Operational
Sergeant Strohl (R) S21 Mobile Field Kitchen Operational
.
Other
Lt. JG Bibbs (V-KIA) LGB-7QE Longbow Destroyed; Salvaged
Lt. JG Everman (R-KIA) PXH-3S Phoenix Hawk Destroyed; No Salvage
{decommissioning} MAD-5D Marauder Destroyed; Salvaged
{decommissioning} GHR-5E Grasshopper† Destroyed; No Salvage
{decommissioning} PXH-3S Phoenix Hawk Destroyed; Salvaged
{decommissioning} QKD-5E Quickdraw† Destroyed; Salvaged
{decommissioning} PHX-HK3 Phoenix Hawk LAM† Light Damage; Parted out to spares
{decommissioning} PHX-HK2 Phoenix Hawk LAM† Heavy Damage; Non-operational
{decommissioning} SDR-9EH Venom Destroyed; Salvaged
.
{decommissioning} F-92e Stingray Destroyed; No Salvage
.
Sgt. Urley (G-KIA) Ferret Light Scout VTOL Destroyed; No Salvage
Lt. SG Chekov (R-KIA) M-21 Alvarez MBT Destroyed; Salvaged
Staff Sgt. Dobson (R-KIA) M-21 Alvarez MBT Destroyed; Salvaged
Sergeant Carleson (R-KIA) M-21 Alvarez MBT Destroyed; Salvaged
Sergeant Lancaster (R-KIA) M-21 Alvarez MBT Destroyed; Salvaged
Staff Sgt. Crowder (R-KIA) M-21 Alvarez MBT Destroyed; Salvaged
Staff Sgt. Sing (R-KIA) M-21 Alvarez MBT Destroyed; Salvaged
Sergeant Marshal (R-KIA) M-21 Alvarez MBT Destroyed; Salvaged
{decommissioning} M-21 Alvarez MBT Heavy Damage; Non-operational
{decommissioning} M-21 Alvarez MBT Heavy Damage; Non-operational
{decommissioning} M-21 Alvarez MBT Heavy Damage; Non-operational
{decommissioning} M-21 Alvarez MBT Heavy Damage; Non-operational
{decommissioning} M-21 Alvarez MBT Heavy Damage; Parted out to spares
{decommissioning} M-22 Banford IFV Operational; Retiring
{decommissioning} M-22 Banford IFV Operational; Retiring
{decommissioning} M-22 Banford IFV Operational; Retiring
{decommissioning} M-22 Banford IFV Operational; Retiring
{decommissioning} Alacorn Mk VI Heavy Tank Destroyed; Salvaged
V: Veteran
R: Regular
CR: Clan Regular
G: Green
†: Privately Owned
WIA: Wounded in Action
KIA: Killed in Action
--
-
Ok, I'm going to try and ease up on the uber-long posts. Try breaking them into bite-sized chunks! :P Anyway, I don't have much time to do the write up, so I'll give a synopsis with only the pertinent section in story form.
After returning to Wolcott, the SE informed the DCMS that their mission was successful. The Jaguars had called for help and were now re-garrisoning Outer Volta. The DCMS, based on changes in troop movements, switched their attack to Avon. (the attack on Avon is canon, only the SE's cursory involvement in the reasoning for the attack isn't)
The SE landed on Wolcott and began selling off everything they took from the Jaguars except a few choice items. They're keeping the Hankyu and putting it in Recon Lance, as well as some of the podded weapons and 1 or 2 non-podded ones. Everything else was sold to pay for repairs and rearming. Strike Lance settled on assignments for their new arrangement. In trying to keep costs down, three of the four 'Mechs will be old Succession Wars 'Mechs modified with newer technology. The Lance Leader's replacement 'Mech will be a new model, if they can get it. Here's the new Strike Lance arrangement:
Lt. SG Piotr Vahzenov - FLC-8Re Falconer - 3 MLs and ER PPC removed; C³ Slave, Clan LPL, 2x Clan MGs (100 shots), AMS (12 shots), and CASE installed
Lt. JG Alisha Calame - TBT-5Je Trebuchet - Engine, LRM 15, ammo, and 5 LT SHS removed; PPC, ML, Magna 250 DHS, and C³ Master installed
Lt. JG Kurt Wilmeth (recruited from lower ranks) - OTL-4De Ostsol - Engine, 2 rear MLs, and 4 Leg SHS removed; Vlar 300 DHS, C³ Slave, and Jump Jets to Legs and CT installed
Lt. JG Sofia Gordillo (recruited from lower ranks) - GRF-1Ne Griffin - Engine, 1 SHS, PPC, LRM, ammo, and CT JJ removed; CoreTek 275 DHS, C³ Slave, ERPPC, 3x SRM 4, ammo, Clan ERML, and 8 CT armor installed
The Griffin was right there on Wolcott, so they just traded like-value parts and equipment for it. For those following the Build a Better Strike Lance thread, this was dart_omega's C³ Lance suggestion. It's cheap, effective, and doable. It was my recommendation to the players, but in the end it was their decision. They figured the added benefit of a second C³ Lance in Strike couldn't hurt, especially if they later add a Master Lance to connect Strike to Air Defense Artillery Platoon. }:) Once they finished business on Wolcott, they burned out and readied to leave Clan occupied space.
From there they headed to Luthian to drop of Lt. Amdecker's LAM and see about a replacement 'Mech... a new Avatar OmniMech. Upon reaching Luthian, they had many days travel down to the planet to consider how to proceed. After much debate, it was decided that Major Silver would best be the choice to make the request of the DCMS to allow the Eagles the right to buy an Avatar, but that the other two owners, Captains McKenna and Thorpe, should be there as well as Lt. Amdecker. Here is where I'll begin...
Feb. 22nd, 3056
Captain Darious Friedrich looked down on the planet's surface as the Comstock was on final approach vector to land at Imperial City. Black Luthian the Lyran mused. Never thought I'd see the day I'd be landing here!
He turned to the ship’s pilot. "Looks good, Commander. Continue on course and..."
Petty Officer Brian Ramirez interrupted. “Sir, we’re receiving a priority transmission from the Jim Bridger. Time delay: one hour, thirteen minutes.” Captain Friedrich took the headset and nodded to the communications officer.
Captain Marta Kaufmann sounded frazzled. “Comstock, this is the Jim Bridger. Priority message follows. We have suffered a fuel tank failure. 7 tons fuel remaining. Fuel pumps are ruined. We are adrift and requesting aid from other Zenith Point ships. The Jump sail is providing power for the moment. We’ll need to put in for repairs. Please advise Major Silver. Jim Bridger out.”
Captain Friedrich exhaled as he handed the headset to Major Silver. “Major, you’re going to want to hear this.”
Kevin took the headset and listened. After hearing the message and handing the headset back to Petty Officer Ramirez, he looked at Darious. “When it rains.”
The Comstock had been given permission to land at Imperial City’s main spaceport. An hour later, the command staff had assembled in the briefing room.
Major Silver entered last and took his seat. “This is to notify everyone that the Jim Bridger has suffered a major failure of her fuel tankage system. We’re going to be here a while.” He turned to Lt. Vahzenov who he’d already talked to. “Lieutenant, any luck?”
Lt. Vahzenov stood. “Vell, I contacted a few people I know. Ze replacement parts should be delivered in four veeks.”
Major Silver nodded and turned to Sven Iverson. “Any idea how long it will take them to repair it?”
Chief Technician Iverson shrugged. “From what we’ve gotten from them, it shouldn’t take too long. A day at the outside. Good thing they don’t have to replace the whole tank or we’d be looking at a couple months easily.”
Major Silver nodded. “That gives us twenty days on Luthian. Lieutenant Vahzenov, make use of this time to secure as many replacements as you can. In the mean time the Battalion is on leave, other than necessary technical teams and necessary staff officers. I want everyone to conduct themselves with the utmost dignity while here.” He looked at Ben.
Lt. Scott looked around. “What?”
Laughter went around the room before Major Silver brought everything back to business. “Lieutenant Josepho, how are our ‘guests’?”
Lt. Josepho stood stiffly. “Most are acclimating well. There have only been fourteen Circle of Equals’ and two attempts to overpower their guards. As a result, three are now in the infirmary. The rest are falling into line and making themselves useful. Technician Iverson can brief you on their progress in the technical areas; that is not my concern.”
Sven nodded. “They are indeed well trained and take orders well. I sense a lot of resentment and hostility though. Just the other day I had to stop a fight between Astech Jenner Gustav and bondsman Brock. It almost came to blows, which no disrespect to Astech Gustav, would have put him in the infirmary. Apparently it was an issue over Astech Gustav using contractions.” He rolled his eyes.
Major Silver nodded. “Keep Lieutenant Josepho apprised of any disciplinary problems.” Turning back to the former Jade Falcon, he asked, “Lieutenant, do any of them hold out hope of regaining their warrior status?”
Lt. Josepho nodded. “Several. However, I think many of them hope to do so in order to secure their freedom to return to the Jaguars. Even though they would be dezgra once returned, they prefer to be dezgra Clansmen than honored Mercenaries.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Make a list of who can be trusted. The rest we may have to relegate to the Technician Caste in perpetuity. Once you get me a list of trustworthy candidates, I’ll consider opening up Trial of Positions to allow them to enter the Warrior Caste. They will still have to prove themselves by the usual means. Integrity, Fidelity, and Prowess.” He unconsciously rubbed his own right wrist in remembrance of his own Ghost Bear bondcord. “At any rate, Keep me apprised.” Looking around the room, he concluded. “You’re all dismissed. Enjoy your leave.”
More coming... enjoy the shortness!
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I must apologize for the lack of updates. Life has kept me very busy as of late and I’m now 3 weeks behind in posting up the events of the Silver Eagles. Here is the continuation, kept short so I actually have time to get it written!
March 1st, 3056
It had been a busy week. Already the Silver Eagles had visited Ian Amdecker’s family living on Luthien, returning his Land-AirMech to his family. His younger brother Kane, who had become dispossessed during the Battle for Luthien, took possession and had offered his service to the DCMS once again as a Mechwarrior. The Silver Eagles had been honored by the Amdecker family and treated with great respect for outsiders.
Major Silver, Captain McKenna, Captain Thorpe, Lt. Amdecker, and Lt. Vahzenov stood outside the main office of Luthien Armor Works. They had been told to come here today to discuss the matter with both a Luthien Armor Works representative and a DCMS representative.
They waited patiently outside the meeting room for their hosts to invite them in. Lt. Amdecker had already told them that they should not show any signs of impatience, but Captain Thorpe was having a hard time trying not to get bored.
Randall leaned over to Erin. “Are they intentionally making us wait?”
Erin nodded. “Likely. They’re probably seeing how we take to being made to wait.”
Captain Thorpe nodded and sat back in his chair. A few minutes later, the door to the room opened and a small framed Asian man appeared, backing out of the room with a bow.
“You may enter.” He said, turning to the four.
Everyone but Lt. Vahzenov stood. He would wait outside while they asked for permission to buy the new OmniMech. If they were granted permission, Lt. Vahzenov would conclude the negotiations and make the payment. Until then, he would wait here.
As the four entered the room, there were four seats waiting for them. Two men sat on the other side of a thick oak desk. The four approached them, Major Silver lead the way with Lt. Amdecker and Captain Thorpe to either side and behind him, with Captain McKenna behind them all. Stopping just short of the desk, Major Silver never made eye contact with the two men. As he stopped, he executed a modest bow with the precision of years of royal training. Raising his gaze upward, he looked at the two men seated behind the desk.
On the left was the CEO of Luthien Armor Works, which hardly surprised Major Silver. What did surprise him was who was on the right; Tai-sa Hohiro Kurita, the Coordinator’s son and heir.
Holding his bow for much longer than he had planned, he stood upright and gestured for Lt. Amdecker. Upon seeing the heir to the Combine, Ian fell to one knee. Looking at the floor, he gestured to his commanding officer. “Honorable Tai-sa, this is my Commanding Officer, Baron Kevin Silver of Negushevo.”
The CEO spoke. “Thank you, Amdecker-sama.” He gestured to the seats and waited for the assembled officers to take their seats before continuing. “Tai-sa Hohiro-dono is here as the new head of the First Genyosha. As it is his unit that would be made to wait for a replacement Avatar, he has final say over the sale of one to your unit.”
Major Silver nodded as he continued to go over the request that Ian had helped him write, trying to make sure he said it properly. After a moment, he began. “The Silver Eagles are honored at this opportunity to represent the Dragon with their finest war machine to date. We are humbled that we are even worthy of the time you have taken to consider our request. The addition of a new Kuritan OmniMech to our ‘Mech Company would give the Silver Eagles the needed strength to recover from the operation on Outer Volta. We were honored to have to opportunity to serve the interests of the Dragon and without asking for money. The damage to our machinery is incidental to the loss of over thirty of our warriors, but such is the price of war.”
He paused a moment before continuing. “As a result of their rarity, we can no longer afford to maintain the two Phoenix Hawk Land Air-Mechs we had been using, one of which as you know was the family heirloom of Lieutenant Amdecker-kun.” He’d hoped he had addressed him appropriately as he continued. “We are honored that he has decided to stay with us, despite that we can no longer afford to maintain such a rare machine. We are also pleased to know that his brother will be using Hououtaka to serve the Dragon once again as a Mechwarrior.”
Major Silver finished his request as eloquently as possible. “In conclusion, the Silver Eagles would be pleased to grant Lieutenant Amdecker-kun the honor of piloting one of the Dragon’s finest war machines, if you would grant our request to purchase one for him. His representation of the Dragon throughout the Inner Sphere has been impeccable, and I’m sure with your generosity, it will be even greater in the future.”
Hohiro spoke for the only time in the meeting. “Amdecker-kun. You willingly gave up your grandfather’s Air-Mech for this?”
Ian nodded. “I did, Kurita-dono”
After an interminable silence, Hohiro simply nodded to the CEO. Major Silver knew this was ascent to their request and their cue to leave. He stood and bowed, as did the other Silver Eagles, then backed out of the room.
As the four left the room, they breathed a sigh of relief. Lt. Vahzenov stood as they came out. “Vell?”
Major Silver just shook his head quickly and darted his eyes toward the room then bowed his head. As Lt. Vahzenov looked up, he saw Hohiro Kurita come out. Bowing quickly, they waited for Hohiro to leave. Once he was gone, Major Silver nodded to Lt. Vahzenov. Sweeping into the room, he completed the purchase over the next few minutes. Once done, the five left.
More to follow quickly. (I’m writing it up at this moment) Be prepared for a large leap forward in time.
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As promised, more!
Tharkad, Federated Commonwealth
July 2nd, 3056
“Copy that, Tharkad Control.” Replied Petty Officer Brian Ramirez. “Holding position in parking orbit for 5 minutes. Will contact at 03:50 Terran Standard Time. Comstock out.”
Captain Friedrich floated next to the communications console as he monitored the instructions from Tharkad Space Control. In five more minutes, their four-month journey to the co-capital of the Federated Commonwealth would be over as they began their de-orbit burn. He turned to the pilot of the Overlord. “Commander Du Bragalon. How busy are we out there?”
Taking a moment to glance at the radar plot, the Comstock’s Executive Officer shrugged. “Not that bad, actually. The vector they have us on is fairly clear of other orbiting ships and satellites. Should be a cake-walk.”
Captain Friedrich nodded and turned to the Staff Weather Officer. “Commander Hunter, what’s the weather like on our entry vector?”
Commander Byron Hunter sighed. He hated being separated from his K-1, but they would have no need of it’s services on Tharkad and it was his only chance to see home again for the first time in over 2 years. “Weather in the LZ is good. We might have some chop coming in through the ionosphere, though.”
Captain Friedrich nodded. “Thank you, Commander.” He reached over and pressed a button on the communications console. “Major Silver. We should be landed in about 20 minutes.”
“Thanks Darious.” Major Silver replied.
He’s the only one who still calls me by first name. Darious thought. Sometimes I miss having a small crew!
The Comstock settled into the landing pad as the six massive engines cut their thrust. A few minutes later, a small ground car approached the Overlord class Dropship.
Petty Officer Ramirez turned to Captain Friedrich. “Sir, that vehicle claims to be a courier. They say they have a message to deliver to Lieutenant Amdecker.”
“In person?” replied Captain Friedrich. “Very well. Lower the main ramp and get me Lieutenant Amdecker.”
As Ian stood next to the ramp, Lt. Vahzenov approached. He had been waiting for permission to leave the Dropship to negotiate for the purchase of his new Falconer and wondered what the delay was. “Vat are you vaiting for? Do you know vhy I vas told to vait?”
Ian nodded towards the door. “I was informed that there is a courier here with a message for me. Your delay is likely due to it. I apologize.”
As he spoke, a man dressed as a Comstar Acolyte came walking up the ramp. “Lieutenant Ian Amdecker?”
Ian walked up to the courier. “Yes?”
Handing Ian an envelope, the Acolyte had him sign for delivery. Once signed, the Acolyte turned and walked out of the ship. Opening the envelope, Ian removed a letter and a Tharkad Customs claim card. He read the message silently. An ever-so slight smile drifted across his face before his face became an implacable mask again.
Ian walked to a com panel and depressed the call button. “Please connect me with Major Thorpe.”
Lt. Vahzenov looked puzzled. “Vat is it?”
Ian barely acknowledged the question with a short shake of his head as the com came to life. “This is Major Thorpe.”
Ian replied with strict Japanese formality. “Randall-san. I need to see you immediately.”
A minute later, Randall was approaching the two Officers who had been joined by Lt. Collins. “Ok, so what’s the story here?”
Without a word, Ian handed the former LAM pilot the letter he’d received. Reading it, his look of shock was immediate. “Ian, is this some sort of joke?”
Ian shook his head. “No Randall-san, it is not. This letter was delivered by special courier just a few minutes ago along with this.” He held out the Customs claim card. “Do you accept it, Randall-san?”
Not too familiar with Japanese custom over gift-giving, Randall got a puzzled look on his face. “Shouldn’t I? What’s the custom here?”
Ian smiled. “You should, even if you decide not to keep it. It is a gift, after all. To refuse it might be seen as cold and unappreciative toward the Dragon.”
Randall thought a moment before reaching out and taking the card. “I need to talk to the Major about this one, Major McKenna too. He turned and headed toward one of the personnel lifts at the center of the bay.
Lt. Vahzenov looked fit to be tied. “Vat? Is it some sort of secret or somzing?”
Ian shook his head. “It is no secret, just a private matter for Major Thorpe. If he wishes you to know, ask him.” At that Ian turned toward the other personnel lift.
Lt. Vahzenov turned to Lt. Collins. “Come on. Zis ought to be good!” They ran after Captain Thorpe and caught up with him just as he entered the lift.
After a few minutes, they had tracked down Captain McKenna to her quarters as well as Major Silver in his. He had asked not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency while he spent time with his family.
The knock on his door left him a little irritated, but he answered it anyway. “What is it Randall?” He said as he opened the door.
“Sorry to disturb you sir,” Randall began. “but I need to see you and Major McKenna immediately. It’s about the Outer Volta campaign.”
Major Silver let out a sigh. “Fine. I’ll be in the briefing room in a minute.”
A minute later, Captain Thorpe, Captain McKenna, Lt. Vahzenov, and Lt. Collins were in the briefing room waiting for the Major when Lt. Faller came in. “What’s the story here?” he asked. “Not time for any meeting I know of.”
Randall shook his head. “No Joe, just a quick meeting about a new turn of events. You might as well stay too.”
Just then, Major Silver walked in. “Ok Randall, so what’s all this about?”
Randall produced the letter and Customs claim card. “Ian just got this after we landed.” He handed the letter to Major Silver. “Go ahead and read it out loud.”
Snatching the paper up, Major Silver read.
To: Lt. Ian Amdecker - Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion
From: Luthien Armor Works - Luthien, Draconis Combine
RE: Service to the Dragon
Konnichi-wa Amdecker-kun:
It has come to our attention the Lt. Randall Thorpe has sacrificed his Phoenix Hawk Land Air 'Mech in order to keep your honorable Grandfather's Land Air 'Mech Hououtaka from becoming battlefield salvage. In recognition of his honorable sacrifice, I have been instructed to have sent to him this BJ2-O Blackjack as a replacement. With the Blackjack's newly designed Omni technology, he will be able to field any number of configurations to suit his task. Should he choose to pilot this admirable design, he will do so with the Dragon's blessing.
Regards,
Luthien Armor Works
Next update: The final outfitting of the Silver Eagles and their next contract offer. (again, I’m writing it immediately after posting this up... using the time while I’ve got it!)
-
And here it is! The last update before their next campaign. (which is already over with IRL!)
Tharkad, Federated Commonwealth
July 4th, 3056
Major Silver walked into the briefing room at 0700 exactly. Taking his seat at the head of the table as usual, he looked up at Captain McKenna. “Ok, what do we have this morning, Major?”
Erin looked at her notes. “Well, to begin with, Lieutenant Vahzenov has a report to make on final acquisitions.”
Standing up, Lt. Vahzenov smiled. “Vell, I finally got ze paperwork sorted out vit ze AFFC to authorize ze purchase from TharHes Industries. It cost us a bit zough... namely ze exchange of ze Chameleon ve had purchased for Major Thorpe zat he no longer needs. It vill be sent off for training use in exchange for ze OK to purchase ze Falconer. Ve have also been granted permission to purchase any Infantry equipment ve need to rebuild our fourth platoon directly from AFFC stockpiles. Zat should let us return to 100 percent effectiveness.”
“Good.” Major Silver replied. “The lack of an Infantry Platoon could have hurt our position in the hiring halls.” He turned back to Captain McKenna. “Speaking of which, what’s the word on that front?”
“Well, there are a couple of good contracts to chose from here on Tharkad. One of which we’ve been cleared for by MIIO personally, though they haven’t sent us the particulars on it yet. Could be a good one.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good. If we don’t have to spend a few months heading back to Outreach to get a new contract, so much the better. Which brings us to what kind of contract we should get. Thoughts?”
Lt. SG Zane Owens spoke up first. “Well, speaking as the Personnel Officer, We could really use a good moral-booster. So I recommend against any Garrison contracts. They’re easy money, but we need a good ‘win’ after Outer Volta.”
Major Silver nodded. “Agreed. No Garrison contracts, or Security or Cadre duty either. That leaves us looking at raids. What’s the situation in that direction, Major McKenna?”
She sighed as she tossed three of the contract offers aside. “Well, we have one Objective Raid and one Diversionary Raid. The OR is the one from MIIO and we don’t have the particulars yet. The DR is against Morrison's Extractors. Apparently they’ve been raiding along the border again and the AFFC wants someone to hit their base on Pain to draw them back home so they can get breathing time to muster an offensive. Unfortunately, they just don’t have the transports to pull one off themselves right now.”
Lt. Faller spoke up. “The Extractors are no one to trifle with. All together they have an estimated Regiment of forces and about a Battalion of that is Star League vintage. If they met us in force, we wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Major Silver nodded. “If they met us in force. The contract information says that they’re raiding along the border, so they can’t have all their forces at home. What’s more, they have two worlds to garrison, so the likelihood of getting all of them at once is small. Still, it’s risky. Making an enemy of the Extractors isn’t a great idea.” He turned to Captain McKenna. “See if you can get some information on the other contract, Major. What’s next?”
“Lieutenant Josepho has a report on the Bondsmen.” She answered. “Lieutenant?”
The former Clansman stood. “Since we took them as abtakha on Outer Volta, five former Infantrymen and one former Elemental have been released of their bonds and set free. Of the 29 remaining, I believe eight of them will never fight for our Clan; six former Infantrymen, one elemental, and one Mechwarrior. Of the 21 remaining, many have proven themselves adaptable enough to warrant inclusion in our ranks.” He turned to Major Silver. “My Khan, I would like to request a series of Trial of Positions to allow them to return to the Warrior Caste.”
Major Silver nodded. “Aff. See to it. However, I want it understood that these trials will all be fought un-augmented. We have no positions for Mechwarriors right now, so the best position we can offer is that of Tank Gunner or Infantryman. We have no ‘Mechs to spare. In time, if they prove themselves of value to the Clan, we may offer them the a position in the higher ranks. Until then they will hold the rank of ‘Warrior’, no matter what their trial outcome. The best may get Squad Leader positions, no more.”
Josepho nodded. “Aff, my Khan. I will conduct the trials immediately.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. O’Hare. “Lieutenant, you’ll have to integrate them in with the other platoons. With the increase in manpower, I want to reform Forth Platoon and equip them with Jump Gear.”
Lt. O’Hare stood. “If so Major, I’d like permission to reform the Infantry into all 8-man squads. It’ll be easier on keeping things organized.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Vahzenov. “Make arrangements to buy whatever equipment we’ll need to do it. Get Lieutenant O’Hare whatever he needs.” He turned again to Captain McKenna. “Anything else?”
She shook her head. “That’s it for now.”
Major Silver stood. “Then get to it people. Dismissed.”
Two days later, the Command staff met in the briefing room to discuss their contract offers. Lt. Faller read the mission briefing for the second contract while the other Officers listened.
“The Objective is Intelligence. MIIO believes that the Black Warriors are once again raiding the border worlds near the Circinus Federation and they want proof one way or the other.” Lt. Faller pressed a few keys on the terminal in front of him, which showed the region of space along the border of the two Nations. “As you can see here, six months ago the worlds of Rajkot, Stantsiya, and Son Hoa were raided within a few weeks of each other, in that order. Now, a raiding party headed out of the Federated Commonwealth could have done it easily, but MIIO suspects that the Black Warriors were staging out of a system about 10 light years rim-ward of Khon Kaen, within a jump of all three systems. The official word is that the Black Warriors were on Circinus at the time, but MIIO wants...” Joe paused a moment and smiled. “...independent confirmation.”
Major Silver shook his head. “So far, the Silver Eagles have never had to take a contract against a Nation. This could curtail our options in the future.”
Randall turned to Major Silver. “It’s bound to happen sooner or later. The Clans won’t be the biggest threat forever, and eventually we’ll have to take a contract that commits us against a Nation of the Inner Sphere or Periphery.”
Major Silver scowled. “I just don’t care for the precedent. We’ve managed to avoid it for four years and I’d like it if we never had to.”
Captain Thorpe shrugged. “Well, we could always go back to Outreach and try for a new contract there, but I think it would be a waste of a good opportunity. Circinus makes for a good opportunity and I think we should take it.”
Major Silver looked over at Captain McKenna. “And what do you say Major?”
Erin thought a moment. “I think Circinus is the better mission. For one thing, the pay is better, and for another it’s available right now.”
Joe added to McKenna’s thoughts. “There’s also the fact that we have been trusted with the intel on this mission. Just the fact that they let us in on their operation is a major sign of trust on the part of the Commonwealth. Turning it down, while it wouldn’t be overly insulting, might make them think twice about offering us another.”
Lt. Vahzenov decided to add his opinion to the mix. “Vell, personally I zink zat ze raid against ze pirates would be a better opportunity. Ze salvage rights are very lucrative and zere is always good press for pirate hunting.”
Lt. Collins shook his head. “Circinus is not a nation, they’re little more than organized pirates.” He looked at Major Silver and smiled. “Any Free Worlds League Militiaman could tell you that.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Despite past aggressions, the Federation is a Nation recognized as such by others.” He turned to Joe. “Just what are the Federation’s relations with her neighbors?”
Joe shrugged. “Bitter-sweet. The Commonwealth and Free Worlds League have very poor relations due to raids in the past and suspicion of continued raiding, thought the League is extending economic assistance to poorer Federation worlds trying to improve things. No movement on that yet though. Rim Collection traders deal with them on and off, but Illyrian Merchants are forbidden from any trade deals since the Federation’s attempted invasion back in the 30’s. The biggest surprise is the recent peace overture toward the Marian Hegemony. Ever since their conquest of the Lothian League...”
Lt. Collins stopped Joe. “Whoa, hold on! The Hegemony conquered the Lothians?”
Lt. Faller nodded. “Sometime late last year. The invasion began in ’54 and by late ’55 the League was conquered. While we were traveling to Wolcott, the Lothians were being conquered.”
Captain Thorpe asked, “What about Comstar?”
Joe smiled. “When the Order split, Word of Blake took control of the Federation’s HPGs. Comstar has no official presence on Circinus worlds and no formal relations despite good history.”
Randall banged the table. “I’m sold. I vote for Circinus.”
Major Silver looked to Captain McKenna. “Major?”
Erin shrugged. “You already know my opinion. Their relations with others are beside the point for me. I vote for Circinus as well.”
Major Silver sighed. “For the record, I’m going to vote for the mission against Morrison's Extractors. However, I’ll concede the majority vote and we’ll take the mission with MIIO.” He turned to Captain McKenna. “What kind of pay are we looking at?”
Erin looked at her notes. “Including the signing bonus, 21,307,563 Kroner after subtracting the MRBC handling fee. They’ll hold the contract payment in escrow while we’re on mission.”
Major Silver nodded. “Very well, make the arrangements. Let’s get this one over with quickly so we can relax for a while.”
Continued updates and the mission to be covered soon! Thanks for the patience everyone!
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Ok, here’s the write up for the mission in the Circinus Federation. I apologize for the lateness of the update, but we’re getting ready to get into a major story arc that’s taken up all my time. Enjoy!
Son Hoa, Federated Commonwealth
October 19th, 3056
As the Jim Bridger finished charging its Jump Drive, Major Silver had convened a meeting in the briefing room. As he floated into the room, he strapped himself into the seat at the head of the table aboard the Comstock. Assembled in the room were all the senior staff, along with their Liaison Officer from the Covert Operations Division of MIIO, Agent Eschmann.
“Alright people,” began Major Silver. “As soon as we execute the next jump, we can brief you what our plan is. Get ready for it...”
Warning klaxons sounded around the Comstock and Jim Bridger as the Scout prepared to jump into Circinus space. As the Drive Controller initiated the Jump sequence, nearly five terrajoules of energy surged into the Drive Coil. Space itself seemed to shrink into an infinitesimal point as the ships transitioned into hyperspace. The 15-second journey seemed to stretch out for eternity to the Silver Eagles. Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the Jim Bridger materialized 200 billion kilometers from the type B3 star designated only as Jump Point Zulu-265; an uninhabited star system halfway between Son Hoa and their destination.
After giving the assembled officers a moment to recover, Major Silver continued. “Now, our destination is the planet Thadora's Land, one of the minor worlds of the Federation. Agent Eschmann informs us that the defenders there are 2 companies in strength, The Fighting Shamrocks and Davidson’s Dirt Devils of the Black Warriors themselves.” Major Silver turned to McKenna and nodded.
Captain McKenna stood slowly in the microgravity aboard the Comstock as she brought up a map of Thadora's Land. “We’ll be dropping down here,” she said as she designated a point on the map. “That should put us right outside of the Dirt Devil’s base of operations. The ‘Mechs will create a perimeter defense while the Comstock descends under fighter escort. While she’s coming down, we’ll have no air cover, so be ready for strafing and bombing runs if they decide to ignore her. Intelligence says that the Devils have only four outdated Aerospace fighters, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Major Silver interrupted. “That having been said, I don’t want anyone taking any chances. Formations will be loose and open, so even if they do get a bombing run on us, I don’t want to see two or three ‘Mechs taking fire, understood?” He nodded at McKenna to continue.
“Right.” She resumed. “Anyway, once the Comstock is down, we’ll unload the armor and Infantry to establish a base camp. We’re only looking at being there a few days at most while Lieutenant Collins and Sergeant Chi Lin search their databases, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take these guys seriously. Yes, we have the technology edge, but they have two ‘Mech Companies versus our one, and they’ll be waiting for us when we hit dirt.”
Lt. Scott interjected a question. “Ma’am, aren’t we coming in on a pirate point?”
Erin shook her head. “No Ben, we’re not. We don’t have accurate enough data on the system to risk it. It’s a five-day burn down, so they’ll know we’re coming.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up next. “Zat means ven ve hit ze ground, ve may vell be outnumbered 2-to-1 and vit zem defending. Zat gives zem a big edge until ze Armor is available.”
Major Silver nodded. “Yes, it does. However, I think we can hold them well enough. We have the edge in that we have most of two Companies of ‘Mechs with a lot better technology than they do. At best, they may outnumber us 1.2-to-1, not 2-to-1. When you consider the technology edge, we outmatch them... unless of course they’re sporting newer technology than the intel says they are.” He looked at Agent Eschmann.
The MIIO representative shook his head. “Our intel on the Devils and Shamrocks is considered top-rated. We have independent confirmation that neither unit has received any updated ‘Mechs or armor.”
Major Silver nodded. “That’s why we’re going in hard and fast; we’re trusting that the ‘Mechs will be able to hold based on that data. If we are facing better equipped units, it’s going to get ugly down there fast.”
Thadora's Land, Circinus Federation
October 30, 3056
Major Silver feathered his Jump Jets as he came in, braking his rate of descent until he was slowly approaching the ground. His Marauder slammed into the dirt hard, but not hard enough to damage it. As he looked out across the valley, he saw the rest of the Silver Eagles had already engaged the Dirt Devils. Keying his mic, he called out over the Battalion Command frequency.
“Silver Actual to all units, Command Lance is down.” He glanced at the situational awareness indicator before continuing. “Command Support, you and Grizzly head for grid 4485 and fill that gap. Gamma, you’re with me.” At that he throttled Mercury II up and ran toward the fight.
McKenna fired another full spread from her ten SRM tubes at the ancient Archer opposing her. Fully half of them missed, but the rest peppered the Heavy ‘Mech with damage, one missile striking into the exposed right shoulder of the beast. As the charge detonated, the entire upper shoulder assembly came apart and the arm fell harmlessly to the ground below. In retaliation, the Archer spat out a load of forty LRMs back at her. As one salvo struck her, she barely felt the reverberation of the impacts as the exploded harmlessly against her armor, their warheads still not armed.
As she swung around to prevent a flanking maneuver, she locked her Targeting Computer onto the ‘Mech’s wounded right flank. Unleashing her trio of Clan ER Small Lasers as well as her Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser and trio of Tronel I Small Lasers, the wounded ‘Mech’s armor vanished in a flash of laser light. As the Sunbeam Heavy laser blasted the armor away, the darts of smaller lasers dug into the delicate interior. One of them struck a fully loaded ammo bin, igniting the rocket fuel and engulfing the enemy ‘Mech in a fireball of detonating missiles, eating their way out of the machine.
Just as the Archer vanished from sight, her Thunderbolt was rocked hard to the right. That wasn’t weapons fire! she thought as she struggled to keep her feet. Snapping her head around, she spotted the Phoenix Hawk that had charged into her. As she struggled to keep her feet to face her new threat, two blue arcs smashed into its left flank. In a flash, the entire right half of the ‘Mech came apart in an explosion of superheated metal. The damage was so powerful, the 45-ton ‘Mech was instantly blasted off its feet.
“Thought you could use a hand, Captain.” Major Silver said as he and Lt. Josepho ran up to assist Assault Lance.
Erin just frowned. “Thanks Kevin, but I think things are well in hand.”
As she spoke, Major Silver looked at his displays. They’re in full retreat. he thought, pausing a moment. And that’s why. He tuned Mercury in place and looked up to see the Comstock descending toward its landing coordinates.
“Comstock to Silver Actual.” Came Captain Friedrich’s voice over the Battalion frequency. “On final approach now and will be secure in 30 seconds.”
Major Silver keyed his mic is reply. “Nice timing Captain. Where’s your escorts?”
The reply was clipped and filled with irritation. “They’re still in orbit, Major. Air Leader and Air Support Wing took a severe pounding from those two Chippewas they had. They’re stuck in orbit for the moment, too damaged to risk atmospheric entry. Air Wing and Air Support are flying cover for them just in case these guys have more to throw, but after we unload we’re going to have to lift off again and go get ‘em, Major.”
Major Silver just nodded. “Roger that, Comstock. You’re authorized to begin recovery operations just as soon as we’re unloaded and secure. Silver Actual out.”
As Major Silver entered the HQ tent 4 hours later, the Comstock lifted off to recover the Eagles’ fighters. He walked up to Captain McKenna who was standing by the communications table.
“Any word, Erin?” he asked.
She remained mute and shook her head. It had been two hours since Lieutenants Collins, Vahzenov, and Faller, Captain Thorpe, and Sgt. Chi Lin had left to infiltrate the Black Warrior’s compound. Major Silver could see the worry streaking his XO’s face.
“Don’t worry Erin.” Major Silver began. “Joe’s not going to die out here.”
Erin whipped her head around at the comment. “Out here?” she quipped.
Kevin grinned slightly. “Yeah. I mean, he isn’t working for the League out here. There’s no way that man is going to die if it’s not for the League! He wouldn’t stand for it.”
Erin rolled her eyes and quipped back, “You’re right, he’s a die-hard Leaguer.”
Kevin groaned. “Humor as a defense mechanism, Erin? You really are worried, aren’t you?”
Erin sighed. “A little, aye. It’s just that on the way out here, things have been a little strained between us.” She strolled away from the communications table for a little more privacy. “Joe and I had a bit of a fight before we made planet-fall. He offered to move out of our quarters.”
Kevin placed his hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but Erin just pulled away. Seeing that there was nothing he could do to put her at ease, he just walked back out of the tent.
Spotting Lt. Owens, he walked over. “Lieutenant, how’s Sergeant Anhalt?”
Lt. Owens turned. “He’s doing fine sir, as are the rest of his squad.”
“Good.” He replied. “And how go repairs with the Armor?”
Lt. Owens sighed. When the Silver Eagles had landed, the Fighting Shamrocks launched their attack, just as Air Defense Artillery was being unloaded. Their brand new Partisan Air Defense Tank had been damaged in the attack, as well as Chi Lin’s Ferret and Third Squad of Third Infantry Platoon. Luckily, the fight against the Dirt Devils had gone better for the ‘Mech company. Only Lt. Jones’ Anvil was damaged badly enough that it was pulled from combat duty.
In the counterattack against the Shamrocks, the Armor company put their new Silver Goblins to the test. Sgt. Ingalls’ Tank in Third Platoon took concentrated fire and was destroyed when the side armor was breached and the structure collapsed. Warrior Barret, who had been assigned to the Tank as a Gunner, saved both Sgt. Ingalls and Cpl. Lozier when he pulled them from the burning tank before the hydrogen fuel tank ruptured. At the same time, St. Sgt. Scanlon’s Tank in First Platoon took damage to its treads, making it totally immobile until Chief Mechanic Pitre could repair the damage. In retaliation, the four Platoons of Armor Company tore the Shamrocks apart, damaging six ‘Mechs and destroying four others before they withdrew.
“Things are going well enough.” He answered. “Sergeant Ingalls’ Tank is a near write-off, he was pounded so heavily. That combined with the fuel explosion, we’re lucky we didn’t lose the crew. Other than that, we’re doing pretty well.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good. I’m glad to hear that we’re not in it so deep this time. Carry on, Lieutenant.” At that Major Silver headed off toward his tent.
Thadora's Land, Circinus Federation
November 4th, 3056
“Watch your six!” Joe whispered as he ducked behind a desk. “He’s coming around the other way!”
Lt. Vahzenov swung around and pointed his ancient revolvers toward the opposite side of the computer room. The five had made their way into the Dirt Devil’s compound unnoticed and were in the process of trying to break into the computer system when Joe had shouted the warning that someone was coming. Now the five waited to see if their operation was going to be compromised.
A tense minute passed as they waited. Finally, the door to the computer room began to open. Randall took careful aim with his Mauser 960 and prepared to fire at the intruder. As the figure entered the darkened room, Randall could barely make out the silhouette of the robe. Anger boiled inside of him as his finger came down on the firing stud. The snap of 5 megajoules of coherent light slicing across the room surprised everyone almost as much as the fact that he had missed.
“Damnit Randall!” Joe shouted, angry both that the ex-ComGuard had fired and that he’d missed. Leaping over the desk he’d been hiding behind, Joe ran up to where the intruder had dropped prone, covering the apparent Adept with his Blazer Rifle. Seeing the man reaching for his pocket, Joe shoved the barrel against the small of the man’s back. “Don’t do it, dirtball... you’ll never even get close before I cut you in half.”
Vahzenov came running up and closed the door after checking the hallway. “No vone appears to have heard ze shot, zank goodness.”
Randall walked up slowly and chambered a grenade. “Let him up, Joe.” He ordered.
Joe looked over his shoulder. “Randall, you wouldn’t...”
With searing hatred burning across his face, Randall slammed the grenade chamber shut. “Oh, but I would.”
Finally, the cloaked figure spoke. “Damn it all! I’m ROM!”
Randall pointed his pulse laser rifle at the figure. “All the more reason to kill you, traitor.”
“No you idiot!” he continued. “I’m with Comstar! Not Blake! I’m here to get info on WoB’s activities in Circinus.”
Joe began to relax and pulled the weapon out of the man’s back. “Alright, get up... slowly... or I’ll let my friend here turn you into chunky salsa.”
As the man slowly stood, his hands raised, he turned to face the men. “Who are you guys?”
Joe lowered his huge double-barreled laser rifle. “We’re the Silver Eagles. We’re a merc unit here to gather intel on the Black Warriors for ‘interested parties.’ Now, why were you snooping around here instead of at the HPG?”
The agent jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “I shadowed a Blakist from there to here. I lost him when he got inside, but when I saw activity here I thought it might have been him.”
Joe extended his hand to the ROM agent. “Sorry to have fouled your op. Tell you what, if you can help us gain access to their systems, we’ll share whatever we find. Deal?”
He nodded. “Deal. Now we’d better hurry before a patrol comes around.”
It had been four days with no word from the infiltration team. Secure in their compound, most of the Silver Eagles were asleep when the explosion went off at 0200 local time.
Major Silver raced out of his tent as Infantrymen raced toward the burning Longbow. Cpl. Winters raced up with his fatigues.
“Corporal, what’s going on?” Major Silver barked.
“I’ll try to find out sir.” He replied, and raced off to the Comstock.
Major Silver ran toward the burning BattleMech of Fire Lance and began helping put out the fires.
Half an hour later, the Command Staff was assembled in the HQ tent. Major Silver turned to Lt. O’Hare as he came in with Chief Technician Iverson. “Report.”
Sven shrugged. “She’s a wreck sir. The central gyro housing and support structures are gutted. We’ll have to replace her.”
Major Silver dropped his head. “Fine. We’ll deal with that later.” He looked to Lt. O’Hare. “Lieutenant?”
Daniel O’Hare looked exhausted. “Well, near as we can tell someone got through our security patrols with a sabotage charge.”
Major Silver scowled. “How did he plant the charge in the central core?”
Sven spoke up. “Technician Fulke had the access plates open on the Longbow so he could repair a problem with the redesigned heat exchangers. You know we’ve had problems with them ever since we re-build them. Rinaldo thought he had the problem fixed, but it ended up just making things worse, so he was putting things back the way they were. He and Tech Team #6 were only away from the machine for five minutes while they reset the flow valves.”
Major Silver looked over at Sven. “Tech team six? That’s one of the Clan teams. Any chance it was one of them?”
Lt. O’Hare shrugged. “You’d have to ask Sergeant Major Spanner about that, sir. The Comstock had to have seen something on her sensors, even if no one noticed it at the time.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Fine, I’ll have Spanner look into it in the morning. I’m going back to bed. Dismissed.”
“Captain Thorpe,” Major Silver began, “You were ordered to check in every day. Explain yourself.”
Randall let out a long breath. “I am sorry, Major, but the Warriors had electronic listening posts. If we had tried to check in, we’d have been giving ourselves away.”
Agent Eschmann leaned over the conference room table. “What do you mean ‘electronic listening posts’? There’s nothing in our intel that says they have that kind of security here.”
“I can verify it, Mr. Eschmann.” Lt. Faller interjected. “Electronic listening posts every kilometer along their outer perimeter.” He produced a data storage module similar to a BattleROM and slid it across the table to the Agent. “However, I believe this is what you wanted.”
Picking up the module, Agent Eschmann examined it. “What’s on it?”
Joe leaned back in his seat and lit a cigarette. “It’s about a week of security camera footage of this compound, namely the week that the Black Warriors were suspected of attacking along the Commonwealth border. The Dirt Devils are on it. Also there are several communiqués on there from Captain Davidson to Major Donner on Circinus and a few from Captain Sarono on Maximillian, all dated for the same time.” He leaned forward and looked the agent in the eye. “It would appear that the Black Warriors were indeed stationed here in the Federation during the time in question. Either that or they faked the data in their own computer systems.”
Lt. Scott interrupted. “Well, is there anything to keep them from doing that?”
Joe shrugged. “No, there isn’t. But why would they unless they knew we were coming? And if they knew, why let us get away with mauling two of their companies? The rest of the Warriors and the House Guards could have been waiting here for us and we wouldn’t be going home.”
Major Silver nodded. “In either event, this data satisfies our contract. We did what we came to do, so let’s get out of here while the getting is good.” He turned to Captain Friedrich. “Captain, make ready to launch.” Turning to the Officers, he ordered “Alright, I want everyone and everything loaded up in one hour. Take what we can as salvage but be quick about it. Dismissed.”
An hour later, the Comstock lifted off, headed back to the Jim Bridger and the safety of FedCom space.
Well, that’s it. After they left Thadora's Land, they went back to Son Hoa and dropped off Agent Eschmann. Concluding their contract, they headed for the nearby world of Loburg, landing on January 3rd, 3057. After picking up a replacement Longbow and Goblin, they lifted again and headed for Timbiqui, only three jumps away. They spent two weeks there on R&R, celebrating the success of their mission. Lt. Vahzenov took the opportunity to pick up 75 cases of Timbiqui Dark for trade. (that’s 1,125 750-ml bottles :o )
After their vacation on Timbiqui, they noticed that they were only 11 jumps from Negushevo, so they decided to extend their vacation for a trip home. They landed on May 5th, 3057 and stayed for 2 ½ weeks. While there, they started looking for a nice, long, easy garrison contract to let them enjoy their success for a while. They also began talks to grow the unit into a full ‘Mech Battalion with armor and Infantry support. Unfortunately, that means they would need to sell the Jim Bridger and get a bigger Jumpship and other Dropships.
Right now they’re looking at an Invader with a Leopard CV and a Seeker. The Armor and Infantry could move out of the cramped lower bay of the Comstock and into the Seeker. The CV would let them carry an additional 6 fighters, giving them two full Squadrons of Fighters. (that’s a DCMS Aerospace Company or a Capellan Aerospace Flight) The extra space would let them reconvert the Comstock back to a normal Overlord-One and carry a full Battalion of 36 ‘Mechs.
Anyway, that’s it for now. They’ve actually taken a contract already and have begun the mission, but I’ll get into that later. For now, enjoy!
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Enjoying the story very much. Please keep it going.
PS: The link in post #83 is dead.
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That's because the post that links to was on the boards before the last crash. The post the Silver Goblins was in hasn't been located yet. Sorry guys I'll see if I can locate the specs for the tanks and get them up for you.
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edit: As promised here are the stats, I had to Dig for them.
--------------------------------
Silver Goblin ISV:
Code:
Silver Goblin ISV
Mass: 45 tons
Power Plant: FireHeart 180 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: Durallex Light Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
1 Tronel III Heavy Large Laser
1 Tronel II Medium Laser
1 Harpoon-6 Rack SRM 6
1 MainFire Point-Defense Anti-Missile System
2 Johnston Miniguns Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Johnston Industries
Primary Factory: New Syrtis
Communications System: CommuTech XL
Targeting and Tracking System: BlazeFire Tracker with Range Check
Type: Silver Goblin ISV
Technology Base: - I.S. Tracked Vehicle - Level 3 - 45 tons
Fractional Accounting - Sponsons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 4.5
Engine: 180 Fusion 10.5
Cruising MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Power Amplifier: 0
Heat Sinks: 11 - Single 1
Control Equipment: 2.25
Suspension: 0
Turret & Sponson Turrets: 1.1
Armor Factor: 170 - Ferro-Fibrous 9.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front 5 40
Left 5 32
Right 5 32
Back 5 26
Turret: 5 40
Weapons, Ammo, and Equipment Location Space Tonnage
Large Laser Turret 1 5
Medium Laser Turret 1 1
SRM 6 Turret 1 3
Anti-Missile System Turret 1 0.5
Machine Gun L Sp. 1 0.5
Machine Gun R Sp. 1 0.5
Ammo (SRM 6) 15 Body 1 1
Ammo (SRM 6 - Inferno) 12 Body 1 0.8
Ammo (MG) 70 Body 1 0.35
Ammo (AMS) 12 Body 1 1
CASE Body 1 0.5
2 tons Cargo Body 1 2
--
BV: 499
Cost: 1,775,935
Start with a Goblin Infantry Support Vehicle. Remove the Large Pulse Laser and replace it with a standard Large Laser and a Medium Laser plus one heat sink. You free up a ton of weight load in the main turret, so the AMS moves from the front to the turret. Since the MGs on the Goblin look like they're on Sponson turrets, we drop to Fractional Accounting which frees up a quarter ton from the Control Equipment, allowing us to add Sponsons with weight left over. Take the front-mounted Infantry bay and chop off the back third of it, reducing it to two tons capacity. Use half of a ton of the free weight to add CASE and the rest to add a second fractional SRM ammo bin, shaving off some MG ammo to get 12 shots. (72 missiles) There! You have a nice L3 mod of a Goblin ISV with longer range, more damage in close, more versatility with the SRMs, and better survivability with the CASE.
For those L3 haters out there, lose the FA and Sponsons. Unfortunately, you also lose half a ton of Infantry bay. But since 1.5 tons will still carry a Motor or Jump Squad, it works! Here's the L2 stats.
Code:
Technology Base: - I.S. Tracked Vehicle - Level 2 - 45 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 4.5
Engine: 180 Fusion 10.5
Cruising MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Power Amplifier: 0
Heat Sinks: 11 - Single 1
Control Equipment: 2.5
Suspension: 0
Turret: 1
Armor Factor: 170 - Ferro-Fibrous 9.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front 5 40
Left 5 32
Right 5 32
Back 5 26
Turret: 5 40
Weapons, Ammo, and Equipment Location Space Tonnage
Large Laser Turret 1 5
Medium Laser Turret 1 1
SRM 6 Turret 1 3
Anti-Missile System Turret 1 0.5
Machine Gun Left 1 0.5
Machine Gun Right 1 0.5
Ammo (SRM 6) 15 Body 1 1
Ammo (SRM 6 - Inferno) 15 Body 1 1
Ammo (MG) 100 Body 1 0.5
Ammo (AMS) 12 Body 1 1
CASE Body 1 0.5
1.5 tons Cargo Body 1 1.5
--
BV: 500
Cost: 1,783,500
Quoting Fallguy on this one. She's the brains behind the design. 8) O0
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This next arc is the Zion arc of the Silver Eagles story. It's rather long one and has multiple TO&E's to insert.
-----------------------------------------
TO&E Pre Zion
Pilot (Skill) Unit Status .
Command Lance
Major Silver (V) MAD-5De Marauder† Operational
Lt. JG Josepho (CV) ON1-M Orion Operational
Lt. SG Scott (V) WVR-7E Wolverine† Operational
Lt. JG Jones (V) ANV-3E Anvil† Operational
.
Assault Lance
Captain McKenna (V) TDR-7Me Thunderbolt† Operational
Lt. SG Faller (V) ZEU-9C Zeus† Operational
Lt. JG Amdecker (R) AV1-O Avatar† Operational
Lt. JG Windsor (R) GAL-1GLS Gallowglass Operational
.
Strike Lance
Lt. SG Vahzenov (V) FLC-8Re Falconer† Operational
Lt. JG Calame (R) TBT-5Je Trebuchet Operational
Lt. JG Wilmeth (G) OTL-4De Ostsol Operational
Lt. JG Gordillo (G) GRF-1Ne Griffin Operational
.
Fire Lance
Lt. SG Collins (V) Executioner Operational
Lt. JG Sanderson (V) ARC-4M Archer† Operational
Lt. JG Chism (R) LGB-7QE Longbow Operational
Lt. JG Arnold (R) LGB-7QE Longbow Operational
.
Recon Lance
Captain Thorpe (V) BJ2-Oe Blackjack† Operational
Lt. JG Barwick (R) VL-5M Vulcan Operational
Lt. JG Stetler (R) Hankyu Operational
Lt. JG Mirabito (R) SDR-9EG Venom Operational
Staff Sgt. Chi Lin (R) Ferret Light Scout VTOL† Operational
Sgt. Santiago (R) Pegasus Scout Hovertank Operational
.
Aerospace Lance
Lt. SG Tucker (V) V-12e Corsair Operational
Lt. SG Seibert (V) F-700a Riever Operational
Lt. JG Titus (V) V-12e Corsair(Cap. Hernandez†) Operational
Lt. SG Deal (V) F-700a Riever Operational
.
Transport Unit
Captain Friedrich (V) Overlord DS "Comstock"† Operational
Captain Diller (V) Triumph DS "Hadrian" Operational
Captain Thatcher (V) Invader JS "Dionysus" Operational
Commander Hunter (V) K-1 Dropshuttle "Danube" Operational
Commander Vicente (R) S-7A Bus "Éireannach" Operational
.
1st Armor Platoon
Lt. SG Owens (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Staff Sgt. Fan (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Staff Sgt. Newlin (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Staff Sgt. Scanlon (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
.
2nd Armor Platoon
Lt. JG Thiemann (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Staff Sgt. Wagers (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Staff Sgt. Truman (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Staff Sgt. Nac'MacFeegle (R) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
.
3rd Armor Platoon
Mst. Sgt. Green (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Sergeant Ingalls (R) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Sergeant Mount (R) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Sergeant Moreland (R) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
.
Infantry Support Platoon
Mst. Sgt. Whyler (V) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Sergeant Biddle (R) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Sergeant Holliman (R) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
Sergeant Chipman (R) Silver Goblin ISV Operational
.
Air Defense Artillery Platoon
Lt. JG Bazemore (V) Formal Heavy Support Tank Operational
St. Sgt. Chafin (R) Partisan Air Defense Tank Operational
Sergeant Holland (R) Partisan Air Defense Tank Operational
Sergeant Rains(R) Partisan Air Defense Tank Operational
.
Infantry Company
Lt. JG O'Hare (R) Arm. Reinf. Sup. Laser Motor (x28) Operational
Mst. Sgt. Kobel (R) Reinforced Laser Jump (x24) Operational
Staff Sgt. Volk (R) Reinforced PPC Jump (x24) Operational
Staff Sgt. Bevan (R) Reinforced Laser Foot (x32) Operational
.
Marine Armor Squads
Mst. Sgt. Spanner (R) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Operational
Sergeant Rhode (R) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Operational
Sergeant McCleary (G) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Operational
Sergeant Lusk (G) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Operational
.
Battalion Support Unit
Lt. SG Benson MD (R) S1 White Whale MASH Operational
Staff Sgt. Bywaters (R) S19 Battalion Support Truck Operational
Sergeant Diarte (R) S19 Battalion Support Truck Operational
Sergeant Majors (R) S21 Mobile Field Kitchen Operational
Sergeant Strohl (R) S21 Mobile Field Kitchen Operational
.
Other
.
V: Veteran
R: Regular
G: Green
CV: Clan Veteran
CR: Clan Regular
CG: Clan Green
†: Privately Owned
.
WIA: Wounded in Action
KIA: Killed in Action
--
Well, it’s been a busy couple of weeks, but I’m actually finding a moment to update! (Yeah!) Unfortunately, it’s not in story form. There’s just too much going on in this time to get into the details of daily life. (well, that and the trip is rather boring :P ) Next update should see a return to story form, though.
After arriving at Negushevo, many of the Silver Eagles headed off to visit their families. Baron Silver presented his son to his Father, who welcomed him as an official member of the House. Major Silver also got an overview of the construction of the Starport on his landhold. While the project has consumed his family’s income for the next year, and will be a significant drain on House Silver’s coffers, it will add appreciably to the local economy of Agata and his Barony in general.
Silver Spaceport is small for a Starport, barely covering four-tenths of a square kilometer. It is possessed of four vertical launch/landing bays, one large enough for even a Mule class cargo Dropship. (the other three are large enough to accommodate Dropships up to 10,000 tons each) With one 90-meter wide runway and four 30-meter wide runways, they can accept air traffic and even the largest of Aerodyne Dropships. Five separate Support Terminals and 13.5 acres of tarmac space permit many aircraft and Dropships to be serviced while also providing adequate launch facilities and hangar space for 12 Aerospace Fighters. In addition, there are vehicle garages for up to a dozen heavy vehicles and BattleMech Repair Bays for a Lance of BattleMechs.
In addition to the launch and support systems, Silver Spaceport will include a Hydrogen Refinery and Fusion Power Plant. The two combined can provide all the power necessary to maintain the Starport and even will provide excess power to the nearby city of Agata. While the refinery won’t be operational until late 3058, the Fusion Power Plant is operational and providing local power needs. Eight 2,000 square meter and three 6,000 square meter Warehouses were also constructed to permit off-loading and storage of cargo from any number of Dropships and cargo aircraft. Also under construction is a 250-room hotel to quarter Dropship crews, passengers, and the Silver Eagles themselves when they are on Negushevo. Housing units for 250 of the Silver Eagles dependants is also under construction. The hotel is expected to open on or about the first quarter of 3058.
The rest of the time on Negushevo was spent by the lower ranks gearing up for their next mission... a year-long garrison contract on the world of Zion. Their contract doesn’t begin until September 1st, so they have time to get there. Their pay is very good at 8.6 million Eagles per month for 12 full months paid in monthly installments. However, they are expected to provide completely for themselves, no support of any kind from Zion Province or the Free Worlds League. They also forfeited all salvage rights to get the high pay. (they aren’t expecting trouble of any kind, so it makes sense) Their liaison Officer is Captain Edward Zimmerman, a Zion native.
Meanwhile, the higher officers were deciding what to do about the cramped conditions aboard the Comstock and Jim Bridger. The decision was finally made that they would sell the Jim Bridger to raise enough money to buy an older Invader and see about getting a dedicated Armor and Infantry transport. It was then that Captain Darious Friedrich announced that he wished to buy the Silver Eagle’s shares of the Comstock... a value of 60 million C-bills. He’d been investing his profits from the Silver Eagles contracted payments in risky investments... namely the games on Solaris VII. Captain Friedrich literally handed them 60 million Kroner.
With the extra cash in hand, the Command Staff finally settled on a Triumph for its large capacity, enough to give regular passenger quarters to all the troops and to build permanent vehicle garages into the bays. It won’t carry as many vehicles that way, but it will allow the crews and Infantry enough amenities that they can spend extended periods of time in them without degrading moral.
So, as they departed Negushevo, Lt. Vahzenov started putting out feelers for a buyer for the Jim Bridger and started looking for a cheap Invader and Triumph. Several people were interested, but weren’t willing to pay as much as the Silver Eagles wanted, so they passed them up, looking for a better deal. They were all the way to Holt (only 3 Jumps from Zion) when a buyer was found for the Jim Bridger. He agreed to pay 476 million Eagles for it, cash in advance with delivery no later than September 16th. That gives them just enough time to get to Zion, unload, and send it back to Holt. Fortunately, their garrison contract is not dependent on them having their own interstellar transport; it simply wasn’t a contract negotiation point.
After receiving payment, they continued on, still looking for a good deal on an Invader. One jump from Zion over the planet Asuncion, they found a dilapidated old Invader; the Dionysus. Commissioned in 2777, she was just this side of the junkyard. When the Silver Eagles offered cash up-front for it, he let it go for only 316 million Eagles. As they readied to jump in to Zion, they had their new Jumpship, but it would need a lot of work before it could ever be considered safe for steady travel.
Before they left Asuncion, Captain McKenna had searched around to find somewhere that could handle repairs and refit for the Dionysus. In the end, they were able to book a slot in the Technicron Manufacturing Shipyard over Tamarind, Free Worlds League. However, Technicron had a three-month wait for a spot and demanded 8 million Eagles as a deposit before they would even hold the slot. To totally refurbish the Dionysus would cost an additional 24 million Eagles, payable at the time work began in mid-November. Still, Tamarind is a minimum of thirteen Jumps from Asuncion. It could just make it there before their slot in the shipyard opened up. In the mean time, the Silver Eagles would be without a Jumpship until May of 3058 at the earliest. (they’re estimating 4 months of work)
Upon arrival over Zion on August 18th, the Comstock immediately detached and began the 13-day burn to the planet below. Since they still had quite a lot of cargo stored aboard the Jim Bridger, the Comstock began detailed gravity analysis of the L1 point over Zion to allow the Jim Bridger to plot a Jump into the LaGrange Point. By the 24th, the Comstock was close enough to get detailed readings. They transmitted the data to the Jim Bridger which plotted a Jump and Jumped. (having charged its drive while waiting) At that point, the Danube, their K-1 Dropshuttle, started shuttling cargo to the planet below. By the time the Comstock made planetfall on the 31st, the Jim Bridger was already half empty. By the time her K-F drive was fully charged, her cargo bays were empty and her crew was ready to take her back to Holt. The Jim Bridger left the system five days into the Silver Eagles garrison contract, leaving the employ of the Silver Eagles. Several of her crew opted to transfer to the Dionysus, however Captain Marta Kaufmann was not among them. She is leaving the Silver Eagles to stay with the Jim Bridger
All the while, they were also looking for a cheap Triumph. No matter how much he wheeled and dealed, Lt. Vahzenov couldn’t find one that fit their budget. But as luck would have it, right there on Zion, he finally struck gold. The Triumph class transport Hadrian was for sale. After considerable haggling, the owner agreed to the sale for 255 million Eagles, but the Silver Eagles only had a little under 154 million Eagles left. However, they still had 16 million Ryu from the Outer Volta salvage and over 64¼ million Kroner from Captain Friedrich and what they had in cash beforehand. Converting all their Ryu over to Eagles got them an additional 20.67 million Eagles while converting 55¼ million Kroner got them the rest with enough left over to pay for the rest of the work on the Dionysus when combined with their first two months pay and all the Eagles they had in the company coffers. That left them with just over 1¼ million C-bills and just under 9 million Kroner to pay salaries with until the end of November.
The Hadrian was in pretty good shape, considering that it’s 127 years old. It has a few quirks, but it’s a good ship. With 3,260 tons of cargo space, it could also carry 45 Vehicle crews. However, by design the crews got little better than Transit Bunks, not much better than what they had back on the Comstock, and they don’t need that much cargo space. So, the Hadrian is being reconfigured to carry the Marine Platoon, Air Defense Artillery Platoon, Infantry Company, and Armor Company. The normal bunkrooms on the mid-deck are being replaced with a set of fourteen Passenger quarters that will house sixteen Light Vehicle Commanders and their eleven Squad Leaders, as well as two Steerage Rooms to house their five Support Vehicle Drivers. They also tore out some of the 140m² Machine Shop and some of the Rec centers to add four more Passenger quarters to house their Partisan Tank Commanders and three of their Infantry Platoon Leaders. The four Senior Armor and Infantry Officers are housed in the old Company CO’s quarters on the same deck.
The upper Vehicle Bay is totally redesigned. In place of a large open area for storing 30 Heavy Vehicles, sixteen Light Vehicle garages were installed in the forward section of the bay. Scattered around this area is enough cargo capacity for over 400 tons of excess cargo. The entire rear half of the bay become a housing area for the Vehicle Crews and Marines. Included in this is a large 28-patient Medical Bay, over 200 m² of recreational areas, and a 68m² Mess Hall. While the Silver Eagles’ Doctors are housed in double occupancy rooms near the Med Bay, the rest of the Vehicle crews and Marines are spread among the 24 small four-person Steerage rooms.
The Lower Vehicle Bay was redesigned to include 7 Light Vehicle garages and four Heavy Vehicle garages. These hold their Air Defense Artillery tanks, Scout vehicles, Support Vehicles, and about 150 tons of Cargo. Lastly, the rear Cargo Bay was redesigned into a four-deck Infantry housing area. 24 more Steerage quarters are split among three of the decks for the 93 Infantry Soldiers. The four Medics get two Passenger Quarters on the lowest deck, which is where the Platoons’ Infantry Gear is stored along with about 40 tons of extra Cargo.
The net result of all the changes doesn’t leave much cargo space, only 605 tons for the whole ship, however it holds all of their Vehicles, as well as providing decent quartering for their Crews, their Infantry, and their Marines. This frees up a huge amount of space on the Comstock, enough to keep 300 tons of cargo and still carry 34 ‘Mechs and six full fighters. While they don’t have the money to fill it yet, the extra capacity will come in handy as they slowly build up to a Light Regiment of one ‘Mech Battalion and one light Vehicle Battalion. If they proceed with their plan to get a Leopard CV in the future, it will plug the last hole in their force composition and give them an entire Fighter Company.
Lastly, before I finish out, I’d like to thank everyone for their interest in the Silver Eagles. I apologize for the lateness of my update and the lack of ‘story’ to it, hopefully that will be rectified in the next update.
Enjoy! Comments welcome as always.
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Zion, Free Worlds League
September 16th, 3057
Major Silver was suddenly awakened in the middle of the night by a knock at his door.
“Who is it?” He grumbled.
“Corporal Winters sir. Captain Friedrich asked me to wake you... there’s a situation and he’s about to call General Quarters.”
Suddenly, the Comstock’s comm system blared to life. “General Quarters! General Quarters! All hands, General Quarters.”
Major Silver leapt from his bed and headed for the door. As he exited his room aboard the Comstock, the other Senior Officers and Mechwarriors of the Silver Eagles were dashing out of their rooms toward the lift. Walking swiftly to the lift, he spied McKenna out of the corner of his eye.
“Major, come with me.” He barked.
Quickly throwing on her BDUs while Joe dressed, she and Lt. Faller quickly ran toward the lift. Already, Major Silver, Lt. Vahzenov, Lt. Collins, and Captain Thorpe were in the lift. As they entered, Major Silver let the door close and they were quickly whisked up to the bridge. Looking around the bridge, they spotted Captain Friedrich standing in the depression where the old holotank would be installed.
Approaching the Captain, Major Silver spoke up. “Darious, what’s going on?”
Turning to face the assembled senior officers, Captain Friedrich nodded to Petty Officer Joe Goodale. The Comstock’s main display crackled to life showing a recording of a broadcast over one of Zion’s local media stations. It began with the crest of House Marik which faded to show a podium, behind which was Thomas Marik. As the Silver Eagles watched, he began...
“Fellow citizens, were there another course open to me, I would never have led you into a war in which we are the aggressor. There is nobility in defending one’s homeworld against invasion, but naked aggression is without honor and boasts no defense.
Our aggression is not naked, however, but it is clothed in righteousness.”
The speech went on to describe how Thomas learned that Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion had replaced his son Joshua with a double, presumably with the intent of taking over the Free Worlds League. As his speech concluded, the Officers of the Silver Eagles stood silent for a moment. Finally, Major Silver asked, “Why general quarters?”
Captain Friedrich sighed. “Ten minutes ago, Zion Province declared a state of emergency. The entire planet is on heightened alert. According to the terms of our contract, we are required to assume a similar position of readiness. Apparently, the attacks have already begun.”
Major Silver nodded. “You did the right thing, Captain. Please inform the Command Staff that an emergency meeting will be held in the Briefing room in five minutes.” At that, Major Silver and the other officers headed back to the lift.
Captain Friedrich turned back to the display with the Marik Eagle emblazoned across it. And us without transport until May. This could be bad... very bad.
More later.
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Zion, Free Worlds League
September 16th, 3057
As Major Silver walked into the briefing room, he looked around at the assembled officers. Their tired faces made the somber subject to be discussed even more so. Taking his seat at the head of the Table, he nodded to Lt. Faller. “Ok Joe. Go ahead and run it.”
As the assembled officers watched, Captain-General Thomas Marik’s message ran on the conference room display. As it completed, Major Silver stood. “Alright. Comments? Where does this leave the Silver Eagles?”
Randall spoke first. “Well, if the charges aren’t true, we’re looking at a real possibility of FedCom counterattack here. With so many FedCom personnel in the unit, we’ll need to figure out what they’ll do if we’re forced to defend Zion from a retaliatory strike.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good point. What about the charges themselves?” He turned to Lt. Faller. “Joe? Could the Captain-General’s accusations be true?”
Lt. Faller sat back. “Well, anything is possible. Given the Archon-Prince’s track record of poor leadership so far, it’s quite feasible that he thought he could get away with a double. However, considering that his father’s whole excuse for the Fourth Succession War was the double of himself that Maximilian Liao tried to place on the throne, it seems odd that he would opt for such a tactic. Still, anything is possible.”
Major Silver rubbed the back of his neck. “Alright, let’s assume that the accusation is false. How will that affect our position? Anyone?”
McKenna spoke up. “Well, if the Captain-General’s accusation turns out to be true, we have a much smaller chance of FedCom counterstrike.”
“Then we need to find out if it’s true or not.” Major Silver concluded. Turning to Lt. Faller, he nodded. “See what you can find out.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “I could contact zome people and see vat zey know. I might be able to dig up somezing.”
Major Silver nodded. “Do it. Also, I want all of you to speak with the people directly under your command. Watch them all for signs of difficulty if we’re forced to fight FedCom forces. If we are, I want an idea of just who is going to skip out on their contract.”
At that, Captain Zimmerman spoke up. “I hate to bring this up, Major. However, as the official spokesperson for Zion Province, it is my duty to inform you that if the Silver Eagles don’t have the Battalion that we contracted for, you will be in violation of the terms of our contract.”
Major Silver nodded. “I understand Captain Zimmerman. We’ll do what it takes to uphold the terms of our contract.” As he looked around the room, he concluded. “On that note, you’re all dismissed. Keep me informed of any and all changes. We’ll continue this at 0700.”
At 0700 the members of the Silver Eagles Command Staff sat around the table. Major Silver walked in and assumed his normal position at the table. “All right people, let’s get started.” He looked around the table. Seeing many weary faces, he sank down in his chair. “McKenna, what is our status?”
McKenna sat forward. “Well, sir. For my part I spoke with my people, but all I’m getting back is silence. This has most of our people stunned really, and quite frankly sir, I’m thinking its too soon to tell. There’s a bit of edginess in the camp, but it’s to be expected.” She shrugged her shoulders and sat back.
Lt. Vahzenov picked up the thought. “Da. Ze people in Strike Lance are uneasy, but zey vill do zere jobs ven ze time comes. Ze logistics personnel are also uneasy, but nozing serious. Private Lorenzana is a bit jumpy, but zen she alvays is venever ze FedCom is mentioned. Its only been a few hours since ze declaration, ve vill have to vait until zis has more of a chance to filter through people’s minds before we can tell who’s going to crack.”
Captain Thorpe spoke up. “What’s going to happen if the Province gets attacked by FedCom forces?” He leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. “We have a number of FedCom in the unit, who aren’t gonna like having to fight their countrymen.”
Lt. Faller lit a cigarette. “Well, based on their personality profiles, most of these people are mercenaries for a reason. They have more loyalty to the all-mighty C-Bill than to their home nations. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be here, they’d be in a House unit. There may be one or two that we’d have to worry about, but I don’t think it’s going to become a problem.”
Captain McKenna steepled her fingers and watched the room in general, but kept returning to Lt. Windsor. She knew there was a big chance that problems could come from his corner. Lt. Windsor just looked across the table silently.
Major Silver bobbed his head in acceptance. “Lt. O’Hare, what about your men? Are you seeing any problems?”
Daniel O’Hare turned to his CO. “I haven’t seen any problems yet, but like Captain McKenna and Lt. Vahzenov pointed out, I think it’s just too soon to tell. Perhaps keeping everyone busy will help mitigate any problems.”
“To be sure.” Major Silver replied. He looked to the Armor Company Commander. “Lt. Owens, what’s the status of your men?”
Zane Owens shifted slightly. “Well sir, like the others, I haven’t seen any problems. Most of my people seem to be in a bit of shock still.”
Captain Thorpe again spoke up. “Perhaps we should begin doing some readiness drills. I know that a tired warrior hasn’t got enough energy to think after a day in the field.”
McKenna nodded in agreement. “I agree. We need to keep an appearance of normalcy. Let people digest this for a couple of days. Routines should remain the same, the less stress we show, the fewer problems we’ll be having.”
Major Silver looked down the table. “Captain Zimmerman, what is Zion’s official stance on this?”
Captain Zimmerman thought a moment before speaking. “The Zion Province officially supports the Captain-General.”
Major Silver glanced around the table. “Does anyone else have something to add?” Seeing a round of shaken heads, he sighed. “Dismissed! McKenna, Joe, Randall, Vahz, stay put.” He glanced up and noticed the liaison still standing there.
Captain Zimmerman spoke, “Would you like me to stay, as well, Major?”
Major Silver shook his head. “Thank you Captain, but I need to talk to my officers.”
Captain Zimmerman frowned, but nodded. “Very well. I will need to speak with you later.”
Major Silver nodded. “I’ll come by your quarters.” He waited until Zimmerman had left. “Ok, so have we gotten anything new?”
Lt. Vahzenov shook his head. “I have heard nozhing. I vill let you know vonce I have heard from my contacts.”
Joe nodded in the direction of the door. “That wasn’t a very good idea. He’s our liaison and it isn’t good for him to think we’re hiding anything from him.”
Major Silver nodded. “Be that as it may, I didn’t want him to hear this conversation.” He looked around at the assembled. “We have at least one definite worry, Ryan. What are your thoughts?”
Joe took a drag on his cigarette. “Well sir, he’s a die-hard FedCommer. At this point I’m not sure he’s much of a problem, but if we had to engage FedCom forces,” He shrugged, “He bears watching.”
“What about the other FedCommer’s we have in the unit,” McKenna asked.
Joe shrugged again. “I have complete profiles on everyone in the unit. I don’t foresee a problem with most of them. There are a few that I’m not sure of, but I doubt they’ll be a problem.”
Major Silver sat back. “I want all of you to keep your eyes peeled. Watch the people we know are going to be a problem. Let’s try to keep things running like clockwork, shall we? All right, dismissed.” As he walked from the room, he headed to Captain Zimmerman’s quarters. He knocked and heard a muffled “Enter.”
“Captain Zimmerman,” Major Silver began. “I wanted to apologize for having to ask you to leave. There are some things in this unit that are, to be honest, none of our employer’s business. It’s nothing personal.”
Captain Zimmerman nodded. “Understandable. Thank you for taking the time to tell me.” Captain Zimmerman looked passed Major Silver to see that the door was closed before continuing. “Major, I need to speak with you and your upper command staff ASAP. Only those people that you can absolutely trust.”
Major Silver frowned. “Why?”
Captain Zimmerman whispered in response as he told Major Silver the reason he needed to speak with the command staff. When he was finished, Major Silver agreed to arrange a meeting at 1900 that evening.
As Lt. Faller left the briefing room, Lt. Vahzenov called him over next to the lift. With him were Lt. Collins and Lt. Jones. “Comrade. Ve vere just discussing ze lack of solid info about all zis fuss and how ve could fix zat. Interested?”
Lt. Faller nodded. “Sounds like a good idea. What did you have in mind?”
As the four discussed their plans, Major Silver found Lt. Faller and told him to assemble a secret meeting for Captain Zimmerman at 1900 that evening. Turning to the other three officers, he said, “You’ll have to excuse me. I have to take care of some things. I’ll meet you three along with Chi Lin at 2100 as planned. We’ll get the details hammered out later today.” At that, he headed off to make arrangements for the secret meeting.
As 1900 hours rolled around, the area around the Briefing room aboard the Comstock was cleared. Assembled were Captain McKenna, Randall Thorpe, and Captain Friedrich, as well as Lieutenants Vahzenov, Collins, Scott, and Jones. Major Silver stood outside the briefing room, waiting for Lt. Faller and Captain Zimmerman. As they arrived, Major Silver followed them in and locked the room. Turning to Joe, he nodded.
Activating a white noise generator, Lt. Faller nodded back. “We’re secure.”
Major Silver took his seat. “Very well. You may proceed, Captain Zimmerman.”
Still standing, Captain Zimmerman began pacing around the room before he began. “What I’m about to tell you cannot leave this room. As your official liaison to Zion Province, I have information that may affect the future of your contract with us.” He stopped when he reached the foot of the table and turned to face the assembled officers. “I represent a group called ‘Free Zion’. Our stated goal is to ensure that Zion Province is never again subject to Capellan rule. With the engagement of Sun-Tzu Liao to Isis Marik, we are in an untenable situation. For years now, we have been planning to take over Zion Province and succeed from the Free Worlds League. With the Third Free Worlds Guards off prosecuting the Captain-General’s war, we have our chance. What I need to know is this. When Zion Province succeeds from the Free Worlds League after we take over, will the Silver Eagles honor their contract with us?”
The weight of the question hung in the air like a thick cloud. Finally, Major Silver broke the silence. “With this in mind, I want opinions. Do the Eagles back Free Zion?” Turning to Captain McKenna he asked, “What do you think?”
McKenna was awestruck. Somehow, they had gotten caught up in a major power play for Zion Province. Gathering her thoughts quickly, she answered. “You’ll have to come back to me, sir. I need to think on this.”
Major Silver sighed and turned to Randall Thorpe. “Major Thorpe, what do you say?”
Randall turned to Captain Zimmerman. “What is Free Zion’s stance toward Word of Blake?”
Captain Zimmerman shifted and looked at the table a moment. “We have no official stance toward the Blakists. However, given the ties between the Captain-General and WoB, we would likely seek to replace them with Comstar personnel, if only to prevent Blakist spies from cutting us off and subsequent re-subjugation by the Confederation.”
Randall thumped the table. “Good enough for me. I vote Aye.”
Next Major Silver turned to Captain Friedrich. “What do you think, Captain? Can we count on the Comstock through this?”
Darious turned to face Major Silver. “Well, I’d be a fool if I didn’t see the risks involved here. Still, with risk comes reward. You can count on us, Major. We’ll get you where you need to go.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Faller. “What do you think, Joe?”
Lt. Faller closed his eyes a moment before answering. “We’d be openly siding with a rebellious faction of the League, that I don’t much care for.”
Major Silver nodded. “True, but is this much different than what we did on Negushevo?”
Joe leaned forward. “Yes sir, it is. On Negushevo, it was an internal matter of the succession of House Silver’s ruling line. Here, it’s an open declaration of independence from the League. We’ll be supporting a faction that is actively severing it’s ties to the League, and that is much different.” Sitting back again, he continued. “Still, I can see their point of view and even sympathize with it.” He smiled before finishing. “And technically, we would be bound to support Free Zion anyway. Our contract does not state that we must only defend Zion from outside aggressors. If League units attack Zion, we would be contractually obligated to attack them in defense of Zion. I vote Aye.”
Major Silver smiled before turning to Lt. Vahzenov. “What say you, Lieutenant?”
Piotr thought a moment. “Vell, ve might find ourselves caught trying to handle more forces zen ve are able to handle. I zink renegotiation of our contract vould be in order. Still, I vould have to say zat ve can support Zion, no matter if its Government changes or not. I vote Aye.”
Next Major Silver turned to Lt. Scott. “What about you Ben?”
He smiled as he sat forward. “Well, I think we’d be nuts to pass up an opportunity to get in the good graces of a newly independent nation. Worst case is that the coup fails and we just sit out our contract as planned. Best case is that we get an even better contract as long-term defenders of Zion worlds. I vote Aye.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Jones. “And you Lieutenant?”
Richard Jones shrugged. “We’re mercenaries, sir. We fight for who pays us to fight. If that means fighting the Fed-Suns, or the Dracs, or the League, then we do it. That decision was made when we accepted the contract. Aye.”
Major Silver nodded and turned lastly to Lt. Collins. “And what about you, Lieutenant? Do we back Free Zion?”
Morander just shrugged. “I’ll fight who you tell me to fight, sir. Makes no difference to me.”
Turning once again to McKenna, he asked “Well Captain? Still need to know what you think.”
McKenna finally spoke. “Well, our contract is with Zion Province, not the Free Worlds League. If the Government of Zion changes hands, we could use the opportunity to say that the contract is null and void. Could, mind you. I think the MRBC would see it as a situation of our employer ceasing to exist.” Noting the distress in Captain Zimmerman’s face, she continued. “However, I think that in light of all that has happened, I would support a bid to transfer our contract to Free Zion if they become the new government.”
Major Silver nodded. “Then it is agreed. Captain Zimmerman, if Free Zion becomes the new government, we will honor the terms of our contract with you.” He turned to the assembled officers. “None of you are to speak of this to anyone. Our agreement to support Free Zion is solely based on the fact that if they become the new government of Zion, we must honor our contract.” He turned to Captain Zimmerman. “Is that sufficient to you?”
Captain Zimmerman nodded. “It’s no open declaration of support, but it will do enough that you’ll fight. I think we’re done here.” At that the assembled officers left to prepare for what was to come.
“You’re clear.” Joe said to Lt. Vahzenov from the back of the truck. The five had traveled into the nearby capital city of Zion and found an out of the way Word of Blake communications terminal. With rifle in hand, Lt. Faller watched for anyone that could catch them in the act.
As Lt. Collins connected Lt. Vahzenov’s Star League era portable computer to the network, Chi Lin handed him a data disk. “Here. The program should allow you to break some fairly complex security measures for their message database.”
Taking the disk and inserting it into the computer, Lt. Collins started the program and began to log into the network. Within a few minutes, he said “I’m in, but this database is huge. There’s no way we can just copy it all. We need to find what we’re looking for and fast.”
Lt. Jones slipped in. “Here, let me look.” He started glancing through the search fields and running a few search algorithms. Having gotten his Doctorate in Computer Sciences long before he’d ever piloted a ‘Mech, within a minute he said, “Here. This looks like what we’re after. Hard to tell though, it’s heavily encrypted.” He copied the data to a data disk and closed out the connection.
“Vell, shall ve head home zen?” Vahzenov asked. “No need to stay at ze scene, no?”
“Cute Vaz.” Snorted Joe. “Real cute.”
More to come...
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Argh! Ok, my MAJOR Foul up here. I missed SEVERAL important posts that were supposed to come in between certain posts here. so I need to go back through and see if I can find a way to fix this mess. :-[ There will be some Major revisions of my previous postings, but it will be a while before I can get it rollingl I'm trying to get everything in the right order. I have it all compiled now.
I apologize for my foul up of the story. In my eagerness to get everyone back up to speed here, I missed a great deal of the back story.
Stay tuned Folks. I will get it right this time.
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No worries McKenna, You will get the fixes in and then I can read onward.
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We are a patient lot, so no problems. O0
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Silver Eagle 1 of my favorite units
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Mine too. ;-)
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I know it's a pretty dead thread, but I enjoyed playing in this game with my Word of Blake spy. I had so much fun.
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U guys got my hopes up for an update :( :'(
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IT LLLLLIIIIIVVVVVEEEESSSSS!!!!!
After years of absence, I return to finish what I started 15 years ago... the conclusion of the Silver Eagles storyline.
Zion, Free Worlds League
September 18th, 3057
As Major Silver entered the Briefing Room where the assembled officers were waiting, he took his seat at the table.
“Well,” He began. “What do we have on our plate this morning, Major McKenna?”
Erin stood slowly. “Well, things are settling down, sir. Zion is still in a state of heightened alert, but I think it would be safe to stand down for now and resume normal operations.”
Major Silver nodded. “Do it. No need for our people to be losing sleep when there is no immediate threat. We’ll resume normal operations for now, but I want it understood that we can resume heightened alert at any time.” He turned to Lt. Faller. “Lieutenant, any word on what’s going on out there?” He pointed up toward the sky.
Lt. Faller stood. “Well, communications are a bit dicey right now. Not surprising considering we’re on the border of a war zone. Still, the Blakists are letting regular Comstar news broadcasts through where appropriate. However, I think they’re filtering for content; only letting in the news broadcasts that bode well for the League.”
Lt. Vahzenov interjected. “I have heard from a friend of mine zat Regent Katrina has scheduled a press conference today on Tharkad. Perhaps she intends to broaden ze conflict by threatening League worlds along ze boarder if ze Captain-General doesn’t back down.”
Joe nodded. “That may very well be. She’s been an ardent supporter of him throughout the debacle over their mother’s assassination. This could complicate issues if League units pull back to defend their borders. We could find ourselves in the middle of a hornets nest.”
Major Silver put up his hands. “Enough speculation. We’ll see when the time comes and take it one step at a time. For now, we just have to worry about keeping things running smoothly. Shall we continue?”
Later as the meeting concluded, Major Silver waited for everyone but Lt. Collins to depart.
“Lieutenant, any progress?” He asked.
Collins just shrugged. “Not yet sir. We know it contains some personal communiqués from New Avalon, but we haven’t broken the code yet, so we don’t know what it says. We’re reasonably sure however that it includes the message from a Marik spy on New Avalon. Apparently what we got was a WoB decode of the original message that they in turn re-coded for storage in their own systems.” He smiled at Major Silver. “Don’t worry sir. We’ll get what’s in there.”
As the officers assembled in the Briefing room just after noon Terran Standard Time, they waited for the re-transmission from the HPG of Katrina Steiner-Davion’s announcement. As they watched, a tone was heard from the Com panel. Major Silver hit a key. “Go ahead.”
Petty Officer Ramirez answered. “Sir, we’re receiving a data feed from the HPG.”
“Pipe it down here, Mr. Ramirez.” Major Silver replied. As the assembled officers watched, a symbol strange to them appeared on the display screen at the foot of the table. It was a Steiner Mailed Fist, but not over a Davion Sunburst indicating the Federated Commonwealth. It was over a diamond. Fading out it showed a podium where as they watched, Katrina Steiner-Davion began her prepared speech.
“I have a brief statement to make, and I will not be taking questions afterward. By tomorrow morning you will have full information disks filling in the details of what I will allude to in my statement. At some future point I will address you again, as needed, depending on events.”
As her speech ran its course, the Silver Eagles were shocked when she invoked the separation clause of the Federated Commonwealth treaty. Equally shocking was her invitation to all Lyran Units in the Sarna March to withdraw from the conflict unharmed. As the speech concluded, Major Silver looked around the briefing room into the stunned looks of the assembled officers.
Breaking the silence, Major Silver asked, “So... comments? How does this affect The Silver Eagles?”
Lt. Scott looked over at the Major. “We’re screwed.”
Lt. Faller raised a hand. “Not necessarily Ben. This could still work out well. If Lyran units pull out of the March, the conflict will be a lot shorter and more decisive in favor of the League.” He glared at Ben to silence his rebuttal, reminding him with a look that there were people present whom did not know about Free Zion.
Captain McKenna looked across the table at Lt. Windsor who was still looking at the blank screen, gazing off into nothingness. She’s destroyed it. My Commonwealth... its gone. Turning to Major Silver, Lt. Windsor asked, “Sir, may I please be excused?”
Major Silver simply nodded and Lt. Windsor quickly left the room. Looking back to the assembled officers, he answered his own question. “This changes nothing. If anything, it reduced the chances of FedCom counterattack. I want this run in the mess hall immediately and as many times as necessary to inform everyone. We have Lyrans as well as Davions in our unit and it affects them. I don’t want this leaking out slowly. We need to keep things cool. That is all. Everyone is dismissed except Sergeant Spanner and Lieutenant O’Hare.”
As the room cleared, Major Silver turned to Sergeant Major Spanner. “Sergeant, we might have some problems with this news. Will your security patrols be enough do deal with them?”
Carl Spanner thought a moment. “If things are taken very badly, no sir.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. O’Hare. “Lieutenant, I want you to organize some MPs out of the Infantry. The important part is that they cannot have any Lyrans or Davions in them. Can you handle that?”
Lt. O’Hare nodded. “Yes sir. I’ll take care of it.”
Major Silver nodded in return. “Good. I don’t want trouble, but if trouble comes to us, I want to be ready. Dismissed.”
Lt. Faller stood at the briefing room table the next morning. “Yesterday, while everyone was so concerned with Archon Katrina’s announcement, this little nugget of info passed notice.” He tossed a data disk down on the table. “Liao has been captured by five Regiments of Warrior Houses of the Capellan Confederation.”
The news was disturbing as Liao was within Jump distance to Zion. McKenna spoke up first. “How did they get that many troops that far up the March so fast?”
“Apparently,” Joe answered “the Chancellor has used the opportunity to attack a number of worlds that used to be Capellan and were captured in the Fourth War. Based on the pace of the attacks, it appears that it was a coordinated attack. The Capellans are working with the League on this one.”
Major Silver looked up at his Intelligence Officer. “Do you mean to tell me that they have staged attacks all the way up as far as Liao? That’s impossible! They don’t have enough troops or transport!”
Joe shook his head. “No sir. The Liao attack had to come up through League space. After checking some local records, it seems that the attack force actually jumped out of Zion’s nadir point. It was kept very quiet. Two Monolith Class Jumpships jumped out just a few hours before Liao was attacked.”
All eyes turned to their liaison officer, Captain Zimmerman. He looked dumbfounded. “Believe me, I knew nothing about Capellans over our Capitol! You would know it if I did!”
Major Silver brought the meeting back into focus. “Alright people. As disturbing as this is, we have business to get to. Is there any more, Lieutenant?”
Joe shrugged. “There’s another press conference today... this time from Prince Victor. Other than that, no.”
Major Silver sagged his shoulders. Great, more good news from the aristocracy. “Alright. We’ll meet here for that announcement like before. Let’s get down to business.”
Prince Victor’s speech admitting to the charges caught many in the Silver Eagles by surprise, as did his commitment to fight a war without his sister or the Lyran half of the Commonwealth, effectively resigning his hold over half his realm.
Over the course of the next few weeks, the Silver Eagles monitored the activities in the Sarna March closely. Stunned at the declarations of Independence of Hall and Sarna, and the siding of Keid with the newly formed Lyran Alliance, they continued to prepare for the time when they would become caught up in the swirl of events, sure that the day would come.
As the officers gathered once again aboard the Comstock’s Briefing room at 1900 hours, Lt. Thorpe came in last wearing his Hawaiian shirt and carrying playing cards and poker chips. Since the decision to carry on secret meetings regarding Free Zion had been made, a cover story was circulated of a Senior Officers ‘Poker Night’. With the door secure, Major Silver turned to the assembled group.
“Now that we’re all here, let’s get started.” Major Silver turned to Captain Zimmerman. “Any news, Captain?”
Captain Zimmerman shook his head. “Nothing has changed. Though that may change later this week.”
Major Silver nodded. “We’ll be prepared, Captain.”
Later, as the officers completed their business, Captain Zimmerman took his leave of the group. Once he was gone, Major Silver looked at Lt. Collins. “Lieutenant, you said that there was progress on the decode?”
Morander Collins stood. “Yes sir. We’ve managed a partial decrypt of the message that started all this. According to the Blake intelligence decode of the SAFE agent’s data, they managed to ascertain the identity of the agent. The data by their own estimation is nearly unshakably correct. We managed to decrypt the agent’s identity according to WoB ROM.”
Major Silver shifted in his seat. “Who?”
Lt. Collins cleared his throat. “It was Francesca Jenkins, sir. The woman being touted by Prince Victor as a hero of the Federated Commonwealth for saving the life of the fake Joshua Marik.”
Major Silver let out a low whistle. “This should create problems.” Thinking a moment, he finished. “We’re going to sit on this one. No one knows, not even Zimmerman. Understood?”
Days passed uneventfully. Once more, the Senior Officers had assembled on the Comstock under the guise of a poker game. Captain Zimmerman had informed Major Silver that there was an important matter to be discussed this evening.
After the room was once again secure, Major Silver stood. “Down to business. Captain Zimmerman, I assume you have some sort of announcement?”
The Zion native stood. “Indeed, Major. You all know that two days ago Epsilon Eridani declared independence from the Federated Commonwealth, joining Hall, Sarna, and Keid. I have been authorized to inform you that Free Zion is now in a position to join with these independent worlds. However, we first require the Silver Eagles to relocate.”
McKenna cocked an eyebrow. “To where?”
Captain Zimmerman looked over to the Silver Eagles XO. “Asuncion.”
More to come... enjoy!
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Zion, Free Worlds League
October 10th, 3057
“What do you mean, Asuncion?” Captain McKenna asked.
Captain Zimmerman started pacing around the Briefing room. “Our movement is at different stages on the four worlds of Zion Province. Our movement on Asuncion is the most advanced and is ready to take over. We’re fairly sure that once Asuncion has declared independence, it will advance our cause on the other three. As such, the movement is relocating its headquarters there to bolster support. As your official Zion liaison, I am ordering the Silver Eagles to Asuncion. As a member of Free Zion, I am asking you to go there to protect the movement’s officers.”
Major Silver breathed out heavily. “Very well.” Turning to Lt. Vahzenov, he asked, “What is our status on transport?”
“Vell,” he began, “Ze Hadrian is mostly torn apart right now as ve are preparing it for ze armor and infantry. However, it can already carry some of ze Armor and crews. Vit ze space freed up on ze Comstock, ve should be able to carry ze cargo from ze Jim Bridger. Unfortunately, ve don’t yet have ze upper Vehicle Deck done, nor ze quartering. Zat means ve vill not be able to transport our Goblins, nor ze crews. In fact, ve vill not be able to even transport ze Artillery crews eizzer.”
Major Silver turned to Captain Zimmerman. “We’re going to need transport.”
Captain Zimmerman nodded. “We have already arranged for interstellar transport aboard a League Star Lord in accordance with our contract. As to additional interplanetary transport, your contract specifically states that you will provide your own.” He held up his hand to forestall objections. “However, I can arrange for a League Dropship for you to book passage aboard.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “It vould need to be at least a Seeker to accommodate our needs. Can zat be arranged?”
Captain Zimmerman nodded. “It can. How soon can you be ready?”
Vahzenov turned to Major Silver. “It vill take a day at ze very least, Major.”
Major Silver looked to Captain Zimmerman. “Is that fast enough?”
Zimmerman nodded. “It is. The Jumpship won’t arrive until the 18th anyway and you’re not expected on Asuncion until the first of November.”
Major Silver stood. “Then it’s settled. Contact who you need to get us the Dropship. As far as the rank-and-file are concerned, we’ve been ordered to Asuncion because it has been determined that the Kallon Industries factory is more likely to be attacked than the capitol and it’s less able to defend itself. Make it happen people.”
The Comstock drifted slowly toward the Star Lord’s Docking port. Already the Hadrian and their chartered Seeker had docked alongside two Union Class transports and a Leopard bearing the marks of the 12th Atrean Dragoons. As the ship slowly settled into the port, it shook slightly. Audible clicks rang through the hull as the docking mechanism secured the ship for interstellar transit.
Major Silver floated over the observation window. He could see the Marik Dropships clearly from this vantage as the ship prepared for Hyperspace jump. Mulling over the last few weeks in his mind, he couldn’t help but feel something should be bothering him.
Ha! Something indeed. thought Major Silver With Styk and Bryant going independent, Small World and Ingress declaring themselves a new nation, Sarna Capturing Kaifeng, and Sirius going dead silent, it’s amazing everything doesn’t bother me! That’s seven worlds in Sarna March with no Great House over them. I’ll bet that before Zion does the same, there’ll be more, too.
Warning klaxons sounded throughout the Comstock and other Dropships indicating that the Jumpship was about to cross the 21 light-years to Asuncion. As Major Silver moved to his seat and strapped in, something was niggling at the back of his mind. It was elusive... like a half-remembered dream. Slowly, the universe began to pull in on itself as terrajoules of energy ripped a hole in reality, plunging the Jumpship and her cargo into the reaches of another dimension.
As Major Silver felt the world around him collapse into infinity, it suddenly exploded outward again. Even as his body faded into hyperspace, the thought continued to gnaw at him. Suddenly he felt as though his body was actually being eaten by the thought that plagued him... like some monstrous bogeyman hatched from his mind into reality. Before him loomed his own father... decrepit and decayed as though he’d been dead for years. The apparition stood there, as tendrils shot from its body and stabbed into Kevin’s body, eating away at him, though with no pain. Slowly, the figure pointed into the void beyond itself. As Major Silver’s gaze drew toward the void, the visage of the crest of the 12th Atrean Dragoons appeared before him, covered in blood. Then finally, Major Silver saw it. The birds! he thought, though his voice echoed in his own mind a thousand fold louder than any sound he’d ever heard. Reverberating with a roar, he felt as though the sound would rip him apart.
Then, just as suddenly as it all began, the world collapsed again. Staring into the wall of the Comstock, Major Silver held back the building nausea. Quickly un-strapping himself, he floated once more to the window. Seeing the Dropships of the 12th Dragoons once more, he looked again at the crest. It wasn’t just a hallucination. It’s true! Quickly composing himself, he settled back again to ready for the 4-day transit to the planet below. I think I need to have a word with Captain Zimmerman about this.
Half an hour later, Major Silver found Zimmerman in his room. Knocking, he heard a muffled, “Enter.”
Major Silver entered the room and closed the door behind himself. “Captain, my apologies. I need to ask you something.”
Captain Zimmerman stood. “Sounds urgent. Go ahead.”
He pointed back towards the door. “Those Dropships. They aren’t the 12th, are they?”
Zimmerman looked puzzled. “Yes, as a matter of fact they are. Why?”
“No.” Major Silver said, shaking his head. You misunderstand my question. Though the way you misunderstand it makes me know the answer to my question already. You don’t know, do you?”
Zimmerman started to look angry. “Know what, Major?”
“I wasn’t asking for confirmation that the ships belonged to the 12th, Captain. I was asking for confirmation that they didn’t... because they don’t.”
Captain Thorpe looked puzzled. “What do you mean they aren’t the 12th? How do you know?”
Major Silver crossed his arms as he sat in the head chair of the briefing room only an hour after they had jumped in-system. “You forget, Randall. I was raised of noble birth. I have spent years of my life training to know the ways of nobility, and one major part of that training is to recognize a coat of arms.” His voice dropped to a hushed tone. “Theirs was wrong, Captain.”
McKenna turned pale. “Are you sure, Kevin?”
With only a curt nod, he answered “Certain.”
Zimmerman glanced at the assembled group. “This has nothing to do with Free Zion’s operations. As far as we knew, that actually was the 12th Atrean Dragoons.”
Major Silver looked around the room. “Did anyone actually get a chance to see anyone from those ships?”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “Ve veren’t allowed off ze Dropships, Major. No chance to see anyvone.”
Ben spoke up next. “Wait, how do you know it wasn’t them?”
Major Silver sighed. “I know what the crest of the 12th Atrean Dragoons is supposed to look like. But one of those ships, the Leopard, the crest on one wing was all wrong. The bottom dove’s heads were pointed out, not in.”
Ben shrugged. “So. Couldn’t it have just been a mistake in the paint job?”
Major Silver nodded. “Yes Ben, it was a mistake. But not one that a 12th Dragoon would make. Whoever it was, they made a very tiny error. One only a few people outside the 12th Dragoons would notice in the whole Inner Sphere.” He turned to Joe. “What do you make of it?”
Joe shrugged as he let out a drag from his cigarette. “Could be anyone. Capellans... Davions... Leaguers... Might even be empty, just to make someone believe that the 12th is here, not somewhere else. Misinformation.”
Major Silver nodded. “Could be. However, I want that ship watched. I want to know if those Dropships are still on her when that ship leaves in 8 days. Understood?” Looking around, he continued. “Now, what else do we have?”
A short time later, the ‘poker game’ ended for the evening.
Asuncion, Zion Province, Free Worlds League
November 1st, 3057
Since the revelation of the Capellan attacks, Erin had been a little distant and jumpy. She was unloading communication equipment from her car, lost in thought when a voice spoke behind her. “Is this the last of it, Captain?”
Erin jerked around, nearly dropping the heavy case she held, her hand flying to her throat. “Sergeant,” she gasped, as she registered Chi Lin's presence. “Ye startled me. Tae answer yer question, Aye, this is the last of the equipment.”
Chi Lin inclined her head. “I apologize. I did not mean to startle you. Once we get this equipment inside,” She hefted the case sitting on the ground, “We'll be ready to begin setting up.” She turned and headed for the abandoned house they had designated as the control center for their security systems. Affording much better protection and information containment than the HQ tent, it made security much easier to manage.
Erin followed her into the building. Once they were in the basement, Erin set to work wiring the sensor systems together. She looked up from her position under one of the portable sensor consoles and asked, “So, how are things between you and Randall?”
Chi Lin chuckled softly at Captain McKenna’s attempt to sound nonchalant. “Things are OK between us. He has his little quirks.” She smiled slightly. “What about you and Lieutenant Faller? Things go well?”
Erin dropped her head back on the floor with a sigh. “Things are still strained, though they are gradually getting better.”
Chi Lin grimaced. “Did you two have a fight? I have not seen this much tension between you in three years.”
It was Erin's turn to chuckle. “Aye, we had a disagreement. I have no doubt that we will get through this, though.” She pulled her head out from under the console. “Ok that one is done. What's next?”
Chi Lin pointed to the last console. “This one.” She joined Erin next to a single console. “This is the main control station. We need to connect each sensor console into this one.” She leaned over Erin’s shoulder and began pointing out the various connection points for the dozen or so cables Erin needed to connect. Her hair slid off her shoulder and into Erin's face. “Sorry,” she laughed. “I should have pulled it up before we left.”
Erin smiled. “Don't worry about it. I am used to my own doing the same thing.” She pulled one of the cables from the bundle she held. “This is for the seismic sensors, where does it go?”
After the two finished setting up the sensor network monitoring stations over the next hour. Once complete, the two returned to the HQ tent to transfer the personnel there.
Major Silver looked across the HQ tent at the assembled Officers. “Looks empty in here without all that Com gear!” He joked. “Anyway, lets begin. Captain?” He said, nodding to McKenna.
Erin stood. “Well, we got confirmation of our fund transfer to Technicron Shipyards. That means that the Dionysus will begin refit on schedule starting on the 15th. Base Camp operations were set up yesterday in that abandoned house and are now operational. Other than that sir, we’re ready to start clearing a runway for the fighters any time now. That’s about all.”
Major Silver jerked his thumb upward toward the sky. “And our... friends?”
Lt. Faller spoke up. “The Seeker that our armor rode in on should dock with them in about an hour. Shortly after 1000 hours Terran Standard Time, they’re supposed to be ready to jump. We’re keeping an eye on them.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good. Any further business?” Hearing no objection, he concluded. “Very well then. I want the unit to be ready to go on alert at any moment. No telling what can happen. Dismissed.”
Three hours later, the Free Worlds League Star Lord Jumpship jumped out of the Asuncion system. Two hours after that, the following message was read over every public broadcast system on Asuncion.
“When in the course of Human Events...”
Asuncion, Free Zion
November 2nd, 3057
As the Silver Eagles’ senior officers finished watching the world-wide broadcast of Declaration of Independence, Major Silver clicked off the display aboard the Comstock.
“So that’s it.” He began. “Free Zion has deposed the Zion Province Government. We’re committed.” Turning to Captain Friedrich he asked, “When is the next scheduled HPG transmission?”
“Asuncion’s Class B station’s weekly transmissions are sent out every Saturday at noon, Terran Standard Time.” Darious replied. “That means word should be out by the seventh of this month. However, the Blakists will likely send out a priority transmission long before then. In fact, I’m surprised they haven’t already.”
“That’s because they don’t control the HPG any longer, Captain.” Captain Zimmerman said as he entered the Briefing room. “At 1150 hours this morning, a special infiltration team captured the facility from the Blakists to prevent it.” He stopped at the head of the table next to Major Silver. “I apologize that I could not get here any sooner, Major. However, I’m sure you understand that things are a bit hectic right now.”
Major Silver nodded. “To be certain, Major.” He gestured to Captain Zimmerman’s normal seat. “Please. I’d like to hear Free Zion’s plans. Will regular HPG service be continued?”
As he sat, Captain Zimmerman shook his head. “At this time, Major, Free Zion has no means to facilitate HPG service. We have no qualified personnel capable of running an HPG, even a class B station, and the Blakists have all been placed under arrest for giving aid and comfort to the enemy.”
Captain McKenna stood slowly. “Major, we all understand the need for security, but was that wise attacking the HPG and arresting WoB personnel?”
Captain Zimmerman nodded. “Indeed Major McKenna, it was not only wise, but necessary. We need time. Time to solidify our position here. Time to prepare active defenses. Time to prepare the people of Asuncion for the fact that we will have to defend the liberty we desire. Time that unfortunately, the Blakists were not willing to give us.”
Captain Thorpe shot McKenna a glance. “Major, they’re WoB. This is a good thing that Free Zion has them locked up.”
Erin snapped her head around at the comment. “And what of the people of Asuncion? Don’t they have a right to freedom of communication?”
Captain Zimmerman interrupted the brewing argument. “You are very correct, Major McKenna. They do deserve freedom of communication. That is why the Blakists had to be arrested.” Before McKenna could rebuttal, he continued. “If we had done nothing, Zion would already know about the coup, and we wouldn’t stand a chance. All they would have to do is issue the Silver Eagles a recall order and if you didn’t obey it, you would be declared rogue. If you did obey it, we would lose the biggest unit standing between Free Zion and the League’s armed forces.”
Captain Thorpe spoke up next. “So what’s to prevent them from doing it once they know?”
Captain Zimmerman pulled a briefcase up onto the conference room table and pulled out some papers. “This.” He said, sliding the papers over to Captain McKenna.
Picking them up, Erin remarked, “It’s a new contract.”
Captain Zimmerman shook his head. “No, it’s not. It’s the same contract you signed on Zion. The only difference is who has signed it. This copy of the contract, as negotiated by the Silver Eagles and Zion Province, is signed by Miles Bryla, General Director of Operations of Free Zion and interim President of the Free Zion Province. Eventually, an elected official of Free Zion will replace him, but for now he is de-facto head of the government. This contract, once you sign it, will ensure that the Silver Eagles have a legal reason for taking our side and disobeying any order to return to Zion.”
Major Silver furrowed his brow. “Sounds like we’re taking a second contract, and I might add one that is in direct opposition to the one we’re under now.”
Quickly reading the contract, McKenna shook her head. “It looks exactly the same as the contract we signed, Major. Even the name of the government is the same. This is still a contract with Zion Province. All that’s changing is the head of the government. Technically speaking, our employer is still the same.” She handed the contract it to Major Silver.
Lt. Vahzenov interrupted. “Vat is ze possibility of renegotiating ze contract to have better salvage rights? As it is, ve have none at all. Zat vas fine ven ve thought zat zere vas little chance of a fight. But now...”
Zimmerman shook his head. “This is not a renegotiation. It can’t be. The Silver Eagles contract with Zion Province has to be the same as before, otherwise it could be viewed as a new contract with a new employer.”
Major Silver nodded. “Understandable. It sounds good to me.” He pulled out a pen and signed the contract, next sliding it to McKenna.
Asuncion, Free Zion
November 16th, 3057
Two weeks seemed to fly by as the Silver Eagles prepared for the seeming inevitable... the arrival of League troops to put down the rebellion. Still able to receive regular daily transmissions from Zion’s Class A HPG; they were kept aware of current events. Only a day before, another nation had declared independence from the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere. The so-called Terracap Confederation had joined the ranks of newly independent worlds in the Terran Corridor. All their hopes now hung on the idea of being just another of the newly independent nations.
Major Silver walked the base-camp grounds, surveying the preparations that his forces were readying. Suddenly, his personal communicator toned.
“Silver here.”
“Major,” came the voice of Petty Officer Ramirez. “We have an alert condition. Jumpship signature has been detected at the system’s Zenith point.”
Major Silver’s breath caught in his throat. Asuncion already missed two regular transmissions... this could be it. “Alert the base to be ready to move out on a moment’s notice... and contact Captain Zimmerman. I’m on my way.”
A few short minutes later, Major Silver entered the CIC aboard the Comstock. “Status report.” He bellowed.
Petty Officer Ramirez turned to Major Silver. “Sir, we have a single Jumpship signature at the standard Zenith point. No regular shipping is scheduled.”
He turned to his wife and Space Operations Officer, Captain Jan Hernandez-Silver. “Major Hernandez, can you get me a reading on that ship?”
Jan studied the display. “The computer is still chewing on it, but it looks to me like a commercial transport... maybe a loaded Merchant Class.”
Just then the display updated. The Identify-Friend-or-Foe signal was finally discernable from the electromagnetic noise of the ship’s entry into the system. “Roger that, Major. It reads as the commercial Jumpship Danny’s Boy, Lyran registry, confirmed Merchant Class transport.”
Major Silver let out a sigh of relief. “Stand down from alert status. Inform me if they make any transmissions. Carry on.” He turned and left the crews to tend to their jobs, returning to his inspection.
Major Silver took his seat at the heat of the conference room table. “Now that we’re all here, I assume you all know about the Merchant that scared us this morning?”
Captain McKenna nodded, “Aye, sair. We did at that.” her brogue thick with the informality of their ‘poker game’.
Major Silver picked up the electronic notepad he used so often. “Apparently, after jumping in they detached two Dropships, a Mule and a Fury. They’re listed as a cargo and passenger transport, respectively, but the Fury is normally a military transport. I want risk assessment on the possibility of a sneak-attack.” He turned to Lt. Faller. “Lieutenant?”
Joe leaned back and took another drag off his cigarette. “Well, it’s Lyran registered, just like the Mule and Merchant. She’s listed as having been in third-class passenger duty for over a decade.” He leaned forward. “However, there is a risk that she’s carrying troops... possibly even a Regiment’s worth of Mechwarriors with their ‘Mechs riding as cargo on the Mule.”
Captain Thorpe spoke up. “What about communication? Have they made contact yet?”
Major Silver nodded. “Indeed they have. Turns out Zion sent them to find out why we went silent and they decided to do a little business on their way. Against my recommendation, the Zion Council decided to transmit their Declaration of Independence. Their reply was shock, however they’re still burning for us and will land on the 20th.”
Lt. Scott spoke up next. “If they are a sneak force, how can we tell?”
Lt. Vahzenov answered. “Ve can’t, comrade. Ve vill have to vait until zey land.”
Major Silver nodded. “Indeed. However, I want the Silver Eagles there when they land in case it is a trick. We’re going to assume a defensive posture and hope that if it is a trick, we can catch them in the process of unloading before they can get any forces up and operational. A Mule isn’t exactly the best way to ship BattleMechs. They’ll need breakout time. All ‘Mech forces will be on alert and aboard the Comstock when they land with Scout Leader and Wing watching the spaceport. If they so much as twitch wrong, we’ll launch and deploy around their ships.” Major Silver looked around the room at his officers. “We’ll hope for the best, but let’s plan for the worst, shall we? No surprises on this watch!”
Four days later, the two Dropships descended on Asuncion’s Capitol City of New San Pedro. As the Silver Eagles all sat in their ‘Mechs aboard the Comstock, they anxiously watched the video feed Sergeant Santiago was sending them from their Pegasus Hoverscout. As the Mule settled onto the landing pad, the Fury touched down on the over-sized runway.
“Silver Actual to all Units. Prepare for immediate lift-off.” Major Silver switched over to the Comstock’s internal channels and keyed in the Bridge.
“Captain Friedrich here.”
“Captain, this is Silver Actual. Prepare for immediate lift-off on my mark.”
Darious smiled. “Don’t worry, Major. We’re all set here. Just give us the word and we’ll have you over that Starport in three minutes.”
Major Silver looked back down at his secondary display that was feeding the video from Scout Wing. As he watched, the Fury rolled up the taxiway and onto the parking tarmac of ferrocrete. His fingers hovered over the com panel, ready to key open the channel and order the Comstock on its way. As the Aerodyne Dropship’s ramp opened, he held his breath for just a moment. Here it comes...
Then, people started walking down the ramp. The camera zoomed in for a closer look. The picture fuzzed a moment as it refocused, finally resolving a crystal-clear image of people carrying personal transit bags... dressed in typical civilian clothing. Relaxing a moment, he waited to see if this was further subterfuge. As the minutes wound on, it became clear that the people disembarking were very unsure and very intimidated by the large militia infantry force that had assembled around the Dropships.
Finally, his com system toned. “This is Silver Actual, go ahead.”
“Major, I have Captain Zimmerman for you.” Came the comtech’s reply.
A moment of static filled his helmet as the channel switched. “Major Silver?” came the voice of their Liaison Officer.
“This is Silver Actual.”
“Major, it looks alright.” He replied. “They’re just Asuncion natives returning from abroad. We have an inspection team aboard the Mule as well and all they see are standard commercial shipping containers. I think they are who they claim to be... just merchants.”
Major Silver breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Captain. Silver Actual out.” Switching over to the Battalion Command Frequency, he ordered. “Silver Eagles, this is Silver Actual. Stand down from alert status. We’re safe for the moment.” Reaching over, he powered down Mercury’s fusion reactor and doffed the neurohelmet. “God, I hope we don’t have to go through too much of that!”
The next morning, Captain McKenna walked into the briefing room looking much less distressed than the day before. As she took her seat, Joe leaned over smiling. “Feeling better?”
Erin smiled and nodded. “Aye love, much.”
Joe shook his head. “Hey, just so long as you’re happy, I’m thrilled!” He joked.
Erin blushed slightly at the comment as Major Silver walked in and took his seat.
Looking around the room, Major Silver began. “Alright people, let’s get this day started.” He glanced at his notes a moment before continuing. “First of all, I want to clear up a matter that has been circulating around. That is the matter of the ex-Zion Province Governor and his staff. Contrary to rumor, they have not been executed. In point of fact, they are scheduled to board the Fury today before it departs back for Zion, carrying Free Zion’s Declaration of Independence and notice to all Zion worlds that they are welcome to join with Asuncion in forming a newly independent nation. Also, they will be taking with them the HPG command staff. That will remove all hard-line loyalists from Asuncion completely and let the whole Inner Sphere know what we’ve done here.”
Continuing he added, “This means that from this point forward, the course of events depends entirely on how the rebellion is received. If it carries the popular support of the other Zion worlds, then this could well end bloodlessly.” He let his voice drop a bit. “However, we aren’t counting on that. The Zion Council is assuming that the League will in fact send forces to pacify Asuncion and any other Zion world that declares independence, and we’re assuming the same posture. We’ll hope that we can get through this without bloodshed, but that’s what we’re paid for if it comes.” He glanced around the room at his senior officers. “Understood?”
The assembled officers all nodded in resigned acceptance of their situation. As Captain McKenna looked down at her briefing notes nodding, her doubts flooded her mind. If the League intends to enforce its control over Zion, this could be the end of us all. She quickly shook off the worry as she stood. “Alright people, settle down. Let’s get on with business. Item one...”
Even more on it’s way out of my fingertips! Stay tuned folks! I have both the time and the eagerness to catch you all up today!
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 1st, 3057
Major Silver once more entered the CIC in response to yet another alert message. Three times over the six days since the Merchant Class Jumpship Danny’s Boy departed, Jumpships had entered the system unscheduled. Each time they made regular contact informing Asuncion that they were only passing through the system, seemingly totally unaware of the rebellion below.
As Major Silver walked up to his wife Jan, he kissed her on the forehead. “Another Jumpship passing through, dear?”
Jan shook her head in seriousness. “Negative, sir. It’s the daily HPG packet from Zion. We’re in it.”
Major Silver felt his blood run cold. This can’t be good. he thought. “Very well. Alert the command staff to meet in the briefing room immediately. Let me see the package.”
As Major Silver read the news, his eyes closed slowly. When it rains... Turning to Jan, he said only, “I’ll be waiting in the Briefing room if anyone needs me.”
As the officers assembled in the briefing room, Major Silver sat silently. When they were all present he stood and pick up his notepad. Reading aloud, Major Silver read the news packet they had received to the assembled Silver Eagles officers.
NOTICE! On the 2nd of November, a rebel force of mercenaries and traitors on the planet of Asuncion captured the governmental and communications facilities of that world, declaring it the Independent Zion Province in Exile. Their openly stated intent is to deprive Zion Province of the sworn protection of the Free Worlds League and deprive all Zion citizens the rights of protection guaranteed under the Articles of Incorporation.
All loyal citizens of the League are hereby ordered to cease any dealings with the radicals that have thwarted the will of Zion’s legitimate government and are advised to avoid the system entirely until such time as it may be pacified.
The captive citizens of Asuncion are hereby requested to resist the rebel forces with any and all means at their disposal.
The divisive rebels of that world are hereby informed that if regular League controls are not restored immediately, they will be forced into compliance. We urge you to consider the actions you take at this crucial time when the League must stand united against the evil forces of the Federated Commonwealth, and restore League control of the system.
Signed,
Captain-General Thomas Marik and Parliament Assembled
President Malkin, Zion Province
Major Silver crumpled up the message once he finished reading it. “Comments?”
Lt. Vahzenov leaned forward. “Did ze first paycheck from Free Zion clear?”
McKenna shook her head. “Yes Vaz, it cleared this morning.”
Piotr smiled. “Zen ven do ve book passage on vone of zose Jumpships to take Zion?”
A short laugh rippled through the room before Major Silver spoke up again. “Alright people, this is no time for levity. The Free Zion movement on Zion itself is apparently not strong enough to take the planet. That means Zion’s old government is still in charge there. More importantly, this isn’t going to be the bloodless coups that we were hoping for.” He turned to Joe. “Lieutenant Faller, what does intel have to say about what we can expect in response to Asuncion ignoring the order?”
Joe mulled over the options a moment before answering. “Well, if it were any other time, the response would have been fierce. We would expect them to drop a regiment on us that are specialists at counter-guerrilla tactics, if not a couple. Fortunately though, the League is wrapped up in the middle of a major offensive into the Sarna March and won’t have the luxury of being picky. So, we’ll probably get whoever isn’t fighting at the moment, qualified at fighting insurgents or not.”
Major Silver turned to McKenna. “What about our contract? With Free Zion failing to take the old government out on Zion itself, are we looking at a breach of contract here?”
McKenna shook her head. “No sir. I’ve examined the legalities of the situation and looked for legal precedent. This situation has arisen before and the old Mercenary Review Board used to rule that the contract was not binding on Mercenaries when a government changed hands. In most situations, it worked in favor of the Mercenaries in question when they refused to fight for the new government, claiming that their contract was null and void. All that changed a few years back. A lot of this happened in the Ronin Wars along the newly formed Free Rasalhague Republic. At the time, a lot of Mercs refused to fight for the FRR and cited precedent of the time, letting them off their contracts. After that debacle, most contract terms were reworded to cover legalistic changes in governments so as to prevent Mercs from doing it again.” McKenna smiled. “Our contract specifically included language to protect Zion’s rights in case of a change in government, holding us to be bound to our contract if Zion were faced with the same situation. We’re covered, sir.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good. Then let’s figure out what we’re going to do when, not if, League forces arrive.”
“Roger that, Assault Leader. Holding position.” Lt. Faller felt the sweat begin to pool over his eyes as the heat in his Zeus rose. Standing next to McKenna’s Thunderbolt, Assault Lance, Armor Company, and the Infantry Company guarded the bridge from the company of ‘Mechs that was now barreling down on their position, while Air Defense Artillery fought a desperate battle to keep the OpFor’s fighters off them.
Static filled his neurohelmet as the line came to life with Lt. Owens’ report. “Contact! Bearing zero-one-two, distance 2 kilometers. Counting sixteen BattleMechs, over.”
McKenna responded quickly. “Roger that, Armor One. Hold position. We have to keep the forces from crossing here for as long as we can.” Lt. Faller could hear the doubt in her voice. She knows there’s no way we can pull this off. This was a bad battle plan that the Major came up with and she knows it. We’re gonna die out here.
As Joe watched the enemy ‘Mechs quickly close on their position, doubt turned to certainty. In unison, half of the enemy units fired on the front line of tanks, ganging up 2-on-1. Their front line crumbled in seconds as they returned fire, One Anvil split off from the rest of the enemy formation and began a sweeping run out along their left flank, while the four light and medium ‘Mechs of their formation split along the right flank. In their return fire, an enemy ON1-V Orion fell from concentrated fire. Hardly a fair exchange. thought Joe. One ‘Mech for four of our tanks!
As Joe lined up and fired on the next unit, a WVR-7M Wolverine, dropping it at once, he saw the Anvil line up for a flanking attack. With a flash of laser fire, three tanks in their second line exploded in flames from the fire it brought down on them with the extreme precision of a Veteran pilot. Staying on target, Joe punished the enemy forces with a full salvo of weapons fire on their Marauder, but failed to drop the target, even when the rest of their unit did the same. Smoking, but still standing, it slowly started to back off. At least we made him flinch!
As Joe got set to attack the Trebuchet that was closing in, he saw Captain McKenna swing past his position and close rapidly with the Anvil threatening their flank. “Close up the gap, Assault Support! I don’t want anyone getting through!” He barked into the command frequency. If we’re gonna die out here, let’s at least make them pay for it!
The Anvil quickly began to retreat away from McKenna’s headlong charge, but luck was not on the pilot’s side. As he pulled away, triggering yet another blast at the Tank formation, he failed to notice the ruble along the river’s edge. Slowed by the broken ground, McKenna quickly caught up with him and laid into him with a full salvo of short-range lasers and missiles. Armor flayed of the ‘Mech in seconds, but it failed to breach anywhere, until McKenna brought the Axe in her left hand up into the center of the ‘Mech, breaching all the way into the core of the ‘Mech’s reactor. With a brief flash of escaping hydrogen, the engine shut down, silencing the Anvil from the fight.
As she did so, the other 13 ‘Mechs opened fire all along the tank formation, blowing tanks apart in seconds. By the time his weapons cycled again, Joe looked out at the formation in front of him. They’re all dead! he thought. We four are all that’s left!
As he lined up on the Trebuchet again, the four ‘Mechs along the right flank lit off on jets of superheated air, sailing over their position and landing on the bridge behind them. McKenna barked her order over the command frequency. “Infantry Company! Open fire!” As she spoke, 112 infantrymen swarmed over the bridge, locking the four ‘Mechs in a battle to keep them from crossing. One of the enemy ‘Mechs, a Vulcan starting firing its flamer at the swarming infantry, but they were momentarily overwhelmed. Satchel charges exploded all around the legs of the ‘Mechs, knocking one to the ground as Ian Amdecker in his new Avatar turned in place to fire on the ‘Mechs from behind.
Twenty seconds stretched out into an eternity of weapons fire and destruction. As Joe looked at his status monitor, he saw that all he had left to fight with was a Medium Pulse Laser and the explosive missiles of his Narc Launcher. Ian and McKenna were both out of action, and the Infantry only had one platoon of mixed units left operational. Meanwhile, the enemy still fielded 11 ‘Mechs, having dropped a 4M Archer and the Trebuchet. This is over. he thought as he keyed his mic. “Enemy forces. We concede the battlefield. Will you permit us to withdraw?”
Static filled his helmet once more as the enemy commander replied. “Roger that, Joe. You guys held well, but it is over.” Major Silver sighed. “End simulation and restore normal visuals.” Flicking a switch on his console, Joe saw the battle damage vaporize off his ‘Mech and the scarred landscape return to its previous state. Ruined tank hulks immediately resolved back into fully operational and undamaged tanks. ‘Destroyed’ ‘Mechs, frozen in place, unlocked their actuators and began forming up.
“Silver Actual to all units. Load up and head back to the HQ tent for debriefing. Out.” As Joe started his Zeus walking back toward their base camp, he pondered the purpose of this exercise. We were obviously outmatched here. Why bother running the sim at all? He continued to ponder it all the way back to base camp.
As Major Silver entered the HQ tent, he looked around at the demoralized faces. I hope they learn something here. he thought. Taking his position at the head of the room, he began. “Many of you may be wondering why we ran that simulation. The reason is simple. We are used to being in a position where we can face the enemy head-on. We may yet find ourselves in a situation where doing so is suicidal.” He pointed out toward the sim site. “Let that be a reminder to you all. You can’t win a war if you’re dead. You won’t get a paycheck if you’re dead. The Silver Eagles won’t survive if you’re all dead.”
He took a deep breath before continuing. “That having been said, I was very impressed with the bravery and determination you all showed, especially you Infantry squad leaders. Very well done! You held against insurmountable odds for a lot longer than I thought you could. Infantry units have this weekend off on liberty. Congratulations! The rest of you, remember this day, and maybe we might live to see the end of this contract! Dismissed!”
As the group filed out of the tent, Captain Thorpe caught Chi Lin as she was headed out. “Lin! Hey, what do you have planned later?”
Chi Lin shrugged. “Not much. I have to run a recon over the south side of the city at 1900 hours, but after that I’m off duty.”
Randall thumbed over his shoulder toward the field kitchens. “Want to grab dinner with me afterward? Maybe head up to my room on the Comstock and unwind?”
Chi Lin sighed. This isn’t going to be easy. “Look Randall, we need to talk.”
Thorpe’s usual cavalier smile melted away. “This doesn’t sound good.” He walked out of the tent with her as they made their way away from the crowd. “What’s up?”
Chi Lin looked at the ground and shrugged. “It’s just not going to work, Randall. I know in the Eagles, rank doesn’t mean anything, but I’m a NCO and you’re my Commanding Officer. Heck, you’re one-third owner! You’re my boss either way you look at it. Don’t get me wrong, you’re a fun guy and all, but I just don’t see it working out between us, even if you weren’t my boss. Plus...” she hesitated a moment.
Randall looked on. “Yeah?”
Chi Lin looked up. “There’s someone else.”
Randall let out a deep sigh. “Ah.”
Chi Lin put her hand on his shoulder. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to be like this. But things happen sometimes... and life is never what you expect it to be.”
Randall smiled. “It’s alright Lin. I’ll be fine. Really. Hey, it was fun while it lasted!”
Chi Lin laughed. “Yeah... it was fun! Oh! I almost forgot! If it’s any consolation... I know someone who is very interested in you.”
Randall rolled his eyes. “Oh, man! You just have to go and try and set me up, huh?”
Chi Lin smiled. “Of course! Besides, you wanted to get in closer with the Marines anyway, didn’t you?”
Randall’s smile melted. “The Marines? Who? Blake, please don’t tell me it’s Corporal Ratte! I mean, he’s a nice guy and all, but...”
Chi Lin laughed. “No! No! Though she is in second squad... Sergeant Coyer. Remember all that time you spent with her learning Radio and Detection basics? Well, she got kind of sweet on you. Did you know she’s from Amarillo? I understand that’s near where you grew up on Terra.”
Randall perked his head up. “No, I didn’t! Hmmm... have to think about that one. A fellow Terran, and a Texan at that!”
Chi Lin’s face puckered. “What’s a Texan?”
Randall shook his head. “It’s an ancient North American sub-district... almost as old as the old North American United States itself. Texans have always held themselves apart as being a little different than anyone else. Myself, I’m from Houston.”
Chi Lin nodded vacantly. “Well anyway, I know she’s interested. Just thought you might like to know!” She glanced down at her chronometer. “Listen, I have to get prepped for my recon run. I’ll see you around, ok?”
Randall nodded. “Alright. See you around. And Lin?” He paused as she looked back at him over her shoulder. “Thanks for being honest with me.”
Chi Lin smiled. “Always. Later, Randall.” At that, she left into the chilling of the coming Asuncion night.
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 5th, 3057
As Major Silver entered the briefing room, he took his usual place at the head of the table. “Alright McKenna, what’s on the table today?”
Erin stood and glanced at her notes. “Well, we had a scheduled Jumpship arrival today. Invader class carrying three cargo transports on a regular run to re-supply the Kallon Industries factory. Apparently they either didn’t get the message to avoid us in time, or have decided to make money more important than politics. Either way, their transports will be landed by the 9th and are scheduled to depart the next day. Kallon has already informed them that the Free Zion government has annexed their usual shipment out. They weren’t happy about that. Other than that, there was a small non-violent protest in New San Pedro yesterday. Basically just a few loyalists that want League control restored. Nothing came of it. They were arrested for illegal protest, booked, and released. The majority of people are behind Free Zion still.”
Lt. Faller spoke up. “Non-violent protests are a welcome change of pace. However, I think when we are facing attack, those loyalists will get much more militant. I’ve taken the liberty of asking the Council’s Public Affairs Officer for the names of those involved. Might be useful later.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good thinking, Joe.” Looking down at his notes, he turned back to McKenna. “What else do we have?”
“Well, there’s the matter of contract re-negotiations.” McKenna continued. “I’ve asked Captain Zimmerman if it could be possible, now that we have established that Free Zion is a legitimate claimant to Zion Province, if it could be possible to mutually cancel the existing contract and sign up for a new one. Zimmerman said he’d ask his higher-ups, but he told me that he was pretty sure that the answer would still be ‘No’. Still, he is going to put in a good word for us and lobby in our favor.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “Zat is ze best news I have heard since ve came to Asuncion, Major McKenna! Ve could really use a better contract.”
Major Silver interjected, “It would be nice, but let’s not count on it. I’d rather concentrate on what we can do with what we’ve got rather than speculate on what we could have. Next item, Major?”
“Well,” she continued, “Infantry Company is off in New San Pedro today. Lieutenant O’Hare promised that he’d keep the boys in line, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if they meet with some trouble. The Capitol City has the highest concentration of loyalists on the planet. Public opinion polls show that nearly 44% of New San Pedro’s population isn’t satisfied with the change in power. All total, there are almost 150 million loyalists on Asuncion, but over 600 million of the population support the rebellion for the most part. The highest concentrations of rebel supporters are in the rural areas and a few of the larger cities. However, that also means that the largest single concentration of rebel supporters is also in New San Pedro. That gives the rebellion the support of almost 80% of the population.”
Major Silver sat forward. “Keep that information, Major. We may need it later. Is there anything else that needs to be covered?”
McKenna shook her head. “That’s all, sir.”
Major Silver stood up. “Then let’s get to business, people. I want to keep updated on any major changes, but for now let’s just fulfill the dictates of our contract and be ready for the worst. Dismissed.”
McKenna stood in the communications building and watched the video surveillance data idly. She had only come in to check in with the communications staff, but she had time to kill before her scheduled personnel reviews. She’d decided to stick around the communications center and let the normal duty officer have a break.
Suddenly, her headset crackled with the voice of Petty Officer Ramirez. “Commcenter, this is Comstock. Ready to transmit a local data flash for distribution to Company Command, over?”
Erin keyed in reply. “Comstock, this is Commcenter. Ready to receive.” She dropped a data disk into the terminal and pressed the record key. A moment later, the data streamed onto the disk. Pressing the eject key, she keyed her mic once again. “Comstock, this is Commcenter. Data received and confirmed. Out.” Standing up, she motioned to the duty officer to resume his post. Taking the disk and placing it in her reader, she read the news report and the message directed to the Silver Eagles. Turning to face the duty officer now at his station she ordered, “Corporal, please contact Major Silver, Captain Thorpe, and Lieutenant Faller and have them meet me in the HQ tent ASAP.” At that, she turned and headed of toward the Battalion’s Headquarters.
As Major Silver walked toward the HQ tent, Joe and Randall met him on the way in. “Hey Joe? Any idea what McKenna wants?”
Joe shrugged in the cold of the wintry afternoon. “Not exactly, but I have an idea or two.”
As they entered, Captain McKenna snapped to attention. “Major. We just received this communiqué from The Zion Council.” as she handed the reader to Kevin.
Taking the reader and clicking it on, he read the order to the other two idly.
To: Silver Eagles Command
From: Free Zion Interim Council, Office of Acting General Director of Operations
Major Silver,
You are hereby notified that we have received covert intelligence warning of impending Free Worlds League attack. Our source was not able to identify the unit prepared to attack, but they were able to determine that a covert intelligence force may already be in place here on Asuncion, with the sole intent of feeding information off-world regarding troop dispositions, unit readiness, and areas of operation. As of this moment, all Asuncion Militia and all units under contract are ordered to maintain a high state of readiness and prepare secondary and tertiary operations areas. The location of these should be transmitted to the Office of Acting General Director of Operations within 48 hours of receiving this notice. We may redirect your area of operations as necessary to prevent overlap of resources and strategic deployment needs. All such communications should not be sent by conventional transmission, no matter how secure, but by courier to prevent any chance of unknown interception. We will be awaiting your reply.
Signed,
Miles Bryla, Acting General Director of Operations
Four days later, the Silver Eagles were once again in their ‘Mechs, ready to mobilize as a Mule and two Mammoth class Dropships approached the Spaceport. Major Silver stood in the CIC, watching the approach.
“Touchdown in twenty seconds, sir.” Announced Senior Spacehand Armando Pollak.
As Major Silver watched the monitors, he was glad that the unit had responded so well to the early morning combat readiness drill. They’re really starting to snap-too. he thought. Acting less like a loose collection of human debris and more like a Unit. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the drill was timed for the arrival of the incoming Dropships! That probably motivated them a little more than usual.
“Touchdown, sir.” Spacehand Pollak idly commented.
“Thank you, Mister Pollak. Please monitor the offloading operations and inform the Bridge of anything unusual.” Reaching down, he picked up a headset and keyed in the Command channel. “Silver Actual to all units. Stand down from readiness drill and resume normal operations. Good work people!” At that, he clicked off the channel and headed for his room to a well-deserved night’s sleep.
The next morning, Lt. O’Hare met Major Silver on the way toward the HQ tent. “Good morning Lieutenant.” He said, sipping his coffee.
“Good morning sir.” Lt. O’Hare began as he walked with Major Silver across the base. “I wanted you to be the first to know about a situation that has come up.”
“Oh?” he queried. “What’s up, Daniel?”
“Well sir, it’s about the Clanners.” O’Hare stammered. “They’re beating the snot out of our regular troops in performance marks during the readiness drills.”
Major Silver nodded. “Not unexpected if you ask me.” He replied. “They’re warriors from birth onward.”
Lt. O’Hare nodded. “Yes I know that sir, but their performance marks are only better because the Clanners are always on duty! I mean, they’re in combat gear when they’re not scheduled for duty, when they’re eating, heck most of the time they take their meals in the field and settle for rations they prepare for themselves. I mean, dedication to duty is one thing, but these guys don’t ever take any time off! They’re gonna burn themselves out!”
Major Silver chuckled as he remembered Lt. Josepho’s early days. “You’ve never worked this closely with a Clansman before, have you?”
Lt. O’Hare shook his head. “No sir, but they’re still human, aren’t they?”
Major Silver nodded. “Yes, they’re human. They just have a different outlook on life than we do. I mean, they’re on average what... 27 years old? Some of them are even in their early 30s already. I know when you look at them, you see a bunch of troops barely old enough to be out of their wet-behind-the-ears stage. But these are Clansmen. To them, they’re rapidly approaching middle age and still trying to prove themselves. Worse yet, they feel they’ve had to start their careers all over again with the Silver Eagles. They have yet to have the opportunity to prove their worth to their new Clan. They want to be ready at a moments notice to give their all. Given the situation at hand, we can use that sort of motivation to spur the other troops on to try even harder.”
Lt. O’Hare stopped. “But what about them, sir? They won’t last long living like this. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear they were trying to burn themselves out.”
Major Silver turned to O’Hare. “Daniel, you don’t understand. They are trying to burn themselves out. They feel the approach of advancing age and are trying desperately to prove that they are worth being added to the breeding program.”
O’Hare crossed his arms. “But sir, we don’t have a breeding program!”
Kevin laughed. “I know that, Daniel. So do they. But it’s a very well ingrained habit for them, borne of a lifetime of expectation. We can’t expect them to change overnight.”
As the two approached the HQ tent, O’Hare turned to Major Silver. “Well, all I know is that for as long as they’re keeping it up, our regular troops won’t stand a chance in the performance drills. You can’t compete with someone who never takes any R&R.”
Major Silver nodded. “Like I said, for the time being it will be fine, even use it to spur a little in-company competition. Nothing like letting the new guys get a leg up on you to make you try that much harder. And with as young as the Clanners are, it ought to be interesting!”
As the two entered the HQ tent, Major Silver took his place at the head of the room. Turning to McKenna, “Alright, let’s get down to business. Captain?”
Erin quickly rose. “Well, to begin...”
Major Silver interrupted. “Where’s Captain Zimmerman?”
Lt. Faller responded. “Occupied with state business, sir. He told me to pass on his apologies for missing today’s briefing, but it couldn’t be helped.”
Major Silver looked at Joe and saw a hint of something more to the story. “Alright Joe. I don’t think we’ll need him today anyway. Sorry Captain, continue.”
“As I was saying,” McKenna said, mildly irritated. “Captain Zimmerman is overseeing other matters. However, he was able to pass this on to me, sir.” She slid a paper over to Major Silver. “It’s a formal refusal to re-open negotiations with Free Zion over contract points. They claim that they can not afford a renegotiation at this time. However, they have promised us that if things go sour, we won’t be left hanging out on our own. Contract or no contract, they’re glad to have us with them and are willing to go above and beyond the dictates of the contract to keep us. But they know we want salvage rights, and they don’t want to give them up. Given that they’re trying to start a new nation here, it’s understandable that they would want to keep as much as they can get their hands on when it comes to military hardware.”
Major Silver nodded as he took the letter of intent. “Very well. It was worth a try. Honestly, I’d rather have them willing to go above the needs of the contract then have us need to beat them over the head with it. Next order of business?”
As Major Silver entered the briefing room for their ‘poker night’, he took his usual seat. His face could not hide his giddiness, no matter how well he tried. As the group looked to him to start the evening meeting, he could feel their stares on his face. Blushing slightly, he finally spoke up. “Well, at least I have a little good news.”
Lt. Vahzenov interrupted. “Do I need to buy you a case of cigars, sir?”
Blushing even more, he nodded. “Yeah. Jan’s expecting again.”
McKenna sat up. “Congratulations sir!”
Joe leaned forward in his chair and lit a cigarette. “Don’t you two ever do anything else?”
Light laughter filled the room as Major Silver regained his composure. “Ok, so what have we tonight?” He turned to Lt. Faller. “Was there something more to Zimmerman’s absence today than you let on, Joe?”
Joe sat back. “Yes sir. When you released us from duty early this morning after the Dropships landed, I did some recon.” He pulled out a data disk and dropped it in the player built into the table. Calling up a file, he turned to the main display. As the group watched, low-light camera footage appeared on the screen of the Mule Class Dropship’s landing pad. As they watched, the camera zoomed in on a group of five individuals with their hands behind their heads being escorted off the tarmac by a dozen or so infantry. Following the group, they were loaded into APCs and driven off. The camera footage suddenly switched to showing the APCs in front of a building, off-loading its ‘passengers’. They were then escorted into the building. After that the footage stopped.
Major Silver leaned forward. “So what was that all about?”
Joe sat forward and took a drag off his cigarette. “Five individuals were aboard that Mule. They were taken into custody the moment they set foot on the tarmac.” Punching in a file name, he turned once again to the display. It showed a close-up of one of the five in freeze frame. “Do you recognize that man, sir?”
Major Silver looked closely at the picture. A hint of recognition flashed through his mind. Then suddenly his mouth opened. “That’s Galen Lamond, head of House Lamond! Isn’t he the personal attaché to President Malkin?”
Joe nodded. “Good eye sir. Took my computer ten minutes to chew on that picture before it could positively ID him.”
As soon as he heard the name, Lt. Jones looked it up in his computer. Turning to the group, he started reading aloud.
Name: Galen Lamond
Age: 46
Physical Description: Dark blonde hair / blue eyes / 181 cm / 81 kg
Noteworthy Positions: Head of House Lamond (3047 - present); Personal attaché to President Malkin (3051 - present)
Notes: The charismatic leader of House Lamond, Mr. Lamond has aided President Malkin, head of Zion province for many years, even before he became head of his House and the President’s personal attaché. An ardent supporter of the Free Worlds League and Captain-General Thomas Marik in specific, Mr. Lamond has been Zion’s representative on a number of occasions where the President might not be welcome or his safety might become an issue. Having brokered seventeen peace treaties over the last decade in the name of Zion Province, he has kept rebellious factions such as the Mormon Mech Battalion from becoming overtly hostile toward the Free Worlds League. Three times over the past few years he has met with Colonel Malachi Young to forestall open rebellion against the Marik House line of the billions of Mormons within the League. Thus far, he appears to have been successful at this task.
“Yes.” Major Silver remarked. “I remember reading about him back in the early days of the Clan Invasion. A remarkable peacemaker. If he came here, Zion must be trying to find a diplomatic solution to the situation. Why did they arrest him?”
Joe shrugged. “He’s an ally of the Captain-General, and by extension, House Liao. That makes him an enemy in their eyes.”
Major Silver keyed open the Com panel on the table.
“Com-tech.” Came the even tone of Petty Officer Guan-Yin.
Major Silver let a hint of informality slip into his voice. “Please connect me with Captain Zimmerman in New San Pedro as soon as possible, could you Mister Yin? Thank you.”
Lt. Vahzenov sat forward. “Vat do ve tell him, Major?”
Major Silver thought a moment. “I’m not sure. I think we should just come right out with it. Let him know what we want to know.”
Lt. Collins added to the conversation. “Well, we could always try and get the information ourselves. Between Chi-Lin, Lieutenant Jones, Vahzenov, and myself, we have the capability.”
McKenna finally spoke up. “We could always just ask formal permission to access their databases. The worst they can do is say no. In that case, we can use the video footage as leverage to get some answers.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good point, Erin.” He turned to Lt. Collins. “Go ahead with your plan, but either way we’ll ask Captain Zimmerman tomorrow for access. That way we can see if they give us the truth or a cover-up.” Just then, the com panel toned. Reaching down Major Silver answered, “Go ahead.”
It was Petty Officer Guan-Yin. “Com-tech. I have a reply from Captain Zimmerman. He said to apologize for his absence today, but that he would be back tomorrow as scheduled. He also apologized for not having the time to speak to you himself. That is all sir.”
“Thank you, Mister Yin. That is all.” Looking around the room Major Silver queried, “Does anyone else have anything to add?” Seeing no response, he stood up. “Very well then, you’re all off duty. Do what you need to do.” At that, he left for his room and growing family.
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 9th, 3057
Lt. Vahzenov pulled his truck to a stop in front of a data terminal booth in the middle of the warehousing district. Immediately after checking around the area, he signaled to the passengers in the back of the cab. As he did so, Lt. Collins, Lt. Jones, and Sergeant Chi-Lin jumped out and walked over to the terminal while Lt. Faller pulled out his Blazer Rifle and shouldered it in case they were caught.
As Lt. Jones approached the terminal, he pulled the pack off his back and pulled out his powerful Star League era noteputer. As Lt. Collins did the same with a similar computer belonging to Lt. Vahzenov and connected it to the data terminal, Lt. Jones attached his own computer to Vahzenov’s.
As they did so, Chi-Lin pulled out a data disk. “Here. I improved the program since last time. You should have no worries about data tracing. It should take at least 10 minutes for them to trace the connection.”
With a quick nod, Lt. Collins powered up the noteputer, as did Lt. Jones. As Morander hacked into the network, Richard Jones Tried connecting to the message databases.
“Are you in yet?” Richard asked.
Morander nodded. “Yeah, we’re in. You should have complete access.”
Lt. Jones tried reloading the database directory. “I’ve got nothing.” He whispered. “The databases are all blank.”
Lt. Collins queried the system for a network status update. After a few seconds, the request timed out with a service message. “Damn! They’ve taken the planetary network off-line! We won’t be able to access anything by remote. All we can do is put in requests for data but a direct network connection to the database is impossible.” He cleared the log entries of his connection and disconnected. “We’d better get going before anyone spots us.”
As the four slowly drove back to base camp, Joe kept a lookout through the back window. Halfway out of town, he turned to Lt. Vahzenov as they went around a corner. “Vaz, we have a tail.”
Just then, they felt the truck lurch forward suddenly. Vahzenov slammed on the brakes. “Zey rear-ended us!”
Joe pulled out his needler and handed it to Lt. Collins. “Here.” He said as he pulled out his Blazer Rifle.
Vahzenov reached for the door handle. “Hang on a second Joe, I zink I can handle zis. Still, be ready.” At that he swung out of the truck and ran towards the back. Shouting in perfect Chinese, he began pointing at the barely noticeable damage to the back of his truck.
As he did so, two men got out of the car and approached him. “Sir? Sir?” said the driver. “Sir, just a moment.”
Ignoring the man’s remarks, he continued to rant on in Chinese, pointing at the back of the truck.
Joe listened in from the cab, ready to spring out at a moment’s notice. Though he only had a very basic understanding of Chinese, he was able to follow some of what Lt. Vahzenov was saying. Something... something... starvation... something... something... wife and kids... something... something... debtor’s prison? What’s he on about?
“Sir!” The driver shouted at Lt. Vahzenov, trying to get him to stop shouting, when Piotr started to cry. At that, the two men looked at each other, turned around, got back in their car, and sped away. After shouting after the car speeding away, he calmly walked up to the cab, carrying something.
As the door opened, Joe leaned over the seat. “What’s that?” He asked.
Lt. Vahzenov smiled. “It’s zere front bumper. It fell off when zey hit us.”
As the next morning meeting concluded, Major Silver called Lt. Vahzenov over before he left the HQ tent.
“Vaz, what happened last night?” he asked.
“Vell,” Lt. Vahzenov began, “ve tried to get some information, but ze planetary information network has been taken off-line due to ze emergency. Ve vere also tailed, but ve handled the situation... diplomatically.”
Major Silver crossed his arms. “Diplomatically? You were caught?”
Lt. Vahzenov shook his head. “Not exactly caught Major, just tailed aftervards. Ve’re not even sure zat zey knew who zey vere following.”
Major Silver looked unsure. “Well, let’s hope. Zimmerman will be there at tonight’s ‘poker game’. We’ll pick this up there, alright?” With a curt nod from Lt. Vahzenov, the two left for their daily duties.
When the Silver Eagles gathered on the Comstock at 1900 local time, Captain Zimmerman was the last to arrive.
“My apologies, Major Silver.” He said as he entered the briefing room. “I’ve been very busy of late and needed to take care of a lot of paperwork regarding the Silver Eagles. Believe me, I’d have rather been here!”
A light chuckle escaped Major Silver’s lips. “I understand where you’re coming from.” As Captain Zimmerman took his seat, Major Silver turned to him. “Captain, I have a formal request to make on behalf of the Silver Eagles.”
“Oh?” Zimmerman said. “What can Zion do for you?”
Major Silver took a deep breath. “We would like to make an official request of information for access to the Zion Council’s information database.”
Zimmerman sat back. “That information is highly classified Major, and you know that. Why do you want access to our databases?”
Major Silver turned to Joe and nodded. With the press of a key, the camera footage of the people being taken off the Mule ran. When the camera zoomed in on Galen Lamond, the picture froze, and resolved into a personality profile on him. “This man was on that Mule, and you arrested him the moment they landed. Mr. Lamond is a very influential diplomat and a good man. For what we can see, he could only have been sent here to find a diplomatic solution to the rebellion. Why was he arrested like a common criminal?”
Zimmerman watched the footage and listened to Major Silver in silence. Finally, he turned to Major Silver. “Where did you get that footage?” he asked.
Lt. Faller spoke up. “We have our sources, Captain. Suffice it to say, we got it.”
Zimmerman looked at Joe and nodded. “Very well. Major, this is a very delicate matter. Mr. Lamond’s involvement would have complicated a great many things and led to needless difficulties. It was the opinion of the Zion Council and the General Director that he should be arrested as an enemy of the state. We are not at liberty to say more.”
Just then, alarm klaxons sounded. “General Quarters! General Quarters! All hands to battle stations! General Quarters! General Quarters!”
Major Silver keyed the com panel on the table. “Silver to CIC. Status report.”
Petty Officer Ramirez answered quickly. “Major. The planet has gone to high alert. Someone broke into the HPG building and sent off a Hyperpulse message.”
Major Silver turned pale. WoB! Turning quickly to the assembled officers he stood. “To your ‘Mechs people! Load up!”
As the briefing room cleared, the Silver Eagles prepared for the inevitable...
Invasion.
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 10th, 3057
Major Silver walked into the CIC wearing his cooling vest. Seeing his wife at the space monitoring station, he walked over. “Major Hernandez, any contacts out there?”
Captain Hernandez-Silver shook her head. “Nothing except the Invader that brought the cargo ships, sir.”
Major Silver nodded. “Keep a sharp eye out, Major.” Turning to Petty Officer Ramirez he asked, “Com-tech. What’s our status?”
Brian Ramirez glanced at his status display. “We’ve got the entire Battalion showing green, sir. The Comstock and Hadrian are powering up their engines now. Captain Thorpe and the rest of Recon Lance are almost at the HPG now.”
Major Silver nodded in approval. “Good. How about the Asuncion Militia? Any word from them?”
Ramirez shook his head. “Nothing sir, nor anything from the Zion Council. However, I was able to pick up a coded transmission sent to the Militia’s headquarters a few minutes ago. It was scrambled using a code not on our tables.”
Major Silver grimaced. “Get me Major Thorpe.”
Picking up a headset, Major Silver waited. “Recon Leader, this is Silver Actual. Please respond.”
Captain Thorpe could see the HPG now as his Blackjack ran up the city street. “Silver Actual, this is Recon Leader. Go ahead.”
“Report.” Was Major Silver’s only reply.
Randall assessed the situation. “We’re approaching the HPG now and have it in sight. There is a large firefight in the front plaza. Looks to be about 8-10 platoons of militia pinned down by heavy cover fire from the building. Shall we render aid?”
Major Silver had a momentary flash of memory of the last time the Silver Eagles had operated near an HPG. “Negative, Recon Leader. Repeat, Negative. You are not to proceed into the compound, and you are weapons-safe until told otherwise, understood?”
Captain Thorpe sighed. “Understood, Silver Actual. Will keep you apprised. Recon Leader out.”
Ramirez turned to Major Silver. “Major, I have a priority message for you from the General Director’s office.”
Major Silver pressed a key on the com panel, he responded. “This is Major Silver, go ahead.”
“Major,” began General Director Bryla. “As I’m sure you are already aware, we have a situation.”
Major Silver sighed. “Yes, we are aware General Director. The Silver Eagles stand ready to assist.”
Director Bryla acknowledged approvingly. “Well done, Major. We’d like the Silver Eagles to assist in the recapture of the HPG from the loyalists. All we need from you is perimeter security. Our militia will take the facility, but we need you to cover the perimeter to make sure no one escapes. How soon can you be there?”
Major Silver had already figured for travel time to the HPG, so he answered quickly. “We can have our ‘Mech Company there in two minutes.”
Director Bryla was audibly impressed. “Really? Good, then I’ll inform General Bramard to be expecting you. Bryla out.”
Major Silver turned to the comm-tech. “Mr. Ramirez, get me Captain Friedrich.”
A moment later, Mr. Ramirez nodded to Major Silver.
Major Silver heard Darious answer the com. “Captain? You are a go for launch. Approach plan Alpha. Bring us over the HPG at two thousand and head for rendezvous point Bravo-6. Launch when ready.” At that, Major Silver took off his headset and headed toward the lift to take him to his ‘Mech.
As Captain McKenna sat in the command couch of her Thunderbolt that she had dubbed Macha, she monitored the data feed from Recon Lance. Over a thousand militiamen were en-route to the HPG and they would be beginning their combat drop in the next minute. She felt the tension build as she watched the countdown timer shrink. Thirty seconds... it’s time.
Keying her command frequency open she ordered, “Thirty seconds people! I want this drop to go smooth and by the numbers. Strike Lance. You and the other two members of Fire lance will follow Assault Lance down. Major Silver will lead Command Lance after we’re down. Get ready people...”
She watched the drop door open beneath her as the countdown approached zero. As it did, she felt the world fall away as her ‘Mech rocketed out of the Comstock. Watching her altimeter, she kicked in her jump jets to slow her rate of acceleration. As the ground rapidly approached, her Jump Jets kicked into full thrust. Her heat indicator climbed as the Jets spewed out superheated air. As her feet touched the surface, her ‘Mechs legs bent to absorb the impact. The jets finally kicked off and her heat exchangers quickly dropped the temperature back to normal.
“Assault Lance!” she bellowed. “Form up and move out for waypoint Alpha-1!”
While she and the other three ‘Mechs of Assault Lance moved on the front gate of the HPG, Captain McKenna watched her status monitor. Strike Lance settled into their drop point west of the HPG. Fanning out to cover the entire side of the facility, Lt. Collins in his Executioner and Lt. Sanderson in her Archer took up their position north of the HPG in City Center Park. A short time later, the two Longbows joined the rest of Fire Lance to the North whil Major Silver in Command Lance covered the HPG’s eastern side.
Major Silver opened the Battalion command frequency. “Silver Actual to Recon Leader.”
Captain Thorpe quickly responded. “Go ahead, Major.”
Major Silver’s reply was curt. “Captain, I want Recon Lance to take up positions at the corners of the HPG. Armor and Infantry Companies will be here soon and I want total coverage.”
“Roger that, Silver Actual.” Captain Thorpe switched over to his Lance frequency. “Lieutenant Barwick, you take the north-west corner, Lieutenant Stetler you take north-east along with Sergeant Santiago. Lieutenant Mirabito, you take south-west. I’ll be on the south-east corner. Sergeant Chi-Lin, fly watch pattern Theta-2. Move out people!”
Major Silver watched the fire fight raging in front of them, waiting for the word to assist. His thoughts were broken when his com channel toned. “Silver Actual, go ahead.”
Captain Friedrich responded. “Silver Actual, this is Comstock. We are stable-one two kilometers north of your position and awaiting orders.”
Major Silver unconsciously nodded inside his neurohelmet. “Very good, Darious. Have Sergeant Spanner and the rest of the Marines be ready for pickup. Silver Actual out.” Quickly, he switched over to the Battalion command frequency. “Silver Actual to all units. All OmniMechs are ordered to rendezvous point Bravo-6 to pick up the Marines at best speed. Move out!”
Eight minutes later, the OmniMechs were returning with the twenty battlesuited Marines and resuming their overwatch positions. At nearly the same time, Armor and Infantry Companies were closing on the HPG along with a large contingent of local militia. Major Silver continued to press for permission to aid the militia, but couldn’t receive orders to do so. As such, he was forced to sit and watch as the advanced defenses of the HPG complex chewed up the few platoons that had made immediate response. Finally, he got a reply.
“Major Silver, this is General Bramard of the Asuncion militia. We’re en-route and should be there in one minute. What I’d like the Eagles to do is provide perimeter control while my militia assaults the complex. We don’t want any damage in there, Major.”
Major Silver sighed. “Understood, General Bramard. We do have a platoon of Battlearmor in position. They’re well trained Marines and shouldn’t cause too much collateral damage. They’re already used to fighting on Dropships and Jumpships and know when not to shoot. I could detach a squad to aid your assault.”
A moment elapsed before he got a reply. “Very good, Major. Have them meet us at the main gate. General Bramard out.”
Major Silver switched over to a private channel. “Sergeant Major Spanner. I want you to detach one squad to assist the assault. We need good fire control in there. Who do you recommend?”
Sgt. Spanner didn’t even have to think hard. “No question sir. Second Squad. PFC Majano is a skilled marksman, highest rating in the platoon. His brother, Private Majano is also a demolitions expert. He’ll be the best at rooting out sabotage charges.”
Major Silver keyed in reply. “Very good. Have Second Squad report to the main gate.”
As Major Silver watched from his vantage point, he saw dozens of heavy APC smash through the gates of the HPG complex. Swarms of infantry disgorged from them like angry ants attacking an invading insect. As they disembarked, Second Marine Squad leapt forward toward the main building on jets of superheated air. Landing in covering positions, four of the Battlearmor began laying down bursts of cover fire from their anti-personnel machine guns while the fifth dropped down to one knee and took careful aim along its weapon arm. A short burst of high-power machine gun fire flew from the end of the weapon, connecting perfectly with the Support Laser turret that has already killed or wounded a dozen or more militiamen.
As the weapons of the HPG’s defenders turned to retaliate, the Squad leapt again into the air and took up yet another position, this time wiping out a heavy Machine gun nest. Within a minute, all of the defensive guns at the building’s entrance were silenced, and almost a thousand militiamen swarmed into the building, with Second Marine squad backing them up as they went.
Minutes passed eerily with only an occasional report of activity from second squad, along with the occasional burst of weapons fire somewhere inside the building.
After another minute, Sergeant Rhodes reported in. “Sir, the militia has taken the main control center, but there was no one there. We hit a few pockets of resistance, but have only found about ten people so far. Private Majano is searching for sabotage charges now.”
Major Silver keyed in reply. “Thank you, Sergeant Rhodes. Keep me updated.” Switching over to a private channel he asked for General Bramard, “General. The facility appears to be secured, but there aren’t enough people being found.”
Silence filled the line for a moment before the General responded. “Has anyone in your perimeter spotted runners, Major?”
Switching quickly to the Battalion channel he bellowed, “Perimeter Report!”
“Strike Lance reporting, no contacts.”
“Fire Lance reporting, no contacts.”
“Assault Lance reporting, no contacts.”
“Recon Lance reporting, no contacts.”
“Armor Leader reporting, no contacts.”
“Infantry Leader reporting, no contacts.”
“Marine Platoon reporting, no contacts.”
Puzzled, Major Silver switched back to the private channel. “No General. The perimeter is clean and we have total saturation. No one has left that complex by air or ground.”
He was interrupted by a tone from his com. Switching over after finishing, he replied, “Silver Actual, go ahead.”
“Sir this is Lieutenant Faller. Request permission for pick-up by Scout Leader and immediate transit to rendezvous point Bravo-6. Over?”
Major Silver didn’t hesitate. “Permission granted.” Switching over to the command frequency, he ordered Chi-Lin to pick Joe up and take him to the Comstock.
Minutes passed without event. The silence from the HPG was very disquieting, with only the occasional report from Sergeant Rhodes that they has still found nothing. As Lt. Faller returned on the Ferret VTOL, he quickly hopped out and set something on the ground. Fiddling with it for a moment, he stood on the device. As Major Silver watched, Joe appeared to shake a moment. Suddenly, his seismic sensors went wild and started registering a high-frequency shockwave.
Lt. Collins sat patiently, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of movement. Suddenly, the advanced systems of the Clan ‘Mech he piloted registered a seismic burst. Glancing over at the seismic display, he turned pale. A tunnel! Right under my damn feet! Keying his mic he reported in. “Silver Actual, this is Fire Leader. Seismic readings show a small tunnel directly under my position. Extrapolating the direction it’s going, it looks like it heads off toward the warehousing district northwest of here. Over.”
Major Silver cursed before replying. “Silver Actual to Fire Lance. Follow where that tunnel goes and try to locate the exit. Recon Lance, you are detached into the warehouse district. Begin a search pattern and run active probes. Move out people!”
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 10th, 3057
As Fire Lance and Recon Lance moved out to locate the outside entrance of the tunnel buried under 10 meters of Asuncion clay, Sgt. Santiago reported that the Pegasus’s advanced sensor system had high resolution seismic echoes of where the tunnel appeared to end within the compound.
Major Silver keyed his mic. “Sergeant. Forward that data to Second Marine Squad immediately.” Switching channels to the Battalion command frequency, he keyed again. “Second Marine Squad. You are to use the data Scout Wing is sending you to locate and secure the tunnel’s exit point. All other Marine Units are detached to search the park along the route the tunnel follows for any access points. Lieutenant O’Hare? You are to detach both Jump Platoons to aid in the search. Have Motor Platoon spread out to keep the HPG covered.”
A minute later, Major Silver heard back from Second Squad. “Silver Actual, this is Marine Two. We have located the entrance to the tunnel. There are no signs of guards or other traps. Orders?”
Major Silver thought a moment before answering. “Marine Two, this is Silver Actual. Proceed into the tunnel with extreme caution. If you meet with resistance, you are authorized to use deadly force. However, I want prisoners if it can be helped. Understood?”
“Will comply.” Was Master Sergeant Rhodes’ only response.
As Lt. Collins moved through the park along where he guessed the tunnel had gone, he kept his eyes on his thermal infrared display. Recon Lance had already passed him by, racing out ahead into the warehouse district beyond the western edge of the park. As he and Lt. Sanderson approached the park’s edge himself, he stopped and began a methodical search of the edge of the park. Suddenly, he spotted an abnormality in his thermal display. Looking out the cockpit window, he spotted the source. It looks like a gardener’s tool shed. he thought.
Walking his ‘Mech toward the shack, he looked back at his thermal display. Sure enough, the signs of a tunnel entrance were visible. Unless that shack is supposed to have a heat vent under it. Keying his mic open, he reported. “Company Commander, this is Fire Leader. I’ve got a possible tunnel exit here at grid coordinates 0271-9965. Orders?”
Captain McKenna checked the status of the Infantry and Marines. “Fire Leader, this is Orchid. Hold position and wait for ground support. Over.”
“Roger that, Company Command.” Lt. Collins switched to Fire Lance’s channel. “Hold tight people. This might be the exit point for that tunnel. Infantry and Marines are en-route.”
Lt. Sanderson walked her Archer up to the shack. “If this is the exit, we should destroy it.” As she spoke, her ‘Mech’s foot raised off the ground and hovered over the shack.
“No! Don’t!” Lt. Collins tried to order her back before she acted, but he was too late. Her ‘Mech’s foot came smashing down on the small wooden shack, obliterating it in a split second. “Damn it, Lieutenant Sanderson! Back off! Now!” As she backed away, the remains of the shack fell into the hole underneath where it had stood.
After Captain McKenna informed him of Lt. Collins’ discovery, Major Silver switched to his Command channel. “Captain Thorpe. Recall your Lance back to Fire Lance’s position in a search pattern. Keep a look out for any runners than may have gotten out already.”
As Recon Lance and the ground troops closed on Fire Lance, Lt. Collins edged his ‘Mech forward slightly. Suddenly, a head popped up out of the hole in the ground and brandished a weapon. Machine gun fire started pelting the canopy of his cockpit, but to no noticeable effect. Retreating back down into the hole, the figure once again disappeared. “Company Command! This is Fire Leader! Taking small arms fire. Confirmed enemy ground troops at the tunnel exit. Over.”
He edged his ‘Mech closer still to the escape hole, when he noticed something pop out of the hole. Straightening up, it exploded in front of him in a shower of shrapnel. “Maxigrenades!” He shouted into the open channel, as he backed off once more.
As he backed off, Lt. Sanderson closed in. “Not to worry, Lieutenant. They can’t hurt us.” She brought her ‘Mech right up to the edge of the exit. As she did, several objects came flying out of the hole.
“Damn it Scrawler! Get out of there!” Lt. Collins shouted. Too late, the charges went off in unison. Explosive shockwaves and bits of shrapnel scoured the legs of Patricia’s Archer. Though not enough to damage the high-grade armor, tiny fragments of metal bounced between gaps in the knee joints, shredding the delicate actuators in both legs. Her ‘Mech, deprived of the use of both legs, came crashing down on its back, crushing a small stand of shade trees.
As her ‘Mech lie still, a head popped back out of the hole and surveyed the destruction they’d wrought. As he did so, Lt. Collins stepped forward and grabbed Lt. Sanderson’s Archer by the arms, dragging the ‘Mech south of the exit hole. When he’d pulled her a good 50 meters away, he let go. “Stay put!” he ordered.
“Not to worry, sir.” She replied. “I don’t think Buddy here is going anywhere for a while.” referring to the name she’d given her Archer, taken from the pair of Doombud 20 missile launchers it carried.
Meanwhile, Second Marine Squad had been crawling up the tunnel, barely able to fit down the narrow corridor. As they closed on Lt. Collins’ position, the tunnel widened somewhat to reveal a small storehouse of sorts. As they fanned out slightly, Sergeant Rhodes spotted movement. A moment later, small arms fire started pelting all five of the battlesuited Marines.
“Contact! We are taking hostile fire!” He reported in. The sound of his anti-personnel machine gun ripping fire in retaliation could be heard over his open line. “Marines! Get into cover!” As he ordered the Squad into covering positions, several small grenades were lobbed at them. With a loud roar, they all went off sympathetically, catching Private Majano in the blast. Though the minigrenades were not powerful enough to damage his suit, the blast did knock him to the floor.
“Majano!” Sergeant Rhodes shouted. “Suppression fire! Now!” As ordered, PFC Majano dropped to one knee and supported the muzzle end of his support machine gun with his other hand. The roar of his heavy gun tore through the cavern like the anger of a dragon awoken from his slumber. High power bullets tore through storage crates like they were not even there, punching holes through them and into the soft bodies of the Word of Blake team on the other side of them. After only two bursts, the room fell silent but for the sound of escaping troops.
Sergeant Rhodes turned to Corporal Ratte and gestured to Private Majano. Stepping up to the fallen Marine, he offered a clawed hand. “Doesn’t look too bad Sergeant.” Ratte reported. “His suit has a few dings and dents, but nothing serious. Probably rung his bell pretty good though.”
As Private Majano regained his feet, Sergeant Rhodes turned to him. “Feel good enough to keep moving?” He asked.
“Yeah... yes sir.” Private Majano replied, looking a bit punch-drunk in the way his suit swayed. “I’ll be fine, sergeant.” He said after a moment.
“Alright then.” Replied Sergeant Rhodes. “Let’s move up and show these Blakists why you don’t bring a knife to a gunfight!”
As Lt. Collins waited for backup and covered Patricia’s fallen ‘Mech, he noticed that the escape hatch on her cockpit had opened up and she was climbing out. “Lieutenant!” He shouted over the comm-line. “Get the heck back into your cockpit! NOW!” As she retreated back into her cockpit, he shouted, “What part of ‘Stay put!’ didn’t you hear?”
Patricia took a moment to reply. “Well, I wasn’t going to actually go anywhere.”
As Lt. Collins fumed over Patricia’s stupidity, the figure that appeared at the exit suddenly hopped out of the hole and began running toward the warehouse district and out of the park. As he did so, two more figures climbed out and ran east, running deeper into the park. As the first person reached the alleyway between two warehouses, the Venom of Recon Lance appeared at the far end of the alley. Stopping short at the sight of the looming ‘Mech, he immediately reversed himself and started following after the two others, while a fourth figure climbed out of the hole and started running north.
Lt. Collins spotted the two running for the tree line and walked his 95-ton Clan Gladiator into their path, letting his last step come down hard into the park’s turf. The shock of 95 tons slamming into the dirt shook nearby trees and actually knocked one runner to the ground, it had come so close. As he picked himself back up and followed his companion that had turned north, they spotted the 30-ton Clan Hankyu as it moved into the park area ahead of them.
As the escapees looked around for a way to escape, they saw a sight that squashed their hopes of escape into dust. Sergeant Spanner and the remaining 14 Marines of First, Third, and Fourth Squads were emerging from the trees along with 48 Jump Infantry, just as a fifth person climbed out of the hole.
As the Marines and Infantry closed in around the exit hole, the Blakists backed away, back toward the hole where Second Marine Squad was sure to appear out of soon. Seeing the hopelessness of escape, the last person to climb out pulled out an autopistol. He fired off four shots in rapid succession and with deadly accuracy... into the four other Blake infiltrators. Before he could ensure his kills, he was cut in half by machinegun fire from First Marine Squad.
“Medics!” Shouted Sergeant Spanner. “Stabilize those wounded!”
As the two medics of Jump Infantry and Sergeant Volkmann of First Marine Squad worked to save the wounded Blakists’ lives, Second Marine Squad started climbing out of the hole.
Major Silver was monitoring the situation. “Scout Leader, this is Silver Actual. Medical evac, ASAP.” Switching channels back to the militia, he informed General Bramard of the situation and asked for orders.
“Good work, Major.” General Bramard replied. “However, I’ll have San Pedro General dispatch a rescue Helo. We need to ensure those people live, Blakist or not.”
“Roger that, General.” Major Silver retorted. “We’ll stand overwatch until they are underway.” Switching to a more formal tone, he continued. “General, request permission to move our base of operations to City Central Park.”
A moment of silence filled the air while the General considered his request. “Permission granted, Major. Try not to tear up the grounds too much though, that’s a public Park.”
At that, Major Silver began ordering base camp moved to the Park north of the HPG in New San Pedro. By 10 o’clock local time that evening, the Silver Eagles began operations inside the Capitol City, having taken only two hours to relocate.
-
Judgement Day!
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 11th, 3057
Major Silver felt Jan’s hand on his shoulder.
“Kevin!” she whispered as loud as she dared. “Kevin! Door!”
Major Silver rolled over and peeked at the clock. 3 AM? This had better be important!
Pulling his robe on, he shuffled across the cold floor of the Dropship. With the Silver Eagles relocating their base camp into the City Central Park, the command Staff had slept the night aboard the Comstock. Opening the door, he saw Corporal Winters, his personal aid. “What is it that can’t wait until morning Corporal?”
Snapping a sharp salute, Corporal Winters spoke in hushed tones. “Major, there is a situation. We have reports of ships jumping in to the system.”
Sleepiness eroded away in a shower of cold sweat. “Get my ‘Mech ready, Corporal.” Reaching over to a com panel, he keyed in the CIC.
“Com-tech.” answered Petty Officer Joe Goodale.
“Mister Goodale.” Began Major Silver. “Rouse Captain Friedrich and sound General Quarters. Alert all forces to go to immediate battle alert. I’ll be in the CIC in a few moments.” At that he leaned back into his room and looked at Jan. “You’d better get dressed, Jan. I’ll get someone up here to watch Joseph.” At that he closed the door, just as alarm klaxons sounded throughout the Comstock and Hadrian.
Captain McKenna leapt from her bed and ran to the door, grabbing a robe as she ran. Leaning out the door, she saw Major Silver in his robe waiting at the lift door. This is no exercise! she thought. Immediately she flew the robe off and pulled on her shorts and sports bra while Joe pulled his shorts on.
“What’s up, Erin?” He asked.
Grabbing her Nakjama and strapping the holster on, she answered. “We’ve got a real alert her, Joe. Kevin was at the lift in his bathrobe.” As she slid her dagger into her boot sheath, she grabbed her combat pack and headed for the door. When she reached the lift, other ‘Mechwarriors were starting to run out of their rooms. Joe caught up with her as the lift opened. Piling into the lift, they headed down to the cavernous bay at the heart of the ship to mount their ‘Mechs.
As Kevin walked into the CIC, he returned the salute of the Marine standing guard. “Status report!” he barked.
Petty Officer Goodale turned to the Major. “Sir, we have reports of multiple jump signatures appearing at the Major Lunar L1 point.”
Nodding, Major Silver turned to the radar console. “Report, Mister.”
Senior Spacehand Zilka was the radar operator for third shift. Having only hired on to the Silver Eagles three months earlier, he was still not used to the military precision of this mercenary unit. Clearing his throat, he answered. “Sir, we have no contacts. The Major Lunar L1 is still below the horizon. The Zenith and Nadir points show clear, but there is a 15 minute lag time if there has been any jumps there as well.”
Major Silver cursed before turning back to Petty Officer Goodale. “Mister Goodale, get a hold of Asuncion Space Monitoring Station sixteen. Have them send us a data feed of what they can see.” Just then, Corporal Winters entered the CIC with Major Silver’s combat gear and a cup of coffee. Taking a moment to change and relax a moment, it wasn’t long before the first shift took their places in the CIC.
As Petty Officer Ramirez took his seat, he turned to Major Silver. “Sir, we’re receiving telemetry from Deep Space Tracking Station sixteen. Routing the data to the monitoring station now.”
Walking over to the display where his wife had just taken her seat, he watched as the data began resolving on the display. The obvious emergence wave of three Jumpships was dispersing and the radar was now tracking three Jumpships in their wake. “Major Hernandez,” Began Kevin. “Can we get an ID on those ships?”
As Captain Hernandez-Silver typed into her console, she spoke without looking away from her screen. “Computer’s chewing on them sir. But that emergence wave was big. I’d say Star Lord class at least for two of them, maybe Invader for the third.” Just then, the computer toned. “Sir we have an ID trace. Confirmed. Two Star Lords, but the third contact is a Tramp, not an Invader.”
Looking at the display, he read the ID tags. “That means we’re looking at around fifteen Dropships. This isn’t good.” Looking back at the display, he continued. “Can we get an IFF on those contacts?”
“One moment, Major.” Captain Hernandez replied. “Affirmative, sir. They read as transports for..." she paused a moment before finishing. "It's the Third Free Worlds Legionnaires, sir.”
Major Silver stood up straight. “This is bad.” Was all he said.
Captain Hernandez continued. “Multiple contacts, same bearing. They read out as Dropships. Fifteen in total. They’ve begun a 1-G transit burn.”
Looking at the range display, he did a quick mental calculation. “They’re three hours out at 1-G, aren’t they?”
Captain Hernandez nodded. “Aye, sir. Computer has started tagging by type. On display.”
Major Silver watched as each Dropship was identified. After all had been tagged, he turned to the Petty Officer Ramirez. “Com-tech. Inform the Command staff that we’re having an emergency meeting in the Briefing room immediately. And find Captain Zimmerman. I want to know where Zion wants us when those troops land.”
At that Major Silver started toward the door. However, he was interrupted as he left by Captain Hernandez. “Contacts! Bearing zero-zero-zero azimuth one-eight-one. Distance, 281 million kilometers. Zenith Point, sir.”
Major Silver turned back around. “How many?”
Jan shook her head. “Not sure sir, it’s a mess of emergence waves overlapping up there. At this distance, it doesn’t make it any easier. Give me a few minutes to wash it through the computer.”
Major Silver nodded. “Inform me as soon as you have numbers and types. I’ll be in the Briefing room.” At that, he turned and left for the emergency meeting.
“We’re dead.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Scott. “Belay that, Lieutenant!” Sighing, he sat back down. Just then, Corporal Winters came in and handed Major Silver a data disk. Taking it and dismissing the Corporal, he turned back to the assembled Officers. “We’re looking at a major offensive to re-take Asuncion here, people.” He turned to Joe. “Lieutenant Faller. What does intel have on the Third Legionnaires?”
Joe sat forward and dowsed his cigarette before beginning. “Well, best information has them four Regiments in strength, one ‘Mech Regiment, one Armor Regiment, and two Infantry Regiments. Plus they have a Reinforced Wing of Aerospace Fighters to back them up, on top of the typical support assets of APCs and 24 Artillery Pieces. Mostly Snipers, but some Long Toms as well.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “Vell, ze armor, Aerospace, and ‘Mechs vill present a problem, but zey vill have a hard time controlling ze populous vit only around vone or two souzand troops.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Try twice that number, Vas. League Regiments are almost 1,800 troops in strength.”
Lt. Jones spoke up next. “According to the data feed, they only have eight Unions, three Leopards, an Invader, and three Condors. That’s not enough to carry that many tanks and troops, not by a long shot. The ‘Mechs and Fighters? Sure. But not an Armor Regiment and 3,600 troops!”
Major Silver held up the data disk that Corporal Winters had brought him. “We received the jump signature of a second wave jumping in over the Zenith point as you were all disembarking your ‘Mechs. Seven more Jumpships and twenty-one more Dropships. Three Gazelles, eight more Condors, seven Furys, and three Buccaneers. They’re on a burn down and will make planetfall in four days.”
Captain Thorpe turned to the Major. “What does Zion want us to do? Do they seriously think we can stand up to an entire Regiment of ‘Mechs with that kind of Fighter support?”
Major Silver shrugged. “At the moment, we’re still waiting to hear back from Captain Zimmerman, so we don’t know what Zion expects us to do.”
As he spoke, the com system toned. Reaching over, he opened the channel. “Go ahead.”
Mister Ramirez replied, “Com-tech here. I have Captain Zimmerman on video for you sir.”
“Put him on screen.” As the group turned to the display on the far wall, Captain Zimmerman appeared.
“Major Silver.” Began Captain Zimmerman. “The Zion Council has ordered the militia and all contracted forces to go to ground. The Council is leaving New San Pedro under guard, as is General Director Bryla. We’re evacuating to a rally point where we can land in planet-shadow to both the ships over the Zenith point and the immediate invaders. From there, we’ll begin guerrilla operations against the occupation force.”
Major Silver addressed the screen. “Captain, will you be coming with us or are we to operate on our own discretion?”
Captain Zimmerman nodded. “I’ll be joining you before too long with the coordinates in hand. In the mean time, you should prepare for extended operations, Major. Zimmerman out.” At that, the screen winked out to black.
Turning back to the assembled officers, he let out a sigh as he took his seat. Finally, he turned to Captain Friedrich. “Darious, I’m going to ask a favor of you.”
Darious stiffened. “Just tell me what you need sir. We’re in with you.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Not this time Darious. There’s no way we can hide the Comstock or the Hadrian, nor can we defend them from the kind of force that the Third can bring down on us. No, I need you to get us where we need to go, then return to the Starport here in New San Pedro.”
An uneasy murmur ran through the room as Captain Thorpe turned to Major Silver. “Sir, you do realize that New San Pedro will be a prime target when the Third lands, right?”
Major Silver nodded. “Yes Randall, I do. I also know that the Captain here is not under obligation to join in the fight.” He turned back to Captain Friedrich. “Darious, I need you to keep the Comstock and Hadrian safe. Without a Jumpship, that means you need to stand down as non-combatants. As far as the Third is concerned, you’re just a contracted ride, not an official part of this Battalion. We can use that to keep you out of the fighting. Just sit tight and wait for us to finish our job.”
Lt. Jones spoke up. “As C4 Operations officer, it’s my duty to inform the Major that there is a significant amount of sensitive data contained within the memory cores of our Dropships. If this excuse doesn’t work and the Third takes either Dropship, it could compromise our security. Not the least important of which is master copies of our com-scramble codes.”
Lt. Faller added to Lt. Jones’ point. “Aye sir. I have a lot of highly classified data in the ship’s computer core at if it were known that the Silver Eagles possessed could land us in some serious trouble.”
Major Silver nodded grimly. “Alright. What can you do about it?”
Lt. Jones sat back. “If you give me an hour sir, I can remove two of the three data cores from the Main Computer and wipe the third, reloading basic operations data from the hard backups so the Ship is operational. But I’ll need an hour for each Dropship.”
Major Silver shook his head. “We can’t afford two hours, Lieutenant. They’ll be hitting the ground in...” he glanced at his wrist chronometer. “... 150 minutes. We’ll need to be gone long before then. I can give you one hour while the Infantry breaks camp and loads up.”
“I can do it.” said Lt. Collins.
Turning to the head of Fire Lance, Major Silver asked, “You can do what, Lieutenant?”
Morander looked around the table. “I can do the backup and wipe aboard the Hadrian while Lt. Jones wipes the Comstock’s computer cores.”
Major Silver nodded. “Do it. You two are dismissed. Get it done, fast!” As the two departed, he turned to the other officers. “As for the rest of you, I want base camp pulled up and the Battalion loaded on both Dropships by 0130 Terran Standard Time. That’s in 57 minutes, people. Tell Captain Diller that the unit is loading up on the Hadrian whether the ship is ready or not. Anything that won’t fit on the Hadrian we’ll load aboard the Comstock into empty ‘Mech bays. Got that?” Seeing acknowledgments around the room he barked, “Dismissed!”
As the time set by Major Silver approached, the Battalion was nearly completely loaded aboard the two Dropships. Lt. Jones was completing the reload of the Comstock's core operations files while Lt. Collins did the same aboard the Hadrian.
Major Silver turned to Captain Friedrich. “Any word from Zimmerman, Darious?”
Darious shook his head. “No Major. Last word was that he was en-route, but he should have been here by now.”
Just then, the bridge’s computer consoles came back online. Grabbing his personal coms, he called up Lt. Jones’ frequency. “Good work Lieutenant.”
“No problem, Major.” He replied. “I have the two backup cores in hand. Where do you want them?”
Thinking a moment, he answered, “You keep one in your ‘Mech. Give the other to Major Thorpe. Get ready for liftoff, Lieutenant.” Switching channels, he spoke again. “Lieutenant Collins. Status report.”
Picking up his personal coms, Morander replied after a moment. “Almost there sir. The computers should be back online in two minutes.”
“Roger that, Lieutenant.” Major Silver replied. “As soon as you’re done, return to the Comstock and prepare for liftoff. You keep one copy in your ‘Mech, but give the other to Lieutenant Faller, understood? Major Silver out.” Turning back to Captain Friedrich, he asked, “How long before we can lift off, Captain?”
Darious looked at the engineering console. “Fusion reactor is coming up to power now. We’ll be ready in two-to-three minutes.”
As he spoke, Petty Officer McFarlane, the ship’s Gunnery Chief, spoke up. “Sir! I have a contact approaching from the east. Hovercar. High speed approach.”
Captain Friedrich turned to the Gunnery Chief. “Any ID tags?”
Glancing back to his display, he nodded. “Affirmative. She reads as an official courier for Free Zion.”
Just then, Petty Officer Ramirez called the bridge from the CIC. “Captain, I have Major Zimmerman on the line. He said that he’s in a hovercar and should be here shortly.”
Major Silver turned to Darious. “Prepare for liftoff, Captain. I’ll be in my ‘Mech.”
Captain Darious nodded slightly and turning to his second Officer, he nodded again.
Picking up a coms, Commander Du Bragalon keyed the mic. “Sound the horn!” He barked. “Prepare for liftoff! Engineering, inform me when the reactor is at 100%.”
As Major Silver turned to leave the bridge for his ‘Mech bay, he heard the warning klaxon alerting the crew and passengers to prepare for liftoff.
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 11th, 3057
Lt. Collins ran across the park toward the Comstock carrying the two backup cores. As he approached the only ramp that had not yet closed, a hovercar raced up to the end of the ramp and stopped hard, digging into the soft turf of the park. As soon as it stopped, it disgorged its passengers as Morander ran past and started up the ramp. He was met by Lt. Faller who took one of the cores.
“It’s about time, Collins! We almost left without you!” he joked.
“Funny, Fallguy. Very funny!” he retorted through hurried breath.
As the two reached the top of the ramp, they headed for the lift to take them up to their ‘Mech bays, passing Lt. Vahzenov and Sgt. Major Spanner on the way.
“Better get to your ‘Mech Vaz.” Joe shouted. “Zimmerman is right behind us.”
As Lt. Vahzenov turned to leave for the lift, Sergeant Spanner turned back to the ramp and saw Zimmerman wasn’t alone. Keying the command frequency, he reported in. “Marine Leader to Silver Actual. Major Zimmerman is aboard, but he is not alone. There is one other person with him. Orders?”
Major Silver had just settled into his command couch. “Roger that Marine Leader. Take them in charge. Ensure the security of the ship, Sergeant. Silver Actual out.”
Sergeant Spanner immediately gestured for the other Marines to take the two in charge. As Captain Thorpe approached the two and the Marines, he asked, “So who’s this?”
Zimmerman dropped the heavy duffel he had carted up the ramp. “This is my aid. He’ll be traveling with me.” He replied through ragged breath. “We need to get moving.” He handed a data disk to Sergeant Spanner. “Give that to your Captain. It contains the coordinates for the LZ where we’ll be expected.” Looking around as the ramp closed behind them, the two found a pair of jumpseats for liftoff.
As Sergeant Spanner handed the disk to Darious on the bridge a minute later, Commander Du Bragalon turned to face Captain Friedrich. “Captain. We are secure and ready for liftoff. Captain Diller on the Hadrian reports the same.”
Darious dropped the data disk into a reader. As he read the orders, he forwarded a copy to Major Silver before turning back to the bridge crew. “Navigator! Plot a course that will take us into a powered sub-orbital course for coordinates one-one-five point two-six point zero-five by negative seven-nine point three-three point four-six. Commander, inform the crew we’ll be making a hot re-entry.”
Commander Du Bragalon swallowed hard. “Aye Captain. Hot re-entry.” Picking up a coms, he barked, “Now hear this! All hands prepare for sub-orbital flight and hot re-entry. Com-tech, relay coordinates to the Hadrian under secured scramble code Darious-two-six with orders to delete after navigation plot. Engine room! Full thrust on my mark!”
“MARK!”
As the order was given, the 9,700-ton Dropship roared to life, its engines scouring the park as they dug deep rents into the turf and into the clay underneath. As the thrust reached 40%, the Comstock began to rise into the air on six jets of superheated hydrogen plasma. As the engines reached full thrust, the Comstock soared into Asuncion’s early morning sky with the Hadrian close behind.
“Navigator!” yelled Captain Friedrich over the roar of the vibration the engines imparted into the ship’s superstructure. “Lock flight plan into the computer. Commander Du Bragalon! Prepare to drop thrust back to one gravity on my mark. Mark!”
As he gave the order, the engines died down to only 40% again, the vibrations dropping down to a fraction their former strength as the Comstock entered the exosphere. Picking up a coms headset, Captain Friedrich keyed in the Command frequency. “Silver Actual, this is Comstock Actual. ETA to atmospheric entry in 15 minutes. You boys better hang on for this one. To keep out of sight of the enemy ships, we’re coming in low and fast on a hot re-entry. Comstock Actual out.”
Major Silver keyed open the Command Frequency. “Alright people, you heard the man. Set yourselves for a hot re-entry. For those of you who’ve never done one before, this is the way old 20th and 21st Century space pioneers used to come into an atmosphere. We won’t be able to fully slow the ship down before we hit the atmosphere and come down slow and gentle like normal. We’ll be using the atmosphere as a brake on our speed, which gets us there faster and without going as high.” He allowed himself a chuckle over the open frequency. “Just be glad you’re not on the Hadrian! They’re in for one heck of a ride!”
Randall broke in after Major Silver finished. “Major, any idea where we’re going?”
Major Silver looked at the data Darious had sent him. “Looks like a large island about 2,000 clicks south-west of the main continent. They call it ‘Southern Isle’.”
Lt. Faller quipped. “Imaginative lot, no sir?” a slight chuckle could be heard over the open channel.
Major Silver let the chuckle go a little longer than normal to lighten the mood, considering the dire situation they found themselves in before reigning it in. “Alright folks. Settle down. We have ten minutes until turn-around and less than fifteen minutes before atmospheric interface. As soon as we’re down, I want Recon Lance to disembark and create a perimeter. Assault Lance? You’re next, then Strike and Fire. Command Lance will offload last. As soon as we’re down and the Hadrian lands, the Infantry will start disembarking all the cargo we can. We can’t carry it all, but we can stash it where we land.”
Major Silver continued to read the data about the LZ. “Weather report over the LZ says there’s a large storm front over the island and there is heavy snow. Where we’ll be landing is high up on a mesa about 43 clicks north of our rally point. We’re supposed to be joined by some of the Asuncion militia there. Be advised. Where we’re landing is over 3,000 meters above sea level. The air will be thin and you can easily get winded if you don’t have a respirator.”
Captain McKenna interrupted. “Major, what about the Support personnel? The Doctors? The Techs?”
“We’ll take who we can, Major.” He replied. “The Techs will do us no good cooling their heals in New San Pedro. Anyone have any ideas how we can transport them?”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “Zey can use my truck, Major. I von’t need it in ze field.”
Major Silver nodded. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Major McKenna, we’ll take your car as well. Never know if we might need to go into a city looking normal. Anyone else that has personal vehicles, I highly advise that you volunteer them for use so we can take them with us. Tech Leader. How many Techs can you cram in Vaz’s truck?”
“Well,” he answered, “If we take our gear, probably only three teams, but that includes myself and my industrial exoskeleton. We’re going to need that.”
Major Silver continued his orders. “Very well, make it happen. Once we off-load, The Comstock and Hadrian will take off, flying low in the upper atmosphere until they’re clear of the island and storm system. They’ll then return to New San Pedro, hopefully where they’ll wait this mess out unmolested. That is all people.”
Major Silver closed the channel before he completed his thought. “And may God help the Third Legionnaires if they aren’t.”
As the ships skimmed over the upper layers of Asuncion’s atmosphere still under thrust, they turned around well past the halfway point to their destination. As they started to come back down, they still had much of their built up speed as they re-entered the atmosphere.
The Comstock began to shake as the atmospheric pressure built up on the tail end of the ship. The thrust from the engines created a shockwave that kept the atmosphere from ripping into the hull of the ship too hard, but the ship still began to shake as they entered the atmosphere.
“Silver Actual to all units!” Major Silver barked. “We’re going in!”
As Joe sat in his command couch, he replied jokingly, “Express elevator to hell... GOING DOWN!”
As he spoke, the ship rocked violently as they streaked through the upper atmosphere, doing a good imitation of a meteor. As they descended even lower into the thickening atmosphere, the G-forces began to build. Captain McKenna felt like she was being crushed into her command couch. Glancing at the data rolling across her secondary display, she watched the G-forces climb. Five... six... Oh Lord! Seven Gs! She began to feel the blood draining from her head as her vision began to blur. Forcing herself to try and stay conscious, she rode out the worst.
Captain Thorpe meanwhile rode out the re-entry calmly, his years of Aerospace piloting having prepared him for the forces now placed on his body.
As the ship dropped into the lower atmosphere, the violent vibrations began to slow, just as the buffeting of the storm began. Dropping into the cloud layer at over Mach 3, at first they punched through the storm with ease. As they slowed to below Mach 1 however, the storm began to take its revenge on the intruders. The ship rocked violently as high winds aloft pushed the low-density ship around.
Leveling off two kilometers above the Landing Zone, Major Silver noticed the radar contacts just as his coms toned.
“Silver Actual, this is the CIC.” His wife reported. “We’re picking up about two dozen Planetlifter class transports below us. No IFF.”
“CIC, this is Silver Actual.” He replied. “They were expected. Track them as friendlies.”
A moment later, he heard the channel open again. “Silver Actual, this is Comstock Actual. Touchdown in 30 seconds. Prepare to disembark.”
As the Comstock descended toward a clearing, Major Silver watched his secondary display showing the ship’s altitude. As it shrank into the single digits, he readied himself. Feeling the ship touch down, he opened the command Channel. “Recon Lance! Unlock and disembark! Comstock Actual, this is Silver Actual. Open all outer doors.”
As Captain Thorpe and the other three ‘Mechs of Recon Lance walked up to the doors, they hissed open, letting a flurry of snow blow into the bay. Before the doors had even fully opened, snow began to accumulate on the floor of the bay, sending Technicians running for shelter from the cold.
As the ramps dropped into the dirt clearing around the Comstock where her engines had blasted a clear spot, Randall keyed his Lance Command frequency open. “Alright people! Move out!”
Moving swiftly, Recon Lance exited the Dropship in seconds, closely followed by Assault Lance, then Strike and Fire Lance. Lastly, Command Lance strode down the ramps toward the rocky mesa they had perched on. Taking up a position near the base of the ramps, Major Silver tried to raise the Hadrian. “Hadrian Actual, this is Silver Actual, do you read?”
Static filled the frequency assigned to the Hadrian for what seemed an eternity. Trying once more to raise them, he switched over to the Comstock’s frequency. “CIC, this is Silver Actual. Do you have a track on the Hadrian?”
His wife’s reply was curt and professional. “Affirmative sir. They’re completing their last S-turn to bleed off excess speed and are still in ionization blackout. They should be able to communicate again very soon.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, he switched back to the Hadrian’s frequency just in time to hear them report in.
“CIC, this is Hadrian Actual. We are on approach and should be down in sixty seconds.” Came the voice of her Captain, Clark Diller. “We have a bunch of Infantry and armor crews here turning seasick green, but we’re otherwise fine. Hadrian out.”
Over the next thirty minutes, the Silver Eagles worked furiously to unload everything they could from the Comstock. With only forty minutes left before the Third Legionnaires were due to make planetfall, the Silver Eagles had run out of time.
Major Silver stood in the CIC where he directed unloading operations. With BattleMechs, Battlearmor, and over a hundred infantry moving cargo containers, they had only finished in time with the aid of the Zion militia. As the time for the Dropships to depart came, Major Silver walked up behind his wife who was busily watching for any sign of overflight.
“Jan. It’s time.” He said.
She nodded. “I know. I’ve been watching the clock. No sign of any contacts, sir.”
He pulled her headset off and turned her chair around. “Enough of the sir for a moment.” He said, taking her hands in his own. “You’ll be fine.”
She let out a deep sigh. “You’re leaving me in charge of the remaining personnel and we’re not supposed to do any fighting. Kevin, this goes against every instinct I have! We’re just giving up!”
He shook his head. “No, you’re taking care of family. The people staying on the Comstock and Hadrian are our family. You have to take care of them. They’ll be looking to you for leadership. They’ll take their cues from you. You know what to do. Keep them safe.”
A tear rolled down her cheek. “And what about you? While we sit on our hands, you’ll be putting it all on the line here... against odds I can’t even fathom! Kevin! Let’s just leave! So we break the contract! So what? The League will thank you for it!”
Kevin shook his head once more. “That’s just fear talking. We’ve been through this already. It’s the right thing to do, and you know it, love.” He cupped her chin in his hand and lifted her gaze to meet his own. “I know you’ll be fine. I know we’ll be fine. But if anything should happen...” he paused a moment before continuing. “Darious has a letter for you. If the worst should happen, take it and do what it says. Take care of the Eagles for me. Take care of our children. I love you.” He leaned down and kissed her gently on the cheek, wiping away the tear as he turned and left the Comstock.
Jan just sat there, staring at the door for an eternity before turning back to her console.
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 11th, 3057
As the Silver Eagles watched their Dropships ascend into the clouds, Major Silver looked around at the clearing. The signs of the Dropship landing were as blatant as scars. Opening the Command Channel, he ordered. “Eagles, this is Silver. Every ‘Mech with hands is ordered to begin shoveling snow to re-bury the mesa. The rest of you will begin escorting the Armor and Infantry to the rally point after the Infantry finishes loading the APCs. We’ll bury what we can’t carry so at least we have it available and out of sight. Let’s get started people.”
Just then, Captain Thorpe opened his coms. “Sir, we may have a problem.”
Major Silver replied, “Whatta ya got, Captain?”
“It’s the Pegasus and Ferret, sir.” He answered. “The Hover can’t move through the trees ahead and the VTOL can’t fly in this wind. Someone’s going to have to carry them.”
“Damnit!” Major Silver hit the arm of his command couch with his hand. “How are we supposed to carry a 35-ton Hovercraft?”
Captain Thorpe interject his idea. “Well, almost anyone can carry the VTOL, that’s no problem. As to the Pegasus, I do have an idea. We can strap it to the back of Lieutenant Barwick’s Vulcan. Sure he’ll be dirt slow carrying all that extra weight, but he’ll still be as fast as the Formal or the Partisans.”
“Good idea, Captain.” Major Silver switched over to the Command frequency. “Tech Leader, this is Silver. I want you and your men to get to work strapping the Pegasus onto the back of the Vulcan. You have my authorization to requisition whatever parts and personnel are necessary. Get it done, Sven.”
“Roger that, Silver.” Sven replied from his industrial exoskeleton. “I’ll get right on it.”
Fifteen minutes later, the ‘Mechs of the Silver Eagles, with the aid of the continuing storm, had covered every trace that there had ever been Dropships landed in the clearing and Senior Tech Iverson reported that the Vulcan was loaded and ready to depart. As the ‘Mechs slowly caught up with the column of tanks, support trucks, and personal vehicles, Major Silver heard his timer go off. That’s it. he thought. The Third should be in orbit now, and us still a good 90 minutes from the rally point. I hope this storm holds.
As the column of ‘Mechs and vehicles made their way to the coordinates they were given, the storm only seemed to get worse. Finally, after over two hours of trudging through ice and snow, Major Silver heard the good news from Lt. Mirabito in the unit’s Venom who had scouted ahead. Not wanting to use open radio, the message was sent by direct laser coms via Captain Thorpe’s Blackjack.
“This is Recon Leader. Recon Support Wing has the rally point in sight!” he reported.
Switching over to his other Lance leaders, he tight-beamed a message to them. “Inform your people that we’re almost there. Recon Support Wing has sighted the rally point. Once there, support and Infantry will set up base camp operations with a special emphasis on setting up the camouflage netting first. We’ll set up the camp under the nets after they’re up.”
The Silver Eagles rolled into the clearing at the northern edge of a 2,000-meter cliff face forming the tallest mountain on Asuncion. At over 5,000 meters high, it would help hide the rally point just that much better. An hour later, the essentials of base camp had been set up, and the Silver Eagles had set up a defensive perimeter to guard the rally point. With ‘Mechs and armor hidden in and among the 15-meter tall trees that populated the mountain base, the snowfall hid the ‘Mechs and armor completely so long as they remained shut down. After Base camp personnel had set up the HQ tent, Major Silver called for a command staff meeting to discuss their situation in one half hour.
Lt. Vahzenov dismounted his ‘Mech immediately and headed straight for the nearest militia camp he could see. He walked up to the camp and addressed the militiaman who stood next to his tent in a parka. “Excuse ze intrusion. But I’m looking for your supply and logistics personnel. I am ze supply Officer for ze Silver Eagles and I vish to confer on vat resources ve have available.”
The frozen militiaman jerked his thumb over his shoulder while he shivered. “They’re at the base camp, all the way in the back.”
Doing his best to shrug off the cold, Piotr gestured toward the back of the small canyon. “Vould it be possible to get a ride back zere?”
The militiaman’s parka hood shook. “I don’t have a ride, and everyone with one is busy. You’ll have to hoof it, sir.”
Vahzenov shrugged. “A good jog vill keep me varm. Zank you, private.” At that he started jogging the kilometer back to the rear of the canyon.
As Major Silver walked into the HQ tent in his field jacket, he looked around at the assembly of parkas and other heavy winter gear. Smiling to himself, he noted that the other Negushevians like Lieutenants Owens and O’Hare were likewise only wearing field jackets. Ah, the benefits of cold-weather acclimation! he thought. Walking up to the front of the tent, he did a quick head count. “Who’s missing?” he asked.
Lt. Collins spoke up. “Lieutenant Vahzenov, Major. He wanted to get some information on what the militia had in supplies and see if there was anything we needed that they had or vice-versa.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Dedication to duty is one thing, but I ordered all personnel to be here.” He pulled out his personal coms and punched in Vahzenov’s radio code. The low-power personal radio would not present a significant detection risk. “Silver to Six Guns, over?”
Pulling out his coms, he responded. “Zis is Six Guns, Go ahead.”
“Vaz,” Major Silver began, “Where are you?”
Looking around quickly, he replied, “I am almost all of ze way through ze militia’s base camp. Zey stuffed zeir supply personnel all ze vay in ze back.”
“You were supposed to be at this meeting, Vaz. I need your input. Hurry it up. Silver out.” At that Major Silver put his personal coms back on his belt. “Well, let’s start at the beginning.” He turned to Captain Zimmerman. “Captain, what are Free Zion’s plans from this point?”
Zimmerman stood with his aid next to him bundled in a parka so thick you couldn’t even see his face, much like half of the Silver Eagles not so used to the bitter cold. Pulling his hood back, Zimmerman turned to Major Silver. “At this point Major, the militia will break up into assault squads and begin harassment attacks on the invaders. We have planned for this. We have supply caches all over the planet, and the backing of the vast majority of the planet in most places to provide us with things like food, shelter, and places to hide out. What we’d like from the Silver Eagles is for you to be the thorn in their side, keeping their attention and focus while our assault squads hit their bases and keep their moral low.”
“The idea here isn’t to defeat them.” Zimmerman continued. “We can’t. We’re not strong enough to beat them at their own game. But what we can do is make things so miserable here that they’ll want to leave. Make the occupation become so politically unpopular back on Atreus that with enough of a headache, they’ll just let us go and we win by default. We can’t hope to fight off the whole of the Free Worlds League Military, but we can make it so they don’t want to hit us with it.”
“Good plan, Captain.” Major Silver replied. “Now here comes the hard part. What do we do and how do we do it? Suggestions?”
Captain McKenna stood. “Sir, I think our best bet is to break the Battalion up. As a complete Battalion, we’re just too easy to find. If we break up into Lances, we can hit multiple places and once and make them spread themselves out thin. Then we can do some serious damage to their ability to control the planet by force.”
Major Silver nodded. “I’d been thinking the same thing.” He turned to Captain Thorpe. “Randall? What do you have to say?”
Randall shrugged. “It’s a good idea. Still, I don’t like splitting up. We’re doing exactly what we want them to do, thinning ourselves out so we can get cut up piecemeal. Plus, We’ve never split the Battalion up before. We don’t know how well the individual parts will function on their own without support.”
Major Silver pointed at Captain Thorpe. “You’ve hit the nail on the head, Randall. We have never split up the Battalion. We have to assume that the enemy knows us and knows our tactics. They won’t expect us to break up, which gives us the advantage in that we know what they’re doing, but they don’t know what we’re up to.”
Meanwhile, Lt. Vahzenov had finally reached the back of the camp when an MP stopped him. “Halt! Where are you going, soldier!” he shouted.
Vahzenov pointed at the supply tent. “I vas going to confer vit your supply personnel. I am Lieutenant Senior Grade Vahzenov, supply officer for ze Silver Eagles mercenary Battalion.”
The MP approached him cautiously. “Got any ID?”
Vahzenov rolled his eyes and reached into his pocket, retrieving his wallet. He pulled out his St. Ives Compact national ID card and handed it to the guard. Taking it and examining it, he said, “Wait here.” At that he motioned for another MP to guard him while he took the ID into the supply tent.
As Vahzenov waited, the cold started to creep in through his parka. Pulling out his flask, he took a quick drink. Extending it toward his guard, he offered, “Vant a sip? Takes ze edge off ze cold!”
The guard stood motionless and just shook his head. Shrugging, Vahzenov put the flask back in his pocket. A moment later, a man walked out of the supply tent and approached him.
“Lieutenant Vahzenov?” He asked. He extended his hand to Vahzenov. “I’m Sergeant Peters, supply. What can I do for you?”
Vahzenov shrugged off the cold once more as he shook his hand. “Vell, I vas trying to find out if zere is anyzing zat you needed zat ze Silver Eagles had available in trade for anyzing you have zat ve could use. Pooling our resources is better zen standing alone, no?”
The sergeant nodded. “Probably a good idea. Tell you what, you send us an inventory of what you have available and I’ll do the same. We’ll compare notes before we pack up and see what we can do for each other. Deal?”
Lt. Vahzenov reached into his pocket and pulled out a paper inventory list. “Here is vat ve have available.” He said as he handed the sheet to the Sergeant.
Taking the list and scanning it quickly, and nodded. “Very good! I see a few things on here we can use. I’ll need to get back to you on what we can spare in exchange. Was there anything else?”
Vahzenov shrugged. “Now zat you mention it, do you suppose someone could give me a ride back to my base camp? It’s a very long walk!”
The sergeant gestured to an infantryman. “Hey! Go get your quad and take him where he needs to go! Pronto!” Turning back to Lt. Vahzenov, he handed him his ID back. “We Capellan separatists have to stick together, no?” he smiled.
Vahzenov smiled. “Da, comrade! Or we shall surely hang separately!”
Randall shrugged again. “Like I said, it’s a decent plan. But coordinating a joint strike will become a problem the longer we’re separated.”
Major Silver nodded. “Then we’re going to have to rely on the Asuncion militia to be our communication network.” He turned to Captain Zimmerman. “Captain, I assume you have ways of contacting members of the militia through some sort of cell system?”
Zimmerman nodded. “It’s still in place from before the takeover. And since we took over the capitol, we were able to identify who is with us and who is against us based on old government records, weeding out the spies. If anything, our cells are more reliable now then before the rebellion.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good. We’ll need your network to pass along information to the splintered unit.” Turning back to the assembled officers, he continued. “Now comes the hard part, figuring out who goes with whom.”
Vahzenov entered the tent. “I say ve bribe zem vit liquor. After all, a good bottle of Timbiqui Dark is hard to come by out here.”
“Welcome back, Lieutenant.” Major Silver said as Vahzenov took his seat. “So glad you could join us!”
“My apologies, Major.” Vahzenov replied. “I simply felt zat having a better idea of ze supply situation might aid in zis discussion.”
Major Silver nodded. “Alright, Vaz. But next time, check with McKenna first. Anyway, where were we?”
McKenna spoke up again. “Breaking up. Who goes with whom. I have two recommendations for Secondary Operations Unit Leaders. First, Lieutenants Amdecker, Scott, and Chism can each lead an independent ‘Mech Lance. Second, Split the Armor into Platoons and assign each an Infantry Platoon. I’d let Lieutenants Owens and O’Hare head two, with Lieutenant Thiemann and Master Sergeant Green taking command of the other two.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good suggestions. Anyone else?”
Joe spoke up next. “Separate Air Defense Artillery into a Mobile base camp defense Platoon, keeping them with the support trucks and technicians. We can set up a roving base camp operation that will let us perform repairs and tend injured without being too obvious.”
Kevin nodded. “Another good idea. We’ll go with that with Lieutenant Bazemore in military command, but with Captain Benson in overall charge of the base. As CMO, his word about patient care is more important than tactical concerns. Anyone else have any suggestions?” Seeing no other ideas, he voiced his own. “I was thinking... Zion needs us to keep the Third Legionnaires’ attention. So, we need a high-profile unit that they can be spending all their effort on focusing on.”
Major Silver began to pace. “This is my idea. We form two Lances out of the remaining eight ‘Mechs. I will lead the first, McKenna will lead the second. Lieutenant Jones, Captain Thorpe, and Lieutenant Vahzenov will form the rest of my Lance along with a squad of Marines. Lieutenants Faller, Collins, and Windsor will form the rest of your Assault Lance, McKenna, along with another squad of Marines. The other Marines will be assigned to Lieutenants Amdecker and Stetler. Their OmniMechs can make the Marines more mobile. Sergeant Chi-Lin will be attached to this Core Command Group as our eyes and give Captain Zimmerman and his aid a place to ride along.”
Major Silver stopped and looked at the eight warriors he’d named. “We will be the scalpel. While the other Lances and Platoons harass and cause chaos, we will hit very specific targets designed to weaken their resolve. Supply trains... ammo depots... that sort of thing. We will focus on making ourselves visible, and highly annoying, making the Legionnaires have to start pulling troops out of garrison positions to face us. With garrisons weakened, the militia and other two Mercenary companies here will have a much easier time pulling off their strikes. No offense to the rest of the unit, but we eight constitute the best the Battalion has to offer. With our combined skills, we will make a very formidable threat.” At that he looked at the officers. “Well?”
Captain McKenna nodded. “It’s a good idea sir. Very good. The only trouble I see is that if we are captured, we’re the command structure of the Silver Eagles. Without us, the Eagles would lose focus and might collapse under the strain. We’d be putting all our eggs in one basket if you will.”
Captain Thorpe spoke up next. “McKenna is right in that. However, I agree that it’s a sound tactical decision. I say we go for it.”
Major Silver returned to the front of the tent. “Very well, then there is only the matter of getting off this island.” He pulled out the map of the Southern Hemisphere and pointed to the water between Southern Isle and the main continent. “The water here is relatively shallow and crossable by ‘Mechs, however the vehicles will need other transport.” He turned to Captain Zimmerman. “Captain, can your Planetlifters get them out safely?”
Zimmerman crossed his arms. “Yes, we can get most of them out, but your Air Defense and Artillery tanks are too heavy. No way they can be airlifted with anything less then...” he stopped in mid thought. “Wait! I just got an idea!”
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 11th, 3057
Ben leaned forward, his face twisted into an incredulous look of disdain. “You want us to steal a freaking blimp?”
Captain Zimmerman looked at Ben. “Not a blimp, Lieutenant Scott. A rigid airship designed as a construction base. The Poseidon Mobile Engineering Platform can support an entire work crew of 150 for a whole week. But more importantly, it has cranes.”
Major Silver finally saw the logic of what Zimmerman was proposing. “With a Poseidon, we won’t need to walk our ‘Mechs underwater and waste a few days just getting to the main continent.”
“Even more than that.” Zimmerman added. “The standard model Poseidon carried a Machine gun array that in civilian use was totally unnecessary. The ones used at the Kallon plant in Benedict were redesigned to carry a small field hospital to treat construction site injuries and provide health care to the workers. It also has a Field Kitchen; the same exact type used on your Brooks support trucks. Also advanced communications gear used for coordinating large construction projects and a large walk-in freezer for food storage to feed 150 men for a work week, plus the crew for a few more days while they resupply.”
Randall was skeptical. “But a blimp? Sorry, airship. Won’t that be dead meat against the fighter cover the Third can bring to bear?”
Zimmerman smiled at Randall. “Only if they can find it.”
Undaunted, Lt. Thorpe pressed the point. “We’re talking about something the size of what? A Dropship? And it has a top speed of what? 100 knots? They’re gonna see it!”
Zimmerman shook his head. “Actually, it can reach 290 knots. As to its size, it’s roughly the size of an Overlord tipped on its side. Lastly, they have to get within line of sight to find it. They won’t be able to track it thermally or even with neutrino sensor nets. The ship is solar-electrical with an 8-hour battery. That means you can move it at night and recharge it during the day. The only time you’re going to find it is in good light, so it makes for a perfect base of operations.”
Randall was visibly impressed. Leaning back in he chair, he conceded, “Alright. So how much can it carry?”
“856 tons, max load.” Zimmerman replied. “800 tons suspended from the cranes and an additional 56 tons in the internal cargo bay.”
Major Silver looked at Zimmerman. “How is it you know so much about these airships?”
Zimmerman shrugged. “When I was a kid, I was fascinated with flight. As I got older, I learned about all the different types of flying craft. I memorized their statistics like some kids would memorize Solaris Championship records. The Poseidon was always one of my favorites. Just something about an 800-ton ship that floats like a balloon!”
Major Silver nodded approvingly. “Alright. You say the Kallon Industries plant has some of these Poseidons? So, how do we get hold of one? We can be sure that the Kallon plant was garrisoned in the first landings. If I were to make an educated guess, probably by no less than a company of ‘Mechs and some of their Infantry. I suppose we could pull off an attack large enough to face those odds, but to do that, we’d need the ‘Mechs on the main continent first, and that’s why we wanted the airship. Catch-22.”
Joe spoke up. “We don’t need to take it by force of arms. We can just ‘requisition’ one.” He looked at Lt. Vahzenov.
Piotr smiled. “Da! After all, it is not a military asset. I doubt ze garrison vould even notice a requvest for a construction platform!” He turned to Captain Zimmerman. “Do you suppose you could get me a copy of an official vork order form?”
Zimmerman nodded. “Sure. What did you have in mind?”
Joe leaned back as he lit his cigarette. “We’re gonna forge us a work order, Captain. Then just fly the thing out like nothing is wrong!”
After an hour of planning, Captain Thorpe and 3rd Marine Squad waited in the HQ tent with Lt. Vahzenov and Captain Zimmerman while the Planetlifter was loaded. Major Silver addressed the team while McKenna, Faller, Collins, and Jones stood by.
“Alright.” he began. “You know the plan. The Planetlifter will drop Captain Thorpe and his Blackjack and the Marines off five clicks south of the factory complex. They’ll take up a hidden position and will only mobilize if you two come under threat of attack. Vaz? You and Zimmerman will enter the complex’s main hangar, submit your requisition, and meet up with the flight crew that Zimmerman has contacted. They will then fly you out of the complex and you’ll pick up Randall and the Marines before heading to the southern shore of the continent.”
Major Silver glanced at his notes. “Now, the airship has to cover 3,600 kilometers to reach the southern shoreline, which will take about 10 to 12 hours, getting you there by the morning of the 12th. There shouldn’t be any worry about being spotted at that time, because you’ll still be on your registered flight path. Once you reach the southern shore, Randall and the Marines will offload and await the first delivery. It’s 1,200 kilometers to Southern Isle from there, which will take about 3 to 4 hours. We’ll be waiting at waypoint Theta-25 on the northern shore of the island. Once there, the ship will have to recharge its batteries according to Zimmerman, so we won’t be getting dropped off on the southern shore until around 2200 hours that evening. The airship will then return to Southern Isle and pick up the last load, leaving on the morning of the thirteenth. By 10 o’clock Local time, 0700 Terran Standard time, we’ll go our separate ways and begin harassment operations.”
Major Silver looked up at the team. “Any questions?”
Staff Sergeant McCleary raised his hand. “How are we to know if the infiltration team is successful or if they need our help?”
Vahzenov answered the sergeant’s question. “You vill know if zomevone starts a fire fight, zat’s how.”
Major Silver nodded. “Under no circumstances are you to attempt to enter the complex unless there is ample evidence that you can pull out the team without risk to yourselves. If the team is captured, you are to make every effort to save yourselves and hide out until you can meet up with another member of the Battalion. Find some local sympathizers, lay low, and don’t get caught. Understood?”
With a nod of ascent from the Marines and Captain Thorpe, McKenna turned to Major Silver. “When will we have to pull up camp and start heading to the pickup point?”
Major Silver checked his notes. “Waypoint Theta-25 is 400 kilometers north of here. It will take the better part of 15 hours to get the unit down the mountain. We’ll have to start heading out by no later than 0800 local time tomorrow.”
McKenna thought a moment. “That considered, I’d like to give the troops the rest of the day off. In this hellish cold and thin air, they’ll want to stay in their positive-pressure heated tents.”
Major Silver turned to Captain Zimmerman. “Captain, when will the militia be pulling out?”
“They’ve already begun the pullout, Major. This rally point was just to get everyone in the same place for dissemination of orders and supplies.” Zimmerman answered. “Don’t worry, Major. I’ve already requisitioned the Planetlifters That will take your Armor and Infantry and Lieutenant Amdecker’s Lance off the island. Everyone but the troops that are being lifted out by the Airship will be gone by tomorrow morning.”
Major Silver nodded. “Good. McKenna? Go ahead and give the troops the time off. But an hour before they’re scheduled to be picked up, I want them to break their own part of the camp. I don’t want our team and the support personnel to have to tear down 300 bunks. Alright? Dismissed.”
Lt. Vahzenov was glad to be out of the Planetlifter after almost 7 hours of flying. So far, everything had gone off as planned. They had been admitted onto the airfield by the sympathizers at the gate as planned, Captain Thorpe was only three minutes away, and they had passed three security patrols unnoticed. As they approached the administration office though, Vahzenov felt the pings of fear that his forgery of the work order wouldn’t pass close inspection.
Captain Zimmerman walked up to the window and passed the false work order through the window. “Got a work order here for a Poseidon to be dispatched to Wingate. The city planners finally decided to build that port expansion.” He pointed at Vahzenov. “This here’s the Union rep for the port workers. He’s passed all security checks.”
Without even looking up from his seat, nor giving the work order more than a momentary glance, the clerk took the work order, stamped it for approval, and shoved it back through the window along with a stack of crew compensation forms. “Have the crew fill these out and file them with payroll before they leave.” At that, he turned back to watching the local news.
Taking the forms and heading for the crew’s break room, Vahzenov waited until there was no one that could overhear him. “Vell, zat vent vell!”
“As good as we could have hoped.” Zimmerman replied. “Now let’s hope that our luck holds and the crew doesn’t turn out to be a bunch of rats.”
Entering the break room, Zimmerman stopped and scanned the room. Seeing his contact, he made his way across the room. “Drey! Long time no see!” He said.
The man beamed a smile when he saw Zimmerman. “Hey! You old bastard! Where the heck you been? You haven’t been out this way in two years!”
Zimmerman jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “They had me working on Zion up until just before the rebellion. Now I’m stuck here and doing make-work until this all sorts out. Speaking of which,” He turned and gestured to Vahzenov. “This is Bob Clark, Union rep for the dock workers in Wingate. Bob, this is Commander Drey Hoffmeyer, ex-Riever pilot and the best Airship pilot in the League.” As the two shook hands, Zimmerman turned back to Drey. “Bob here’s got an approved requisition for one of your Poseidons to build a port expansion there. The job’s a good two month’s pay, and at Union wage!”
Drey listened intently to Zimmerman as he spoke. Deciphering the real meaning behind his words, he knew that ‘Bob the Union rep’ meant that he was under Free Zion contract, and based on the way he looked, likely associated with one of the Mercenary units Free Zion had hired. He also knew that a ‘port expansion’ and ‘2 months Union wage’ meant that Free Zion wanted him to go underground until told otherwise. That meant a long-term commitment to a single job. Still, he would do anything to keep Asuncion out of Capellan hands.
Nodding, Drey looked over at Vahzenov. “Well Bob, two months at Union wage? I can only provide a basic crew for that short a time. No radio men, no medical personnel, but I can give you a basic crew of five, a cook, myself and two of the best civil engineers this side of Irian. What do you say?”
Vahzenov didn’t know what the meaning behind that was, but he could tell that Zimmerman did. Extending his hand, Vahzenov replied, “Sounds good.” His usual accent gone. “Here are the compensation forms for you and your crew.”
As he took the forms, Drey gestured toward some men in the break room. “Let me introduce you to my crew. Then we’ll get to Areion and get her prepped. Sound good?”
After meeting with the crew, the eleven of them spent the next hour preparing the Airship Areion for take-off. As the ship glided silently out of the hangar, Vahzenov finally began to relax. As they cleared the airfield, Commander Hoffmeyer turned to him. “So, where’s the first pickup?”
Vahzenov pointed to the hills south of the factory complex. “Zere, in ze valley over zose hills.”
As the airship flew out of sight of the factory, it descended toward the rendezvous point where Captain Thorpe and Third Marine Squad waited. Fifteen minutes later, they were once more on their way.
Major Silver awoke in his tent alone as his alarm sounded. Rolling over after realizing that Jan wasn’t here to turn it off, he looked at the clock. 0600 hours. We’ve got two hours until we need to be out of here.
Rolling out of bed, he dressed in BDUs and grabbed a field jacket as he headed out of his tent. Heading to the HQ tent, he was surprised by how empty the camp looked. All of the Armor and Infantry had been airlifted out over the night, and Lt. Amdecker would be gone before the hour was out. He saw Ian and the eight men under his command discussing something at the head of the tent.
As he approached, Ian bowed slightly. “Ohayo gozaimasu, Major Silver. Good morning. We were just discussing our plans once we are off-loaded.”
Kevin looked over the four Mechwarriors and five Marines who would make up Ian’s Secondary Operations Unit. Along with Ian and his Avatar was Lt. JG Alisha Calame in the unit’s Trebuchet, Lt. JG Kurt Wilmeth in an Ostsol, and Lt. JG Sofia Gordillo in their Griffin. Sergeant Major Spanner and First Marine Squad in their Battlearmor would round out the unit and ride on Lt. Amdecker’s OmniMech.
“So, what’s your plan then, Lieutenant?” Asked Major Silver.
Lt. Amdecker nodded toward Sergeant Spanner. “The Busosenshi and I were going over potential targets. We had decided to operate in the New Mallorquín area. There are over two million Marik loyalists in the city proper, giving plenty of targets for raids and a sizable friendly population that needs to be protected from the invaders. Thus we are ensured of targets as they will need to keep the peace.”
Major Silver nodded. “Sounds like a good plan. Carry on.” He turned and left the HQ tent for the Mess tent. Already half the tent had been taken down and stowed. Grabbing a cup of coffee and a breakfast tray, he took a seat and pulled out an e-reader. Over the next half-hour, he read through the TO&E of the Third Legionnaires, figuring out where the likely troop movements would be.
After finishing his breakfast, he got up and headed for his tent. On the way, he spotted Staff Sergeant Chi-Lin coming out of Erin and Joe’s tent carrying her noteputer. As she approached, he nodded to her and looked up at the sky. “Good morning, Sergeant. Looks like the storm broke finally, so you’ll be cleared for flight. I’d like you to scout down the mountainside ahead of the unit as we move.”
Chi-Lin bowed her head slightly. “Aye sir. I think that I won’t have any problems today.”
He nodded toward her noteputer. “What do you have there, or do I not want to know?”
Chi Lin smiled slightly. “Nothing of an untoward nature sir. I was just conferring with Lieutenant Faller on the public opinion polls that Free Zion had done after they took over the government. We were sent a complete copy of the polls, with a city-by-city breakdown of the polling.”
Major Silver crossed his arms. “Do you think there are any problems with the polls?”
Chi-Lin nodded. “Aye sir. The questions were worded in such a way to heavily influence the results of the poll. The poll doesn’t allow for any middle ground or lack of opinion. The statistical breakdown was divided up into two camps, for and against, and then applied to the population as a whole.”
Major Silver looked at his wrist chronometer. “The morning meeting will be starting in 20 minutes. I’d like a full report then.”
As Chi-Lin headed off toward the HQ tent, Major Silver headed for his own tent. When he got there, Corporal Winters was re-packing his belongings. He handed the e-reader to the Corporal. “Make sure my data disks are put in my storage locker on Mercury. I may need them.” Grabbing his notepad, he headed for the HQ tent.
“So what you’re saying is that the population isn’t really behind the rebellion?” asked Lt. Scott.
Chi-Lin rolled her eyes. “That’s not what I said, Ben. What I said was that the polls were slanted to give the perception of a higher percentage of support than exists. The government claims that the polls said that 80% of the people support the rebellion. What the poll asked though was if people were totally satisfied under the old Government. Since only 20% voted in the affirmative, they assigned the other 80% to their camp. In reality, the hard-line support of the rebellion is closer to 50%, with 30% in the middle ground. Admittedly, that’s still a majority of the people, but it’s not 80%.”
McKenna shook her head. “Fifty percent, eighty percent, the point is that the majority are behind the rebellion.”
Major Silver shook his head as well. “No, the point is that only fifty percent will actively help us. The other half we can’t count on.”
Corporal Winters stuck his head into the HQ tent. “Time, sir.”
Nodding to the Corporal, he turned back to the remaining officers. “Alright, it’s time to get moving people. We have half an hour to break camp and get the unit moving. I’ve had the few respirators we have issued to the support personnel. If any of you have them, I want you using them until we get down out of this thin air. We can’t afford to have people passing out over the inconvenience of wearing a respirator. Let’s get going.”
By 0800, the Silver Eagles had packed up their base and began the long trek down the mountainside. Stopping once they reached the base of the mountain range, they took an hour to eat and rest. Though it was still cold, it was a much welcome change to the conditions of the night before. Moving on, they reached the northern shore at 1630 hours. Waiting there for them was the Areion.
The first trip carried McKenna’s Lance, as well as the Air Defense Artillery, four of the five support trucks, and Chi-Lin’s VTOL. Dropping them off, the Areion returned once more to pick up Major Silver’s Lance, Lt. Scott’s Lance, and Lt. Chism’s Lance. After sunrise, it headed back to the main continent, right on schedule. By 9:30, the Silver Eagles were ready to go their separate ways.
Major Silver addressed the Silver Eagles. “We’ve never broken the Unit up before, but I have every confidence in your abilities. If I didn’t, you wouldn’t be on your own. Each of your Unit commanders has proven that they can handle themselves both tactically and strategically. You all know your jobs. You all know the odds. But remember this. You can’t collect your pay when this is all over if you’re dead. Don’t do that. I don’t want to have to write any letters of condolence because you wanted to be a hero.”
Major Silver turned to Lt. Bazemore. “Lieutenant, you’ll be responsible for the safety of half of our support personnel. You are not to take any chances. Leave the raiding and fighting to the rest of us. Keep moving and stay only where it’s safe. We’ll keep in contact through the militia and ensure our people know where they can go for rest and refit.”
He turned next to Lt. Chism. “Lieutenant, this is your first solo assignment. I want you to know that Captain McKenna and I have the utmost confidence in you. We’ll try and keep your unit supplied with long-range missiles, but try and save them for when you know you can’t miss. Assume that you’re not going to get any resupply; that the only reloads you’re going to get are the ones in the storage crate Lieutenant Sanderson will be carrying.”
Lastly, he turned to Lt. Scott. “Ben, you’ve been with us since the beginning of the unit. You’ve earned the right to be our lead in the absence of the Core Command Group. If the worst should happen and the Core Group is captured, you’ll be in charge of operations until relieved. Listen to your instincts, but your primary duty is to complete the contract. We’ll be counting on you to see things through and keep the reputation of the unit intact. Remember that we stand on the idea that we never stopped working for Zion. Don’t let anyone try and claim otherwise.”
Turning to address the whole unit once more, Kevin raised his voice to be sure he would be heard. “Stay alive,” he smiled. “that’s an order!”
Lt. Faller shouted, “Unit! Dis-missed!”
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 13th, 3057
Major Silver stood in the cargo bay of the Airship Areion as the S19 Battalion Support Truck began unpacking its cargo. While the support personnel set up the five air tents that would occupy the cargo bay, Major Silver didn’t hear Captain McKenna come up behind him.
“You look like something’s troubling you, Kevin.” She said, startling him.
“Yeah.” He said, turning back to watch the cargo bay being converted over to a makeshift command center and sleeping quarters for thirty people. “Just wondering what we’re going to do after we get all set up here. Sven says he’ll have our ‘Mech rigs finished before the hour is up. We’ll even be able to manage a ‘Hot Drop’ off them... that is we can if we get in the cockpits before the Areion takes off.”
McKenna nodded. “That’s good. That may come in handy yet.”
Major Silver patted the cargo bay wall of the airship. “You know, it’s too bad this thing’s already the size of the Comstock and not easy to break down for transport. A ship like this would come in handy on missions. She’s a fine ship.”
McKenna looked at Major Silver. “Kevin... we’ll have to give it back when the mission is over. We’re lucky that Zimmerman pulled enough strings that we even have it for a while.” She walked around in front of him and crossed her arms defiantly. “We’re not getting an airship, Kevin. No!”
Major Silver laughed. “Alright, Erin. We aren’t getting an airship. Still, it’s lucky we have it for now. It’ll make getting around this rock a lot easier, even if we can only travel for 12 hours at a stretch.” He absently leaned back against the wall. “So what is our next move?”
McKenna thought a moment. “Well, we need to find a target to get the attention of the Third Legionnaires. We have to make them see that we’re still a threat to their pacification of Zion.”
Major Silver nodded. “The question is, where do we hit them? The Capital is likely too well defended; the same goes with the Kallon plant in Benedict. The trouble is we don’t know where they are. We need more intel.”
McKenna looked out at the cargo bay. “Well, after we get going we can brainstorm with Zimmerman and figure out where is a good place to get some useful data. Until then, we’re just guessing.” She nodded toward the exit of the cargo bay. “Come on sair. I’ll bet we kin speed things up if we’re ta lend Sven and th’ other Techs a hand.”
Major Silver looked sidelong at McKenna. “Your heritage is showing, Captain.” He joked.
McKenna cocked her head. “Aye, but better that than ta’ ferget meself, sair. I’ve a feelin’ tha’ a’fore this mission ends, we’ll be a’needin’ ta stay true to who we air.”
As the airship slowly rose into the sky and turned north an hour later, the Silver Eagles began settling into their new home. After almost an hour of preparation, Major Silver called for a meeting to discuss their options.
Major Silver walked into the half-sized HQ tent that had been set up in the cargo bay. The sway of the ship in the air made walking a little more difficult, but Commander Hoffmeyer had promised that after a short time, everyone would get their ‘sea legs’. He took his usual position at the head of the tent. “Alright people, now that we’re underway we need to settle on a course of action.” Looking to Joe, he asked, “Lieutenant Faller. Have you had a chance to look over those tactical disposition estimates I ran up?”
Joe nodded. “Aye sir. Looks like a sound distribution for the Third to try and pacify the planet. By holding the 20 largest cities, as well as the Puerto Flor de Lis Industrial Complex, the Kallon Industries plant in Benedict, and New San Pedro they’ll be able to force the majority of the populace into compliance. Those 23 cites comprise just under half the planet’s population, and are the heaviest concentrations of League loyalists, making them easier to pacify with fewer troops like you outlined.”
Major Silver nodded. “Right. So now we need to know where we can get some intel.” He turned to Zimmerman. “Captain, do you have any suggestions?”
Nodding, Zimmerman added, “We have cells and safe houses in every major city and ninety-plus percent of the smaller ones as well. Wherever we go, we can be sure that there will be somewhere that we can contact the Resistance.”
Major Silver looked back to the small group of Eagles. “Suggestions?”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “I suggest zat vherever ve go, it should be a small town first. If ze estimate you make is correct, ve cannot afford to valk into ze middle of a heavily garrisoned city.”
Lt. Collins nodded. “True, but we need to keep a high visibility too, right? So it shouldn’t be too small a town.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Visibility can wait until we know what we’re dealing with.” Turning to Zimmerman, he held up a hand. “Don’t worry Captain. We’ll get their attention soon enough... and with enough fury to hold it for a good long time.”
Lt. Faller looked up from his Compad. “Looking over the poll results, I’d suggest the town of Glendover. It’s not too far from here, has a population of only about two hundred thousand, and the polls from there only had a two percent loyalist response. Assuming that the polls are truly reflective of the city’s opinions, that’s only about four thousand loyalists in the whole city. We ought to find a lot of supporters who might know what’s going on there.”
Major Silver nodded. “It sounds good. Where exactly is it?”
Joe got up and went to the map table and punched up a map of the city and surrounding area. “There.” He pointed at the city. “And we’re about... here.” He said, point at a point west of the city.
Major Silver looked at the map. “That’s about what? 400 kilometers east of where we are now?” With a nod from Joe, he pushed a button on the map table. “Commander Hoffmeyer. Make your heading zero-nine-zero and head for grid coordinates...” he paused as he looked at the map. “oh-three-five-two on map two-two-five-two, region one-nine-two-four. Best speed if you please.” At that he clicked off the coms as the airship slued around in a wide arc to bring her course into line to take the ship to a point 36 kilometers outside the city limits.
Major Silver looked at his wrist chronometer. “That will put us down by almost noon local time, assuming we can make 200 knots. That gives us just over an hour to prep. We can’t exactly go into town looking like mercs, now can we?” he smiled.
As the airship landed and unloaded Captain McKenna’s car and Lt. Jones’ motorcycle, Major Silver approached Captain Thorpe wearing a grease-stained pair of coveralls. “Captain, you’ll be in charge while we’re gone. If the airship comes under threat and you can get away, do it. Don’t wait for us. We can find you again through the Resistance.”
Randall nodded. “I will sir. We’ll keep the home fires burning for you.” Almost as an afterthought he added, “I think while you’re gone I’ll sit up in the comm center and scan frequencies, see what I can pick up. Lieutenant Windsor is a passable crypto guy. Maybe we can get lucky and get some intel too.”
Kevin slapped him on the shoulder. “We won’t be more than four hours at the outside. If we’re going to be longer, I’ll send Grizzly back to let you know.”
As Major Silver turned to leave, Randall shouted after him, “Good hunting sir!”
As he approached the groundcar, he saw Joe standing next to the driver’s side. Putting on his dark sunglasses, his outfit made him look like a bad undercover agent of a cheesy spy tri-vid. In perfect contrast, Captain McKenna’s elegant business suit meshed well with Joe’s look to make him look less conspicuous and more like a tourist.
“Don’t you have anything less...” Major Silver paused, trying to find the right words. “obvious?”
Joe shook his head. “I could wear my trench and black jumpsuit, but I figured that would just be too much for the yokels to handle.”
Looking over the car as Lt. Jones’ cycle was placed slowly on the ground, Major Silver saw that Vahzenov had gone his route and had tried to dress down to look like a rural local farmhand or factory worker. Looking at his own disguise, he said, “You look a lot more local than I do, Piotr. Good job.”
Vahzenov smiled. “Da. Thank you, Major. Zough I sink zat you look more ze part of a technician zan a local farmer, I zink it should do vell enough.”
Lt. Jones came down the ramp to release the straps holding his bike to the lift hoist. Dressed in poor civilian clothes the type usually found in the Davion outback, he looked every bit the part of the poor rural tourist.
Vahzenov turned to Lt. Jones. “Looking very good, Griz. Vere did you find zat outfit?”
Richard frowned. “This is my casual clothes. Why? What’s wrong with them?”
Piotr looked at Major Silver, then back to Lt. Jones. “Nozing, Lieutenant. I vas actually complimenting your choice. It fits very vell vit Major Silver and I.” He glanced at Erin and Joe. “Zey can go to a fancy restaurant or zomsing. Ve’ll hit ze bars! Who do you zink vill have a better time on ze clock?”
The two smiled at each other as Major Silver looked around. “So where’s Chi-Lin? We have to get moving.”
As he asked, he heard Joe wolf whistle, something he never did. Tuning around, he saw Chi-Lin descending the ramp. Dressed in the Jade Asian-cut evening gown she had worn the night she met the Silver Eagles, she looked devastating.
Major Silver did a double take. “Sergeant?”
Chi-Lin smiled at the Major. “Yes sir?”
Regaining his composure, he looked sternly at his head of Information Operations. “Sergeant, that outfit is bound to grab attention. Couldn’t you find something a little more subdued?”
Chi-Lin shook her head. “Unfortunately not, sir. This outfit was the only non-combat gear I brought with me. Honestly, I didn’t even realize I had brought even it. I only found it when we were settling into the Areion two hours ago.” She shrugged. “It was either this, a sneak suit, BDUs, or my Eagles dress uniform. No one on board is my size either sir, well no one except for Corporal Winters that is.” A wry smile crept across her lips.
Major Silver shook his head to clear the mental image of Chi-Lin wearing his personal aid’s uniform from his mind. “Never mind Sergeant. Let’s just get going.” At that the five piled into McKenna’s groundcar. Joe took the driver’s seat and Erin the front passenger seat while the Major, Vahzenov, and Chi-Lin took the back seat. Lt. Jones climbed on his heavy-duty cycle as the car began driving toward the main road, catching up with them quickly as the six headed into town.
Half an hour later, they entered the city of Glendover. Like most medium sized cities it sprawled out through the valley it occupied with light suburbs surrounding the downtown district. Unlike most cities however, Glendover’s economy was based on gaming, being one of only four cities on Asuncion with legalized gambling. Tall casinos were surrounded by a variety of much smaller commercial buildings, from restaurants to motels to shopping centers. As the two vehicles approached the downtown district, Joe pulled the car over to the side of the street they had been traveling down. Lt. Jones pulled up behind them and parked his heavy cycle as well.
Climbing out of the groundcar, the six gathered on the sidewalk. The street was not very busy for the time of day, surprisingly so. It seemed as though the town were nearly deserted except for the occasional car and a few bums and panhandlers.
Major Silver looked around. “Looks dead. There should be a lot more activity than this right now. It’s the lunch hour.”
Joe nodded. “It’s the occupation, most likely. People are afraid to go anywhere, especially given this town’s overt attitude of support for the rebellion.”
McKenna turned to Major Silver. “We should split up. I’ll take Joe and Lin and try and blend into the restaurant crowd... well, whatever passes for a crowd about now anyway.” Glancing at his coveralls and her own dress suit and then Joe and Chi-Lin, she finished the thought with a smile. “I think we fit better that way.”
Major Silver nodded. “Right. We’ll meet back here in no less than two hours. I’ll take...” he looked around for Lieutenants Jones and Vahzenov. He caught sight of them as they headed into a bar across the street. Rolling his eyes he said, “I’ll be with them.” As he ran off after the two wayward Mechwarriors.
Joe turned to Erin. “Come on. Let’s us three grab a bite to eat and see what we can overhear.” At that, they got back into the groundcar and drove off down the street.
As Major Silver entered the bar, smoke stung his eyes and the low light kept him barely able to see. Spotting his two warriors through the haze, he made his way over to the booth they’d sat in. Sliding in, he lowered his voice to a low whisper as the two took sips from the drinks they’d already ordered. “Thanks for waiting... Lieutenants.” He hit the last words especially hard, though not loud enough to carry. Looking around, he spotted a video display behind the bar, though it was turned off. He gestured to it absently, trying to disguise his meaning to any onlooker.
Piotr nodded and stood. Crossing over to the bar, he caught the attention of the bartender. “‘Scuse me there buddy,” he said in a perfect imitation of a local rural accent, his own normally heavy Russian accent gone. “Don’t suppose you could flip on the news there, could ya? Me and my brothers here are a bit out of touch with the latest word.”
The Bartender shook his head. “Nope. It’s too depressing and people come in here to get away from the occupation, not hear about it on the damn news networks.”
Vahzenov faked a shocked look on his face. “What invasion? Who was invaded? Is it them damnable Cappies? Has the ‘C’ ‘G’ gone and finally sold us out to that rat Liao?”
The bartender stopped cleaning glasses and looked Vahzenov over. “You mean you don’t know? Hell, I thought everybody knew. We’re under military occupation by the Third Free Worlds League Legionnaires. Have been for two days now.”
Vahzenov looked stunned. “The Legionnaires? What are they doing occupying us? What did we ever do to them? Did someone miss their bribe to Zion’s president or something?”
The Bartender rolled his eyes. “Where are you boys from anyway that you don’t know what the heck’s going on?”
Vahzenov leaned against the bar lazily, gesturing back to Major Silver and Lt. Jones. “Well, me and my brothers Daryl and Larry here work out on the Heltis Farm south of Pilar. We don’t get out much, but I sure didn’t expect to hear that the people that claim to be our protectors have invaded us. What up with all that, anyway?”
Smiling, the bartender leaned in closer to Vahzenov. His voice dropped to a whisper. “Come with me. You and your brothers both.” At that the bartender nodded to another as he started to walk down the bar. Vahzenov jerked his head over in a motion to Major Silver and Lt. Jones indicating they should follow. As the two came up behind Lt. Vahzenov, the bartender led them through a door leading into a room behind the bar.
As the three entered, they saw a small office, sparsely decorated and very utilitarian. Filing cabinets lined the walls and a small hardwood desk occupied the middle of the room, as did a couch and two chairs. As the door closed behind them, the bartender gestured to the seats in front of the desk. “Please, take a seat.” The three sat nervously, trying their best to look like frightened but inquisitive rurals. As the bartender took his seat behind the desk, he opened the drawer and hit a switch. Suddenly a sound snapped across the room as a heavy latch closed inside the door. A slight hum emanated from the desk drawer for a moment.
Slowly, Vahzenov began reaching around behind himself to access one of the two 357 Magnum Revolvers he had hidden, when he suddenly recognized the hum. Zat’s ze same noise zat Joe’s vhite noise generator makes vhen he turns it on. Relaxing slightly, he waited a moment for the bartender to say something.
The bartender leaned back in his cushioned chair. “Alright, just relax. You three can talk freely now. No one can hear you. My name is Jake Howard. I’m the Free Zion representative in this region.” He looked over the table at the three. “And you three and definitely not farmhands. Nor are you brothers. Hell, I could tell that from the start. But lucky for you I also know you aren’t spies for the Third or you wouldn’t still have those two Magnums you’ve got stuffed in your back and you’d be in a lot of pain right now. Just who are you guys?”
Vahzenov tried to play it coy and kept his false accent in place. “What makes you think we’re not from Pilar?”
He sat forward again. “Well, for starters your accent is very good, but not quite perfect.” He tapped his own ear. “It would take a trained ear like mine to spot the errors. Secondly, it’s your hands. Yeah they’re grimy, but they aren’t callused or bruised or cut up. They aren’t the hands of someone who works with them in dirt all day. More like the hands of...” he paused a moment. “...of a merchant.” Frowning he asked, “Are you boys Lyran reps scouting Free Zion for admittance to your Alliance?”
Vahzenov shook his head. “No, ve are not Lyrans. Zough zey do make a very good source of qvality liquor.”
At this point, Major Silver leaned forward and extended his hand. “I’m Major Kevin Charles Silver, Commanding Officer of the Silver Eagles.” He gestured in turn to the other two. “This is Lieutenant Vahzenov, head of my Strike Lance and Logistics Officer, and this is Lieutenant Jones, my C4 Operations officer. We’ve come here looking for you.”
-
Glendover, Asuncion, Free Zion
December 13th, 3057
Jake Howard shook Major Silver’s hand. “Glad to meet you, Major. I’ve heard of you folks. Not a lot, but when you transferred over to our side, we all got a brief. Formed up in 3052, fought the Clans a few times, then got involved in some sort of civil war. You guys are pretty thick with League members aren’t you? Why come over to fight on our side?”
Major Silver sat back down. “We may be a new unit Mr. Howard, but we’re well trained and all our warriors have a good deal of experience. We also know what it’s like to fight a much larger foe. I don’t know if you know this or not, but I am Baron Silver. My father was the Duke of Negushevo before the Captain-General deposed my family in the middle of an in-family dispute over the line of succession. Needless to say, there is no love lost between the Captain-General and myself. He’s a traitor to the League and everything it ever stood for.”
Jake nodded approvingly. “Alright. So what is it you boys need to know?”
Major Silver sat forward and leaned on the arm of the chair. “We are going to hit the Third and keep them busy trying to track us down. While we do that, your militia and the other mercs here will be able to hit the Third more effectively, nabbing supplies, destroying depots, that sort of thing. Generally making their occupation here miserable until they are forced to retreat. What we need is to know where they are so that we can know where we can hit them for maximum effect.”
Jake smiled. “Excellent! As to troop movements, you can learn all you need with this.” He pulled out a paper and handed it to Major Silver. “It’s a code table for Free Zion scrambled messages that are inserted into local media broadcasts. The table’s only good for a few days, but the code includes a system to retrieve the next table from the coded transmissions. Even the most power computers of the Star League would take more than a few days to de-scramble the code, so by the time they hack one code and can see the next table, we’ve gone onto yet another table, so they have to start all over again. Every so often though there won’t be a new table transmitted, so you’ll have to find a local safe house and get a new table by hand.”
Major Silver took the table and handed it to Lt. Vahzenov as he listened to the explanation of how the code worked. When Jake finished, Major Silver looked back at Vahzenov who handed the paper back to the Major who then handed it back to Mr. Howard.
“Don’t you want it?” he asked.
Lt. Vahzenov smiled. “Ve have it.”
With an incredulous look, Mr. Howard shrugged. “Alright. Was there anything else you needed Major?”
“Now that you mention it,” he said, “We need some supplies. Nothing serious, mostly food. Doesn’t have to be prepared or packaged, we have access to a refrigeration unit. What can you suggest?”
He tapped the paper. “The messages will detail pickup points for foodstuffs, as well as other supplies that the resistance can spare. We work on an honor system. Only take what you absolutely have to. The more you take, the less there is for other units. When possible, supply dumps will include ammo and other high-tech replacement parts, but you’ll have to make do with whatever we can steal from the garrison.”
Major Silver smiled. “Not to worry. There are times I could swear our senior tech could turn Comp-C and Copper tubes into autocannon shells.” He stood and shook Jake’s hand again. “It’s time we get moving. We need to get this information into work so we can start making the Third sorry they ever heard the name Free Zion.” As the trio left the back room after Mr. Howard unsecured it, they headed back out into the street.
Joe, Erin, and Chi-Lin sat in the restaurant across the street from one of the towering casinos. For lunch hour, the place was practically deserted.
As they ate their lunch, Joe spoke to Erin between bites. “Haven’t been able to pick up a darned thing yet other than a few passing comments about how the occupation will ruin the tourism here.”
Absently, Erin poked at her food. “I guess I don’t have an ear fer dropping eaves love. I have nay heard a word I could make out.”
Chi-Lin ate her lunch like she was dissecting a bug. “I’ve heard about the same s.., Joe. What is this?” She picked up a piece of food with her fork.
Joe looked up. “It’s called Dolmadakia. Grape leaves stuffed with rice, beef, and assorted herbs with avgolemono sauce. Try it! It’s good!”
Chi-Lin looked disgusted as she picked her food to pieces, avoiding the leaves as though they were poisonous.
As they sat and ate, McKenna’s personal coms toned. Discreetly pulling it out, she entered the de-scramble code for that day. “McKenna, go ahead.”
Major Silver stood on the sidewalk next to Lt. Jones’ bike. “Silver here. Where are you?”
McKenna looked around to ensure no one was listening as she looked at Joe’s Compad. “We’re at a Greek restaurant near the downtown area. Grid one-five-oh-nine, map two-oh-one-six.”
Kevin noted the coordinates. “Roger that. We’ve found what we were looking for.” He paused a moment. “How’s the food?”
McKenna chuckled. “Not bad I guess, if ye like Greek.”
Joe looked up. “Hey! I eat both your Chinese and Irish without a complaint, even when it gives me gas!”
McKenna rolled her eyes. “Want te' grab a bit, Kevin?”
Major Silver nodded unconsciously. “Yeah. Maybe we might be able to pick up some additional news elsewhere. We’ll meet you at the rendezvous. Silver out.”
As the three got set to leave the restaurant, Joe paid the check while the ladies went to freshen up. Several minutes later, they joined Joe in the groundcar and were off to meet up with Major Silver.
Meeting at the same place where they separated, the group headed into the downtown district and began going through several downtown casinos until they found a restaurant all could agree on. As they ate, they listened intently to every whispered word and hint. As 1500 hours local time approached, it was time to begin heading back to the Areion. Arriving almost a half-hour later, they saw Captain Thorpe waiting at the entrance to the cargo bay.
As the car pulled to a stop with Lt. Jones right behind them, the five climbed out of the car. The extreme contrast of the sloppy look of Major Silver and Lieutenants Vahzenov and Jones compared to the elegant dress of Chi-Lin and McKenna and well-tailored suit of Lt. Faller made the scene almost as comical as a costume party.
Captain Thorpe walked up to the group as the technicians began strapping both vehicles for reloading into the Airship. “Major. Captain. We need to talk right away.”
Major Silver saw the hint of a smile on Captain Thorpe’s face. “What’s going on Randall? You look like someone just told you all of WoB just committed suicide.”
Randall smiled. “Not quite that good sir, but still... well, let’s get inside.”
As the six entered the Airship, Commander Hoffmeyer approached him, as did Corporal Winters with a fresh change of clothes. Hoffmeyer spoke as Major Silver changed in an unoccupied air tent. “Major, while you were away I took the opportunity to start recharging our batteries. I’d like to keep her down until local sunset if possible. That should top off the charge. Then we can head wherever you like under cover of darkness.”
Major Silver emerged from the tent as he pulled his BDU shirt over his head. “Sounds good. Though I want you and the crew to be ready to lift on a moment’s notice in case disaster strikes and we’re located, all right Commander?”
The Airship Commander nodded in ascent. “Aye, Major.”
At that, Major Silver headed for the CIC that they had made out of the Airship’s communications room. As he entered, Joe, Erin, Chi-Lin, Lt. Vahzenov, and Grizzly, were already there along with Captain Thorpe.
“So Randall,” He asked. “What’s the big news?”
Randall smiled. “I think you should see it for yourself sir. It came over the HPG burst just after you six left Glendover.” At that, Randall hit a key combination and all eyes turned to the video display, just as Captain Zimmerman entered the CIC to watch the message play yet again.
The screen faded in from Black to reveal the Flag of Zion Province, the left-to-right half color split and the silhouette of a menorah. As the symbol faded, there at a podium stood President Jacob Malkin. He looked straight into the tri-vid as he began his prepared speech.
“I address you today, not as just the President of Zion Province, but as a fellow Zionist. Much debate and anger has sprung up over the succession of Asuncion in November of this year by a movement called Free Zion. Many people feel that they have betrayed the Free Worlds League who has protected us from Capellan oppression for over a hundred years. Others feel that it is the Free Worlds League who has betrayed us by allying with those same Capellans.”
He paused a moment and let the thought sink in. “One hundred and sixteen years ago, Vincente Sian-Marik, our Sarna Commonality administrator and Lord wisely led us out of the darkness of Capellan oppression and into the freedom offered by Samuel Marik and the Free Worlds League. It was not a painless transition however. History recorded well the atrocities of scorched-earth tactics the Capellans used as they withdrew from our lands. Today, we face a new kind of threat, division. So long as the Province stood together, we could depend on one another for mutual support. With the division of so many of Zion’s people into loyalist and independence viewpoints, we have become divided and weak. It is at these times that we are the most vulnerable and risk so much of what we have built up together.”
Major Silver breathed an exasperated sigh as he listened. Yeah, yeah. Free Zion should give up because it’s unpatriotic to go independent in a time of national emergency. Blah, blah, blah. He leaned against the wall as the President’s speech continued. “Captain-General Thomas Marik has asked the Free Zion movement to give up their cause. He has told them that this is not the time to be divided, but it is at times of critical need like this that we must set aside personal differences to stand against the common enemy. He could not be more right.”
President Malkin stopped as the tri-vid zoomed into a close-up. “But not for the reasons he claims. We should stand together... as Zionists... not Mariks. We should stand together... against Capellan oppression and subjugation. My family has served the Presidency of Zion for over a hundred years. My great-great grandfather promised Zion all those years ago that we would never again be subject to Capellan oppression. So did then Captain-General Samuel Marik. Now, the Captain-General’s great-great grandson pawns his daughter off on the Capellan Chancellor like a cheap token. If he can trade his own daughter away to the Capellans, what makes us any safer? We are not even kin to him. We are only lowly subjects to be traded away in a power play against the Federated Commonwealth. If it suited him, Thomas would trade us to the Capellans for reduced trade tariffs.”
The stunned silence in the CIC was palpable. Major Silver couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Blake’s Blood! The President is declaring for Free Zion! As he stood there agape, the President continued. “When Free Zion liberated Asuncion on November 2nd, they did so under my authorization and approval. There is no rebellion. My need to remain secretive and appear to oppose Free Zion was to get the League to commit Troops, which my military analysts and I knew they would. By getting them to commit troops to Asuncion and not Zion, they are now pinned in place there instead of our capital and there are no other League units that can reinforce them. With two Battalions of mercenaries in addition to the two regiments of mixed militia forces there, the Third Free Worlds League Legionnaires are facing a force strong enough to wear them down with the support of the vast majority of the planet’s 750 million populous. In time, they will either have to withdraw completely or face utter defeat.”
As Kevin considered the tactical situation, he realized the brilliance of the plan. By hiring the Silver Eagles and the other Mercenary units, then moving them to Asuncion and declaring independence while pretending to oppose the rebellion, the League was forced to commit the only troops it could to pacify the planet. Once entrenched, the ruse was played and President Malkin could openly support the rebellion, letting the populations know that they were not alone and giving them an attainable goal; joining the other three unoccupied worlds of Zion Province in total independence. In a way, the Captain-General’s war against the Federated Commonwealth had provided the means for Zion to rebel with a reasonable chance of success.
“It was brilliant.” Major Silver said as the President paused. “He’s set Zion up as already liberated with the League unable to do anything about it. Only Asuncion is occupied and that won’t last without reinforcements they don’t have.”
President Malkin continued his speech. “I urge the Captain-General to recall his troops and release any and all claims over Zion Province. The League cannot hope to take Asuncion, nor Zion or the other worlds while it prosecutes an unwarranted war against our neighbors. Try as he might to claim righteousness in his cause, war was not the only option. He did not even try a diplomatic solution, nor even attempt to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the replacement of his dying son with a double. Instead, he committed the entire Free Worlds League military into a force of arms to exact a sort of revenge for the Fourth Succession War. He is not even concerned if the people living on the worlds under assault even wish to return to the League. Furthermore, he allies himself and his Nation with the hated Capellans who seek to crush the freedom away from the worlds of the Sarna March, just the same as they would do to us if they could. We stand with the new independent nations of Hall, the Sarna Supremacy, Epsilon Eridani, the Styk Commonality, Bryant, the Duchy of Small, the Terracap Confederation, Northwind, and the Sirian Holds. If the Commonwealth cannot protect them because of the Clan threat, then it is better to be on one’s own than subject to Capellan domination.”
As President Malkin concluded his speech, the tri-vid once again pulled back to show the podium. “As the head of Zion Province, and now officially as the leader of Free Zion, I urge all Zion Natives to support Free Zion. There is no debate. There is no reason for disagreement. Zion Province stands firmly behind the freedom fighters on Asuncion. When the League forces trapped there have had enough, let them leave, demoralized and beaten. Then Zion will forge ahead on its own, free of the oppression of any Great House. It is only then that we shall be free.”
As the speech ended, it faded once more to show the flag of Zion Province, then faded to black again.
Zimmerman finally spoke up. “I really do have to apologize for the minor bit of deception in having you resign your contract with us, Major. The second contract was only to complete the illusion of Zion Province support for the Captain-General. In truth, your original contract with the Province is still valid. It is the second one that is worthless. General Director Bryla has no authority under Zion Law to hire Mercenaries. Your pay for last month indeed came through the normal Province paymaster. You never left their employ.”
Major Silver turned to face Captain Zimmerman. “Why the deception? Why not just tell us what was going on?”
Zimmerman sighed. “To be honest Major, we just couldn’t be certain enough that all of the Free Worlders in your unit could be trusted to not be secretly loyalist and we couldn’t afford the risk until the League had totally committed itself to retaking Asuncion. Now that they’re tied up here, Zion can press for a diplomatic solution and the League will listen simply because there is no alternative.”
Joe sat up as he took another drag of his cigarette. “Wait a minute. Why did you arrest Galen Lamond and the other Zion representatives? His close ties to the Captain-General?”
“I’m afraid, Lieutenant...” came a voice from behind Captain Zimmerman, “...that the reports of my arrest have been greatly exaggerated.” As the assembled officers looked past Zimmerman, behind him stood his aid as he stepped up into the light of the room.
Major Silver’s eyes grew wide. “Lamond!”
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 13th, 3057
Galen Lamond entered the room as Zimmerman bowed out. Major Silver bowed slightly. “We are honored to have you with us, Mr. Lamond.”
Nodding his head he responded, “I am not here by accident. When President Malkin sent me here to Asuncion to represent him, I chose to be placed with the Silver Eagles. I felt that it would be the best place to see to it that Zion’s wishes are carried out. I also believe it will be your unit that will drive the Third away. No disrespect to the other Mercenaries or the Militia, but none of them have your history of success.”
Pausing a moment, Galen pulled out a data disk and handed it to Major Silver. “I also carry a message from President Malkin to the Silver Eagles. He said to tell you that we hired you specifically because of your history of standing up to the League, despite overwhelming odds. Also, word of your temporary capture of Outer Volta was a significant selling point. If you can take a world away from the Clans, even if only for a few days, then taking one from the League should be within your abilities. He is certain that you can send the Third Legionnaires packing. Once gone, we can see to it that they never come back diplomatically.”
Major Silver held up the disk. “And this?”
Nodding at the disk, he concluded, “That disk contains detailed profile of every part of the Third Legionnaires, from her Commanding Officer down to the individual support APCs.” He smiled. “Provided by the Captain-General at the request of President Malkin, of course!”
Major Silver handed the disk to Lt. Faller. “Go through this and match it up with my tactical assessment. Let’s see if we can figure out where they’ll garrison which units.” Turning back to Mr. Lamond, he nodded. “Thank you, sir. With that information, I’m sure my and my men can make the Third’s stay on Asuncion one they’ll not soon forget.”
Major Silver walked into the HQ tent in the Areion’s cargo bay three hours later. The other members of the Silver Eagles were already assembled and waiting to hear about their first target. “Take your seats.” He moved to the head of the tent and turned to face the group. “Lieutenant Faller has analyzed the data provided by Mister Lamond and cross-referenced it with the data we’ve collected from the local broadcasts and compiled by Captain McKenna. From this, we’ve been able to see what the Third Legionnaires are up to.”
He set the Compad down as he’d already memorized the important data. “The Third, as expected, made initial landings in New San Pedro, the Kallon Industries plant in Benedict, and the Puerto Flor de Lis Industrial Complex. Initial drops on the capital were two Battalions of ‘Mechs in strength. They secured the spaceport immediately, as well as the capital building and the HPG. Their Dropships landed within 5 minutes and they off-loaded a Heavy Reinforced Company of their Infantry and APCs. With the capital secure, all but a Company of ‘Mechs re-boarded their Unions and Leopards and they took off again, moving on to the next largest city.”
Major Silver began to pace as he talked. “In Benedict, they dropped two Companies of BattleMechs and landed their Intruder at the airfield. At that point, the ninety Marines off-loaded and secured the Kallon plant without firing a shot. They then packed up half their ‘Mechs and started the same thing the forces that hit New San Pedro did, moving on to a nearby large city, dropping, leaving political governors, then moving on. Similarly, but on a smaller scale, they dropped a Company of ‘Mechs on the Puerto Flor de Lis Industrial Complex, which were followed down by two of their three Condors that arrived in the first wave. One off-loaded a Reinforced Platoon of six Hetzers and their crew, while the other set down a Company of Infantry very similar to our own, but with standard 7-man squads. After securing several key facilities, they packed up half of their ‘Mechs and proceeded to move on to the next city where they did the same thing the other ‘Mech Units were doing.”
He turned to face the Eagles. “It seems that in the last two days, they have hit almost half of the twenty largest cities and left, each time leaving a political team behind, but not much else. Except for the garrisons in New San Pedro, Benedict, and Puerto Flor de Lis, they don’t appear to be sticking to set garrisons to claim hold over a city. Now, this will likely only last for the next couple of days until their reinforcements arrive on those twenty-one inbound Dropships. Once they make landing, they’ll be able to station a company-sized garrison in every city with a population over one million.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “Many of zose Dropships are troop carriers. Zat means ve should hit zem now, before zey can put all zose troops on ze ground.”
Joe shook his head. “The problem is that they aren’t stationing anywhere, Vaz. Right now they’re just hitting, securing, leaving political teams, and moving on. They figure they don’t have to garrison a city to hold it if they leave people in place that can call in the cavalry. That means that the only places where we know they have troops, they have enough to make an attack pretty bloody.”
Lt. Jones added his opinion. “What about the Kallon plant? If we can take that, we’ll have all the spare parts we’d need while at the same time denying it to them. Sure, a Company of ‘Mechs and four Marine Platoons is a big target, but we could do some serious damage to them. That and it would definitely get their attention.”
Major Silver looked over to him. “The problem being that while we might be able to take Benedict if we called in a few of the other lances or had help from the militia, we couldn’t keep it. In the process of taking it, we’d get so smashed up that we’d be out of action for weeks, assuming we could even get away before reinforcements arrived.” Major Silver shook his head. “No, Kallon is too well guarded to hit with any real chance of success.”
Captain Thorpe spoke up next. “So, what are we going to do then?”
Major Silver picked up the Compad. “There are three large cities nearest us, Pedro Juan Caballero, Pilar, and Villa Elisa. They’ve already hit the last two, but Pedro Juan Caballero has yet to be visited. Now, we have a choice here. We can hit one of the two they’ve already been to and retake it, or we can wait in ambush in Pedro Juan Caballero.”
McKenna voiced her opinion. “Waitin’ in ambush in a city fer a force we’ve no idea about how big it’s ta be does nea sound like a great idea to me, sair.”
Lt. Jones disagreed. “While true, marching into a town with no defenders sounds like a waste of time to me. I mean, once we hit the city, they’ll be able to send in a whole Battalion or more on top of us, so we won’t be able to stick around. So what’s the point?”
McKenna was about to speak when she stopped herself. “What if we were te jest put in an appearance in one o’ th’ two cities they’ve left people at? We wouldn’t have te even stop, jest make our presence felt and let th’ Legionnaires know that we air still here and kin hit them anytime we please. Might make ‘em a wee bit more unsure that they kin hold a city we nea troops and get ‘em to start leaving bite-sized garrisons.”
Joe sat up. “You know, that’s not a half bad idea. Just march on through and make them think they’re in danger of losing secured cities. I like it!”
Major Silver nodded. “Yes, that would be a good move. We get their attention, let them know they’re still vulnerable, maybe even set their timetable back by making them divert forces to try and track us down. Meanwhile, we can be well away.”
Lt. Jones liked the idea, but had a question. “Ok, so what should we do? March around the city or straight through it? If we march along the outskirts of a city, we can make it look like we’re just passing through. It says ‘We’re here’ but not so blatantly that we’re making it look like we’re trying to get their attention. On top of that, if we march through town, they’ll know we’ve broken up the Battalion.”
Joe refuted the idea. “BattleMechs marching through a city will get their attention but won’t be easy for them to figure out just who was there. All that is there are civilians and a handful of political observers. These aren’t military intelligence people or trained spotters. All they’ll report is that there were BattleMechs, maybe being able to identify a few of them. On top of that, if we march around the city, they’ll know for certain that we’ve broken up the Battalion. ‘Mechs will leave tracks off of pavement and tanks should. Once they know to look for them, they can count tracks and see very easily that it was only two Lances and no tanks.”
Major Silver looked at Joe. “So which city do you think it should it be? Pilar or Villa Elisa?”
Joe picked up the list of cities. “Looking at their positions and make-up, I’d recommend Villa Elisa. It’s 1,500 kilometers north-by-northwest of here, has a decent 23.5% Loyalist population, and the city has nearby terrain that will make the approach easier to not be spotted. Once through the city, we’ll have to book it over the horizon to meet up with the Areion unseen, but that gives us a decent margin of time to work with. We can be all the way through the major part of the city in only eight minutes. In contrast, Pilar is widely open in a green belt so the approach would be harder, has half the population of Villa Elisa but covers five times the area, and has only a 16% Loyalist backing.”
Major Silver nodded as he made some notes. “Ok, so how do we make it clear who was there? We want the garrison to know that the Eagles are still here by name and that we’re not leaving. Just marching through the city isn’t going to do that. I think we should use the external loudspeakers to play a political announcement. What does everyone think of that?”
McKenna nodded. “T’would be a good move, sair and I thin’kin it should be made specifically by you. But what should it say?”
Captain Thorpe looked skeptical. “Do you really think Major Silver should be making political statements validating a rebellion against the League? He does have a Barony to lose.”
Kevin looked to Randall. “I’m not too worried about that, Randall. My sentiments toward the Captain-General are well known and publicized. But the League has no authority over individual Baronies, that’s an internal matter of the Rim Commonality and Negushevo that has cultural significance. Even under the Addendum to the Incorporation, Thomas Marik has no authority to take away my landhold. Duke Karminov has given his word that House Silver will forever hold a Barony on Negushevo and I believe him. No, my landhold is safe. As to what is said, I’m sure that Lieutenant Faller and I can put together an appropriate message.”
Joe smiled. “To be sure, sir.”
Major Silver picked up the Compad. “So, it’s agreed then? We’ll make an appearance in Villa Elisa and make the Legionnaires nervous that they could lose cities that they’ve nominally claimed control of. That should get them to commit troops that we can take on and start whittling them down. All right? I want the ‘Mechs prepped for action before we lift in...” He looked at his wrist chronometer. “...one hour. While there aren’t supposed to be any defenders, let’s not get caught with our pants down, shall we? Dismissed.”
Over the next hour, the Eagles prepared for action. By local sunset, the airship Areion finished recharging her batteries and took to the air, headed toward Villa Elisa. It would be over four hours of flight time before they reached their debarkation point, putting them down at just after midnight local time. As they traveled, Major Silver refined their plan. The Eagles would wait an additional hour after setting down to let the Areion circle far around the city and reach their rendezvous point 25 kilometers south of the city before the ‘Mechs and Chi-Lin’s VTOL would even power up. It would also place them in the city at 1:45 in the morning, when most of the city’s population was asleep. With groggy eyes and the dark of the night, identifying just how many ‘Mechs and vehicles had come through the city would be just that much harder for the garrison.
As the Eagles sat in their silent ‘Mechs, the time seemed to creep by at an Urbanmech’s pace. Finally, the time came and the eight BattleMechs and VTOL powered up in unison. Making their way to an access highway leading to Villa Elisa, the ‘Mechs turned down the road toward the city. As they began their half-hour march on the city, not a single ground vehicle was spotted on the highway.
As they got closer to the city, Major Silver secured a tight-beam laser-com to Joe. “How are we looking, Fallguy?”
Lt. Faller keyed his mic after securing his reply into the laser-com system. “We’re looking good, Major. I’m not picking up any signs that we’ve been spotted. The occupation seems to have everyone staying home, which explains the lack of traffic. Will report if there’s a change.”
Making their way into the suburbs surrounding the city, Major Silver opened the command frequency. “Magic high. Prepare to receive my com-feed and relay it out your loudspeakers.” Major Silver opened his console food locker and grabbed the disk containing the pre-recorded message he’d prepared and thought a moment, remembering the disagreement he and Joe had over the exact phrasing. He placed the disk back in the locker and retrieved one of the blank disks he kept there for recording of data bursts. Dropping the disk into the recorder/playback unit of his communications system, he cleared his throat and pressed the record key.
“We are the Silver Eagles Battalion!” He said in a loud clear voice. “Support Zion against the oppression of Thomas Marik and his Capellan Allies!” Pressing the stop key, he played the recording back once just to hear how it sounded. He then keyed for the communications system to begin playing the message out his external loudspeakers while synchronously echoing it by com-link to Captains McKenna and Thorpe, who would then relay the signal down to the other members of the two Lances.
As the eight ‘Mechs made their way through the city, the message played every few blocks. As the Lances passed through the city’s downtown district, a swath of activity boiled up behind them as people came out of houses, apartments, and businesses. Making their way quickly through the city, Major Silver finally pulled the disk from his communications console. “Eagles! This is Silver Actual. Increase speed to 64 and end broadcasts. We are running silent. No open broadcasts from this point. Silver Actual out.”
Pressing his throttle forward, Mercury II settled into a canter that would carry it out of the city quickly without tearing up the road. As the other ‘Mechs of the unit similarly accelerated, Chi-Lin’s VTOL swept out ahead of the formation.
Ten minutes later, the Eagles were well out of the city’s suburbs and surrounded by open farmland and shrouded in the dark of the moonless Asuncion night. As they continued their trot down the road, Major Silver spotted lights ahead. Keying his mic open after securing laser-coms to McKenna and Thorpe, he spoke. “Silver Actual here. We have lights ahead. Maybe civilian traffic, but I don’t want to risk it. Pull up. We’re leaving the road and powering down.”
As the formation slowed to a stop, they turned west and slowly walked off the road into the farmland. Once they were over 100 meters from the road, the ‘Mechs began powering down. Anxiously they waited in the dark as the lights grew.
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 14th, 3057
As the Eagles sat beside the road and Chi-Lin’s VTOL de-spun its rotor, Captain McKenna pulled off her neurohelmet and unhooked her coolant vest. Releasing the straps that held her into her command couch, she opened the hatch on her Thunderbolt’s cockpit. Grabbing her rangefinder binoculars, she poked her head up out and started scanning the horizon. As she did so, Captain Thorpe similarly opened his cockpit and pulled his Mauser 960 out of his storage locker. Shouldering the weapon, he activated the low light scope attached and aimed it at the oncoming vehicle.
“Silver actual, this is NightHawk.” He said as he put his personal coms up against his ear and opened a low-power channel. “I have the target in sight. Groundcar. Definitely civilian. Closing speed 100 kph. Driver in sights.”
Major Silver nearly choked as he took a quick drink of water when he heard Randall report that he had the driver sighted. Quickly reaching for the com panel he dropped the transmission power down as low as the setting would go. “Roger that NightHawk. Do not fire. You are weapons-safe unless fired on.” Sitting back in his command couch, Major Silver sighed. Just like Randall to have such a cold attitude toward taking out a non-combatant. And he calls Blakists zealous.
As the Eagles waited, the car approached swiftly. As it passed them, Randall continued to track it. After a moment, Major Silver spoke up. “We’ll wait a minute or two, then power up and move out.”
As Lt. Jones looked out the view port of his motionless Anvil waiting for the go-ahead to power up, he spotted movement on the horizon. Transmitting at minimum power, he called the first warning. “Airborne contact! Bearing about one-seven-zero and moving fast.”
McKenna swung around to face southeast of their position. As she spotted the fast moving light, she brought her binoculars up to get a better look. “Confirmed.” She said into her personal coms. “Leopard Class, range twenty-two klicks. Likely headed fer th’ city.”
Major Silver activated his ‘Mech’s navigational computer and input the position report to project a course. He felt his blood run cold. They’ll pass right over the Areion, and very close to us! Keying his mic he ordered, “Everyone button up and get ready to move out, but stay powered down. No transmissions of any kind, even low power. They’ll be passing within three kilometers of our position. Silent running people.” At that he shut down his navcomp and his cockpit lighting, waiting and hoping that the Dropship would pass them by.
Forty seconds never lasted so long outside of Jumpship travel than as the Dropship closed. As it passed within three kilometers, the Eagles held their breath and waited. Roaring past them at over 500 kph, a bare fraction of its potential, it seemed an almost leisurely maneuver. As the Leopard sailed on toward the city beyond, Major Silver started to breath again.
Waiting a few moments, he opened a secure laser-com to Captains McKenna and Thorpe. “We’ll wait a bit longer. Pass the word down.” Switching targets, he opened a secure laser-com to the VTOL. “Sergeant, how close can you get to that Leopard and go undetected?”
After a moment, she replied, “I might risk coming within eight or nine klicks of that Leopard if I stay down in ground clutter. Any closer and they’ll spot me for certain.”
Major Silver keyed his mic. “Hold tight, Black Lotus.” Switching the laser-com back to McKenna and Randall, he asked for a status report.
Randall reported first. “All set here sir. I’ve Sixguns on my secondary laser-com, and patched in, and he’s got Grizzly on his secondary.”
McKenna reported next. “We’re good here, sair. I’ve Fallguy on secondary and he’s got Smoke on his. Crawler is ridin’ secondary off Smoke. We’re all here. Smoke reports that he saw th’ Leopard set down in th’ city.”
Major Silver thought a moment. She’ll need about 15-20 minutes to circle around the city and catch up to us at that distance, but we’re still fifteen minutes from the rendezvous point at a dead run anyway. Switching back to Chi-Lin and keying his mic open again he ordered, “Sergeant, I want you to circle the city and see if you can find out what that Dropship is doing. Report as you are able. Silver Actual out.”
As Chi-Lin took to the air, Major Silver keyed his mic after switching back to McKenna and Thorpe. “Black Lotus is scouting the city to find what that Leopard is up to. Sit tight a few until we get word. Silver Actual out.”
As the eight Mechwarriors waited, Chi-Lin closed on the city. Activating her VTOL’s night vision and magnification system, she began searching for the Leopard. It didn’t take her long to spot it landed on a wide parkway near the downtown district. Securing a tight-beam microwave transmission back to Major Silver, she recorded a report to be flash transmitted in a fraction of a second. “Recon Scout Leader to Silver Actual. I have sighted the Dropship landed near the downtown district. They have off-loaded BattleMechs and I can identify two as Wraith class and a third as a Shadow Hawk. The fourth is obscured behind the Dropship and I cannot make positive ID. They appear to just be standing around, possibly waiting for orders. No sign of any other enemy units. Will report if I see anything else. Recon Scout Leader out.” Keying in the command to rapidly transmit it, she sent the report in.
Seeing the message appear in his message queue, Kevin listened to it before switching back to the laser-link ad-hoc network. “Alright people we have a Medium ‘Mech Lance confirmed in the city. The question is, do we stick with the plan or do we take the opportunity to deprive the Legionnaires of four ‘Mechs?”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke first. “Zis is a good opportunity. I say ve should take it.”
Lt. Jones agreed. “Aye sir. Sixguns is right. A Medium Lance against two Assaults, five Heavies, and a Medium? They don’t stand a chance!”
Next was Captain Thorpe. “It is a good idea sir. As Grizzly pointed out, we heavily overpower them. We can move in using the city as cover, hit them by surprise, drop them fast, and get out before they can summon reinforcements.”
McKenna was the first to voice a contrary opinion. “Wi’ all due respect sair, we should nea be fightin’ in th’ city unless we have no choice. We do.”
Lt. Collins agreed. “I don’t like it sir. Moving on them in the city is a bad idea. We may have the firepower advantage, but they have the mobility advantage. I say we stick to the plan.”
Ryan Windsor spoke for the first time in a long time. “Aye sir. Orchid is right. City fighting by choice can turn the population against us, and we need them on our side. Smoke brings up a good point too. Fighting a Medium Lance in a city, even two-to-one and with our machines nearly all outweighing theirs, they’ll be able to get into better positions and cut us up a piece at a time.”
Lastly, Joe added another dissenting opinion. “There’s another thing to consider, other than moral and tactical. We don’t know what else is in the area. I don’t like the smell of it. Their people had to report on what they saw, or those troops wouldn’t be there right now. If they think the whole Battalion came through, why only send one Lance unless there are more waiting in the wings? Plus, did you notice what vector that Leopard came in from, sir?”
Major Silver furrowed his brow and brought up his map display. “They came in along a vector almost due north. That would mean that they were somewhere almost due south of here...” As he spoke, he pulled the map back to look at what was south of Villa Elisa. Suddenly, his voice trailed off as he saw the only place that would make sense as where the Dropship had come from. “They’re hitting Pedro Juan Caballero as we speak! That Dropship was diverted from their assault on that city!”
Joe completed his thought. “With all due respect sir, I suggest we stick to the plan.”
Major Silver nodded. “Agreed. We’ll stick to the plan. Let the Lance investigate our visit and report in. Power up and move out.”
As the ‘Mechs powered up and prepared to return to the highway, Major Silver received another flash message from Chi-Lin. “Recon Scout Leader reporting. Sir the four ‘Mechs have begun moving south through the city. It looks like they’re following our trail. Speed about 76 kph. Still can’t get a good look at that fourth ‘Mech, but the glimpses I’ve gotten make her out to look...” The message cut short as the comm system reported a decrypting error.
“Damn!” he shouted as he began moving his ‘Mech forward. As the unit began their race down the road, he waited for Chi-Lin to report in again. As they ran, Major Silver opened a low-power broadcast transmission. “Silver Actual to all units. The Lance is on the move our way at 12 kph closing speed. I want options.”
His ‘Mech’s light canter jarred his voice as Lt. Vahzenov spoke. “Vell, ve could set an ambush for zem. Vait until zey are on top of us, zen power up and blow zem avay.”
Major Silver looked at the map of the area ahead. “There are a couple hills just off the road that we were going to go between as we turned off the road and head toward base. We could do that then double back into hidden positions behind the hills. When they follow our trail off the road, we slam the door shut. Opinions?”
Joe once more raised a concern. “If they’re following us and still only have a Lance, they may be trying to confirm or deny our even having been through Villa Elisa at all. If they spot our trail off the highway, they’ll report it and start bringing in enough troops to seriously start looking. Recommend we stick to plan A, sir.”
Thinking on the situation strategically, he couldn’t argue with the logic. Looking once more at the map of the area further south, he looked for where they would likely stop looking. 40 kilometers south of Villa Elisa along this highway was an intersection with an east-west highway. That’s where they’ll give up looking for us if we can get off the road and they miss it. he thought. A plan began formulating in his mind as he looked at the area. Unfortunately, it all depended on what that last ‘Mech turned out to be.
Opening the channel once more, he ordered, “All units. Make best speed for ‘base’. Have your ‘Mechs loaded up and wait in your cockpits for further orders. Silver Actual out.” He keyed up Captain Thorpe’s personal channel. “Captain. Once you get your ‘Mech to ‘base’, I want you to disembark and take up a spotter position on the crest of the hill at grid coordinates one-six-oh-four. I want you to positively ID that fourth ‘Mech. This is highest priority. Silver Actual out.”
Fifteen minutes later, Randall sat on top of the hill next to his light cycle as Major Silver walked his ‘Mech over the crest and down into the valley that hid the airship Areion. Only eleven minutes behind them were the four ‘Mechs of the Third Legionnaires. As Randall watched them through his low light scope, he could see the Shadow Hawk scanning back and forth with its spotlight. Ahead of it were the two League Wraiths, while the fourth ‘Mech lie behind the glare of the Shadow Hawk’s spotlight.
Chi-Lin had completed her circuit and caught up with the ‘Mechs before they reached the turn-off toward the Areion. As it turned out, she still had not been able to identify the fourth ‘Mech, stating that the garbled portion of her message only said that it looked like another Medium ‘Mech, possibly a Light.
As Randall crouched atop the hill, he waited for the ‘Mechs to pass their position when the spotlight would no longer blind his low light scope. Minutes passed as they closed the distance at to the Wraiths what was a leisurely walking pace. As they approached, Randall heard a noise from behind him. Turning, he saw Joe climbing the hill.
“Any luck with our mystery player, Randall?” he asked.
Shaking his head, he pointed down the hillside. “That damn ‘Hawk’s spotlight keeps blinding out my low light. Have to wait for it to pass.”
Joe pulled out a digital camera and attached a low light lens. “We may need to wash it through the warbook if Chi-Lin can’t ID it.” He said, answering Randall’s unasked question. “What are the odds you figure on them seeing our trail off the road?”
Randall looked down at the side of the road where they had turned off. “Not good. I can barely make it out and I know where to look. They don’t. Though your Zeus’s tracks are the easiest to spot.”
Joe shrugged. “So sue me. ‘Mech piloting isn’t my strong suit.”
The two waited the interminable few minutes as the ‘Mechs closed. Reaching the turnoff, Joe leaned over. “Bet you ten Eagles they stop.”
Randall didn’t take his eyes off the scope. “You’re on.”
As they reached the turn-off, the lead Wraith slowed. The Shadow Hawk swung its spotlight over toward the dirt road where they’d left the highway. Randall’s breath caught in his throat. They spotted it! he thought. Following the spotlight down to see what they were looking at, Randall spotted the mid-sized groundcar that Major Silver had nearly stepped on as they had made their turn-off. The light focused on it for a moment before the ‘Mechs resumed their search down the road.
“Pay up.” Said Joe.
Randall scoffed. “No way! They didn’t stop, they just slowed down!”
“Welcher.” Was all Joe said as he snapped a picture. “Got it, though I’ll be damned if I can tell what it is. Looks like a small Hunchback. Let’s get this down the hill.”
As Randall jumped on his bike, Joe jumped on the back. Coasting down the hill unpowered, they rolled up to the base of the Areion. Leaping off as the Techs began strapping the bike to a hoist, the two ran for their ‘Mechs. A scant minute later, both reported in.
“What do you have Joe?” asked Major Silver.
Lt. Faller was slow to reply. “Don’t know yet sir. Whatever it is, it’s new. Running it through the warbook now.” A moment passed. “Got it! She’s a Jackal. Thirty tons, no Jump, 118 kph top speed, Anti-missile system, Holly Streak SRM-2 Pack, and that big honkin’ gun on it’s shoulder that makes her look like a Hunchie is an Aberdovey ER PPC.”
Major Silver nodded unconsciously. “What about her tracking gear?”
Joe was surprised. “Tracking? Umm...” he paused as he looked up the data. “Factory specs indicate a Hartford S2000A, however I’m running this Lance through the data we got from Mister Lamond now just to double-check.”
“Good man.” Major Silver replied. “Work fast, Joe. We’re running out of time.”
“Got it!” He replied. “Third Battalion, Third Company, Second Lance. Tagged as Recon. Specs say she’s straight-up standard configuration, sir.”
Major Silver keyed back. “Quick Joe. Does the Hartford S2000A have air-track?”
Joe balked, but looked up the data just the same. “Air track? Nothing beyond normal, user selectable at the flip of a switch. She can switch between ground-track and air-track in about one second. Why?”
Major Silver smiled. “Because they aren’t looking for an air target, that’s why. We’re going to come up behind them... but from the air. Silver Eagles; prepare for a hot drop! ECM systems are to go Magic High the moment we power up and drop. I want them wrapped in ECM. We’re going to cut them off, then cut them apart. Areion, this is Silver Actual. Take off and come about to one-eight-zero. Locate enemy units and come up slow and quiet behind them. Move out!”
Scenario 1: Road Runner
Attacker: Silver Eagles
Forces: 29,890 BV / 580 tons
Command Lance- 9,217 BV / 265 tons
MAD-5De Marauder Major Kevin Silver (V-3/3)
ANV-3Me Anvil Lt. SG Richard "Grizzly" Jones (V-3/4) ECM - Active
BJ2-Oe Blackjack Captain Randall "NightHawk" Thorpe (V-5/4) ECM - Active
5 Clan Elemental Suits - MSgt. Mark Rhode - MG (R-4)
FLC-8Re Falconer Lt. SG Piotr "Sixguns" Vahzenov (V-4/3)
Assault Lance- 9,464 BV / 315 tons
TDR-7Me Thunderbolt Captain Erin "Orchid" McKenna (V-3/3)
ZEU-9E Zeus Lt. SG Joe "Fallguy" Faller (V-4/4) Narc - ECM - Active
Clan Executioner Lt. SG Morander "Smoke" Collins (V-3/2)
5 Clan Elemental Suits - St. Sgt. Sean McCleary - Flamer (G-5)
GAL-1eGLS Gallowglas Lt. SG Ryan "Crawler" Windsor (R-4/4)
Defender: Third Free Worlds League Legionnaires
Forces:
Recon Lance- 4,974 BV / 195 tons
TR1 Wraith Raul "Raptor" Englar (V-4/3)
TR1 Wraith Ardith "Frog" Tallon (R-5/4)
SHD-5M Shadow Hawk Harley "Roach" Pretlow (V-3/3)
JA-KL-1532 Jackal Yong "Hunter" Walvoord (R-4/4)
Force-balanced BV Ratio: 5-to-1
Maps: Map Set 7, Archipelago #1 & #2 aligned with #1 ‘north’ of #2
Special: Water Hexes are to be treated as Farmland, Level 0 Swamp
Set Up:
Defender: Must set up first and must deploy forces on the road hexes on Map #1 between hexes 0305 and 0312 heading ‘south’. May not move off road hexes until Attacker lands.
Attacker: Does not deploy until desired. When deployed, all units must drop in a 3x7 hex area representing the Airship Areion on the same turn. Standard Drop procedures apply. May delay initial drop for any length of time and does not need to indicate the position of the Airship, treating it as a hidden unit. Units may not intentionally land on hexes occupied by enemy forces. (though they may scatter as normal and generate an Accidental Fall from Above) Battlearmor begin as mechanized on the two OmniMechs.
Attacker Victory Conditions:
Total Victory – Attacker loses no ‘Mechs or Battlearmor and Defender does not achieve Victory Conditions
Partial Victory – Attacker loses one ‘Mech but no Battlearmor and Defender does not achieve Victory Conditions
Pyretic Victory – Attacker loses more than one ‘Mech, a Battlearmor Suit, or a Mechwarrior is killed and Defender does not achieve Victory Conditions
Total Defeat – Defender achieves Victory Conditions
Defender Victory Conditions:
Total Victory – The Defender must begin any End Phase outside the Defender’s ECM coverage. If any Defender unit exits a map side with 5 MP to spare, they automatically achieve Total Victory. Units may not exit the map with less than 5 MP left over.
Total Defeat – All Defender units are destroyed.
Notes:
While the scenario seems very lop-sided with such a huge attacking force against such a small Defender force with over 5 times their BV and almost 3 times their weight while getting to pick when and where they reveal themselves, the Defender has an exceptionally easy Victory condition. One unit not covered by one of the Silver Eagles’ ECM suits at the beginning of any End Phase, or if any Defender unit successfully exits any map side, and they achieve Total Victory.
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Asuncion, Free Zion
December 14th, 3057
Lieutenant Senior Grade Raul Englar walked his newly build Wraith along the highway stretching the long kilometers between Villa Elisa and Pedro Juan Caballero where the rest of his Battalion was securing the city. Though the local time was almost 3 am, he and his Battalion were still on Terran Standard time, which made it not even feel like midnight yet.
As he approached a bend in the highway, he slowed his ‘Mech somewhat. “Raptor to Roach. You and Hunter slow up a bit. I don’t want you spilling out on the corner. Frog and I will move out ahead a bit more.”
“Roger that, Raptor.” Replied Staff Sergeant Harley Pretlow. As the bend approached, he slowed his Shadow Hawk’s pace to that of a fast walk instead of the jog he’d been forced to maintain to keep up with the other three members of his Lance. Damn. Everyone gets a new and faster unit ‘cept ol’ Roach. Blake’s Blood who did I peeve off now? As he mentally cursed his Battalion XO for not granting his request to transfer out of Recon Lance, he leaned into the corner as he saw the two ‘Mechs in front of him slow up a bit.
Glancing ahead at the road, Lt. Englar saw it dipped down slightly and then turned sharply right. Keying his mic as he carefully walked down the slope and around the bend, he ordered “Alright people take it easy on this slope. We just need to keep moving and keep our eyes pealed for any sign of these supposed Mercenaries. Once we hit the intersection in a few kilometers, I’ll call it in and say the locals are just trying to rattle our cage. There ain’t no one out here but farmhands and...”
As he spoke, his threat-warning indicator wailed. “What the...!” Before he could speak, his ears were filled with static. Quickly switching off his com, he started assessing the situation. My God! They’re dropping on us! How the hell did they get a Dropship in without us seeing it? Looking up to see where the units could have come from, all he saw was blackness. Switching on his ‘Mech’s low light amplification system, he finally spotted it.
Without even thinking, he clicked open his emergency frequency. “Mayday! Mayday! We are under attack! Enemy dropping on us from a dang blimp! Mayday! Mayday! Battalion Command please respond!”
Hearing only static, he realized that they were enveloped in a jamming field. “Well played, but no ECM field covers everywhere.” At that he raised his Wraith’s hands and gave instructions for Corporals Walvoord and Tallon to engage the enemy while he and Sergeant Pretlow would split up, each going the opposite direction. Hopefully, one of them would pierce the ECM field and call in help.
As the airship silently positioned overtop of the Lance, Major Silver watched the tactical display. “Any second now...” he said to himself. As he saw the lead Wrath pull out ahead of the rest of the Lance, he opened the Command frequency. “Now! Drop! Drop! Drop!” Powering his ‘Mech up, he stepped forward, just as the other seven ‘Mechs in the Core Command Group did the same. Feathering his Jump Jets to prepare to land softly near the rear of the formation, he watched as the Shadow Hawk that had stopped and began backpedaling away from his dropping units opened fire.
Twenty long-range missiles leapt from the right flank of his Shadow Hawk and sped toward the Gallowglas in the middle of the dropping formation. Its rapid descent however made it difficult to track as his missiles arced up then down to try to track their target. Exploding harmlessly all around the Mercenary BattleMech, Sergeant Pretlow cursed as he lined up on his secondary target, an Anvil dropping down only 60 meters in front of him. Triggering a full burst from the 60mm autocannon slung over his left shoulder, he held the trigger for a second burst. At the same time he triggered his third interlock which fired his Martell Medium Laser and his Hovertec Streak SRM-2 Pod. “Die you Merc bastards!” As he spoke, the Streak Pod reported ‘No Lock’ and failed to engage.
As the first burst of autocannon shells hit their target just to the left of his head assembly, the rapid descent of Lt. Jones’ Anvil left the other shells to pass harmlessly over his shoulder. A fraction of a second later, laser fire slashed into his left leg, just above the knee joint. Glancing at the damage display, Lt. Jones smiled a toothy grin. “Is that the best you got? Bring it on!”
Seeing the order to tie up the enemy ‘Mechs while his Lance commander ran for help, Corporal Yong Walvoord backed up along with Sergeant Pretlow to cover his retreat. Taking aim at the descending Gallowglas that this Sergeant had failed to hit, he triggered a burst of fire from his Aberdovey ER PPC and his Holly Streak SRM pack. Though the PPC failed to hit his target, the Streak launcher locked on and fired its missiles. Striking along the left side, one struck the dropping ‘Mech in the arm, while the other hit the leg. Barely noticeable, the light injury didn’t stop the inevitable. Speaking to himself he said, “Well maybe it will get them mad and draw fire away from the Sergeant and Lieutenant. Hope it’s worth it!”
As Corporal Ardith Tallon watched his Lance-mate try and draw fire, he leapt forward on a jet of superheated air, landing on the road around the corner near where his Lance commander had moved. Taking aim at the 95-ton Clan OmniMech that was descending on his position with a fury, he filled the sky with laser fire. As he silhouetted the massive war machine, he failed to hit it as it plummeted toward the ground. Turning slightly, he signaled to his Lance leader that he was covered and should run.
Gesturing for Corporal Tallon to go distract the forces, and before letting his lance get cut to ribbons, Lt. Englar turned to make a parting shot on one of the dropping ‘Mechs. Picking one at random, he chose the Thunderbolt. Taking careful aim, he loosed his trio of pulse lasers.
Captain McKenna was watching her Lance’s drop positions when her ‘Mech rocked hard. Glancing at the damage indicator, she saw that the lead Wraith had cut into her arms and central body. Grimacing at the damage dealt before she could even return fire, she took special exception to the lead Wraith’s attack. “Very well, if ye want me, ye’ll have me!”
As the Silver Eagles began landing on the road and farms around the surprised Recon Lance, the Eagles prepared to take a piece of their own. Major Silver opened his command frequency. “Griz, you and I will take that Shadow Hawk. NightHawk, Sixguns, you have the Jackal. Smoke and Crawler, you have Wraith number 2. Orchid and Fallguy, take down that lead Wraith. Make it fast people!”
As he continued to walk backwards away from the landing ‘Mechs, Sergeant Pretlow took careful aim at the Anvil, this time making it his primary target. Triggering a full spread of missile fire, he once again tried to hit with the Imperator autocannon’s rapid-fire shells. Triggering the laser yet again and trying to get a lock with his SRMs, once more the Hovertec pod failed to lock and his laser shot wide under the decelerating BattleMech.
Lt. Jones touched down as missiles exploded all around him. Five long-range missiles exploded into his left leg, while a sixth missile slammed into his left arm. Autocannon shells similarly exploded all around him, but none managed to dent the heavy Jolassa-325 armor covering his ‘Mech. As he prepared to unleash his vengeance on the retreating ‘Mech, he lined up on the target. Just before triggering his own weapons, he saw a flash of fire from Major Silver’s position. Two Clan PPCs and a large pulse laser slammed into the upper body of the medium ‘Mech. Adding his own fire, he opened up with a pair of Clan large pulse lasers and added a medium pulse laser to the mix.
As he watched his own shots barely scratch the armor of the landing Anvil, Sergeant Pretlow’s ‘Mech rocked under heavy fire. Armor flayed off his arms as the twin bolts of particle fire shredded armor plates, while the pulse laser mounted atop the landing enemy Marauder dug into his right flank, threatening the LRM launcher. Luckily, none of the armor was breached, but all had not yet finished. While the medium pulse laser failed to hit his retreating form, the two heavier lasers both struck in unison into his left shoulder. The malfunction indicator for his autocannon flared to life as over a ton of armor was ruined in a split second. With their energy unspent, the lasers dug into his internal structure, damaging structural supports and sending his ‘Mech spinning.
He fought with the machine trying to keep it upright, but gravity finally won out, sending his ‘Mech plummeting to the pavement. Adding insult to injury, the ‘Mech landed on the exposed left side, the autocannon barrel bending like a plastic straw and tearing up structural supports and part of his engine’s reactor shielding as the cannon ripped free of its housing. The scent of ozone filled the cockpit, and he felt the trickle of blood down hit throat. “Damn! If these guys have their way they’re going to kill us all! But I’ll be damned if I’m going to die out here!” Feeling the sluggish response from the ‘Mechs myomers, he knew the damage was bad. “C’mon, Lesley don’t die on me now!”
Corporal Walvoord pushed the throttle of his new Jackal all the way forward trying to keep attention on his machine and the PPC mounted in the shoulder. Unused to the burst of speed his new light ‘Mech could achieve even when slightly overheated, he approached the bend in the road at almost 100 kph. As he tried to lean his ‘Mech into the turn, his right foot slipped on the pavement, sending his ‘Mech crashing down on his left side, shattering armor plates on his arm and leg. The energy of his forward momentum unspent, he careened off the road and down the slope into a cluster of trees. Trying to stop his slide down into the wet and mired farmland below, he reached out for a tree, only to have one he didn’t see smash into the elbow joint and crack armor plates as his arm was flung backwards. The impact began his ‘Mech spinning as it slid along the soft ground. As his head assembly came around in line with his slide, Corporal Walvoord looked up just in time to see the tree. Smashing into his cockpit assembly, the jolt first picked the ‘Mech up, then gravity sent it slamming back down into the ground. His head spinning, Yong could taste blood in his mouth.
As his ‘Mech slowed, it finally came to rest in the fetid muck of the freshly tilled farmland. His head still spinning, Corporal Walvoord looked at his damage display. Left Arm breached, Left Leg over 50% armor damage, Right Leg almost completely bare, my main body is down 20% of baseline, and I haven’t even taken a hit yet! A stream of curses flew from his mouth, almost loud enough to hear in the roar of battle outside.
Corporal Tallon watched as his Lance mate impersonated a high-speed curling stone and looked at the descending ‘Mechs. “How am I supposed to get their attention on my own?” Steeling himself, he watched as the enemy’s Falconer landed on the road 180 meters behind him. “This ought to get their attention!” he said as he lit into the sky on jets of super heated air. Gaining altitude rapidly, he readied himself for the hail of incoming fire. “Hope this works!” He said, as he aimed his ‘Mech for the Falconer in a move most Mechwarriors called ‘Death from Above’, but he’d always called ‘Suicide on a rocket sled’.
Lt. Vahzenov saw the incoming ‘Mech. “Sixguns here. Viskey-Bravo is coming down on my position. I zink ze Jackal can vait a few seconds. Requvesting aid fire.”
Lt. Faller feathered Myetaat’s Jump Jets as he approached the ground and Vahzenov asked for support fire to take care of the Wraith DFAing him. Watching the display from his Active Probe, he watched as the lead Wraith jumped clear of his ECM field. “Fallguy to Orchid! We’ve got Whiskey-Alpha clearing the jamming field!” As he spoke, he fired his weapons on the fleeing Wraith. Though his Tronel PPL-20 Heavy Pulse Laser failed to hit, as did his Magna Mk II Medium Laser, one of his Defiance P5M Medium Pulse Lasers, and his Narc Launcher, he did hit with two short range missiles and the other Pulse Laser he fired.
Captain McKenna watched the Wraiths as they sailed through the air. “Aye love, I see him. Orchid to all units. Priority targeting on Whisky-Alpha. Take him down me boy’os.” As she spoke, she readied her weapons and fired. Her Diverse Optics ER Large Laser flashed through the sky, but failed to connect with the high-speed target, as did most of her Hovertec SRM missiles. One missile however struck the ‘Mech just as it was landing, joining with one of Joe’s missiles in hitting the Right Leg right at the hip joint. A shower of metallic confetti blew out as her missile shredded the Hip joint and his missile blew out the knee.
Lt. Englar watched as Frog attempted to draw the fire of the enemy unit with a DFA. “Here’s hoping I can make use of the distraction, Ardith.” Leaping into the air, he sailed 210 meters through the air. Taking a snapshot at the Clan Executioner landing only 90 meters from his destination in the middle of the roadside farm, he missed with one Tronel XII Medium Pulse Laser, but hit with the other, glancing along the side of the Assault ‘Mech’s heavy legs. The Heavy Tronel Laser poured its energy into the right flank of the OmniMech.
Trying to fight with the Assault ‘Mech, Lt. Collins had already drifted off his target point and was headed straight down into the mud and muck of the farmland below when he saw the Wraith attack him. He felt the impact, but his armor sensors failed to register the damage. He was about to thank his luck when he heard Private Joey Majano report in. “Taking fire down here! Jeez! Phil’s suit is all tore up! Medic!”
Lt. Windsor slowed his decent as he heard the override order to attack the fleeing Wraith and the call for help from the Mechanized Battlearmor. Boiling up all the hatred and anger he felt over the dissolution of the Federated Commonwealth and laying all the blame on the Free Worlds League’s leader, he let his anger fuel his desire to utterly crush these Legionnaires. Triggering a full spread of three Sunglow Large Lasers and three Magna Quasar Medium Pulse Lasers, he lit up the area all around the fleeing ‘Mech but failed to hit with any of them.
As Lt. Englar approached his landing point, he heard his coms begin to clear. “Mayday! Mayday!” he shouted, trying to get through, but the jamming was still too severe. Have to wait until I land. he thought. As the ground rapidly approached, the world turned into a blur. His ‘Mech rocked by weapons fire; he tried to make a safe landing. Damage lights lit up as he saw three actuators in his right leg go off-line at the same moment. Just as he tried to compensate for the damage, another SRM slammed into his right arm and a pulse laser carved up his left arm, sending megajoules of energy up the focusing lens of his own pulse laser. In retaliation for the injury to his Marine, the Clan Gladiator fired two lasers, one from each arm and each as powerful as a PPC. The pulse laser dug into his left shoulder and flank while the other smashed into the already wounded right leg. Though not enough to destroy the armor, the holes created by the missiles left weaknesses that could be exploited. As he feathered his jets to land, he watched the last actuator in his leg go off-line.
Try as he might, he couldn’t balance the Wraith on the horribly wounded leg. Losing his balance, he steeled himself for the blow. Crashing down on his front, he tried to activate his coms as his cockpit turned into a furnace. “Mayday! Mayday!” He shouted.
As he spoke he saw the lights in his cockpit go out and heard the sickening sound of his ‘Mech losing power. “Shielding, damaged. Overheat, critical.” Said the dispassionate voice of his control computer. “Safety systems engaged. Shutting down.”
“No!” He screamed, pounding his fists into the arms of his command couch.
As Lt. Vahzenov and Captain Thorpe tried to aid in bringing down the escaping Wraith, each also tried to split their fire and stop the ‘Mech attempting to land on Vahzenov’s Falconer. Snapping off a quick shot with his Gauss Rifle and Clan-built Large Pulse Laser, he failed to hit with either, while Captain Thorpe took extreme range shots with a quartet of Medium Pulse Lasers, also failing to help bring down the escaping Wraith. Firing a pair of Machine Guns, his Defiance B3M Medium Laser, and even his SureFire 444 Anti-Missile system at the Wraith dropping on him, he struck it with only two machine gun bursts, hitting the center of the Wraith and along its right arm. The laser and AMS failed to do any damage while Captain Thorpe’s Clan-built Extended Range Large Laser also failed to connect with the fast moving ‘Mech.
Seeing that the Wraith could not be stopped, he quickly pulled the throttle back, moving out of the way just as the Wraith slammed into the ground in front of him. Keying his mic open, he quipped, “Never mind.”
As he dropped down on his target, Corporal Tallon tried to follow the retreating Falconer, but it was too late. Pushing his Jump Jets to maximum thrust, he tried to break his fall, but slued onto his back. Trying to brace the impact with his arms, he slammed into the pavement, his ‘Mechs arms reaching back behind him as was instinctual for any falling human. His head bounced in the neurohelmet as his vision swam with color. Shaking off the impact, he looked at his area contact display just as Lt. Englar’s indicator winked out. “It didn’t work! They barely even took a shot at me!”
As Corporal Walvoord regained his senses, he felt the impact of the Gladiator very close to him. Looking at his display, he saw that it had landed less than thirty meters away and facing toward his Lance commander with its back facing him. Seeing his CO’s indicator blink out, he angrily levered his wounded Jackal up on one arm and raised the other, aiming his SRM pack at the Elementals riding on his back. “Eat missiles, murdering sell-swords!” Triggering his missile pack, nothing happened. Glancing at his status display, it read ‘No Lock’ and his range finder for the SRM launcher read ‘0 meters’. Looking at the top of his left arm, he saw the pile of topsoil covering the launcher. “Damnable luck!” he cursed as he shook the arm to dislodge the clog and aimed it again and pulled the trigger with the same results. “I don’t care if you have a lock or not! I can’t miss! Fire, you Mickey Mouse piece of...!” To no avail, his SRM launcher refused the launch order. Trying to right his fallen ‘Mech, his hand slipped out from under him as his ‘Mech rolled over in its back and sank even deeper into the topsoil. “Oh sh...”
As his ‘Mech slowly began to respond, Sergeant Pretlow stood up and assessed the situation. “Damn! Everyone is down! I have to get out of here and call this in!” Turning his ‘Mech in place he started his ‘Mech running back toward Villa Elisa. Reaching over, he pulled the ammo eject release for his now useless autocannon ammo, all the time radioing, “Mayday! Mayday! This is Recon Lance! We are under attack!”
Lt. Collins pulled his Executioner’s feet free of the soft topsoil and turned toward the harder dirt to the north where he’d intended to land to disembark the Battlearmor riding his OmniMech. “Hang on, Second Squad. I’ll get you to dry ground in just a second.” As he got within 15 meters of the edge of the tilled farmland, his left foot sank deeply into the soft soil up to his ankle. Righting his machine, he tugged on the foot, only to have his right foot sink into the soil where it was placed. “Damn! I’m stuck!” he shouted as he lined his weapons up with the Jackal to his left and triggered both heavy lasers. “Second Squad, you’ll have to jump for it!”
Master Sergeant Rhode answered. “Roger that, Smoke. Disembarking. Second Squad! Release!” As he ordered the squad to deploy, they dropped into the fetid topsoil at the BattleMech’s feet just as the twin lasers fired at the now stuck Jackal. Slashing into the ‘Mech’s torso, armor evaporated in a flash and began to dig into the ‘Mech’s internal supports.
Erin shoved both feet hard down and ignited her jump jets. Sailing through the air and landing only 90 meters from the fleeing Wraith, she saw no signs of activity. Reluctant to fire on a target that may already be dead, she turned her attention to the Jackal buried in the muck of the farmland. Triggering a full salvo of laser and missile fire at the hapless target, four missiles and four lasers struck. Her Diverse Optics Sunbeam cut into the left arm and tore it completely off digging into the torso Lt. Collins had opened up and melting structural supports while the Clan-built Small Lasers tore the remaining armor of its legs and destroyed both hip actuators. One of her missiles struck the open left flank and exploding out part of the engine shielding. Another missile exploded against the pristine armor of the right arm while the last two smashed into the fresh armor along its right flank.
As Lt. Faller closed the distance to bring the escaping Wraith under his ECM system’s effective range, he turned to the heavily wounded Jackal. As McKenna blasted into the wounded machine, he added his twin Irian Weapons Works SRM launchers to the injury. As the missiles arced toward the target, Joe triggered a trio of Defiance P5M Pulse lasers and his Tronel PPL-20 Large Pulse Laser. The heavy laser tore the right leg off completely while one of the smaller pulse lasers tore the other off. The other tow lasers slashed into the wounded flank and center, ripping engine shielding apart and silencing the ‘Mech.
As his ‘Mech died around him, Corporal Walvoord saw the missiles arcing in. Reaching down and pulling the ejection handle, he rocketed out of the dead machine as two missiles smashed into the wounded right flank and obliterated the structural supports there, while two others smashed into the heart of the machine ruining the ‘Mech forever. The remaining missiles smashed into the farmland, exploding harmlessly as Yong landed thirty meters to the south.
As Corporal Tallon righted his fallen Wraith, the Gallowglas moved in to point blank range, guarding the road leading south with the road to the north guarded by the enemy’s Falconer. Checking his threat display, he saw that he and Sergeant Pretlow were the only League ‘Mechs remaining. “I’ve got to give Roach more time to get clear! If I can just draw them back a bit...” he said as he tuned and ran off the road, dashing across the farmland and toward the safety of a nearby grove of fruit trees.
Lt. Vahzenov watched his quarry running for cover. “Cover me, Crawler.” He said as he shoved his feet to the floor of his cockpit. His jump jets ignited and he flew over the farmland, landing among the trees and only 30 meters behind the escaping ‘Mech. Firing his full array of weapons, the cover of trees, the speed of his escape, and his own flight through the air worked against him. As his Clan Large Pulse Laser slashed through trees and his Defiance B3M laser vaporized another, machine gun fire roared through the trees as a hypersonic slug of nickel-iron smashed through the foliage at his quarry. As he fired, his target twisted and flashed laser fire of his own. His flight through the air and own cover from the trees made him equally difficult to hit, but the lasers still managed glancing hits on his left leg and right shoulder. Light damage, but if zis keeps up he vill escape. Ve must stop him! he thought.
Ardith ducked his Wraith around a fruit tree just as it exploded into shards as the hypersonic slug narrowly missed him. Machine gun fire peppered his ‘Mech and the surrounding area, but failed to damage the Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous armor covering his machine. As the heavy Clan laser slashed across the trees, several caught fire, exploding with a bare moments’ touch of megajoules of coherent light. As the fire began to spread around him, he felt the impact into the back of his right shoulder. Armor vaporized as one of the Gallowglas’s heavy lasers dug into the support structure underneath. “If I don’t get clear, these guy’s are going to kill me! Come on, Roach, hurry up and bring in the cavalry!”
As the heat in the central core of Lt. Englar’s Wraith dropped, the reactor’s safety systems cleared. He desperately hit the reactor start button over and over again. “Come on, Athena! Start!” As the magnetic bottle in the core reformed and fresh hydrogen was dumped in, the constricting magnetic fields pressed with tons of pressure on the atoms, forcing them into fusion once more. His reactor roared to life and power surged through his systems once again. “Yes!” he exclaimed. Looking to his communications console, he saw that all he was picking up was static. “They’ve got me covered again! Damn it boys, get them off me!”
Major Silver leapt into the air on his Jump jets and landed next to the crest of a low hill as the Shadow Hawk began running down the road. Guessing that Lt. Jones would not be able to keep him covered in time, he opened a channel. “Nighthawk! We need you to keep him covered! Priority one!”
Turning in place, Randall keyed open his mic, addressing the riding Battlearmor. “Hang on guys!” He shouted as he shoved the throttle as far forward as it would go. Unfortunately the excess heat of his laser fire slowed him down. Racing his Blackjack up onto the highway, he sprinted his ‘Mech as fast as it would move. Forgoing any hope of taking a shot at the fleeing ‘Mech himself, his 50 ton OmniMech tore up the highway as he closed he distance. Unfortunately he saw he was not going to be able to reach within jamming range. “I’m not going to make it Major!” he warned. “Heat load is killing me!”
Seeing the OmniMech and its cargo of Battlearmor closing in behind him as the Jamming started to lessen, Sergeant Pretlow swiveled his torso around and sighted down his right arm. Triggering his Martell Laser, he scored a hit, but not on the ‘Mech. He watched as one of the Battlearmor riding the ‘Mech barely hung on to his handhold, swinging out wide and away from its mount. Smiling, he said to himself, “If you’re going to kill us, by God I’ll take as many of you with me as I can!”
As Lt. Jones turned onto the highway and ran after the fleeing Shadow Hawk, he barely managed to keep it in range of his electronic jamming sphere. Trying to slow up as he approached the bend, his feet lost traction on the road’s surface. Fighting desperately with his ‘Mech, he came down hard on his left leg, smashing armor plates off his knee and scraping armor of the opposite leg. “I don’t have a shot! Somebody drop him!”
As he spoke, Major Silver took aim at the ‘Mech and fired his Sutel Precision Line Large Pulse Laser and one Clan PPC. Both of Major Silver’s shots went wide, burying themselves into nearby farmland. Looking more carefully, Kevin saw how close he’d come to hitting the now very open autocannon ammo bin that was ejecting ammo clips to the ground.
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Asuncion, Free Zion
December 14th, 3057
Lt. Englar brought Athena back to her feet and turned south west. Kicking the ‘Mech into as fast a run as he could manage with the damaged right hip, he paralleled the road and swiveled his ‘Mech around to try and take a parting shot at the Thunderbolt pursuing him. Even as five of the enemy’s Battlearmor leapt to within 60 meters and scattered machine gun fire ineffectively over his ‘Mech, he triggered the Tronel Large Pulse Laser, a beam of coherent light briefly connecting both BattleMechs’ right arms, exploding out armor panels off the Thunderbolt as it spent its energy.
Captain McKenna saw the Wraith rise to its feet and start to hobble away. “Ye’ll nay be gettin’ away tha’ easy.” She said, as she kicked her ‘Mech into a full run and followed. As the Wraith twisted around and raised its right arm, she dodged her Thunderbolt slightly to the left, trying to avoid the shot, but it struck just the same, ruining more armor along her right arm and leaving the protection there very thin. Another hit there and I could lose the heavy laser. She thought. Lining up her crosshairs, she triggered a full salvo of her short-range missiles and small lasers. One Clan laser and one Tronel laser struck, as did six of the ten SRMs, the others detonating all around the 55-ton war machine and digging craters into the farmland.
As his Lance commander ran, Corporal Tallon tried desperately to draw the enemy away. Leaping into the air on jets of superheated air, he landed 120 meters behind the 95-ton Clan Gladiator and triggered his weapons at its back, even as it closed on his position. The heavy pulse laser in its right arm slashed wide across the landscape, but the pair of lighter pulse lasers in his left arm tore into the weaker rear armor.
Lt. Collins fought with his Assault ‘Mech, trying to track the fast-moving Wraith through the air. “Damnable jumping-jack! Hold still!” As it landed behind him, he strained his ‘Mech hard to the right and shot his extended range laser, trading fire with the Wraith and slashing over half the armor off its left flank. “If I can just get one clear shot at him...”
As Lt. Windsor brought his Gallowglas around, he saw the Wraith land behind Lt. Collins. Raising both arms, he ran forward and brought his ‘Mech to within 30 meters, his anger boiling inside him as he triggered a full spread of laser fire. The two heavy Sunglow lasers mounted in his ‘Mech’s right torso missed wide, as did his head-mounted Magna Starglow and one of his Magna Quasar Pulse lasers. The remaining two pulse lasers and heavy laser slashed into the Legionnaire’s ‘Mech, the smaller pulse lasers each paring armor of the arms and the heavier laser cutting a line along the ground until it met the foot of the ‘Mech, then continuing to dig its way up the leg.
As the other members of the Eagles closed in around the airborne Wraith, Lt. Vahzenov jumped through the air on his own Jump Jets, following his target. “You can run, but you cannot hide, Ljagushka!” He said, landing only 150 meters away. Lining up on the Wraith, he triggered yet another burst of fire from his weapons. The Defiance B3M laser in his torso missed low, while the hypersonic slug of nickel-iron flashed through the air in a fraction of a second, narrowly missing the Wraith and sailing on for dozens of kilometers. His Clan-built heavy pulse laser however dug a grotesque scar across the chest of the enemy Medium BattleMech.
Lt. Faller watched as the Wraith landed near his position. “Fallguy to Orchid. You look like you have Whiskey-Alpha under control. I’ll take Whiskey-Bravo.” Turning Myetaat in place, he lined up on the Wraith that had foolishly dropped only 35 meters from him. Keeping cool and calm, Joe triggered his quartet of Defiance pulse lasers, as well as his Magna Mk II Laser, trying to bring down the heat load inside his ‘Mech. Most of the lasers shot wide at the fast-flying BattleMech, but one pulse laser managed to graze along the side of its left leg as it landed.
Stepping in close, Joe flicked a switch on the console and shoved his right foot to the floor of the cockpit. The computer interpreted the action and shifted the 80 tons of weight all onto the Zeus’s left leg, lifting the right leg up and back. Kilojoules of electrical energy shot through the cables connecting the fusion reactor and the myomers in the ‘Mech’s leg in a fraction of a second, contracting the artificial muscle rapidly and with great force. As the leg came swinging forward, it smashed into the left leg of the hapless ‘Mech.
Armor plates and delicate actuators were smashed into shards in a split second, shards of actuator blowing out gaps in his knee and ankle joints. Corporal Tallon fought desperately to keep the war machine upright. Lastly, the hip bent at an odd angle, the actuator ripped free from the endo steel bones it was normally attached to. The ‘Mech teetered oddly for a moment, looking like gravity would win out. “Come on, Genie! Keep your feet!” he spoke to his ‘Mech. Almost as though it understood him, the ‘Mech shifted its weight onto the undamaged right leg and regained its balance. “Good girl! Now let’s see if we can... Oh no!”
As Corporal Tallon fought to keep the bulk of the enemy Mercenaries away from him, Lt. Englar’s entire world exploded in a shower of weapons fire. Lasers flashed around his ‘Mech, one striking his Wraith’s raised right arm, the other opening a hole in the left side of his torso.
“Warning!” blared the automated voice circuit. “Armor breach, rear-side.”
Even as the voice circuit warned him, the missiles leaped from their launcher and sped toward the Legionnaire’s ‘Mech. Two smashed into the Wraith’s left arm, while another dug into the untouched left leg and two more smashed into the remaining armor covering the ‘Mech’s back. The last missile arced ominously through the air and sailed through the hole created by the laser, embedding itself into the fusion reactor’s shielding before the warhead detonated.
His ‘Mech shuddered as the reactor’s safety system shut the power generator down. “We’re done for.” Was all he said. Deprived of power, the myomers became limp and the BattleMech fell into the muck of the farmland like an invalid.
Sergeant Pretlow leaped into the air, landing 150 meters away on the road further north but facing south. Static still filled his neurohelmet as he sailed through the air. “Recon Three to any Legionnaire unit! Can anyone hear me?” His only reply was static. Another circuit ate itself somewhere inside his cockpit as the life support systems worked furiously to cleanse the air of ozone. As he watched, the Blackjack continued to close on him, dropping its payload of Clan Elemental suits 240 meters away. “Oh! You are not turning those guys lose on me!” He said, triggering his remaining weapons at the battlearmored Marines. As his weapons cycled, the Streak launcher failed to lock and the Doombud long-range missile launcher smashed missiles all around them, their warheads failing to arm before impact. The laser however caught one of the Marines at a high angle of attack, spreading the energy over a wide area.
Staff Sergeant McCleary dropped from the racing Blackjack to the pavement below. Keying his mic open he called out to the rest of his squad. “Third Squad! Count off!”
Corporal Limoges keyed in reply. “Number t...” As he spoke, the laser flashed across the 240 meters separating him from the enemy Shadow Hawk, knocking him to the ground. “I’m taking fire here!” Picking himself back up quickly as unarmed missiles smashed into the pavement all around him, he continued, “Damn! He’s got it in for us! We better get clear, Sergeant!”
Seeing his unloaded cargo of Marines come under fire, Lt. Thorpe keyed his mic open. “Get clear down there!” He shouted as he triggered his full array of lasers. Both of his extended range heavy lasers missed, as did two of his four lighter pulse lasers. One pulse laser glanced along the side of the enemy’s right arm, while the last poured its energy into the center of the ‘Mech’s mass, cutting a deep wound into the fresh armor.
As Major Silver stood still atop the low rise and triggered both Clan PPCs and his Sutel Precision Line heavy pulse laser at the fleeing Shadow Hawk, Lt. Jones stood his ‘Mech back up and turned down the road to give chase. “We better drop him fast! I can’t keep him covered!” He shouted as he triggered his own weapons. Unfortunately, even between both heavy BattleMechs, only Lt. Jones’ smaller Clan Pulse laser managed a glancing shot across the front of the ‘Mech, adding only slightly to the damage dealt by Randall’s pulse laser. “Damnit! He’s clear!” Lt. Jones shouted.
The entire world seemed to slow to a crawl as the eight Mechwarriors listened for the inevitable call for help from the Shadow Hawk. Yet all they heard was static from the BattleMech.
Glancing at the threat alert indicator on Sergeant Pretlow’s com system, the electronic jamming light winked out, indicating that he was finally free of the enemy’s jamming systems. He continued to scream into his helmet mic. “Recon Three to anyone! Can anyone hear me?” Yet no response was forthcoming. Checking his indicators once more, he spotted the problem. Long-range transmitter totally ate itself when I took that fall and the high-gain antenna is gone! Bloody hell! All I have is a two or three kilometers of range! No one can hear me!
As Major Silver listened intently, he heard nothing from the Shadow Hawk. Keying his mic open, he called out. “Either he doesn’t know he’s not jammed or he’s taken too much damage. Either way, I don’t want him bolting! He’s seen the Areion and I don’t want his BattleROM ending up in Legionnaire hands!” Even as he spoke, the enemy BattleMech jumped once more, landing even further away and very close to the edge of extreme weapons range. Taking careful aim with only one ERPPC to bring his heat load down, he triggered the weapon, but it flashed by the ‘Mech harmlessly.
Corporal Tallon watched as his Lance commander’s status indicator winked out. “No!” He screamed, backing up onto the road. Even as he did so, the five enemy ‘Mechs closed in all around him up to point-blank range. Seeing he was totally outmatched, he glanced at his damage indicator. Left arm is armor-bare and damaged, right arm is right behind it. Torso armor is trashed, left leg is totally smashed and near useless... I can’t do anything else here. I hope Sergeant Pretlow can get away and let the Regiment know what happened here. At that he pulled back on both arm controls and pulled the neurohelmet off. Immediately, his machine locked his leg actuators and powered his weapons down, indicating his unconditional surrender.
Sergeant Pretlow saw his lance mate surrender and grimaced, focusing once more on the Battlearmor. As he did so, they leapt into the air and landed behind heavy cover and out of sight. “Damn! Well if I can’t get you, I’ll make sure your ride can’t keep up with me when I run.” At that, he focused his weapons on the Blackjack as it jumped into the farmland directly in front of him and sheathing him once more in ECM coverage. He fired a full spread, yet once again his missiles failed to hit or launch, but the laser hit, scoring armor off the medium OmniMech’s right leg.
In retaliation, Randall triggered yet another full burst of weapons fire at the enemy ‘Mech, despite the already stifling heat in his cockpit. Even as he fired, the heat load of all his activity had gotten to his machine. Its myomers were sluggish and slow to track the moving target. As a result, all his weapons fire buried itself into the farmland. A wave of heat blasted into his cockpit as he fired, boiled up from the ‘Mech’s fusion reactor.
“Warning.” came the cool and even tone of his voice circuit. “Overheat critical. Shutting down.” Suddenly his instruments all went dark and he felt the lack of feedback through his controls and neurohelmet.
“Oh, hell!” Randall said. “I’m a sitting duck out here!”
Looking at her target list, Captain McKenna saw only the Shadow Hawk remaining. Glancing at the target range, she saw that it was just inside the range of her Diverse Optics Sunbeam laser. Sighting down her right arm, she triggered the extended range heavy laser, but missed narrowly. “Assault Lance. Ye’re free te’ engage th’ ‘Hawk. Fallguy an’ I’ll co’er the pilots down here. Keep me co’ered love.” As she spoke, she walked her ‘Mech around to just south of the fallen Wraith and locked her actuators.
Lt. Vahzenov swung his torso around enough that he could line up on the Shadow Hawk half a kilometer to the north. Triggering his Gauss Rifle, he sent a hypersonic slug of nickel-iron sailing downrange and just over the shoulder of the fleeing ‘Mech. Cursing in Russian, he triggered his heavy pulse laser, carving a scar down its left flank.
Lt. Jones stood his ground and triggered another salvo of full laser fire. Once more all missed but for one, this time it was his Clan-made extended range medium laser, striking the Shadow Hawk in its right leg. “Blake’s blood! He’s making us look like amateurs! Somebody better drop him!”
As he spoke, Lt. Collins, Lt. Windsor, and Lt. Vahzenov all turned north and toward the retreating Shadow Hawk and away from the surrendered Wraith as it powered down its reactor. Keying his mic open, Lt. Vahzenov spoke. “Ze cavalry in on ze vay, Major!” As he spoke, he rounded the corner headed north, forgetting about the road beneath him. Fighting to keep his footing on the smooth surface, he fell to his knees. “Niegadzai svolotch!” He shouted, cursing his BattleMech as a ‘useless pig’ but also himself for risking the turn at high speed.
Major Silver leapt Mercury II forward through the air, landing 120 meters north along the road leading to Villa Elisa. As he touched down, he triggered both Clan PPCs at the Shadow Hawk that was threatening his second officer. As the one in his right arm discharged, the heat exchange pump blew out, sending temperatures inside the weapon soaring. Hearing the temperature warning indicator distracted Major Silver at the last instant before triggering the second PPC, making him look away for a moment and discharge the other into the dirt at the Shadow Hawk’s feet. He watched the weapon temperature cycle down slowly as the backup pump activated, but it would be another 20 seconds before he would get a green light on the weapon. By then the battle will be over, one way or another. he thought.
As Lt. Ryan Windsor stood behind the Wraith as it shut down, he had to force himself not to trigger his weapons at the helpless ‘Mech. Keep it together, Ryan! You have a job to do... Turning slowly to follow Lt. Collins, he watched as Lt. Vahzenov spilled his Falconer to its knees. Walking bit more carefully, he closed to just within extreme effective range of his three Sunglow Large Lasers. Triggering the trio of lasers, the half-kilometer of distance was too great to hit effectively. His weapons splashed energy around the Shadow Hawk, glancing off armor plates and into the landscape.
Seeing the Blackjack land so close to him and then suddenly power down, Sergeant Pretlow glanced at his thermal display. He’s cooking! I’ll just take one more parting shot to make sure he stays here. Focusing, he lined his weapons up one last time, satisfied to hear the lock-tone for his streak missile launcher. Mashing down on the firing studs for his three functional weapons, the laser spat out its energy at the heart of the machine, melting armor. As the missiles sped through the air, the two high-power missiles and five of the lighter missiles joined with the laser to destroy armor all over the center of the ‘Mech. Seven of the other fifteen missiles slammed into the OmniMech’s right arm, while the rest detonated harmlessly around the Blackjack. The damage was noticeable, but still not enough to even breach its thick armor hide. His ammo warning light went off as his last load of twenty long-range missiles loaded into the Doombud launcher.
Sergeant Pretlow had just enough time to formulate the idea that he should have run before his world exploded in a shower of pain.
Lt. Collins felt frustrated. At every opportunity, he had been kept in a position of not being able to use the awesome power of his Clan-made OmniMech. Either he was guarding Battlearmor or the enemy made themselves impossible to be attacked. “Not this time.” He said to himself as he closed the distance toward the last enemy BattleMech. Triggering both PPCs and the Large Pulse Laser on his Executioner, the latter missed wide while one of the PPCs barely caught the ‘Mech in the right leg, glancing armor off the inner thigh of the much lighter Legionnaire machine. The last however joined with the damage dealt by Captain Thorpe and Lt. Jones across the normally well-protected torso. The bolt of accelerated particles smashed into the armor, splintering it in a millisecond. The beam's energy unspent, it continued into the heart of the machine, smashing engine shielding.
Even as the Shadow Hawk’s safety systems were shutting the ‘Mech down, Lt. Jones fired another volley from his heavy pulse lasers. This time, they both struck true, one into the heavily wounded left flank and the other into the now wide-open central body. Lazing through support framework like bullets through a paper target, the two beams came together at the core of the machine even as the entire left side melted away. Coring the ‘Mech out in a fraction of a second, the beams’ unspent energies blew out through the back of the medium BattleMech. The once powerful Shadow Hawk named Lesley fell to the ground like so much useless junk as the pilot rocketed out of the ‘Mech, landing 30 meters further north.
“It’s over.” Said Major Silver. Spotting locals coming out of their farmhouses all around them, he switched over to the Command frequency and keyed his mic. “Silver Actual to all units. Round up the pilots and start policing the battlefield. We have non-combatants in the area, so watch your actions. Silver Actual out.”
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 14th, 3057
Major Silver surveyed the scene. With the Areion’s floodlights operating at very low power, visibility was improved a great deal all over the area of the battle zone. Keying his mic, he tried to raise Captain McKenna. “Silver Actual to Orchid. Situation report.”
There was no reply.
Captain McKenna had pulled her neurohelmet off even as the last enemy ‘Mech fell. Releasing the straps holding her into her Thunderbolt’s command couch, she opened the hatch and began climbing down to the ground below. As she approached the fallen Wraith, she could barely make out the figure in the dark behind the wrecked BattleMech.
Erin pulled the Nakjama Laser Pistol from her holster as she crossed the wet topsoil. Suddenly, the flare of a gyrojet pistol’s muzzle flash lit up the darkness. Luckily, Erin twisted just enough that as the round struck her, it only grazed across the front of her coolant vest, the light ballistic armoring making the difference between a minor injury and a nearly fatal one. As she ducked down to avoid subsequent attacks, she fired back with her laser pistol, missing wide over his head. His second shot would have hit full on had she not been crouching as she closed. Instead it sliced just across the back of her coolant vest, skipping off at a high angle. Taking the opportunity, she straitened up and fired another shot at her nemesis, this time glancing a shot into the side of his fallen ‘Mech.
As he ducked back down to reload, Erin made a dash across the farmland as best she could, coolant from her vest dripping down her legs and burning into the flesh wound across her belly. Ignoring the searing pain, she got within 10 meters of the fallen ‘Mech when she heard the scream of the Lexington Limited Lifters carrying the 80 tons of Lt. Faller’s Zeus through the air.
His BattleMech came smashing down into the topsoil just north of the fallen ‘Mech, spraying mud across the inactive machine and its pilot. Keying his loudspeakers open he growled, “Give me an excuse, dirt bag!” raising the twin weapon arms of Myetaat toward the helpless Mechwarrior. As he watched, the warrior of the third Legionnaires dropped his weapon in the mud as the Marines of 2nd Squad closed in to take him away.
Switching his comm system over to McKenna’s private coms channel, Joe keyed his mic and waited for her to reply.
“Orchid. Go ahead.” She answered.
The irritation in Joe’s voice was barely contained. “Erin, get back in your ‘Mech. Now.”
Captain McKenna was quick to reply. “Ye kin berate me later, love. I’m goin’.” At that she turned and limped back to her Thunderbolt.
As Major Silver tried to figure out what was going on, a new problem arose that grabbed his attention. As the Areion descended toward the road, 3rd Squad had brought in two of the downed pilots, 2nd Squad having delivered the third. Now assembled around the base of the airship and awaiting the delivery of the last pilot, angry farm workers were surrounding the Marines. Kevin brought his Marauder up to near the airship and stopped just short of the crowd. Opening his hatch, he removed the neurohelmet and started climbing to the ground.
As he approached the mob, a man stepped out of the crowd. “Who the hell are you people?” he snapped.
Stiffening, Kevin answered, “I am Major Kevin Charles Silver and we are the Silver Eagles. I must apologize for disturbing your sleep, but these are members of the Third Free Worlds League Legionnaires and we are taking them into custody.”
The man didn’t look impressed. “Well Major, I’m Robert Jeffreys and I own these farms around here. If those boys over there are Legionnaires, then we can ‘take care of them’ for you.” He shot the Major a wink as he grinned evilly.
Major Silver thought hard to find a diplomatic way out of the situation, when he heard a shout from one of the farmhands. “They’re Legionnaires!” Suddenly, the crowd surged forward toward the Marines who now guarded their prisoners. Shouts of “Hang ‘em!” and “Kill ‘em!” could be heard in the cacophony of shouting voices.
Suddenly, a burst of machine gun fire split the air as Master Sergeant Rhode fired a burst from his anti-personnel machine gun into the pavement at his battlearmor’s feet. Rushing in, Major Silver used the opportunity of the sudden silence of shock to speak to the whole crowd. “Disperse! The Silver Eagles have everything under control here! There will be no vigilante justice here tonight! These pilots are Mechwarriors of the Free Worlds League and you will all respect the Conventions of War! Or would you rather we all return to the barbarism of the early Succession Wars?” He knew is was a low blow, but reminding them of the scorched-earth tactics used by retreating Liao garrisons 116 years earlier seemed to make them reconsider their actions. As he saw them hesitate, he continued in a calmer voice. “Have no fear. These pilots will no longer threaten Zion’s sovereignty here. You have my word as the head of the Silver Eagles.”
As the crowd seemed to lose focus, Mr. Jeffrey shouted out, “Alright, you heard the man! Break it up!” At that, the farmhands all started leaving. Turning to Major Silver, he continued, “There is the matter of my damaged property. What do you intend to do about it Major?”
Smiling, he put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Mister Jeffreys, come with me. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
Robert Jeffreys stood speechless at the entrance to the CIC aboard the airship Areion as Major Silver spoke. “Mister Jeffreys, I’d like you to meet Galen Lamond, personal aide to President Malkin.” As the farm owner stood in stunned silence, Major Silver turned to Mr. Lamond. “Sir, Mister Jeffreys was inquiring about the damages to his lands and wanted to know what could be done about it?”
Looking over the man as though scrutinizing a purchase, Mr. Lamond nodded his head. “I see. Mister Jeffreys, on behalf of Zion Province and President Malkin, I wish to extend our gratitude for the use of your farmland as a means of quickly eliminating a small threat to all our freedoms. To be sure, the Province will do its best to make it up to you. In the mean time, I have a small favor to ask. We have need of your manpower and facilities. This battle site must be cleaned up and disguised as fast as possible, preferably before dawn. We also need to make use of your large buildings as places to hide the damaged BattleMechs until Zion Militia can be dispatched to retrieve them. Can Zion count on your assistance?”
Unable to make his mouth work properly, Robert Jeffreys only nodded.
Turning to Major Silver, Galen continued. “Major, I suggest you attend to your duties. Mister Jeffreys and I need to discuss his compensation for his trouble.”
Taking the hint, Kevin nodded. “Yes sir. If you need me, you know where you can reach me.” At that he nodded slightly and turned back toward the cargo bay of the airship. As he entered the bay where Corporal Winters was waiting, he turned to his aide. “Contact the Eagles. I want a quick meeting in the HQ tent immediately. And see if you can find out what Captain McKenna is up to, I couldn’t raise her earlier.”
Corporal Winters nodded. “Yes sir. Captain McKenna is on her way in now, apparently injured. Medical teams are already standing by.”
Major Silver stopped. “Injured? What happened?”
Corporal Winters shrugged. “I don’t know sir. All I know is that she has some injury. Lieutenant Faller didn’t elaborate.”
Kevin furrowed his brow. “Alright. Call in the others quickly. I’ll be here waiting.” At that he headed into the HQ tent.
As Captain McKenna brought Macha to a halt next to the airship, she safed the systems and powered down. Gingerly climbing down the ladder to the ground, she was met by Dr. Cassidy. “Just take it easy, Captain.” He said, sliding the ruined coolant vest off her shoulders. Examining the wound, he shook his head. “You got coolant in the wound. You’ll be lucky if you don’t get a serious toxic dosage. We’d better get you inside. Can you walk?”
Erin nodded. “Aye Doc. It hurts, but I kin walk.”
Looking at the coolant down her front, he nodded toward her legs as Joe helped her up the ramp. “You’ll have to hit the showers. That stuff can seep through your skin, Captain.”
As they entered the cargo bay, Erin limped over to the Battalion Support Truck and the portable showers. Sergeant Chi Lin was waiting at the entrance for her to help get her cleaned up.
After a few minutes of scrubbing the mildly toxic chemical coolant off her skin, she was drying off as Sergeant Coyer and PFC Fraher helped the injured Private Salierno enter the makeshift lady’s shower and changing room. On seeing Captain McKenna, Sergeant Coyer scoffed and began to help Salierno undress from her damaged bodysuit.
“Is there somethin’ th’ matter, Sergeant?” Erin asked.
Looking over her shoulder at Erin, she wrinkled her face in disgust. “Only that you were trying to do our job, ma’am. And doing it rather badly at that.” Muttering under her breath, she added, “‘Mech jocks!”
Carefully standing back up, she lowered her voice to a low growl. “Ye’ll be watchin’ ye’re tone, Sergeant.”
Stopping, she looked back at Erin. “Aye, Captain. Just remember that we do know how to do our jobs.” At that, she and the other Marine returned to their task.
Chi Lin began helping McKenna out of the changing area and toward the exit. “She’s right, you know.”
Erin nodded embarrassed. “Aye lass. That she is.”
As they left the changing room, Joe and Dr. Cassidy were waiting outside to take her to the medical bay.
As Erin got cleaned up, the other Officers joined Major Silver in the HQ tent.
Seeing everyone but Joe and Erin, Kevin began. “Alright, I have a quick plan of action here. The ‘Mechs will assist the local farm hands in hiding the battle evidence as quickly as possible. If it can’t be moved easily, I want it buried. Anything to cover up the fact that a battle happened here.” Turning to Captain Thorpe, he continued. “Randall? You and Lieutenant Jones will move the intact Wraith over to the large barn here.” Pointing at a location on the map corresponding to a building just north of the airship. “Lieutenant Collins? You and Lieutenant Windsor will try and move the other Wraith. I’ll see if I can borrow Captain McKenna’s Thunderbolt and lend you a hand.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “Vat about myself, sir?”
Kevin looked up at his S4 Logistics Officer. “You’ll coordinate with the locals to get things squared away.” Interrupting him, his personal coms toned. Grabbing it, he placed it next to her ear. “Silver. Go ahead.”
PFC Wages had a note of urgency in his voice. “Sir, CIC reports they intercepted a communication from Villa Elisa. They’re pretty sure it was the Leopard calling for a status report.”
Major Silver looked to the Officers. “Get to it. I’ll be with you shortly.” At that, he headed to the Med bay.
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 14th, 3057
Major Silver stood outside the medical bay. Inside, Joe knelt beside the bed Erin lay in. He could hear that they were talking, so he kept his distance. Clearing his throat to announce his presence, Lt. Faller turned around and held up a finger, indicating that he needed another moment. As they concluded their conversation, Joe stood and kissed Erin on the forehead before turning to leave the bay.
Major Silver walked in and stood next to her bed. “You alright, Captain?”
Grimacing, Erin nodded. “Aye sair. I’ll be fine.”
Kevin looked at the floor as he spoke. “I’d like your permission to pilot Macha for a bit. Unfortunately, Mercury II doesn’t have hands and right now we need all the hands out there we can get.”
Erin nodded and answered with a single word. “Aye.” She never looked at him, embarrassed at her stupidity.
Now very uncomfortable, Major Silver just nodded. “Alright. Well, take it easy Captain. We need you.” At that, he left to help with the recovery operations.
Fifteen minutes later, both intact Wraith BattleMechs were being dragged into the large barn by farmhands driving tractors while the debris from the two destroyed ‘Mechs was picked up or buried in the topsoil. As they worked furiously, Major Silver piloted McKenna’s Thunderbolt using the Technician’s maintenance codes. Though the weapons would not activate, it was enough that the hands worked and the ‘Mech was mobile.
As he carried the Jackal’s intact right arm to the barn, his comms toned. “CIC to Silver Actual. We’re picking up an airborne target at extreme range bearing one-seven-eight. We can’t tell for certain yet, but it looks to be a Legionnaire Union at high altitude.”
Major Silver felt a shiver down his spine. “ETA?”
PFC Wages had a tone of uncertainty. “Not sure sir. It’s moving very slowly and not directly toward us. Looks like a search pattern maybe? At a guess I’d say 20 or 30 minutes before it is overhead. They don’t seem to be in a big hurry, so they’re probably taking their time to look very carefully at the ground.”
Nodding, Kevin replied. “Inform the Silver Eagles that we’ll be leaving immediately. Mister Jefferys will have to disembark and finish the job without us. Have Commander Hoffmeyer douse the lights and plot a course perpendicular to the target. Silver Actual out.”
As Major Silver entered the bridge of the Areion a few short minutes later, the darkness made him have to pause and let his eyes adjust. Joe waited just outside the bridge. “What do we have, Commander?” he asked, almost whispering as though the enemy might hear him.
Drey Hoffmeyer never looked away from his instruments. “We’re heading two-six-five at 73 knots. The Dropship is still over 100 kilometers south and closing on our Drop Zone at under 50 knots.”
Doing a quick mental calculation Major Silver replied. “That puts them over an hour out, doesn’t it? When did they slow up?”
“Just before we got underway.” Commander Hoffmeyer answered. “We also detected several BattleMechs dropping, so they likely have troops on the ground now under their position.”
Major Silver nodded in the dark. “How long until we pass over the horizon from their line of sight?”
Hoffmeyer looked down at his navigational plot. “At their current altitude, if they keep their course and speed we’ll break LOS in under twenty minutes.”
Kevin patted the airship pilot’s shoulder. “Very good, Commander. Keep this heading for at least another half-hour then. I’ll have a new course for you by then.” At that, he left the bridge.
Captain Zimmerman responded to Major Silver’s knock. “Enter.”
Major Silver and Lt. Faller entered the spacious quarters that Captain Zimmerman had taken as his living and working area. The space was heavily cluttered with data files, hardcopy printouts of seemingly endless data, and other intelligence data. “Captain, I need to know what you want us to do with your prisoners.”
Zimmerman came out of the separate bedroom carrying a hardcopy file. “Sorry Major. I’ve been going over data reports for our organization trying to figure out what would be best. Please, have a seat.” Looking around, the two found space on the couch and sat down across from their Zion liaison. “I’ve been reviewing the data and I think I found a good place we can rest and refit.” He looked up at the Major. “Can we divert to Coronel Oviedo, Major?”
Not yet that familiar with the planets geography, Kevin turned to Lt. Faller. “Joe?”
Pulling out his Compad, he pulled up the data file. “Population 14.5 million, 1.1 million loyalists, about 1,600 kilometers north of here.”
Major Silver nodded in thought. “We could get there sometime around mid-morning tomorrow. It’s feasible, Captain.”
Zimmerman read from a file he had in hand. “We control the city for all intents and purposes. There’s a political team there, left behind by the Third Legionnaires when they made their first landings, but they’ve been... contained. We feed them a line they want to hear and conduct business as usual there, according to my reports.”
Major Silver stood. “Then Coronel Oviedo it is, Captain. We’ll get you there by tomorrow afternoon at the latest. In the mean time, we all need to catch some rest.” Shaking the Zion representative’s hand, he added, “I hope what we did this morning was worth it, Captain.”
Zimmerman nodded. “So do I, Major. So do I.”
As Major Silver walked into the Mess facility at 1015 hours local time, he saw Lt. Vahzenov and Captain Thorpe already eating breakfast. Walking up to the serving counter, he turned to Private Dooling who was serving breakfast. “Good morning, Private. Four trays, if you please.”
Kent Dooling, one of the hundreds of Negushevo natives serving with the Silver Eagles, blanched at the order. “Four trays, sire... uh... sir?”
Lt. Vahzenov overheard the order. “If you are zat hungry Kevin, you can finish my tray.” He joked.
Turning slightly, Major Silver chuckled. “It’s not for me, Vaz. It’s for our guests.”
Piotr took another bite of reconstituted scrambled eggs and spoke around the bite. “If you mean ze Legionnaire pilots, I already took care of zat.”
Looking a bit surprised, he turned back to Private Dooling. “Just the one tray then, Private.”
Having already served up two trays, he looked at them a moment, then dumped the second serving on to the first and silently handed the tray to his CO and landlord.
Eyeing the oversized serving, Kevin shook his head and sat down with the two other senior officers to eat before their scheduled 11 AM meeting.
As Captain McKenna finally awoke, she felt the sting across her belly as Dr. Cox peeled off the bandages. “Good morning, Captain. Just checking your wound for toxicity.”
Sitting up slightly, she felt the wave of nausea from the chemical soup flowing through her. “Do ye haf’ te’ keep me filled we tha’ nauseatin’ potion, Doctor Cox?”
Manuel Cox looked up at her. “Yes. Yes I do, Captain. That ‘nauseating potion’ as you call it is stimulating your immune system into removing the mild toxins more quickly. Would you rather I stop and let you run the risk of genetic damage?”
Erin flopped back into the bed. “Nay, doctor. Juice me up as ye please.”
Examining the wound carefully and checking the blood sample return the geneticist nodded satisfactorily. “Well, it looks like you got off lucky, Captain. You only received a very mild dose and there doesn’t appear to be any signs of DNA damage in your vital organs. If your secondary tests on your dermal infection comes back clean, I can discharge you by noon. How does that sound?”
“Wonderful.” She replied dryly. “Does tha’ mean ye kin stop givin’ me these poisons that air supposed ta be helpin’ me?”
Pulling the IV bag and clamping the end, he nodded. “Yes Captain. It does at that. But now we know, don’t we?”
Erin nodded. “Aye. Dinnae be bringin’ a coolant vest ta a gunfight. Got it.”
As Captain McKenna entered the HQ tent, she overheard Captain Zimmerman. “Gentlemen, there is something you all need to know which may affect your plans.” Pausing a moment outside the tent, she listened. “At 2200 hours local time this evening, two hours before the rest of the Third Legionnaires make their landings, Zion agents all over the planet are setting up to seize the various political teams that have been scattered around the planet in every major city. Only New San Pedro, Benedict, and Puerto Flor de Lis will not be struck as they are too well garrisoned to make the effort. As it stands, the Third Legionnaires are confident that their political teams are safe and secure and can inform them of any incursions into the nominally captured cities. We intend to make them realize that it is we who control this planet and that we can and will strike them a blow. They will be forced to re-occupy the same cities all over again, setting them back to no better off than they were when the made first landings here.”
Major Silver added to the idea. “Not only that Captain, they’ll be forced to actually garrison the cities to claim to be controlling them and protect their replacement political teams. Good move!”
At that, Captain McKenna entered the HQ tent. “Mornin’ gents. What evil air we concoctin’ now?”
Major Silver nodded to his XO. “Good afternoon, Captain. Our Zion liaison was just informing us of a plan that will be executed at 2200 hours this evening. The Zionists are going to capture all the political teams in the cities outside the three most heavily garrisoned sites. This gives us an opportunity to strike.” Turning to Lt. Faller, he nodded.
Joe read the intel report once more. “In the latest data burst from the resistance, it included info detailing the occupation of Villa Elisa and Pilar. Seems we got the Legionnaires attention there and they have kept troops on the ground in those cities. Villa Elisa is being guarded by 1st Lance, 2nd company, 3rd Battalion, while Pilar has 2nd and 3rd Lances of the same company. The Leopard is still in Villa Elisa, and their Union is still in Pilar.”
Major Silver turned to Captain McKenna. “It’s a trap. Both cities are close enough together that they can be mutually supporting, and Benedict is only 2,200 kilometers away. Intel says that the rest of third Battalion is stationed there and they could be on us in a very short time. If we hit either city, we could be facing an entire Battalion of Veteran troops. It seems they intend to make the Eagles an example to the Zionists.”
Erin considered the information. “But if the rest of the Battalion is busy with a world-wide revolt...”
Kevin finished her thought. “...then they’ll be too busy to deploy anyone, anywhere.”
Captain Thorpe added to the thought. “Even better. When they realize that they’ve lost control, they’re going to recall all their troops stationed away from their three main garrisons and slam the doors shut until the rest of their Regiments arrive. We could catch them in the middle of that recall order. That would let us pick the target apart without much fear of backup and with them unsure of exactly what they’re supposed to do.”
Major Silver nodded. “That leaves the question of which city do we hit. Villa Elisa or Pilar?” Turning to Lt. Faller he asked, “What do we know about those units, Joe?”
Reading from his Compad, Joe took a deep breath. “Well, first Lance is a heavy hitter Assault Lance. Four AWS-9M Awesomes led by Captain Morris Perrell. Captain Perrell chooses every member of the Lance for expert gunnery skill. All four are classified as Veterans, though they may actually be better classed as an Elite headhunter Lance. Second Lance is classed as a counter-recon unit led by Veteran Mechwarrior Lieutenant Senior Grade Calvin Meighen from his GRF-3M Griffin. The rest of his lance are classed as Regulars, two TBT-7M Trebuchets and a QKD-5M Quickdraw. Third Lance is a Fire Lance, consisting of an APL-1M Apollo, a CRD-5M Crusader, an ARC-4M Archer, and a modified HBK-5M Hunchback as a bodyguard. The ‘Hunchie is the personal ride of Lieutenant Senior Grade Deidra Harrist, the Lance leader. It’s been modified to double the normal autocannon ammo bins as well as the Hellion-V lasers in its arms at the expense of redundant heat exchange systems. Also, the Sunglow pulse laser is yanked out in favor of an Olympian Flamer. All the other ‘Mechs in the company are stock.”
Major Silver listened to the report and took a few notes. “Joe, what do we know about Captain Perrell? What kind of tactician is he? What would he likely do in the face of conflicting orders?”
Joe looked though the personality profile duplicitously provided by the Captain-General. “Captain Perrell is a ‘by the book’ soldier. If he got conflicting orders, like a recall order when having already been ordered to re-deploy to Pilar to support the other two Lances of his company, he would more than likely follow the most recent order and return to base and await further instructions.”
Kevin continued. “And Lieutenants Harrist and Meighen?”
Anticipating the thought, Joe immediately answered. “They might first deploy to Villa Elisa to pull First Lance out, then obey the recall order. They’re both a little loser and more flexible than Captain Perrell and have less to lose for disobeying orders to save a fellow unit.”
Major Silver smiled. “That’s about what I expected to hear. As far as I can see, Pilar is the perfect target. We hit just as the operation is going down, using the confusion to prevent their call for backup from being answered. Objections?”
Hearing none, he continued. “Now comes the difficulty of picking our assault method. Suggestions?”
Captain Thorpe turned to Lt. Faller. “What do we know about their patrol habits? Are they even keeping a patrol up?”
Joe nodded. “Second Lance is on roving patrol for the rest of the day and evening. The unit is expected to pull out by midnight when their relief arrives on the incoming Dropships. Third Lance is buttoned up in the Union. I think they may be trying to goad us into attacking their Dropships so they can nullify our claim of non-combatant status for our Dropships. Last report said that they were grudgingly abiding by the Conventions of War in this regard, but our people are virtual prisoners aboard the Comstock and Hadrian.”
Randall thought a moment. “What if Sixguns and I were to approach the city and try to draw them out? We’re fast enough to at least keep pace ahead of the fastest units in their Company, so keeping them on the chase might be possible. Lead them into a trap.”
Major Silver thought for a moment. “It could work. But what if they don’t take the bait? We’re not dealing with green forces here. These guys are veterans with a good deal of experience. If someone were to try that on us, I know I wouldn’t fall for it. Not unless I knew more than they did and had overwhelming force to bring in, and that might just trigger them to follow orders and call for help. If a recall has already been ordered, they just might pull out rather than face an obvious trap. If no recall has been ordered, or it just hasn’t been ordered yet, they’ll just sit tight and call in the cavalry. If the recall comes in while they’re waiting, they’ll just follow orders. If it doesn’t, then we get most of a Battalion dropped on us. I just can’t see how it would work.”
Lt. Jones sat forward. “Then what we need is a way to get our ‘Mechs into the city without them seeing them, then draw out both lances in such a way that they don’t think it’s us and call for help. Right?”
Major Silver nodded. “In a nutshell, yes. So, how can we solve the first problem? How do we get our ‘Mechs into the city unnoticed?”
Lt. Vahzenov turned to Lt. Faller. “How does Pilar receive food from ze surrounding agricultural regions? Trucking?”
Joe nodded. “Mostly, yes. Local delivery trucks bring in harvests to local food packing plants, who then truck it to the global mass transit system, trucking some food out and megleving the rest out to major cities like New San Pedro. But a lot of the food is consumed locally in Pilar itself.”
Lt. Vahzenov turned to Major Silver and continued the line of thought. “Couldn’t ve go to one of ze local farmers and get a ride into town zat vey?”
Kevin considered the idea. “It’s doable. But some of our ‘Mechs like Lieutenant Collins’ Executioner or Lieutenant Faller’s Zeus are too heavy for typical light agricultural trucking. We’d need a way to get them in without being seen too or we’re looking at having a very hard time of it.”
Lt. Windsor was normally very quiet in tactical planning. But as the Civil-Military Operations Officer a thought occurred to him and he spoke up. “What about the maglev line? Couldn’t we all get into the city that way?”
Joe sat forward. “That’s not a bad idea right there. If we can get aboard a maglev, and get the help of some of the locals at the depot in Pilar, we could get access to the heart of the city with little fuss.”
Major Silver jotted down some notes and turned to Captain Zimmerman. “Captain? Is it possible to get such a secure site in Pilar?”
Zimmerman sat back in his chair. “It is. We have a warehouse connected to the maglev line that is completely crewed by Zionists. We use it for major shipping of war materials in and out of that region. Officially, it’s a commercial distribution warehouse for consumer goods distribution to retailers. If the Legionnaires knew about it, they would have shut us down by now, so the chance of a mole or subversive there is very small. It’s secure enough.”
McKenna asked the inevitable. “That gets us off th’ train in Pilar, but how dae we get on a meglev headed tae Pilar?”
Zimmerman pointed toward the north. “The maglev line runs into Coronel Oviedo and we effectively control that city. All you’d need is a train.”
Lt. Jones pulled out his Noteputer and brought up the data on local maglev routes. “There’s a cargo maglev departing Coronel Oviedo in just under two hours that’s scheduled to stop in Pilar at 2000 hours local time this evening for about an hour. That doesn’t give us a lot of time.”
McKenna nodded. “Aye, nay much, but enough.”
Major Silver jotted down a few more notes. “Alright, so that gets us in. How do we draw them out? We don’t dare attack their second Lance in the Union, and that’s half the prize. Ideas?”
Again, Lt. Vahzenov turned to Joe. “Ze food distribution. Earlier you mentioned zat ze Legionnaires had seized several shipments of food for redistribution to zeir troops. Vas Pilar affected?”
Joe nodded. “They were. When the troops dropped on the city early this morning, they seized about 20 tons of pre-packaged food and loaded it into their Union for shipment to New San Pedro. The distributor was ‘compensated’ by forced acceptance of a League voucher worth 12,000 Eagles.”
Vahzenov smiled. “How about a food riot? Is tventy tons a significant amount for ze city?”
Joe shook his head. “Not really. That processing center distributes over a hundred times that much food every day just for the city’s local consumption. There are also six other distribution centers that process just as much that weren’t raided. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not even a noticeable amount.”
Lt. Collins added a point. “You know that, and we know that, but what does the common man on the street see? They see food seizures and nothing more. It doesn’t have to be a logical protest, just reasonable enough to be believed by the garrison to be genuine to draw them out.”
Over the next half-hour, the Silver Eagles formulated a plan. Part of the plan called for a message to be sent to Lt. Amdecker operating near Benedict to perform a hit-and-fade attack on the garrison there, just before 2200 hours local time to keep the Legionnaires slightly off-balance and think the Eagles were nowhere near Pilar. They headed into Coronel Oviedo immediately, dropped off their prisoners with the local resistance, and loaded their ‘Mechs aboard the maglev. Sven and the other Techs did running repairs aboard the train while stopped at the two cities en route to Pilar. Once they got to Pilar, their ‘Mechs were unloaded into a warehouse near where the food had been seized.
Meanwhile, Captain Zimmerman contacted the resistance forces in Coronel Oviedo and made arrangements for an impromptu protest to be staged both at the warehousing district and the downtown district near where the Legionnaires had parked their Dropship. The plan was that once the protest began, a small riot would be staged and the local police would call on the Legionnaires for help. Hopefully, they would dispatch second Lance to deal with the issue quickly. While that happened, the protest downtown would similarly get ‘out of control’ and the Legionnaires hopefully would deploy third Lance to quiet things down before they were scheduled to depart. Once committed, the Eagles would wait for second Lance to get close and then spring their trap. They would have a minute or two to dispatch the first Lance before the second could reach them.
All this timed to go off just as the Militia would strike their blow.
Scenario 2: Civil Disobedience
Attacker: Silver Eagles
Forces: 26,666 BV / 586 tons (BV adjusted for force-size difference)
Command Lance- 9,554 BV / 265 tons
MAD-5De Marauder Major Kevin Silver (V-3/3)
ANV-3Me Anvil Lt. SG Richard "Grizzly" Jones (V-3/4) ECM - Active
BJ2-Oe Blackjack Captain Randall "NightHawk" Thorpe (V-5/4) ECM - Active
5 Clan Elemental Suits MSgt. Mark Rhode - MG (R-4)
FLC-8Re Falconer Lt. SG Piotr "Sixguns" Vahzenov (V-4/3)
Assault Lance- 9,453 BV / 315 tons
TDR-7Me Thunderbolt Captain Erin "Orchid" McKenna (V-3/3)
ZEU-9E Zeus Lt. SG Joe "Fallguy" Faller (V-5/4) Narc - ECM - Active
Clan Executioner Lt. SG Morander "Smoke" Collins (V-3/2)
5 Clan Elemental Suits St. Sgt. Sean McCleary - Flamer (G-5)
GAL-1eGLS Gallowglas Lt. SG Ryan "Crawler" Windsor (R-4/4)
Provincial Allies- 44 BV / 6 tons
Rifle Infantry Free Zion Militia (rioters) (G-5)
Rifle Infantry Free Zion Militia (police) (R-4)
Defender: Third Free Worlds League Legionnaires
Forces: 11,407 BV / 460 tons
Counter-Recon Lance- 5,724 BV / 215 tons
GRF-3M Griffin Calvin "Jester" Meighen (V-3/3)
TBT-7M Trebuchet Marshall "Grist" Beshear (R-5/4)
TBT-7M Trebuchet J.C. "Sparks" Gaede (R-5/3)
QKD-5M Quickdraw Janessa "Gunsmoke" Seid (R-4/4)
Fire Lance- 5,683 BV / 245 tons
HBK-5M Hunchback* Deidra "Hammer" Harrist (V-4/3)
APL-1M Apollo Rana "WarGod" Mcclure (R-5/3)
CRD-5M Crusader Jake "Knight" Peasley (V-5/4)
ARC-4M Archer Dustin "Lancer" Hellings (R-5/3)
Force-balanced BV Ratio: 2.34-to-1
Maps: Map Set 6, City (Downtown) & City (Suburbs) with Downtown aligned ‘west’ of Suburbs.
Special: The street defined by the joining of the two maps is not present, it is the Maglev tracks. The tracks are 2 levels above the ground, allowing ‘Mechs to pass under them unobstructed. Use underlying terrain to determine Movement effects. Any unit exiting the map is counted as disabled or destroyed. (with the exception of the Defenders exiting the eastern edge of the Suburbs map) If the Counter-Recon Lance is completely disabled or destroyed before Fire Lance deploys, the scenario ends. If ECM covers all Defender Units for three consecutive turns, Fire Lance will assume they have been destroyed and never deploy. (resulting in an automatic Pyretic Victory for the Defender and no better than a Partial Victory for the Attackers)
Set Up:
Defender: Deploys Counter-Recon Lance in hex columns 13, 14, and 15 of the Suburbs map and must deploy on road hexes. They will head toward the ‘rioters’ on road hexes until the Attackers deploy. Jumping is not allowed until the attackers deploy at least one hidden unit. Fire Lance enters along the eastern edge of the Suburbs Map 6 turns after: the first hidden Attacker unit is deployed and at least one Defender is not jammed by ECM. Once Fire Lance deploys, they must wait for all four Counter-Recon ‘Mechs to either be disabled or destroyed or exit along the eastern edge of the Suburbs Map. If a Fire Lance unit exits the map before this, it is counted as disabled. (they will be imprisoned for cowardice in the face of the enemy)
Attacker: Treats Attacker units other than the Infantry as Hidden Units. BattleMechs must be hidden in the ‘Warehouse’ designated by the Hardened Structure on the Downtown Map on columns 12-15 between rows 06-12. Hidden units must have their hex location noted on the Sheet prior to start of play. Infantry units begin deployed in Hex 0909 of the Downtown Map. All damage taken and ammo expended from Scenario 1 is still present unless the Attackers are able to repair some of it or replenish from their supplies. (Attackers have 2 Veteran technicians, 1 Regular Technician, all needed Astechs and equipment, and 6 hours of time for repair work)
Attacker Victory Conditions:
Total Victory – All eight Defender Units are disabled or destroyed and no loss of life on the Attacker’s side.
Partial Victory – At least four Defender Units are disabled or destroyed and no loss of life on the Attacker’s side.
Pyretic Victory – At least four Defender Units are disabled or destroyed and any Attacker Mechwarrior or Elemental is killed or either Infantry unit is destroyed.
Total Defeat – Less than four Defender Units are disabled or destroyed or more than 3 Attacker Mechwarriors are killed or both Infantry units are destroyed.
Defender Victory Conditions:
Total Victory – All eight Defender Units enter the map and at least five Defender Units exit the map along the eastern edge of the Suburbs Map.
Pyretic Victory – All four members of Counter-Recon Lance are disabled or destroyed before Fire Lance deploys.
Partial Defeat – At least three Defender Units exit the eastern edge of the Suburbs Map.
Total Defeat – All eight Defender units are disabled or destroyed.
Notes: The Attackers out-weigh and out-BV the Defenders, but the Defender’s Counter-Recon Lance need only last 6 rounds of combat before the rest of the Unit shows up. Once they do, the scenario can end quickly with a Total Victory for the Defenders. Once the Fire Lance shows up, they need only spend 1 round fighting the Attackers and then leave, assuming at least one Counter-Recon Lance Member survives and exits the map.
Based on the damage they took from Scenario 1, they were able to use Rush Jobs to get all of their armor repaired. (except for the Marines that is) Because Sven is ‘just that good’ at Jury Rigging and Roland is a Veteran Clan Technician, they’re only looking at target numbers of 5 or better to avoid having chunks of replacement armor fall off in combat. (Technician Fulke is only a Regular so did not rush his jobs and got actual rolls, passing all four and repairing 24 points of damage) They used 5.7 tons of Standard armor and 2.7 tons of Ferro. (mixed types) They’ll definitely need to re-supply after this scenario!
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 14th, 3057
Lt. SG Morander Collins sat in his command couch and watched as the chronometer slowly ticked closer to 2200 hours. He shivered as the chill of the cold and dark cockpit ate at his skin. Having grown up on Horatius in the Marian Hegemony, the desert climate of his youth had hardened him against the sweltering heat of BattleMech combat. Yet here he sat, waiting for the go order in one of the Silver Eagles’ only Clan-made OmniMechs, freezing to death.
“What I wouldn’t give for a thermal blanket about now.” He muttered to himself through chattering teeth.
His reverie was broken as his comms crackled to life. “Silver Actual to all units. Stand bye. Counter-Recon Lance now closing. Prepare to power up and engage.”
Morander knew the plan well. As the Third Legionnaires’ ‘Mechs passed their position to break up the phony food riot, the Silver Eagles would charge out of their hidden positions in the warehouse and smash their lead Lance. Word had already circulated down that the second protest near the Legionnaires’ Union class Dropship had succeeded in drawing out their Fire Lance. Once battle was begun here, the Eagles would only have about a minute before the second Lance would arrive. The Eagles had to engage the enemy and keep them occupied until the Fire Lance could enter the fray. If we kill their Counter-Recon too fast, Fire will just turn and run. He mused the irony of the situation. To succeed, the Eagles would have to look incompetent with 2-to-1 odds in their favor, but at the same time, destroy both Lances without taking too much damage.
He glanced at the chronometer once more. 2201. By now, Free Zion is hitting every garrison on the planet. Glancing at his secondary display, it was displaying data from Lt. Jones’s Active Probe, relayed by a quick-disconnect fiber-op cable. He watched as the approaching Lance split in half and took two ‘Mechs down either side of the triangular warehouse. As the contact marked TANGO-BRAVO passed his hidden position, he felt the reverberation of its footfalls only 30 meters away and just on the other side of a thin aluminum cargo door. Behind it was the contact designated QUEBEC-ALPHA, but it was lagging behind its Lance mate.
“Now! Magic high!” Yelled Major Silver. As he did so, the Battlearmored Marines threw open the cargo doors on both sides of the building and the area become flooded in ECM jamming. Shoving his ‘Mech’s power regulator all the way forward, Lt. Collins felt a surge of power flow through the dormant death machine. Stepping out through the open door, he turned toward the Trebuchet that had passed him and lined up on his target. Even as he emerged, it leaped into the air on jets of superheated air, landing 150 meters west and now facing east, threatening the ‘rioters’ with its array of missiles and lasers. Giving chase, he closed to only 60 meters before he triggered both chest-mounted ERPPCs. One struck the Trebuchet in its left leg, obliterating the armor protection there in a fraction of a second, while the other caught the ‘Mech barely above the right shoulder, wasting most of the energy of the attack but still reducing the protection there to a fraction of normal.
Even as his shots hit, a Gauss shell slammed into the Trebuchet’s left arm, splintering armor like a shattered clay pot. Energy unspent, the shell ripped a hole through the arm and sped out the other side, trailing shards of shattered Endo Steel bone. The Legionnaire pilot struggled to keep his ‘Mech on its feet, even as his missiles sped toward his own target, the Blackjack threatening the rear of his sister Trebuchet coming up the other side of the warehouse. Only nine of his missiles armed just before impact, the rest shattering as they hit armor, their safety systems still engaged.
As Morander watched, four ruby beams sliced through the air, three leaving from weapon ports on the Legionnaire ‘Mech, the fourth impacting along its left flank from Lt. Vahzenov’s Falconer. While the enemy’s lasers melted armor across Captain Thorpe’s Blackjack, the lone ruby dart assaulting him found a weak point in his armor. As 33 megajoules of coherent light sliced into the machine, Morander saw a heat spike on his thermal display. Engine hit, looks like. he thought. Too bad it didn’t find one of the ammo magazines there. As the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back, the last hit was just enough to send the 50-ton war machine to its knees. Landing hard on the right knee as he lost balance, the Trebuchet pilot managed to not exacerbate his existing damage on the way to the ground.
Glancing at his 360° display, he saw the fate of the Trebuchet’s twin was the same. Overwhelmed by fire from all sides, the second medium missile-carrier ‘Mech fell straight forward onto the pavement, all while small-caliber fire peppered his damaged machine from the allied police unit that was even now racing into the safety of the warehouse’s office front with the ‘rioters’ right beside them. Behind him he saw Major Silver, Lt. Jones, and Lt. Windsor giving chase to the enemy Quickdraw that was retreating quickly back the way it had come. Missiles, lasers, and particle cannons lit up the night as the four ‘Mechs exchanged fire, but very few shots managed to hit their targets.
“Orchid! Watch your flank!” Shouted Lt. Faller over the open comms line. Glancing quickly at his target display, Morander took a second or two to assess what was going on with the rest of his Lance. Captain McKenna had apparently drawn the interest of the enemy’s Lance Commander, for the Griffin had gotten in behind her. The indicator for her Thunderbolt flickered for a moment obviously as weapons fire was exchanged at point-blank range. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he watched the status display flash red, indicating his Lance Leader’s ‘Mech had suffered internal damage. The two ‘Mechs were so close to one another that it was difficult to tell one from the other. That fool is taking on the Captain in physical combat? he thought.
Major Silver’s voice once more rang out over the Battalion Command channel. “Magic low. Let ‘em call for help.”
Just as his focus returned to his own target, a flash of brilliant light invaded his cockpit, making Morander flinch. Ahead of him, an immense fireball blew out the back of the fallen Trebuchet that was to be his target. “Bloody Caesar!” he cried out. “Ammo hit. He must have taken more damage than it looked like.” Even still, most of the ‘Mech remained intact, the CASE system having vented most of the fury to save the machine from complete destruction. Still it slumped to the ground and lie still, her engine gutted.
“Tango-Bravo is K.I.A.” He called out over the open line. “Switching to secondary target.” At that he turned his machine in place and came up behind Major Silver’s Marauder. “Got your back, Major.” Even as the two closed on the fleeing Quickdraw, Lieutenants Jones and Windsor moved into flanking positions on the other side of the maglev track. Instead of continuing his retreat as they had expected, the Quickdraw leaped into the air only to disappear behind several office buildings.
Morander listened to the rest of the unit as they fought their own private war a quarter kilometer to the north. “Orchid. You alright?” came the concerned voice of Lt. Faller.
“Aye love.” She replied. “Me back is torn up somethin’ fierce, but me axe made good the debt. Moving to grid oh-three-oh-three. Watch me back love!”
Glancing at his threat display again, Morander saw the source of Captain McKenna’s warning. The second Trebuchet had regained its feet and had closed to less than 30 meters behind Lt. Faller, but had opened fire on Captain McKenna. As he watched, Joe backed into the building behind him and north of the threat. “Target locked.” Came the voice of Lt. Vahzenov who had swung in only 60 meters behind the Trebuchet. Morander could almost see the exchange of fire in his mind’s eye as he heard the rapid report of machine gun fire, the static hum of lasers, and the sickening crack of a hypersonic nickel-ferric slug over the comm line from Vahzenov’s Falconer.
Another array of hums filled the air, these much longer as Morander could visualize four pulse lasers carving up the Trebuchet like a turkey. A moment later Lt. Faller reported. “Narc beacon locked! Missiles away!” The rush of a dozen short-range rocket motors igniting at once heralding the crash of explosions over their target filled his ears. “Sneak up on my woman will ya’?” Joe snorted, as the sound of metal against metal turned into a cacophony of rings as the indicator for the second Legionnaire Trebuchet turned from red to white. Surrender. Morander thought. He was dead anyway after all that.
Joe cleared his throat. “Tango-Alpha has surrendered. Switching to secondary target. Request pilot pickup at grid one-four-oh-five.”
Even as Morander listened to the futile exchange of fire between Captain McKenna and the enemy Lance Commander, he slowed up behind Major Silver. “Silver Actual to Marine Three. Move to grid oh-seven-one-oh and pick up the pilot. Police Unit Four. Can you pick up the enemy pilot at the corner of the warehouse?”
“Roger that, Silver Eagles.” Came the voice of the police Lieutenant in charge of the riot squad. “Just keep those big boys off our backs.”
As Morander saw six tiny laser darts flash through the air from the direction of McKenna’s Thunderbolt, he heard her curse over the comm line, but he couldn’t be sure of exactly what she said. “Damnú ort! This tuilli is mine!”
Just as Major Silver spoke, the Quickdraw leapt into the air again, only to land 150 meters east, once more behind the cover of office buildings. “They’re making a break for it!” Called out Major Silver. “Don’t let these guys get away!”
“Golf-Alpha is airborne again.” Reported Lt. Faller. “Coming down on grid one-oh-oh-seven. Now closing.”
Seeing that he couldn’t get a clear shot on either the Quickdraw or the Griffin, Morander activated the MASC system on his Executioner. “Excuse me, Major. Coming through!” At that, he surged forward at over 105 kilometers per hour, covering 300 meters in a scant 10 seconds. While it took all his concentration to keep the 95-ton machine upright at that speed on asphalt roads, he managed to keep control. As he ran, he listened to the radio chatter, which all seemed to happen at once.
“Nighthawk to Silver Actual. I’m going top-side to get a clear view. Grid one-five-oh-six, ETA thirty seconds.”
“Crawler to Silver. I have Quebec-Alpha in sight. Firing. Under Fire! Bloody hell! Bugger’s got me sky-lined! Minor damage.”
“Fallguy to Orchid. Golf-Alpha’s buried himself in that park.”
“Aye love. Missiles away. Ciach! I nay kin see him!”
“Fallguy to Grizzly. I have a Narc lock, but I can’t spot him. Can you see him?”
“Coming around now, Fallguy. Woah! I’m taking fire here! Got him! Firing!”
“Da. I’m taking a shot. Kakogo chyorta! I missed!”
“I see him! Missiles away! Damn! Is this guy a ghost?”
“Orchid to all units. Did anyone verify a hit?”
“Negative, but he got me.”
“No joy, sweets.”
“Nyet, Captain.”
“Nor I. I’m seein’ secondary fires though. If we kinna hit him, we’ll burn him out!”
As Morander approached the bend in the road he slowed up. Taking the corner as fast as he dare, he sped up again, his MASC still active. Gotta chance it! I still need 200 more meters! he thought as he continued to listen to the chatter.
“Crawler to Silver. Quebec-Alpha is airborne. Coming down on grid oh-eight-one-six. Tracking and firing. Clean miss!”
“Fallguy here. I can see him down the road, range two-seven-two. Can’t see Golf-Alph... Wait! There he is! Airborne and headed over those buildings! Damn! He’s gone! Taking a shot at Secondary. Missiles away. Missed! He’s too fast! Can anyone see Golf-Alpha?”
Morander spoke as he slowed up. “Smoke to Fallguy. Golf-Alpha in range. Firing.” At that he triggered every weapon on his OmniMech. The first PPC shot just over the Griffin’s left shoulder, but the second caught the protruding plate and limb while the heavy pulse laser danced across the left flank. One of the smaller lasers struck the ‘Mech in its wounded right leg, but the other joined together with the particle stream to dig deeply into the shoulder. Ferro-titanium bones splintered under the combined assault and the shoulder and upper actuator assembly exploded outward in a shower of debris.
Even as he fired, both remaining Legionnaire ‘Mechs returned fire on him. Fortunately, his swift approach made tracking him difficult, and thirty long-range missiles all failed to lock onto his ‘Mech before crashing harmlessly into his thick armor. Similarly, the Griffin’s Fusigon Longtooth particle cannon and the Quickdraw’s four Omicron 4000 lasers all scattered energy around him, but it was as if he were invincible. As though his ‘Mech were an unstoppable titan of mythology. Even the stifling heat inside his cockpit made Morander feel that he was unstoppable, that not even the limits of Clan technology stood in his way.
Even as their weapons failed to injure his behemoth Clan OmniMech, he saw Major Silver fire at the Quickdraw that had tried to flank him. Triggering almost every weapon he had, the Major only managed to hit with the weapons in his right arm, and both of those only scored glancing hits across the left arm and flank. As Captain McKenna landed behind him, the Griffin flew through the air once more, this time completely out of sight behind a ten-story office building. Morander slammed his fist into the command couch. “Coward!” his voice filling his cockpit as he saw Major Silver’s IFF wink out. The CO’s a sitting duck!
As he did so, the Quickdraw jumped through the air again, landing only 100 meters behind him and well concealed by two office buildings, both very obviously occupied, judging by the lights inside. As the Legionnaire landed, he once more fired a full spread of lasers and missiles at the Clan monster. Missiles once again splashed across this ‘Mech without harm, and lasers flashed around him as he smiled and took careful aim with the heavy laser in his right arm.
As though his luck had brought down the attention of some deity of karma, the last laser the Quickdraw fired struck his ‘Mech squarely in the cockpit’s transparent Ferro-fibrous shield. Blinded by the light, his shot went wide over the enemy. His skin burned with the heat of not only his ‘Mech’s activity but with over thirty megajoules of light trying to force their way into his cockpit and silence his efforts.
Even as he fought the pain back and tried to refocus his eyes, they were once again blinded, but this time with the white fireball of rapidly burning hydrogen. Forcing himself to look out the main window, its charred and warped surface still permitted the view of the Quickdraw collapsing in half, the telltale contrail of a Gauss Rifle trailing off to the north.
“Ve zought you might need a hand, comrade.” Lt. Vahzenov quipped.
Gathering his wits once more, Morander keyed his mike. “Thanks, Vaz. Saved my bacon there!”
“Ze credit belongs to Griz.” He heard the Russian confess. “My shot vas just ze spectacular vaste of potential salvage.”
“Marine Three to Silver Actual. We have the first pilot in custody. Returning to Waypoint Alpha-Six.”
“Silver Actual here. I’m back up. Say again, Marine Three?”
“Contact!” Came the voice of Captain Thorpe. “Four Marks bearing zero-nine-four. Range 650 meters and using buildings to cover their approach. ETA, 20 seconds!”
“Alright Eagles!” shouted Major Silver. “They’re probably only going to engage us long enough to cover the Griffin’s withdrawal. Form up a firing line! Griz? Sixguns? Up on that building at grid oh-six-one-oh. Orchid? Take Fallguy and Nighthawk and cover the northern flank. I’ll take Smoke and Crawler along the southern flank. Marine Two! Move up to grid one-one-oh-nine and prepare to take captives.”
As Morander slowly backed up the road, he heard the police unit report in. “Major Silver. We have the second pilot in custody. We’re moving to link up with your Marines now.”
As the seconds ticked by and the Eagles moved into position, Morander realized that the only thing keeping the pain of the burns on his arms and face at bay was adrenaline. This is going to hurt in the morning. he thought. Steeling himself, he waited and watched.
Suddenly, he saw the first ‘Mech step out from behind a building. That’s one of those new Apollos. Tracking it as it was joined by an Archer, he watched as they made their way behind the same building the Griffin had taken cover behind. Suddenly the enemy’s plan became clear to him. “Oh no!”
Just then, Major Silver keyed his mic. “Metal Rain! Cover me, Smoke!” At that Morander saw Major Silver run up the road to get a firing position on the two ‘Mechs. Following close behind, Morander stopped only 60 meters behind his Battalion Commander. Looking half a kilometer down the road, he barely spotted the enemy Crusader behind a four-story building. Satisfied, he saw Captain Thorpe walking up to close range to engage it. Trading fire, neither hurt the other very badly, but a volume of fire from Vahzenov and Jones hammered into the Heavy fire support ‘Mech, nearly sending it to the ground.
Meanwhile, Major Silver was doing some hammering of his own as nearly every weapon on his ‘Mech hit the 55-ton ‘pocket Archer’, obliterating nearly 4 tons of armor in one second. Concentrating on the Major’s target, hoping to get the Fire Lance to hang around longer than necessary, Morander focused intently on the Apollo as it fired a pair of pulse lasers at the Major, damaging his left flank. Triggering both his PPCs and his heavy pulse laser, he obliterated yet another 2 tons of Maximilian 44 armor and sent the ‘Mech crashing to the ground and damaging yet more armor.
Almost too late he spotted the threat warning indication as the Hunchback closed in to only 20 meters. Reacting even as his heavy weapons hit the Apollo, he hastily fired his pair of lighter lasers at the deadly Medium BattleMech, hitting with both lasers, but not even the added damage from one of Lt. Windsor’s Sunglow Large Lasers would deter the inevitable. The Hunchback roared to life as heavy autocannon shells tore into his right flank and lasers lashed armor off his right arm and left flank. Just then a laser from the Archer melted even more armor off his chest, just before seventy long-range missiles exploded all around him.
In an ironic twist of fate, the autocannon shells penetrated the armor protecting his ‘Mech’s fusion reactor and heat exchange system, blowing out the coolant system and sending the temperatures inside his reactor sailing to 20% over critical. As the temperature rose, the jury-rigged Clan and Inner Sphere computer control system in his ‘Mech went into total melt down, triggering the ‘Mech’s safety systems to lock.
Hydrogen fuel poured into the reactor as the system went into total failure, sending the reactor temperature climbing to yet higher temperatures. As neutron radiation reached critical levels, the Clan-made safety system triggered the emergency ejection system, just as ten long-range missiles poured into the cockpit assembly, saving Morander from instant incineration. The reactor exploded with the force greater than three-quarters of a ton of TNT, shredding the multi-million C-Bill OmniMech into shards.
As the enemy Apollo stood and retreated along with the rest of the Fire Lance, Morander’s last thoughts were washed away in a swirl of pain and blackness.
-
From: Lt. SG Joe Faller, S2 Intelligence Officer
To: Capt. Erin McKenna, XO
Attached is an intercepted copy of a Legionnaire BDA communiqué sent to me by the Free Zion Resistance. MI has a high degree of confidence in this data.
To- Force Commander Clay Williver, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, Third FW Legionnaires
From- Captain Morris Perrell
Date- Dec. 14th, 3057
Subject- Re: Post Insurgent Damage Assessment
As per your request, I have assembled a general overview of the Battalion. Currently the Battalion is in fairly good shape considering the situation. All units are returning to our staging area in Benedict pending arrival of the rest of the Legionnaires. Senior Technician Fidel Grohowski has provided me the details of the damage to our 'Mechs which I have condensed into an easily digestible overview.
Units with no damage have no notes. Light damage indicates Armor damage only. Moderate Damage indicates Armor and Structural damage only. Severe Damage indicates system damage.
Unit Mechwarrior Rating Notes .
1st Company- "Freedom's Band"
Command Lance- 7,547 BV / 305 tons
BLR-3M Battlemaster* FCdr Clay "Cold Steel" Williver (E-2/1)
WHM-7M Warhammer SSgt Katherin "Mushroom" Schacter (R-5/4)
MAD-5M Marauder LtJG Coleen "Stilts" Sellers (V-3/3)
MAD-5M Marauder SSgt Mohammad "Preacher" Bauer (R-5/4)
.
Support Lance- 4,290 BV / 260 tons
ON1-K Orion LtSG Kasi "Papa" Saracino (V-4/2)
RFL-5M Rifleman Crpl Jennie "Jynx" Aron (R-6/4)
ON1-K Orion SSgt Curtis "Seed" Denenberg (R-6/4)
CN9-A Centurion Crpl Joey "Jester" Holquin (R-6/4)
.
Strike Lance- 5,145 BV / 225 tons
OTL-5M Ostsol LtSG Jonathon "Rapper" Olguin (V-5/3) Operational - Lgt Dam
GRF-3M Griffin Crpl Brittany "Burner" Krzan (G-7/4) Operational - Lgt Dam
WVR-7M Wolverine SSgt Lara "Legs" Lohr (R-4/4) Operational - Svr Dam†
GRF-3M Griffin Crpl Theo "Lightfoot" Terrett (G-7/5) Operational - Lgt Dam
.
.
2nd Company- "The Punishers"
Assault Lance- 8,373 BV / 320 tons
AWS-9M Awesome Cptn Morris "Bookie" Perrell (V-4/2)
AWS-9M Awesome SSgt Dena "Blade" Casey (V-3/3)
AWS-9M Awesome LtJG Tina "Ice Queen" Fenti (V-3/2)
AWS-9M Awesome SSgt Werner "Wildcard" Vliet (V-4/2)
.
Counter-Recon Lance- 5,724 BV / 215 tons
GRF-3M Griffin LtSG Calvin "Jester" Meighen (V-3/3) Operational - Svr Dam†
TBT-7M Trebuchet Crpl Marshall "Grist" Beshear (R-5/4-POW) Captured - Svr Dam
TBT-7M Trebuchet SSgt J.C. "Sparks" Gaede (R-5/3-POW) Captured - Mod Dam
QKD-5M Quickdraw Crpl Janessa "Gunsmoke" Seid (R-4/4) Destroyed - Svr Dam
.
Fire Lance- 5,683 BV / 245 tons
HBK-5M Hunchback* LtSG Deidra "Hammer" Harrist (V-4/3) Operational - Lgt Dam
APL-1M Apollo Crpl Rana "WarGod" Mcclure (R-5/3) Operational - Mod Dam
CRD-5M Crusader SSgt Jake "Knight" Peasley (V-5/4) Operational - Mod Dam
ARC-4M Archer Crpl Dustin "Lancer" Hellings (R-5/3)
.
.
3rd Company- "Eyes in the Dark"
1st Recon Lance- 4,974 BV / 195 tons
TR1 Wraith LtSG Raul "Raptor" Englar (V-4/3-MIA) Possibly Captured
TR1 Wraith Crpl Ardith "Frog" Tallon (R-5/4-MIA) Possibly Captured
SHD-5M Shadow Hawk SSgt Harley "Roach" Pretlow (V-3/3-MIA) Possibly Captured
JA-KL-1532 Jackal Crpl Yong "Hunter" Walvoord (R-4/4-MIA) Possibly Captured
.
2nd Recon Lance- 2,656 BV / 120 tons
PHX-1 Phoenix Hawk LtJG Clayton "Bushwhacker" Conditt (R-4/3)
VT-5M Vulcan Crpl Jayson "Pyro" Mccrossen (R-6/3)
WSP-3M Wasp SSgt Abbey "Snoopy" Conway (R-4/4)
STG-5M Stinger Crpl Kareem "Charlie-B" Spiegler (R-4/4)
.
3rd Recon Lance- 2,542 BV / 115 tons
CDA-3M Cicada* Cptn Angelia "Princess" Martella (R-5/3) Active - Opr - Lgt Dam
LCT-3M Locust SSgt Ian "Runt" Steptore (G-6/6) Operational - Lgt Dam
HER-3S Hermes LtJG Crissy "Roadrunner" Papagni (R-5/4) Operational - Mod Dam
ZPH-1A Tarantula Crpl Xuan "Gonzo" Edgar (G-7/4) Operational - Lgt Dam
.
* Custom Variant
† Recommended for Service Removal until Repaired
--
MI still has no idea what happened to 1st Recon Lance. There is evidence of a fight a few kilometers south of Villa Elisa, but as expected, none of the indigs saw a 'Mech battle right outside their doors at 0300 hours. MI is requesting permission to conduct chemo-interrogation of a Mr. Jeffreys, the landlord of the farm. Pending investigation, he is being held without bond.
Loose intel on the Mercenaries called the Silver Eagles indicated they have broken their force up into at least three operational units, one that is operating near us in Benedict, one operating near Pilar, and another possibly near the southern shoreline, possibly near the small gaming town of Glendover. (though there have been no direct observations of the third unit, just rumor) We can confirm to have destroyed at least three of their 'Mechs and damaged three times as many. MI is certain that once we land our ground troops we will be able to discourage further raids.
It is my recommendation that once the troops arrive you request to begin regular screening of maglev and heavy ground traffic moving into and out of any city where we have troops stationed. It is highly likely that the Silver Eagles were able to infiltrate the city of Pilar unobserved by using either the maglev or local trucking.
Further information will be sent after our reinforcements land in 90 minutes.
Captain Morris Perrell, Executive Officer, 3rd Battalion, Third FW Legionnaires
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 14th, 3057
Lt. Amdecker’s Avatar rocked under heavy cluster fire from the twin Marik Marauders. Looking at his threat display, he could see the remainder of his Operations Lance was getting separated by the heavy push from the Benedict garrison. “Hot Rod! Watch your position! Their Medium Lance is pushing up hard. Don’t let those Griffins cut you off!” As he cut his Heavy OmniMech to the right and behind the cover of a light industrial building, he made his way closer to support Lt. Wilmeth’s Ostsol.
As he closed in on Lt. Wilmeth, withering fire erupted on his Lancemate from the two ON1-K Orions that had approached through the cover of the city’s industrial park. A wave of autocannon shells and missile fire saturated his 60-ton machine. His ‘Mech began to collapse in on itself, and Lt. Amdecker could only watch as its head exploded open and Lt. Wilmeth rocketed free of his destroyed ‘Mech.
With no time to concern himself over the downed pilot, Ian heard Lt. JG Sofia Gordillo report. “Burner to Zero! I’ve got company! BLR! Came out of nowhere! He’s got me at close...” Her warning was cut short in a hail of static as his situational display updated her Griffin’s icon from gold to red, then to black. The last data feed from her ‘Mech gave the position of two more Marik Heavy and Assault ‘Mechs bearing down on his position.
Switching frequencies, Ian keyed his mic. “Marine One... Boxcars. Status report.”
Lt. JG Alisha Calame reported first from her Trebuchet. “Zero this is Boxcars. I’m holding position at waypoint delta-four. I have heavy armor damage, but no internals. Enemy forces closing.”
A moment later came the report from Sergeant Major Spanner. “Marine One to Zero. We’re moving toward your position and should be there in thirty seconds. I regret to report that we failed to take out the objective. Their stockpile is intact. Be advised I have heavy damage and have wounded.”
As Lt. Amdecker glanced once more at his threat display, he noticed that the enemy units had stopped. They have stopped their assault. Why? Taking the opportunity to close on Sergeant Spanner faster, he tried to reason out why the Third Legionnaires would stop their assault when they were so close to gutting his command. No matter. he thought. I will take the opportunity to extract my forces and fight them another time. I hope whatever the Major needed this mission for was worth the price we’re paying.
“Contact!” shouted Lt. Calame. “Bearing two-nine-five at four kilometers by Angles ninety and descending. She reads as a Dropship sir. Likely Overlord class. Came out of nowhere. No IFF. I’m showing ‘Mech droppers descending on us fast!”
Ian’s blood ran cold. We are lost.
Lt. Faller entered the HQ tent at a little after the meeting had begun. “Sorry I’m late sir. I was getting an intel update.”
Major Silver turned to his Battalion S2. “Understandable, Lieutenant. I was just informing the staff of Lieutenant Collins’ condition. Doctor Cassidy concurs with the medical staff of the Hospital that he shouldn’t be moved until his condition improves. That means we’ll be sticking it out here for a bit longer.”
Lt. Vahzenov who had also arrived late took the opportunity to speak up. “Vit all due respect sir, ze longer ve stay in Pilar, ze greater ze risk zat ze Legionnaires vill attack. Ve cannot hope to hold zem off in force.”
Major Silver nodded in ascent. “Very true Lieutenant, but I’m not leaving a man behind. We’ll hold here until the doc says we can take Collins with us.” Turning back to Joe Major Silver queried, “So how did last night’s Op go for the Resistance?”
Lt. Faller lit a cigarette and smiled. “Stunningly well, sir. As of now, the Resistance controls the planet except for the Legionnaire strongholds of New San Pedro, Benedict, and Puerto Flor de Lis. As expected, the Legionnaires pulled back into those cities and landed their reinforcements there. Short of a few losses in material, it was a complete victory.”
Major Silver nodded. “Excellent. Hopefully Lieutenant Collins will stabilize before they can begin mounting attacks against entrenched Resistance forces. Thank you, Lieutenant.”
Joe exhaled a breath of smoke and smiled. “There’s more.” Looking over at Captain McKenna he asked, “Did you tell them about that intel intercept I sent you, Captain?”
Erin nodded. “I did, love. Nay too good to know tha’ we’ve losses elsewhere. Have ye gotten intel on who took th’ blow?”
Joe nodded back. “Yeah. It was First Operational Unit under Lieutenant Amdecker. Resistance intel says they were trying to skirt the edge of the Benedict defenses when they got caught in a quagmire. They just couldn’t stay ahead of the Legionnaire’s faster ‘Mechs and that gave the Third time to move their slower forces in close. We lost Lieutenant Wilmeth’s and Lieutenant Gordillo’s ‘Mechs.”
Major Silver furrowed his brow. “Any word on the pilots? Did they get away or were they captured?”
Lt. Faller exhaled once more before continuing. “Well they should have been captured, along with the rest of the unit. In the middle of the fight, a Dropship came in and Hot-dropped a load of ‘Mechs on their position. An entire Battalion to be exact. Dropped in from an Overlord after it made entry interface. Lieutenant Amdecker probably thought they were done for but for one thing. They weren’t Legionnaires.”
Major Silver looked up. “Who were they? Reinforcements for the Legionnaires? Where did they come from?”
Joe shrugged. “No one’s sure. Damn thing came out of nowhere. No drive signature until they began reentry, no jump flare from any sighted Jumpships, nothing. Though their entry vector does point to a high-G burn and coast in from the primary moon. If a ship jumped in at just the right moment, there could have been a two minute window for a small ship like a Scout to make entry behind the moon and out of sight. With their small jump signatures, it would have been damn hard to see.” Lt. Faller smiled at Major Silver. “You know that trick, sir. We used it on the Jim Bridger back during the Main Street mission.”
Major Silver nodded. “Indeed. So who are they? And what happened to Lieutenant Amdecker?”
Joe crushed out his cigarette and pulled out a data disk. “Here’s the intercept of a transmission they made just before their troops landed.”
At that he popped the disk into a reader and pressed a key. A moment of static was followed by an unfamiliar voice. “This is Colonel Malachi Young of the Mormon ‘Mech Battalion. For God and Country we have come to Asuncion to stand with the Free People of Zion. League forces are advised to evacuate the city or be destroyed. There will be no other warnings.”
Joe smiled. “They wrecked the remainder of Third Battalion, sir. They also saved Lieutenant Amdecker’s command. When the MMB hit the ground they tore into the Legionnaires like no tomorrow, gutted them, and sent them running for New San Pedro. Then their Dropship landed, off-loaded some tanks and supplies, and then took off again for deep space. By the time the Legionnaires’ reinforcements landed an hour later along with fresh ‘Mechs from First Battalion, the MMB was gone. They hooked up with the Resistance and scattered like wind.”
Southern Isle, Asuncion, Free Zion
December 19th, 3057
Major Silver walked into the morning briefing at 0700 hours exactly. The last few days of hurried activity was beginning to wear him down. Once Lt. Collins had been upgraded to Serious condition and could be moved, the Eagles spared no time to move him to the medical bay aboard the Areion. He was still in a coma, but his condition was improving under Doctor Cassidy’s care. Once aboard, the Eagles had began the 34-hour trek south, back to their supply dump on Southern Isle. Now that the repairs were complete and the ‘Mechs re-armed, it was time to decide what their next step was to be.
“Alright folks. How are we looking?” he asked first.
Captain McKenna stood. “Mister Iverson reports that the ‘Mechs are fully repaired. He had some difficulties and some of the rushed repairs turned out to be not so complete, but they’ve all been repaired. Re-arming is complete and we’re fully stocked.”
Lt. Vahzenov reported next. “Ve’re running critically short of standard armor, Major. As of ze last Inventory, ve only have a little over five-and-vone-half tons remaining. If ve don’t get a fresh supply soon, ve’ll have to start patch-vorking ze armor vit Ferro.”
Major Silver nodded. “I’ll make a point of it to ask the resistance if they can sell us any they have to spare.” Looking at his notes, he turned to Lt. Faller. “Intel?”
Joe stood slowly. “We’re only getting sporadic reports now, but what we have is interesting to say the least. The Legionnaires have begun re-taking major cities in force. On top of re-taking Benedict and continuing to hold New San Pedro and Puerto Flor de Lis, they have taken New Mallorquín, Villarrica...” he paused before finishing. “... and Pilar.”
Major Silver sat back. “Looks like we got out just in time then. Have they moved their forces on to other cities yet?”
Lt. Faller shook his head. “No sir. They seem to be digging in to those six cities with the intent to stay. They’re not moving on. Their positions seem to be arrayed around the planet evenly and they have local Dropship support at every site. It seems we’ve made them sufficiently paranoid to want to hold up in strong defensible cities and wait us out.”
Lt. Vahzenov interjected. “Are zey still taking supplies from ze locals?”
Joe nodded. “Yeah, but not much. Just enough to keep self-sufficient. The occupied cities each have sufficient agricultural areas to keep the occupation forces well supplied for years without so much as a slight pinch on the locals.”
Major Silver furrowed his brow. “Well then, it would seem we need to find out what we can about those garrisons and see what our employers want us to do about them. For the time being, the unit is on leave until we get a target. Dismissed.”
Major Silver knocked on Captain Zimmerman’s door. From inside he heard a muffled “Enter.” Opening the stateroom door he was surprised at how much more cluttered the room was compared to only a few days earlier.
“Major Silver. Come in.” Zimmerman said gesturing to a small clear spot on the couch. “What can I do for you?”
Taking a seat, Kevin turned to their liaison. “Captain, the Silver Eagles are ready for another mission, but we need to know what you want of us. How can the Eagles best serve Zion?”
Zimmerman looked at a paper before replying. “Well Major, we’re in the middle of coordinating with the newly arrived Mercenaries, the Mormon ‘Mech Battalion. As of now, we’re looking at having them assault the Puerto Flor de Lis Industrial Complex in an attempt to whittle the garrison down some more. Can you assist them in that regard?”
Major Silver sat back. “Puerto Flor de Lis is heavily garrisoned. Even an entire Battalion is no match for the Third there. They might be able to take it, but destroy the garrison or keep it?”
Zimmerman smiled. “That’s where you come in.”
“Are you insane, sir?” Captain Thorpe asked.
Major Silver shook his head. “Not exactly the enthusiastic response I was hoping for there, Randall.”
McKenna shook her head. “Ta be honest sair, Captain Thorpe has a point. We kinna hope ta take on even th’ smallest o’ their garrisons. Yet we’re expected ta hit five?”
Major Silver exhaled exasperated. “Not five, just as many as we can handle of the five. The more forces we can tie up in the five other garrisons, the more forces the Rebellion can employ against Puerto Flor de Lis alongside the Mormons. So... how much can we bite off?”
Joe sat forward. “We need better intel on who is where sir. Request permission to be dismissed while I get better intel?”
Major Silver nodded. “Granted. You have until 0700 hours tomorrow. After that we’re moving out and we’ll have to have a plan. Until then, get some R&R people. You’ll need it.”
Lt. Morander Collins tried to open his eyes. He could barely focus. The scent of anesthesia filled his nostrils along with the sterile scent of a hospital. Suddenly, a silhouette filled his cloudy vision, a moment before the world exploded in a shower of painful light. He tried to turn his head away from the offending light, but his head would not move.
“Lieutenant Collins.” A voice said. “Can you understand me?”
He tried to reply as the light disappeared, but his throat would not cooperate. All he managed was a slight croak. He became aware that something wet was now in his mouth and he swallowed. Clearing his throat, he tried once more. “Yeah. Where am I?”
Dr. Cassidy stood back. “You’re aboard the Areion, Lieutenant. Don’t try to move. You’ve suffered severe injury and you’re lucky to be alive. I’ll call the Major to brief you.”
Major Silver was in the CIC when he was interrupted with a call over his personal coms. “Major Silver. Go ahead.”
“Medical here sir.” Major Silver didn’t even let him finish.
“I’m on my way.” He interrupted. At that he jumped up and ran toward the medical bay. Once there, he ran into Dr. Cassidy. “How is he?” he asked.
Dr. Cassidy grimaced. “He’s awake, but not out of the woods yet. You can see him if you like, sir.”
As Major Silver entered the medical bay, he could see his junior officer lying in his recovery bed. Approaching slowly, he cleared his throat. “Welcome back, Lieutenant. You gave us quite the scare.”
Morander swallowed once more. “Did we beat them sir?”
Major Silver looked at the floor. “Not exactly. They got away with the bulk of their forces, but we bloodied their nose pretty badly. We only lost your ‘Mech while they lost three.”
Lt. Collins felt the words impact like a hammer. “I’m sorry sir. I let you down.”
Kevin approached the bed. “Not at all, Lieutenant. You did nothing wrong. In fact, you did well more than was expected. We’ll replace the machine. Good pilots like you are hard to come by.”
Just then, McKenna spoke up as she entered the room. “Aye, Lieutenant. Yer nay so replaceable. Glad ye pulled through.”
After a few minutes of general briefing regarding the outcome of the battle, Lt. Collins didn’t feel any better. “We still didn’t achieve our goals then?”
Major Silver shook his head. “No, but then our goals were rather ambitious. We still left them bled a little more than they were.”
As he finished, Lt. Vahzenov entered. “Ve heard rumor zat zere vas party in here and ve veren’t invited.”
Turning around, Major Silver saw Lt. Vahzenov and Lt. Jones standing at the entrance. Turning to Lt. Collins he asked, “Feel like company?”
Morander chuckled and began coughing at the nausea it caused. As he did so, Dr. Cox entered. “Lieutenant? We need to speak to you about your condition. Would you like the room cleared?”
Morander shook his head as well as he could. “No. They can stay.”
Dr. Cox cleared his throat. “Well things aren’t looking good here. You’re in borderline kidney failure and liver failure. We can keep you going for a few weeks on organ stimulants, but in the end their just accelerating to total failure. After that...” He turned to Major Silver. “He’s going to need access to better facilities. We can only do so much here. He needs an organ transplant or cybernetic replacement therapy.” Turning back to Lt. Collins, he asked, “Lieutenant, do you have any reservations against cybernetics?”
Thinking a moment he replied, “No. Just do what you need to.” Hesitating a moment, he asked the inevitable. “Will I pilot a ‘Mech again?”
Dr. Cox nodded. “Assuming you survive, sure. There’s no neurological damage, just severe organ damage.” Turning back to Major Silver he asked, “Sir, I’d like permission to sample the people aboard the Areion for organ compatibility.”
Major Silver nodded. “Do whatever you need to doc. You can start with us here.”
As the crew was screened and tests run, Major Silver, Lt. Vahzenov, and Lt. Jones stayed with Morander. By 2200 hours, Dr. Cox came back in. “Major? I have the results back. We have a compatible donor aboard.”
Major Silver swallowed. “Who is it?”
Dr. Cox turned to Lt. Vahzenov. “Congratulations, Lieutenant. You’re a genetic match.”
-
IT IS BACK!!!!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxeN6gOsnqU/T-y5JJTm6EI/AAAAAAAAAwc/6kFbRDEq0dw/s400/HappyDance3k.gif)
-
IT IS BACK!!!!
Yes, it's back... and I'm back. Once I get the rest of the story up I'll start venturing out into other forums again... but for now this is my home away from home and I PROMISE to finish the story...
...warnings though.... it's a KILLER!
SAFE Intelligence Report
Subject: Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion
Date: Dec. 14th, 3057
My apologies to the SAFE central authority for the lack of recent updates concerning the Silver Eagles. Needless to say, the current atmosphere of suspicion in regards to any League personnel is unusual for this unit and has hampered my efforts severely. Luckily, I was assigned to the Core Operations Unit operating on Asuncion, so I could continue to observe the actions of the Silver Eagles' higher command elements.
Following the forced march of their Command Unit through Villa Elisa, the Silver Eagles ambushed Recon Lance, Third Company, Third Battalion of the Third Free Worlds League Legionnaires some 20 kilometers south of the city. Performing an airdrop from a hovering Airship, they caught the Lance completely by surprise and either destroyed them or forced their surrender within one minute. The Silver Eagles should be noted that they made no efforts to deliberately harm the pilots and have abided by every aspect of the Conventions of War. What follows is the current detail of the Silver Eagles Battalion and their known strengths and liabilities, as well as known distribution of the Battalion.
Note: Position reports are 'best guess' based on media reports, troop movements for the Third Legionnaires, and personal knowledge of the unit commanders.
Pilot (Skill) Unit Status .
Command Lance (Operating near Villa Elisa, Southern Hemisphere)
Major Silver (V) MAD-5De Marauder† Operational
Lt. JG Jones (V) ANV-3Me Anvil† Operational-17.5% armor damage
Captain Thorpe (V) BJ2-Oe Blackjack† Operational-16.6% armor damage
Lt. SG Vahzenov (V) FLC-8Re Falconer† Operational- 9.9% armor damage
Staff Sgt. Bywaters (R) S19 Battalion Support Truck Operational
Sergeant McCleary (G) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Operational-2-30% armor damage
4-50% armor damage
.
Assault Lance (Operating with Command Lance)
Captain McKenna (V) TDR-7Me Thunderbolt† Operational-14.6% armor damage
Lt. SG Faller (V) ZEU-9Se Zeus† Operational
Lt. SG Collins (V) Executioner Operational- 4.1% armor damage
Lt. JG Windsor (R) GAL-1GLS-e Gallowglass Operational- 2.1% armor damage
Staff Sgt. Chi Lin (R) Ferret Light Scout VTOL† Operational
Sergeant Rhode (R) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Operational-4-90% armor damage
.
First Operations Lance (Operating somewhere near Benedict Earthwerks-FWL/Kallon Industries)
Lt. JG Amdecker (R) AV1-O Avatar† Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Calame (R) TBT-5Je Trebuchet Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Wilmeth (G) OTL-4De Ostsol Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Gordillo (G) GRF-1Ne Griffin Unknown-Operational ALC
Mst. Sgt. Spanner (R) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Unknown-Operational ALC
.
Second Operations Lance (Operating somewhere near New Germany, Northern Hemisphere)
Lt. SG Scott (V) WVR-7Me Wolverine† Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Josepho (CV) ON1-Ve Orion Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Barwick (R) VL-5Me Vulcan Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Stetler (R) Hankyu Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Lusk (G) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Unknown-Operational ALC
.
Third Operations Lance (Operating somewhere near Villarrica, Southern Hemisphere)
Lt. JG Chism (R) LGB-7Qe Longbow Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Sanderson (V) ARC-4M Archer† Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Arnold (R) LGB-7Qe Longbow Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Mirabito (R) SDR-9Keg Venom Unknown-Operational ALC
.
1st Armor Platoon (Operating somewhere near Lambaré, Northern Hemisphere)
Lt. SG Owens (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Staff Sgt. Fan (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Staff Sgt. Newlin (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Staff Sgt. Scanlon (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Staff Sgt. Volk (R) Reinforced PPC Jump (x24) Unknown-Operational ALC
.
2nd Armor Platoon (Operating somewhere near New San Lorenzo, Southern Hemisphere)
Lt. JG Thiemann (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Staff Sgt. Wagers (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Staff Sgt. Truman (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Staff Sgt. Nac'MacFeegle (R) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Mst. Sgt. Kobel (R) Reinforced Laser Jump (x24) Unknown-Operational ALC
.
3rd Armor Platoon (Operating somewhere near Pozo Colorado, Northern Hemisphere)
Mst. Sgt. Green (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Ingalls (R) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Mount (R) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Moreland (R) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Staff Sgt. Bevan (R) Reinforced Laser Foot (x32) Unknown-Operational ALC
.
4th Armor Platoon (Operating somewhere near Puerto Flor de Lis Industrial Complex, Far Continent)
Lt. JG O'Hare (R) Arm. Reinf. Sup. Laser Motor (x28) Unknown-Operational ALC
Mst. Sgt. Whyler (V) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Biddle (R) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Holliman (R) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Chipman (R) Silver Goblin ISV Unknown-Operational ALC
.
Reserve Base Operations Unit (Operating somewhere near Glendover, Southern Hemisphere)
Lt. SG Benson MD (R) S1 White Whale MASH Unknown-Operational ALC
Lt. JG Bazemore (V) Formal Heavy Support Tank Unknown-Operational ALC
St. Sgt. Chafin (R) Partisan Air Defense Tank Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Holland (R) Partisan Air Defense Tank Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Rains(R) Partisan Air Defense Tank Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Santiago (R) Pegasus Scout Hovertank Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Diarte (R) S19 Battalion Support Truck Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Majors (R) S21 Mobile Field Kitchen Unknown-Operational ALC
Sergeant Strohl (R) S21 Mobile Field Kitchen Unknown-Operational ALC
.
Declaired Non-combatants (Parked in New San Pedro, Northern Hemisphere)
Captain Friedrich (V) Overlord DS "Comstock"† Operational-Under Guard
Captain Diller (V) Triumph DS "Hadrian" Operational-Under Guard
Captain Thatcher (V) Invader JS "Dionysus" Operational-Under Guard
Commander Hunter (V) K-1 Dropshuttle "Danube" Operational-Under Guard
Commander Vicente (R) S-7A Bus "Éireannach" Operational-Under Guard
.
Aerospace Lance (Stationed aboard Comstock)
Lt. SG Tucker (V) V-12e Corsair Operational-Under Guard
Lt. SG Seibert (V) F-700a Riever Operational-Under Guard
Lt. JG Titus (V) V-12e Corsair(Cap. Hernandez†) Operational-Under Guard
Lt. SG Deal (V) F-700a Riever Operational-Under Guard
.
V: Veteran
R: Regular
G: Green
CV: Clan Veteran
CR: Clan Regular
CG: Clan Green
†: Privately Owned
ALC: At Last Contact
.
WIA: Wounded in Action
KIA: Killed in Action
--
It is not known at this time what the Command Staff has planned next, as information control is being kept very tight. However, I have determined that we are heading north, possibly to the city of Coronel Oviedo. (based on the vector and knowing that it is a heavily rebellious major city according to Zion's public opinion polls) I will report in, as I am able.
This concludes my report.
Field Agent 1302216
SAFE Intelligence Report
Subject: Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion
Date: Dec. 14th, 3057
This is an addendum to my previous report and will be sent out at the first opportunity. The Silver Eagles did indeed go to Coronel Oviedo as I had speculated in my last report. Once there, the ‘Mechs of the Core Command Group were loaded into a maglev train and departed for Pilar while the airship Areion headed back there by an undisclosed route. I of course was assigned as part of the team and accompanied the unit aboard the train as they conducted running repairs.
At a few minutes after 2200 hours local time (1900 hours Terran Standard Time) the Eagles sprang a trap on 3rd Battalion, 2nd Company, 2nd Lance of the Third FW Legionnaires. From my vantage I watched as the Eagles tore three of the ‘Mechs to pieces in short order. The Lance Commander, Lt. Meighen got away with minor damage even as 3rd Lance closed to cover their withdrawal. In a sudden turn of events, the Eagles lost one of their prized Clan OmniMechs, the Executioner/Gladiator dubbed Spartacus by the ‘Mech’s previous owner, one Lt. Ivan Solovitch who was killed in the first Battle of Negushevo on Feb. 7th, 3054. It was bombarded by weapons fire from the Legionnaires’ Fire Lance as they covered the withdrawal of Lt. Meighen and Cpl. Seid. (though Cpl. Seid had to retreat on foot, her Quickdraw completely destroyed by the Silver Eagles)
Immediately following the attack, there was a bit of chaos. There were reports of a Dropship headed toward Pilar, and I heard the over-flight, but there was no continued battle. As of this writing, 2215 hours, I was able to get confirmation that Lt. Collins, the pilot of the Executioner, was being evacuated to Pilar Common, the local hospital. He is listed in serious condition and is in a coma. It is not yet known if his injuries will leave him unable to pilot a ‘Mech anytime soon.
For the moment, the Silver Eagles and Free Zion control Pilar and are expecting a fierce reprisal for the losses once the rest of the Third Legionnaires land in 90 minutes. The airship Areion is due to arrive shortly and I must be brief or this message will not get off before I have to depart. Attached is an updated status report estimate of the Silver Eagles. (changes in status only; damage ranges indicate untested field repairs)
Pilot (Skill) Unit Status .
Command Lance (Operating in Pilar, Southern Hemisphere)
Major Silver (V) MAD-5De Marauder† Operational- 2.7% armor damage
Lt. JG Jones (V) ANV-3Me Anvil† Operational- 7.5%-18.1% armor damage
Captain Thorpe (V) BJ2-Oe Blackjack† Operational- 21.8%-25.0% armor damage
Lt. SG Vahzenov (V) FLC-8Re Falconer† Operational- 5.2%- 7.8% armor damage
Sergeant McCleary (R) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 0% armor damage
Corporal Limoges (G-WIA) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 30% armor damage
PFC Fraher (G) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 0% armor damage
Private Salierno (G-WIA) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 50% armor damage
Private Ridner (G) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 0% armor damage
Staff Sgt. Bywaters (R) S19 Battalion Support Truck Operational- Aboard Areion
.
Assault Lance (Operating with Command Lance)
Captain McKenna (V) TDR-7Me Thunderbolt† Damaged RT 53%- 4.9%-19.4% armor damage
Lt. SG Faller (V) ZEU-9Se Zeus† Operational- 0.0% armor damage
Lt. SG Collins (V-WIA) {none} NA
Lt. JG Windsor (R) GAL-1GLS-e Gallowglass Operational- 4.2- 6.3% armor damage
Mst. Sgt. Rhode (R) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 0% armor damage
Sergeant Coyer (R) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 0% armor damage
Corporal Ratte (R) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 0% armor damage
PFC Majano (R-WIA) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 90% armor damage
Private Majano (R) Clan Battle Armor Operational- 0% armor damage
Staff Sgt. Chi Lin (R) Ferret Light Scout VTOL† Operational- Aboard Areion
.
First Operations Lance (Operating somewhere near Benedict Earthwerks-FWL/Kallon Industries)
Lt. JG Amdecker (R) AV1-O Avatar† Operational- Damage probable
Lt. JG Calame (R) TBT-5Je Trebuchet Operational- Damage probable
Lt. JG Wilmeth (G) OTL-4De Ostsol Operational- Damage probable
Lt. JG Gordillo (G) GRF-1Ne Griffin Operational- Damage probable
Mst. Sgt. Spanner (R) Clan Battle Armor (x5) Operational- Damage probable
.
{decommissioned} Executioner Destroyed- Little Salvage
.
V: Veteran
R: Regular
G: Green
†: Privately Owned
.
WIA: Wounded in Action
KIA: Killed in Action
--
The Third Legionnaires lost three ‘Mechs, two 50-ton Trebuchets and a 60-ton Quickdraw, and two pilots were captured. A total loss of over 34 million Eagles and the two TBT-7Ms can likely be pooled together to make a functional ‘Mech for the Free Zion Militia. In comparison, the single loss of the one 95-ton Executioner and severe injury of the pilot makes this battle a loss for the Silver Eagles, both in damage done to the enemy compared to their own damage and in manpower.
This concludes my report.
Field Agent 1302216
The Scenario ended in round 13 with a Total Victory going to the Third Legionnaires and the SE picking up another Total Defeat. The Legionnaires only lost 3 ‘Mechs, letting them get away with 5, satisfying their Victory conditions. The ‘insult to injury’ of losing the Executioner was a touch of me having a rare moment of compassion. The player for Lt. Collins had no Edge left having spent it to avoid a triple crit by the AC/20 as it tore into his side. Then the missiles came in and I just couldn’t miss. 40 LRMs out of 70 hit... seven 5-point clusters, one 4-point, and one 1-point. Two 5-point clusters hit the Head that had already taken a ML hit from the Quickdraw. He should have died right there.
However, I took pity on his poor luck and gave the players a choice. The ‘Mech was not horribly damaged and could definitely be repaired. But by popular vote, I told them I had a way the pilot could survive, but it would utterly destroy the ‘Mech. They chose the latter option. Thus I retroactively removed the Edge point he spent to avoid the triple-crit, applied the damage to his Engine, and applied the ‘Stackpole rule’ with an automatic failure. (a rule we don’t normally use) He then spent his Edge to eject before the missiles hit, saving his life but ruining the ‘Mech.
He ended up with 6 pilot hits because he was in the blast radius and failed his Ejection Check. (when it rains...) Luckily he’s tough, but he’s looking at major surgery just to save his life and is critically wounded. He was suffering arterial bleeding from an open chest wound from a piece of shrapnel from his own ‘Mech that caught him on landing.
I don’t like to make a habit of ‘saving players’ from the deadly reality of ‘Mech combat. However, in this case I feel it was justified for a few reasons. First, the player is relatively new to BT and still not wholly familiar with the game. Second, he is really enjoying playing his character yet I credit him for showing fortitude when I looked him in the eye and said, “You’re dead.” No immediate cries of “This game stinks!” or anything like that. He took it like a man. (a very disappointed man... but still a man)
Call it a Christmas present...
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 20th, 3057
Joe entered the morning meeting a half-hour late. “Sorry sir. I needed to finish up my analysis of the intel.”
As he took his seat, Major Silver turned to him. “Report.”
“Well, here’s the situation. Every city has an entire Infantry Battalion guarding it and keeping local populations under control. The Third has spread their armored units around the six garrisons pretty evenly, but with different types of defenders at each.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a data disk. Dropping it into a reader, he pulled up his analysis map. “They’ve still got New San Pedro locked down under the cover of a full Reinforced Air Wing, plus they have First and Second BattleMech Companies from their First Battalion. That’s four Assault ‘Mechs, eight Heavy ‘Mechs, eight more Mediums and four Lights. On top of that, they have twelve Partisan Anti-Air tanks and half a dozen LRM Carriers, as well as their First Regimental Artillery Unit. That’s four Long Tom positions.”
Major Silver nodded. “Ok. So, can the Silver Eagles even hope to assault New San Pedro? Or an even better question, would the Eagles have an easier time of it than the militia? Comments?”
Randall commented first. “With a sizable Air and anti-air force there, the obvious thought here is to deny any attempt to re-take the spaceport. No one is going to get through that fighter screen unless they have the kind of firepower seen on Dropships. But then, they have the anti-air guns on the ground to counter that. Still, if a force could get inside the city, it would render their air power and artillery almost useless unless they’re ready to start bombing and shelling the city and doing strafing runs on buildings. A smart unit that keeps on the move could be a nightmare to pin down once they’re in there.”
Major Silver thought for a moment. “Alright. We’ll take New San Pedro. What about Kallon Industries plant at Benedict?”
Joe pointed at his map. “At Benedict they only have one Lance of ‘Mechs from their First Battalion’s Third Company, but they have two Regimental Artillery Units, the 2nd and 4th. That’s sixteen Sniper guns and a lot of open area to use them without fear of collateral damage. The bulk of their mobile defenders consist of the 1st Airmobile Armor Company. Six Galleon Light Tanks backed up by six Hetzer Wheeled Assault Guns. Their Airmobile ability is provided by half a dozen Planetlifters. Each one can carry a Galleon and a Hetzer and makes the whole company highly mobile for an Armor unit.”
Major Silver looked around. “Ok, so can we do a better job of attacking Benedict than a militia unit?”
Lt. Jones spoke up. “To be able to survive against that kind of artillery support, the unit has got to be fast enough to make artillery too inaccurate to use. With that many tubes, you’re looking at saturation of thirty-eight thousand square meters with heavy fire every ten seconds or so, sixty thousand square meters of at least some damage. If you can’t move fast, any unit facing them is going to get smacked hard. To be quite honest sir, none of our units are fast enough to fit the bill.”
Major Silver nodded. “Alright. We’ll have to pass on Benedict then.” He turned to Captain McKenna. “What do we know about the smaller Mercenary forces Free Zion hired? Are any of them suitable to the task?”
Erin pulled out the intelligence dossier on the other forces given to her by Captain Zimmerman. “Well, there is a fast recon force on hire. They might be up to tangling with a few tanks and infantry while avoiding the ‘metal rain’.”
Major Silver jotted down some notes and turned back to Lt. Faller. “Continue.”
Looking up at the officers of the Silver Eagles, Joe pressed on. “To the west, we have Villarrica, which like Benedict only has one Lance of defending ‘Mechs. However, they have fourteen light tanks consisting of half a dozen Scorpions and an equal number of Galleons and Harassers. But they also have six Planetlifter Gunships. Each sports a pair of 60mm Imperator Ultra Autocannons, one out either side of the Gunship, with a double-pair of 20mm Gatling Machine Guns alongside them.”
Major Silver smiled. “Sounds like a perfect job for our ADA unit! We’ll take that assignment. Next?”
Lt. Faller glanced at the map. “Well, there’s New Mallorquín. Their entire Second BattleMech Battalion and most of the light armor of their First Armor Battalion heavily defend her. Eight Scorpions, six Harassers, four Hetzers, and four Galleons, on top of twenty-seven Medium BattleMechs, eight Heavy ‘Mechs, and an Assault ‘Mech. Most of the Medium ‘Mechs are newer models as well, if not wholly new like the Wraiths we fought outside Villa Elisa, new like the 3M Phoenix Hawks and 7M Wolverines. Old designs refurbished with newer technology.”
Major Silver stared at the unit composition for what seemed like an eternity. Finally he said, “Can anyone see a weakness here that the Eagles can exploit better than a militia unit?”
No one answered.
Major Silver sighed. “Me neither. With that many ‘Mechs and tanks, the only unit that can hope to not get killed is a fast hit-and-fade unit, and that’s not us. We’ll have to let the militia deal with New Mallorquín. That leaves Pilar, right Joe?”
Lt. Faller nodded. “Right. What’s left of First and Second Companies from their Third Battalion are stationed there, along with the Heavy Armor Company of their First Armor Battalion. That’s six each of Pegasus Light Scout Tanks, Hetzer Wheeled Assault Guns, and Ontos Heavy Tanks. Of their ‘Mechs, they have their Command Lance from both Companies, plus one ‘Mech each from both Company’s Second Lances and the Fire Lance that engaged us in Pilar on the 14th... the ones that blasted Lt. Collins.”
Major Silver thought for a moment. “You know, I think we can take that on. That’s what, fourteen ‘Mechs and eighteen tanks? But other than the Pegasus scouts, we can match their mobility. Thoughts?”
Lt. Vahzenov finally commented. “Da. If ve can keep moving, ve can tie zem up for qvite a vile. Ve might even be able to destroy some of zeir better units before pulling out.”
Major Silver shook his head. “No, that’s not what I mean. What I mean is that I think we can actually beat them and re-take Pilar. With no one to come to their defense, they’d be hard-pressed to stand up to the Core Command group if we called in one or two of our Operational Lances to back us up.” Kevin stopped mid-thought and checked his notes. “Hang on. It seems like the Legionnaires are a little light. I count only twenty-five Lances accounted for, including the two we destroyed and the two the Mormon Battalion destroyed. Where are the last two Lances of Third Battalion?”
Joe grimaced. “Good question, sir. The thing is, no one is sure. As of the last report, those two Lances are missing, and Zion Intelligence can’t tell us where they are. They think they may still be loaded on one of their Unions, but we can’t be sure which. Then there is the notable absence of two entire Infantry Battalions and the Regimental Infantry Command Companies for both Regiments and four missing Condor class transports. None of them have deployed anywhere that the Resistance knows about. Could be that they’re still on-orbit, but no one knows for certain or why they haven’t deployed them anywhere.”
Lt. Jones sat forward. “Could they be waiting to deploy them where needed? I mean, if they’re keeping them on the Dropships, that would let them get eight ‘Mechs and over a thousand troops rapidly deployed to any hot spots that develop.”
Erin added her opinion. “But why nea land them somewhere? Why stay in orbit?”
Major Silver interrupted. “That’s a side issue. Right now we need to figure out who’s going to attack the three cities that we can handle and leave speculation to a minimum.” Kevin turned to McKenna. “Let’s start at the top. Who do we have where?”
Erin looked at her notes. “We have Ben and First Operations Lance nea too far from New San Pedro. If they were ta’ have some backup, I thinkin’ he could keep them on their toes.”
Joe added his contribution. “Ian’s unit is pretty beat up, but he still has two ‘Mechs and 1st Marine Squad. Combine that with Ben’s four ‘Mechs and 4th Marine Squad and he could give them fits for a day or two trying to nail him down without obliterating the city. They can pull out once they’re too beat up to continue.”
Major Silver nodded in agreement. “Alright. I’ll see if Zimmerman’s people can get Ian’s unit to New San Pedro by tomorrow night. That leaves Third Operations Lance... most of Fire Lance, right?”
McKenna nodded. “Of the ‘Mech Lances, aye sair. They’re under the command of Lt. Chism but operating so’where near Villarrica last we had heard, which is nea much farther from Pilar than we air, but we have the Areion. Getting them to Pilar by tomorrow night could be a wee bit difficult, sair.”
Major Silver shook his head. “Free Zion has access to most of the ground and air transport assets available on Asuncion. Remember, this airship was only one of twelve at that Kallon hangar. The Resistance got the other eleven, plus they have quite a few Planetlifters. While they’ll be using most of those to shuffle the militia and Mormon Battalion to Far Continent, that frees up all their ground assets here. Zimmerman assured us that he can get our troops wherever we needed them by tomorrow night.”
McKenna considered Kevin’s rebuttal. “Objection withdrawn, sair. I vote aye. What shall we do with our Independent Armor Platoons?”
Major Silver thought a moment. “Well, we have the ADA of the Reserve Base Operations Unit taking on the Villarrica defenders. We could divert First and Second Armor Platoons to back them up. They along with Sgt. Santiago and our own Pegasus backing up the two Jump Infantry Platoons ought to fair well against the two light armor companies while ADA ties up their Gunships. That leaves Third and Fourth Armor along with 1st and 4th Infantry to back us up at Pilar.”
Captain Thorpe disagreed. “With all due respect sir, I think Fourth Platoon and 1st Infantry should stay on Far Continent where they were deployed and take part in the assault on Puerto Flor de Lis. There should be a Silver Eagles unit there, if for no other reason than to remind the militia and Mormon Battalion that the rest of us are over here getting our collective butts kicked so they can pull this off.”
Major Silver furrowed his brow and was about to raise an objection, but Erin spoke up before he could. “Aye sair, Randall has a good point. They are already on-site, and a Silver Eagle unit there could help. Lieutenant O'Hare is a good representative for the Silver Eagles. His presence at the main battle zone could remind them that they need to be quick about it.”
Thinking hard on the issue, Kevin relented. “Good points. All right, so O'Hare and Fourth Armor will stay and help pound the Legionnaires at Puerto Flor de Lis. We’ll take Third Armor and 4th Infantry with us into Pilar. That gives us eleven ‘Mechs, four tanks, ten Battlearmor, and 32 Foot Infantry to fight fourteen ‘Mechs, eighteen tanks, and 413 Infantry.” He let the numbers sink in before continuing. “We can do this, right?”
No one answered.
“Right. I think we can, too.” He replied.
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 21st, 3057
Captain Randall Thorpe loped his Blackjack up to a slow walk as he departed the airship Areion south of Pilar into the darkening dusk of the approaching Asuncion night. The airship had approached the city under the cover of a large hill where they met with Lt. Chism and the rest of their Fire Lance ‘Mechs. Also there was Master Sergeant Green and 3rd Armor Platoon and Staff Sergeant Bevan and 4th Infantry Platoon. Loading the Infantry into the IFVs, as well as their ten Battlearmor Marines, the eleven ‘Mechs and four tanks headed out toward Pilar.
The plan was simple, yet complicated. Move on Pilar along one of the southern access roads leading into Pilar’s Industrial district, enter the city, and tie up the Legionnaires long enough for the Militia and the Mormon ‘Mech Battalion to wipe out the garrison at the Puerto Flor de Lis Industrial Complex on Far Continent. Getting into the city hinged on the Legionnaires holding to the pattern they had established ever since they took the six heavy garrisons. Multiple times over the last few days, Free Zion forces had attempted to draw out the garrisons by approaching the cities, but the Legionnaires were content to hold their garrisons. Hopefully the Legionnaires would hold true to form and let the Silver Eagles walk right in before responding.
“Hopefully.” Randall muttered to himself.
As they rounded the bend and came into sight of the lightly glowing city, Major Silver ordered the formation up to speed. They were approaching the city along one of the many access roads that the Legionnaires had blocked off in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the ambush in Pilar just a few days earlier by the Silver Eagles. After ten minutes of walking along at 40 kph and within three kilometers of the city limits, Captain Thorpe could spot details ahead.
“Nighthawk to Silver Actual. We’ve got a civilian squad car guarding the road ahead.” He reported. “Looks like they’ve got a small roadblock too. Easily bypassed. I’ve got three G-Ps on the ground, two civilian POs, and one person in military fatigues. They’ve spotted us.”
“Aye, sair.” Copied Captain McKenna. “I’ve a spot on ‘em.”
He heard Major Silver reply, “Roger that, Nighthawk. Orchid has point. All units prepare to go weapons-free and Magic High. Switch to scramble code Silver two-eight-seven on my mark. Mark!”
Switching his ECM system into full area saturation, his comms squealed for a moment before his radio began automatic frequency hopping around designated frequencies that would be clear for only a microsecond. Unsafeing his weapons, he reached up and resettled his neurohelmet a little better and popped his jaw. It was an old habit he had never broken from his days of piloting his Land Air ‘Mech under Comstar and later the Silver Eagles. His Phoenix Hawk LAM would always re-equalize the cabin pressure and close the external seals when he would cycle his weapons into active status. Glancing at his chronometer, he read the Terran Standard Time. Fifty eight, fifty nine, 1700 hours. That’s it. The Mormons should be launching their attack now.
Static broke through his helmet speakers. “Silver Actual, tis’ Orchid. Time-hack, sair. Twenty-hundred hours.”
“Major Silver to all units. ‘Paper Tiger’ is underway. Slow up to 35 and hold that until we hit the city limits. Then run it up to full cruise. Stay frosty. They could figure out any moment that we’re not stopping. Eyes open for any activity.”
As the eleven Mechwarriors and fifty-four other combat personnel approached the city, Randall watched the trio of ‘observers’. “Nighthawk to Silver Actual. The G-Ps are pulling out.”
McKenna once again echoed his report. “Aye sair. Looks like their pullin’ up stakes and runnin’ ta report us. City’s edge in thirty seconds. Watch me back, love.”
Lt. Faller retorted, “Aye, and you stick to your job. No heroics this time, right?”
McKenna replied coyly. “I dinna know what yer talkin’ aboot, love.”
Major Silver interrupted. “Alright, cut the chatter, you two. Mind on the job.”
Randall chuckled softly to himself. Almost makes me miss Lisa’s wit. He immediately berated himself for letting himself get distracted, even for a moment. Blake’s Blood, next thing you know I’ll be daydreaming about picnics in the park! Snap to it soldier!
“Silver Actual to Nighthawk. Fall back and take the rear. Watch our backsides and take command of Fire Lance. Designate targets at your discretion. Orchid? You’ve got Scrawler to fill your gap.”
Randall keyed his mic. “Roger that, Silver Actual. Take rear and command Fire. Target at my discretion.” Switching over to Fire Lance’s frequency as he nearly slowed to a stop he barked, “Nighthawk to Magic. You’re my wing. Rainman? You’ve got the second element. Cajun? Back him up. We’ll snoop the targets, you two pepper ‘em to death.” As the three other ‘Mechs of Fire Lance approached his position, Lt. Sanderson’s Archer moved passed him to link up with Captain McKenna and the rest of Assault Lance. As Fire Lance caught up with him, he resumed his previous pace just as the four ‘Mechs entered the city limits.
Keying his mic as he stepped over the concrete blockade he reported, “Nighthawk to Silver Actual. Rear-guard reports all units in-city.” He could see the tracks in the vegetation along both sides of the road where the four Silver Goblin Infantry Fighting Vehicles had left the road to go around the barricades. Switching his active probe into thermal and seismic mode, he watched for any sign of enemy units.
After three minutes of walking through the rapidly darkening city, Randall heard Lt. Jones report. “Sir, we’ve got civilian squad cars watching us from the side streets. I’m also picking up sporadic radio chatter from them. I think they’re trying to report on our position.”
Erin followed suit. “Aye sair. I’ve seen a few meself. Indeed it looks as though they air spyin’ on us, Kevin.”
Randall heard Major Silver’s curt reply. “Understood. Likely they have ride-alongs like the Officers at the border. Keep an eye open for enemy units. By now they should know we’re here and intend to force a fight.”
Erin keyed in immediately afterward. “Assault Lance. Make fer heading zero-zero-five up that side-road. Stick ta’ each other’s backsides people, we could be walkin’ into a trap.”
As the formation turned north along a major side street, Randall listened to the radio chatter between Captain McKenna and Major Silver.
“Silver. If’n we keep followin’ this road, it will lead us right by the water treatment plant. Should we be turnin' off?”
“Negative Ochid. We need to draw them out so they can’t pull out when the call for help comes. Moving on the water treatment plant might spook them into acting. Either that or one of the power plants. But didn’t we already pass up two of the three coal-fired plants already?”
“Aye sair, that we did. Could be we could move north toward th’ water plant, then turnin’ east toward th’ third power plant. That one air a bit larger and nay coal-fired. ‘Tis natural gas and would go up like a wee bomb. Could put the fear o’ Blake into ‘em if’n they think we aim ta’ take it out.”
“Hmm... interesting. Do you think they would believe that we’d do it?”
Randall heard Erin laugh over the private command circuit that only the three owners of the Silver Eagles were authorized to use. “Aye, lad. Ye air fergettin’ that our reputation precedes us. We air th’ Silver Eagles, destroyers o' HPGs!”
Randall chuckled over that while Kevin just grunted. “Don’t remind me. Alright. We’ll make for the water treatment plant, then head east toward the power plant. Either way, if they don’t intercept us at the water plant, they surely will after we move on the power plant.”
Randall heard McKenna broadcast over the command frequency, “Alright me boyos. Listen up. We air moving on th’ water treatment plant ta try an’ draw th’ Legionnaires out. If they dinna strike by the time we hit th’ plant, we’ll turn like we’re headin’ fer the power plant near the northern edge o’ the industrial park. Slow up ta’ thirty klicks an’ hold a steady eye.”
As the minutes ticked by, Randall kept one eye on the road ahead and the other on his active sensors. Still taking up the rear of the column, he was the first line of defense for the bold attack. As the formation got close to the water treatment plant, he grew ever aware at the conspicuous absence of any resistance. “Anyone else get the feeling this is a bit too easy?” He asked.
Major Silver replied. “Yeah. But we’ll stick to the plan. I’ve seen half a dozen other squad cars along side streets. They go tearing off the moment I see them though. Makes me wonder if they can see my eyes or something. Creepy to say the least.”
As Randall continued to watch his sensors, he heard McKenna report. “Orchid to Silver Actual. I’m at the intersection sair.”
Major Silver was quick to reply. “Alright, does anyone see anything?”
Randall was almost too busy picking out the sensor data to report. “One moment sir. I’ve got a faint reading. Computer’s chewing on it now, but it could have been a BattleMech shadowing us.” Suddenly he stopped. “Contact! Bearing one-eight-five at 3 klicks! I’ve got three... make that five... no! six vehicles on fast approach. Warbook pegs them as Hetzers, sir!”
Without even waiting for confirmation, Major Silver ordered. “Infantry and Marines! Deploy! Break up by squads. First and Second? Go with 3rd Marine into that Warehouse to the northeast. Third and Fourth? Go with 2nd Marine into that Warehouse to the west. Command Lance! Form up in the intersection. Armor One and Two, take point 90 meters north of there. Armor Three and Four, you guard the western flank. Assault Lance? You’ve got the eastern flank and southern flank. Fire Lance? Move 200-meters inside the water treatment plant. Be ready to provide cover fire.”
As he finished listening to his orders and began to move toward his waypoint, Randall continued to watch his sensor readings. I know I saw something closer. Where are you? As he come up on his waypoint and turned in place, suddenly weapons fire exploded from the warehouse to the east. Before anyone could say or do anything, Captain Thorpe’s sensors picked up multiple enemy contacts. “Contact! BattleMechs! Six... nine... ten contacts! They’re everywhere!”
As he spoke, Randall looked out the front view port of his cockpit. To the south he saw two newtech Awesomes step leisurely out from around the warehouse that 2nd Marine and half of their Infantry were entering, with two more behind them. All the while, machine gun and flamer fire erupted from the warehouse where 3rd Marine had tried to enter, while half of their infantry dived for cover.
“We’re surrounded!” He muttered absentmindedly as he watched the eastern road where Captain McKenna and Joe had moved to cover the flank light up in the staccato ripple of heavy autocannon fire. “Blake help us! Let’s see if we can make the cost of victory a bit too steep.” Leveling his weapon arms, he readied himself for the attack.
-
Scenario 3: Paper Tiger
Attacker: Third Free Worlds League Legionnaires
Forces: 41,840 BV / 1,065 tons (BV adjusted for force-size difference)
Command / Support Lance- 8,563 BV / 380 tons
BLR-3M BattleMaster* Force Cdr. Clay "Cold Steel" Williver (E-2/1)
WHM-7M Warhammer St. Sgt. Katherin "Mushroom" Schacter (R-5/4)
MAD-5M Marauder Lt. JG Coleen "Stilts" Sellers (V-3/3)
MAD-5M Marauder St. Sgt. Mohammed "Preacher" Bauer (R-5/4)
ON1-K Orion St. Sgt. Curtis "Seed" Denenberg (R-6/4)
Assault Lance- 8,373 BV / 320 tons
AWS-9M Awesome Captain Morris "Bookie" Perrell (V-4/2)
AWS-9M Awesome St. Sgt. Dena "Blade" Casey (V-3/3)
AWS-9M Awesome Lt. JG Tina "Ice Queen" Fenti (V-3/2)
AWS-9M Awesome St. Sgt. Werner "Wildcard" Vliet (V-4/2)
Counter-Recon / Fire Lance- 7,555 BV / 300 tons
HBK-5M Hunchback* Lt. SG Deidra "Hammer" Harrist (V-4/3)
GRF-3M Griffin Lt. SG Calvin "Jester" Meighen (V-3/3)
APL-1M Apollo Corporal Rana "WarGod" Mcclure (R-5/3)
CRD-5M Crusader St. Sgt. Jake "Knight" Peasley (V-5/4)
ARC-4M Archer Corporal Dustin "Lancer" Hellings (R-5/3)
Infantry- 613 BV / 65 tons
Machine Gun-Motor Platoon Force Cdr. Nick "Rapier" Chukri (V-3)
Machine Gun-Jump Platoon Lt. SG Florene "Tiger Lilly" Peixoto (V-3)
Flamer-Jump Platoon Lt. SG Cedric "Octopus" Liquet (V-3)
Laser-Foot Platoon Lt. SG Deloise "Cardinal" Gangelhoff (V-3)
Machine Gun-Motor Platoon Captain Jack "Boulder" Grapp (R-4)
Flamer-Jump Platoon Lt. SG Ernie "Golem" Cioni (R-4)
Laser-Foot Platoon Lt. SG Cierra "Queen" Wasp (R-4)
SRM-Foot Platoon Lt. SG Hoyt "Star" Quintard (R-4)
Machine Gun-Motor Platoon Captain Israel "Beretta" Cainglit (R-4)
Flamer-Jump Platoon Lt. JG Antony "Amigo" Chenet (R-4)
Laser-Foot Platoon Lt. JG Tiffiny "Glass" Asbridge (R-4)
SRM-Foot Platoon Lt. JG Kory "Panther" Kempt (R-4)
Rifle-Motor Platoon Captain Leon "Picasso" Rients (R-4)
Rifle-Jump Platoon Lt. JG Earl "Rivet" Vuncannon (R-4)
Rifle-Foot Platoon Lt. JG Ulysses "Stonewall" Toalson (R-4)
Rifle-Foot Platoon Lt. JG Clayton "Shotgun" Peverini (R-4)
Defender: Silver Eagles
Forces: 23,056 BV / 944 tons
Command Lance- 7,295 BV / 210 tons
MAD-5De Marauder Major Kevin Silver (V-3/3)
ANV-3Me Anvil Lt. SG Richard "Grizzly" Jones (V-3/4) ECM - Active
FLC-8Re Falconer Lt. SG Piotr "Sixguns" Vahzenov (V-4/3)
Assault Lance- 6,841 BV / 285 tons
TDR-7Me Thunderbolt Captain Erin "Orchid" McKenna (V-3/3)
ZEU-9E Zeus Lt. SG Joe "Fallguy" Faller (V-5/4) Narc - ECM - Active
GAL-1eGLS Gallowglas Lt. SG Ryan "Crawler" Windsor (R-4/4)
ARC-4Me Archer Lt. JG Patricia "Scrawler" Sanderson (V-4/3)
Fire Lance- 6,306 BV / 255 tons
BJ2-Oe Blackjack Captain Randall "NightHawk" Thorpe (V-5/4) ECM - Active
SDR-9Keg Venom Lt. JG James "Magic" Mirabito (R-5/4) ECM
LGB-7Qe Longbow Lt. JG Gregory "Rainman" Chism (R-5/4)
LGB-7Qe Longbow Lt. JG Victor "Cajun" Arnold (R-5/4)
Armor Platoon- 2,096 BV / 180 tons
Silver Goblin ISV MSgt. Andrew "Roughrider" Green (R-5/5)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Gary "Wildman" Ingalls (V-5/2)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Naomi "Harpy" Mount (G-5/5)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Steve "Blueblood" Moreland (R-5/4)
Infantry- 518 BV / 14 tons
5 Clan Elemental Suits MSgt. Mark Rhode - MG (R-4)
5 Clan Elemental Suits St. Sgt. Sean McCleary - Flamer (G-5)
Reinforced Laser-Foot Platoon St. Sgt. Tyrone "Surviver" Bevan (G-5) x4 Narc - TAG
Force-balanced BV Ratio: 1.67-to-1
Maps: Custom (see below)
Special: The fight will take place just outside of a water treatment plant in the intersection of two streets. (one north-south, the other east-west) The Northwest corner is the water treatment plant, consisting of large open aeration pools and scattered Light structures. To the Northeast is a Level 7 Medium Warehouse several dozen hexes in size. To the Southwest is another Medium Warehouse, Level 6 of roughly the same size, while to the Southeast is a Hardened Plastics Refinery, consisting of dozens of small hardened structures. (none of which are large enough for a BattleMech to stand on) The streets are 30 meters wide.
Set Up:
Defender: The Silver Eagles enter along the north-south road between the Plastics manufacturing center and the Level 6 Warehouse headed north.
Attacker: Assault Lance enters the east-west road heading north along a side street west of the Level 6 Warehouse that terminates at the treatment plant. Fire Lance enters the east-west road heading north along a side street east of the Plastics Refinery. Command Lance enters the north-south road heading west along a side street north of the Level 7 Warehouse that terminates at the treatment plant. The four Motorized platoons of Infantry begin hidden anywhere in the area. (also hidden are their four Heavy Hover APCs, but they will not become involved in the combat) The Foot Infantry Platoons and Veteran Flamer-Jump Infantry Platoon are in-bound and arrive 3 turns into combat. (the Foot Infantry are riding in on Heavy Wheeled APCs, two Platoons per APC... the Jump Platoon is riding in on three Tracked APCs, one squad per APC) The other four Jump Platoons are in-bound on three Heavy Tracked APCs and will arrive on turn 6. (one contains the veteran MG platoon, the other two have the three Regular Jump Platoons... 4 squads in one, 5 squads in the other) When deploying, use squad-level rules until the platoons can form up.
Routing: It is possible in this scenario to force a side to withdraw some or all of their forces. (i.e. turn the fight into a route) All Lance Commanders are responsible for maintaining unit cohesion. If a Lance Commander’s unit is disabled or destroyed, the rest of the Lance is forced to make a Moral check. For this purpose, Infantry are counted by the company, with Captains and Force Commanders being wounded or killed if Infantryman #1 in their Platoon is “killed”. Make a PSR for each pilot remaining in the Lance, taking the difference between their Piloting skill and the Lance Commander’s skill as a penalty. Add a +1 to this penalty if the unit has damage, +2 for every disabled or destroyed unit other than the Lance Commander. (thus more experienced pilots suffer less of a penalty while the loss of more experienced Lance Commanders and more heavily damaged Lances face harsher penalties) If a unit fails their check, the unit is routed and must exit the area as quickly as possible. Only one weapon may be fired while in retreat. If possible, the retreating units will attempt to pull their Lance Commander (and his ‘Mech if possible) off the battlefield by moving at half speed after moving to where the Commander’s unit was disabled or destroyed. Once a roll is passed, the unit may remain until something changes their target number. (such as the loss of another Lancemate or damage to their own unit)
Example: Lt. Harrist’s Hunchback is destroyed. Corporal Mcclure’s Apollo was destroyed earlier. The other three members of Counter-Recon / Fire Lance now have to make Moral checks to keep from retreating. Lt. Meighen is actually more experienced than Lt. Harrist is, so he gets a -1 bonus, modified by +1 for damage to his own ‘Mech and +2 for the loss of the Apollo. Thus his penalty is a +2 against his Piloting skill of 3 for a target number of 5. He rolls a 6 and thus does not retreat. Sgt. Peasley and Sgt. Hellings on the other hand have lower skills, so their base penalties are +2. Since Sgt. Hellings has damage he needs a 10 to not retreat (+2 base, +2 Lancemate loss, +1 damage, +5 skill = 10) while Sgt. Peasley only needs a 9 because his ‘Mech isn’t damaged. Both however fail their rolls and are forced to flee. On the next round, because two more of his Lancemates are gone (or going) Lt. Meighen must roll again, this time with an additional +4 for a total of 9. He rolls an 8 and is forced to retreat as well.
Special Case: Assault Lance consists of four identical Awesomes. Thus it is a case where the Defenders cannot know which Awesome is the Command unit. This is intentional and should be kept secret from the Defender. No identifying marks set Captain Perrell’s ‘Mech apart, but it needs to be clearly marked on the record sheet which Awesome is his prior to battle. Failure to do so automatically marks the most damaged Awesome as his.
Attacker Victory Conditions: (Infantry count as ¼ of a unit)
Total Victory – Route or destroy all Defender units with the loss of no more than 4 units.
Partial Victory – Route or destroy all Defender units with the loss of no more than 9 units.
Pyretic Victory – Route or destroy all Defender units.
Partial Defeat – All Attacker units are routed with no more than 4 units destroyed.
Total Defeat – All Attacker units are routed with more than 4 units destroyed.
Defender Victory Conditions:
Total Victory – Route or destroy all Attacker units with no loss of life nor more than 3 units destroyed.
Partial Victory – Route or destroy all Attacker units with no loss of life.
Pyretic Victory – Route or destroy all Attacker units.
Partial Defeat – All Defender units are routed or destroyed with no loss of life.
Total Defeat – All Defender units are routed or destroyed.
Notes: The Legionnaire armor is en-route and will arrive on turn 15 at the earliest. They consist of six Hetzer Wheeled Assault Guns and six Ontos Heavy Tanks. The Hetzers are coming up the north-south road that the Silver Eagles are on and are clearly visible down the straight road. (they are 3 kilometers behind the Silver Eagles and moving at Flank speed, MP 7 with the road movement bonus, up the road) The Ontos Tanks are coming in from the northeast and are not visible. The Hetzers have a relatively clear path and will definitely arrive on turn 15. The Ontos tanks however have to make their way through dense urban traffic and have a variable arrival time. Beginning on turn 15, the Attacker rolls 2d6. If they roll a 12, the Heavy Tanks arrive. For every round they fail to arrive, subtract 1 from the target number. (thus guaranteeing their arrival by turn 26, though more than likely after turn 18) If the battle ends prior to this, they will not arrive. (if the SE are routed, they will not pursue... if the Legionnaires are routed or destroyed, they will not engage without support) If they arrive, the Silver Eagles will more than likely fail the mission.
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 21st, 3057
Warrior Cora rolled back against the wall of the warehouse, just as a hail of machine gun fire savaged the cinderblock wall forming the face of the building. She had been with the Silver Eagles for nearly two years since her defeat as an Elemental of the Smoke Jaguar 7th Provisional Garrison Cluster. In that time, she had learned to respect the warriors of this, her new Clan Silver Eagle. She prepared herself to charge into the building on the orders of her Clan, to die in their service.
“Fall back!” came the shout of Staff Sergeant Bevan, her Platoon Leader.
Gritting her teeth in frustration, she swung her rifle into the warehouse and triggered a shot at the unseen enemy infantry within to cover the withdrawal of Third Marine Squad. As the Battlearmor-suited warriors exited, their flamers and anti-personnel guns poured fire into the building as machine gun fire bounced and ricocheted off their armor. Crouching as low as her massive body would allow, she made her way along the wall of the warehouse back toward the intersection where they had dismounted the Silver Goblin Infantry Fighting Vehicle that had brought them into Pilar.
The heavy foot of a BattleMech thundered in her ears as she saw Major Silver bring his Marauder to the face of the building. Lowering his body, the twin-pair of Olympian Flamers mounted in his ‘Mech’s arms spat death into the entrance of the warehouse. Around the corner ahead, Cora could hear the ripping of autocannon fire and the whoosh of missiles leaping from their launchers. The radio built into her helmet told of a chaos of communication.
“...to Six-guns! Cover my flank!”
“Griz to Silver Ac... ...I’m taking serious fire here!”
“Crawler! Scrawler! Move out to pos... ...two-six-five!”
“Nighthawk to Sil... ...nemy ‘Mechs coming... ...the north!”
Still making her way down the face of the building, Cora could see the battle unfolding in her mind’s eye. An entire Trinary of ‘Mechs and an Infantry Star. She thought. They have split their ‘Mechs into three Stars, one Heavy Star to the southwest, one Heavy Star to the north, and the third Star to the southeast. As she pondered the tactical options open to the Silver Eagles, she watched the two Awesomes to the southwest turn away from Lt. Jones’ Anvil to join with two more Awesomes to face the pair of Longbows that had just peppered them with missiles. Ten particle beams snapped through the air at the two Assault ‘Mechs, smashing armor to shreds. Ahead of her, she could see the two other ‘Mechs of the Eagles’ Assault Lance turning to get into position to face the attack.
“Warrior Cora!” shouted her squad Leader, Sergeant Kinson. “Give Corporal Nestler a hand with that Support Laser! We’ve got to link up with the rest of the Platoon!”
Slinging her M-111 Laser Rifle, she ran to meet the Corporal and Private Tsukamoto who were struggling to cart the Heavy Support Pulse Laser across the battlefield. As she pushed Private Tsukamoto aside, she put all of her weight behind the 300-kg weapon, shoving the light carriage that supported the weight of the weapon like some ancient cannon along the roadway.
As the three rolled the support weapon toward the intersection, the roadway beside her exploded. Nearly thrown to the ground, Cora looked around to see what had caused the massive explosion. Behind her, she saw that a BattleMaster had come around the northern corner of the warehouse and fired on Major Silver’s Marauder. The Freebirth probably missed and nearly killed us with his incompetence! she fumed. Turning back to her task, she could see that the Longbows out in the water treatment plant were still getting hammered by the four Awesomes, while ahead of her Captain McKenna and Lt. Faller had fallen back around the southern corner of the warehouse, joining up with the rest of their Lance. She could see that the hatchet arm on Captain McKenna’s Thunderbolt was heavily damaged.
As Cora and the rest of the Infantry and Marines entered the intersection to form up with the rest of the Platoon and the other Marines, she finally saw what had caused the damage to McKenna’s Thunderbolt as a Hunchback swung in around the corner to face her once again at point-blank range. Once more the radio built into her combat helmet crackled to life. “Silver Actual to all units! Concentrate all fire on the BattleMaster! Assault Lance! Concentrate fire on that Hunchback! Now!”
Cora helped Corporal Nestler swing the support weapon around to face the Assault ‘Mech. Just then, Sgt. Kinson barked, “Cora! Narc him!” as he tossed her the disposable Narc launcher that the Infantry had been recently issued. Grabbing the weapon and quickly shouldering it, she dropped to one knee and lined up the sights. Squeezing the trigger, a missile leapt from the tube and arced across the battlefield, slamming into the target and latching on just under the cockpit canopy. Just at that moment, Fire Lance opened fire with eighty LRMs. Guided by the homing beacon she had just planted on the target, over half of the missiles slammed into the doomed ‘Mech as a hail of fire erupted all around it. Lasers, missiles, and particle cannons all slammed into the Assault ‘Mech, sending it smashing to the ground in a heap.
Just at that moment, Cora’s world exploded and she found herself on the ground, her ears ringing with pain. Looking around the mute battlefield, she glanced behind her to see the Marines taking heavy damage from long-range missiles fired from further down the street. Picking herself up, she saw that Sergeant Kinson was out cold. Quickly running to his position, she grabbed his arms and started dragging him out of the intersection.
“Cursed Freebirths!” she screamed at the attackers as Sergeant Kinson regained consciousness.
Just then her coms once more crackled to life. “Silver Actual to Infantry Unit! Move into the warehouse and engage those Infantry!” Readying herself to charge back up the building face once more, this time with the entirety of her platoon, she heard the radio crackle once more with the voice of Major Silver. “Armor Platoon! Back them up!” Looking up the road, she watched the four tanks of Armor platoon turn toward the building and charge through the wall.
Grinning, she stood just as Master Sergeant Rhodes and Second Marine Squad moved up to the corner of the building and leveled their weapons at the wall. “Fire in the hole!” he shouted as the five Marines triggered their Support lasers at the wall, making their own door. As the wall exploded in a shower of debris, Cora un-shouldered her Laser Rifle and charged through the hole.
Smoke and dust threatened to blind her as she ran into the warehouse. Ahead of her she heard the rapid report of heavy machine gun fire against armor. Running through the darkened hallway ahead of the rest of her platoon, she reached a heavy set of doors, behind which she heard more weapons fire. Raising her foot, she kicked the doors open and charged into the warehouse as the rest of her platoon and the Marines poured in behind her. Leveling her Laser Rifle as she ran, she shot an enemy Infantryman manning a support Machine Gun.
Seconds seemed to pass like hours as the Infantry and Marines charged into the enemy Infantry position with the support of the four tanks. Twice Cora felt the burning sting of a bullet as she shot Infantryman after infantryman. Suddenly her M-111 stopped firing. Glancing at the power indicator, she saw that the power packs were depleted. Screaming in rage, she charged into the Legionnaire position, her combat helmet clattering to the floor as the chinstrap broke. Cora grabbed the first Infantryman she could reach and picked him up like a rag-doll. She hefted him over her head like a barbell and threw him across the warehouse floor, his own helmet splaying off as he rolled across the floor.
As she did so, a sound like a hurricane roared behind her. Turning just in time, she watched as an entire 20-meter segment of the warehouse face collapsed around the two Silver Goblin tanks that had charged through the wall there. As she numbly watched the chaos, she saw a Mechwarrior’s ejection seat parachute down through the hole and land hard between the two tanks.
Gathering her wits, she saw a Legionnaire Infantryman pop up in front of her to take a shot at the ejected Mechwarrior. Growling, she charged forward at the rifleman and body-slammed him to the warehouse floor, his automatic shotgun sent flying. Rolling off the infantryman, she saw him recover well as he whipped out a small blade. Grinning, she invited him forward. Instead of approaching, he raised his hand and threw the blade at her in a flash of steel. Trying to dodge away, she rolled across the floor as she felt the impact of the blade into her left shoulder. Stopping her roll, she looked at the infantryman, who stood three meters from her grinning. Pushing the pain away, she looked at the blade and reached up, yanking the blade from her shoulder and looking at it like an insect sting. Looking back at her opponent who’s grin melted in a second, she tossed the blade into the air, caught it by the blade, and sent it flying back at its owner who had turned to run. The blade slammed into his back between his shoulder blades with the force of a bullet, sending the Legionnaire infantryman sprawling across the floor.
Looking around, she saw her helmet lying on the floor and picked it up, along with the dead Infantryman’s automatic shotgun. Quickly setting the helmet back on her head, she sought a position to continue the fight. As suddenly as it had begun, the chaos of battle stopped. Looking around she saw that the back of the warehouse had opened up and more Legionnaire Infantry had entered the fight, but everyone was just standing around, weapons leveled at each other.
Reaching up, she switched her radio back on just in time to hear Major Silver. “Agreed, Force Commander Williver. We will allow you to withdraw in good order.” Captain McKenna then come over the comms ordering, “Orchid to all Units! Let the Legionnaires withdraw. All units rally to waypoint Mike-seven-two.”
Standing slowly, Warrior Cora watched as the enemy infantry started slowly collecting their wounded. What is happening? she thought. They have at least another Infantry Star joining the fight, yet they are withdrawing. Cora looked around for Sergeant Kinson, finally spotting him standing next to Staff Sergeant Bevan. Crossing the warehouse toward her Squad Leader, she approached Sgt. Kinson and asked, “We are victorious, quiaff?”
Sgt. Kinson shook his head. “Negative, Warrior Cora. It’s a standoff.” He pointed toward the hole in the wall of the warehouse. “That was Major Silver who came crashing through the ceiling. His Marauder is trashed, but so is the enemy CO’s BattleMaster and a couple other units. Get the rest of the squad. We’re pulling back to the intersection.”
Warrior Cora turned back to watch the Legionnaires tend to their dead and injured. This fight is not over. There will be more bloodshed before we are done here.
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 21st, 3057
Major Silver stood outside the ruined face of the warehouse and surveyed the wreckage of his command. This is not good. he thought. Hearing his personal coms, he reached up and keyed his mic. “Silver, go ahead.”
“Major, this is Lieutenant Faller. I have Force Commander Williver on coms requesting to speak with you.”
“Put him through Joe.” Kevin replied. After a moment, he heard the Legionnaire’s 3rd Battalion commander. “Major Silver, this is Force Commander Williver of the Third Legionnaires. First of all, I need to know what your intentions here are.”
Major Silver cleared his throat and keyed his mic. “Force Commander, our intention is to force the Third Legionnaires to leave Asuncion in accordance with our employer’s wishes. Will you comply?”
“Not likely, Major.” Replied Commander Williver. “I commend your resolve, but you know we cannot leave. Still, I think we can agree to minimize the impact on the local populace, can’t we?”
Major Silver nodded unconsciously as he surveyed the ruins around him. “Agreed. I know your unit was badly mauled, but as you well know, we were as well. Can we agree to an extended cease fire while we both conduct badly needed repairs?”
Commander Williver replied quickly. “Agreed. Two days?”
Major Silver thought a moment before replying. “Agreed. I would also like to prevent a repeat of the damage to the civilian facilities of Pilar. Can we agree that when we face each other again we can do it outside the city limits?”
Once more Commander Williver responded, “Agreed. Do you intend to claim the southern half of the city in the mean time?”
Shaking his head, Major Silver replied, “Negative. We are content to stay within the industrial sector. And before you ask, no we won’t interfere with either water or power, so long as you will honor the cease fire and make no overt acts against the local populace.”
Commander Williver responded one last time. “Agreed. We will see you in two days, Major. Force Commander Williver out.”
“Two days.” Major Silver spoke to himself. “Two days.” Shaking his head, he keyed his coms once more. “Lieutenant Faller. Get me the Areion.”
After a moment, he heard Commander Hoffmeyer. “Areion, go ahead.”
“Commander, this is Silver Actual. Have you been detected?”
Command Hoffmeyer’s reply was filled with anxious tension. “Negative Major. Not that we’re aware of at any rate. Can’t be too long though before someone reports on our position. If we get caught on the ground...”
Exhausted, Major Silver interrupted. “Copy that Areion. We have a cease-fire in effect. You are cleared to enter the city. Rendezvous at waypoint Mike-seven-two and inform the medical teams to stand by for injured. Major Silver out.”
Flicking his radio off, he turned to the commander of the Silver Eagles’ Infantry forces in Pilar. “Master Sergeant Green. Set up a perimeter by squads along the eastern, northern, and southern sides of the warehouse. I want it cordoned off until we can get the city’s services in here to take charge. I don’t want any civilians getting killed in that deathtrap. And see if you can find Master Sergeant Rhode. I can’t raise him on radio.”
With a curt nod, Sergeant Green left to coordinate the sealing off of the heavily damaged warehouse. Within a minute, Major Silver heard the heavy footfalls of a Battlearmor suit coming from the open hole in the wall where the four tanks had charged through. Turning, he saw a heavily battered Elemental suit step from out of the rubble and slowly approach him.
While Major Silver headed toward the suit, it stopped and the battered helmet assembly cracked open. “Sorry I didn’t get your radio call sir. My suit’s power packs are all shot up and my radio is dead as a doornail. I’m lucky there was enough power left to get out of the building.”
Approaching the armored Marine, Major Silver nodded. “It’s all right Sergeant. Get out of that tin can and have your men pull out into the water treatment plant. The Areion is en-route and you and your men are relieved until further notice.” Turning toward the remainder of his ‘Mech forces, he paused a moment and turned back to the Marine. “Good job, Sergeant. You may well have saved the lives of half of our Infantry forces here. Well done.”
As the Areion glided slowly down toward the waypoint, Major Silver keyed his personal coms once more. “Captain Thorpe. Take charge of recovery operations and find a good location to set up a base camp. If you need me, I’ll be on the Areion. Major Silver out.”
Captain McKenna was barely lucid enough to notice that the Areion had landed. Giggling slightly, she suddenly realized that she was in shock. Ammo... explosion... feedback.... Giggling once more, her moment of lucidity was gone. “Joe!” she almost laughed as she started talking in Gaelic. “Poor, sweet, innocent Joe! You’ll bein’ angry with me! Major Silver too... and Chi Lin... and Randall... Oh! What’ll Sven say!?” She laughed loudly enough in her cockpit to send her reeling in pain as a wave of nausea threatened to fill her neurohelmet with her last meal. Regaining her composure, she realized that someone had been talking to her.
“Captain McKenna! Do you read?” said the voice. It was as though it were spoken through hyperspace... a voice as distant as her native soil of Glasgow. Colonel Assellin? No... it’s... Suddenly, reality snapped back into clarity.
As she assessed her situation, she heard a loud thump near the back of her ‘Mech and felt Macha rock slightly and someone knocked on the rear hatch to her cockpit. Glancing down at her Threat Assessment map, she saw Randall’s Blackjack was right behind her. Reaching over, she hit the release for the hatch. As the wave of cool air flew through her cockpit, she once again felt a wave of nausea that threatened to overpower her. Like a PPC blast, the wave vanished suddenly. Looking around she saw Sergeant Volkmann pulling a needle from her arm.
“Take it easy, Captain. We’ll get you to medical.” He said.
Relaxing, Captain McKenna slowly got unstrapped from her command couch and followed the Marine Medic out her back hatch. There stood Randall’s Blackjack with its right hand extended to the back of her Thunderbolt’s head assembly. The medic stepped out onto the ‘Mech’s hand and helped Erin onto the makeshift elevator. A moment later the hand started lowering toward the ground. Despite the stimulant that Sergeant Volkmann had given her, the sinking feeling washed over her like a tidal wave. Just as the ‘Mech’s hand reached the ground, she vomited and dropped to her knees. In a flash, she was helped into a stretcher and carted off to the Areion’s medical bay.
Major Silver sat in the infirmary as an infantry medic applied anti-blister medication to his reddened skin. The intense heat of combat had left his skin with mild first-degree burns, so Dr. Cassidy ordered the Major relieved for medical treatment. He was also suffering from a mild case of heat prostration and dehydration, which an IV of saline solution was minimizing. Once the medic finished applying the topical cream, Kevin stood and slowly walked toward the recovery rooms where Captain McKenna and Lt. Collins were resting.
Knocking softly, he heard Erin reply. “Come in.”
Clearing his throat, he looked at his second in command and Fire Lance leader. “Major... Lieutenant. How are you two holding up?”
Erin sat up slightly. “Better then I was, sair. Certainly better than th’ Lieutenant, I’m sure.”
Morander rolled his head over to face Erin. “Eh. I look worse than I feel. Not that I feel great mind you, but still...”
As the three exchanged perspectives on the battle, they were joined by Lt. Faller, Lt. Vahzenov, and Lt. Jones who had come to check up on their commanding officers.
Looking around the room, Major Silver chuckled. “You know, we should just hold debriefing right here.”
Erin smiled. “We might as well Major, seein’ as we all air here. All but Captain Thorpe, tha’ is.”
Major Silver nodded. “He’s busy enough.” He turned to Lt. Faller. “Joe? What’s the unit look like?”
Joe took a deep breath. “Not good, sir. According to Sven, your Marauder is a total loss, as is Lieutenant Arnold’s Longbow and Lieutenant Sanderson’s Archer. Lieutenant Chism’s Longbow could take weeks if not longer to fix. Then there’s Major McKenna’s Thunderbolt. The entire right side is just gone, as is its hatchet arm. Sven said he could patch it up, but not well. Fixing it means replacement parts we just don’t have, even in the stockpile. Lt. Vahzenov’s Falconer and Lt. Jones’ Anvil have some minor armor damage, but that’s all. Sven said he could patch them up well enough. Major Thorpe’s Blackjack, my Zeus, Lieutenant Windsor’s Gallowglas, and Lieutenant Mirabito’s Venom were all untouched. That leaves us six good ‘Mechs and two bad ones, only one of which can even power up.”
Looking down at his compad he took another breath. “Then there’s the Armor and Infantry. All four tanks took a beating, but it’s all just armor damage. Sven has the armor to patch it. Third Marine Squad is torn up. No fatalities, but their suits are shot and a few of the Marines are here in Medbay. There were a few injuries in Fourth Infantry, but nothing that a few days rest and some bandages won’t fix.” Joe handed the compad to Major Silver. “All total, we aren’t that bad off, all things considered.”
Major Silver took the data device and looked it over. “Yeah, we got off pretty lucky. No fatalities. But we’re still down four ‘Mechs, not counting Major McKenna’s, five with it out. That’s nearly half our ‘Mech forces here, and all of our heaviest hitters. Meanwhile, it didn’t look like any of their ‘Mechs were knocked out permanently. We only knocked down three of theirs. Even if they are down for the count, that still leaves them with eleven ‘Mechs verses six for us. Nearly twice our numbers and over twice our weight.”
Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “Vat about ze armor and remaining Battlearmor? Surely zat helps.”
Lt. Jones voiced his opinion. “You forgot about their armor, Vaz. Six Hetzers, six Ontoses, and six Pegasuses. Plus how many Infantry and APCs? Over four hundred troops with sixteen APCs not counting light casualties? We’re outmatched.”
Lt. Collins finally voiced his opinion as he lie in his bed. “So, we need to fight them somewhere where we can minimize their number advantage. Not impossible.”
Major Silver perked up at that. “Yes.” Typing on the compad he brought up a map of the area. “Here. Northeast of the city. If we relocate there we can set up defenses in these hills and forests.” Examining the data he shook his head. “Even then, that will only delay the inevitable. We just don’t have enough firepower to throw them back if they make a concerted push. We’d need the rest of the Battalion to pull it off.”
A voice entered the room. “So recall them, Major.”
Kevin turned to see Captain Zimmerman leaning against the doorway. “Major. Problem is we only have two days. After that... it’s a moot point.”
Captain Zimmerman stood upright. “Arrangements can be made, Major. Our campaign in Puerto Flor de Lis is over. We control the far continent. As we speak, troops are being flown back to the mainland to continue the fight here, your troops included. We still control most of the planet, as well as most of the industry outside of Benedict. It’s only a matter of time now. The Third Legionnaires are finished. Zion Intelligence expects them to be recalled any time now to prevent further damage to the unit. All we need to do is keep up the pressure. If you need the rest of your Battalion to secure this major city and deny the Legionnaires yet another Battalion, so be it. After that, Zion considers your contract satisfied, even if you withdraw to repair and refit. Just give me the word, Major.”
Kevin thought a moment and nodded. “Do it. Recall the Battalion. If they can get here in time, we can sure use what’s left.”
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 23rd, 3057
Major Silver dropped into the cot in the corner of his airframe tent, completely exhausted. His mind raced over all the preparations the Silver Eagles had made in the last two days, trying to think of any other ways to improve their defenses. Though it was only 1200 hours, he had been up late after the Reserve Base Operations unit had arrived and gotten little sleep. Over the last five hours the Eagles had made their way to the hills overlooking Palmito Ranch, a cattle ranch northeast of Pilar and begun preparing defenses. Thus far, the Air Defense Artillery unit was the only recalled unit to arrive.
“And time is running out.” Major Silver said to himself.
A voice rang out at the entrance to his tent. “Major? You have a call on the coms.”
Rolling over, he looked down his feet at his aide. “Is it important, Corporal Winters? If not, I’m asleep.”
“I think you’re going to want to take this, Major.” He replied.
Rolling out of his cot, he stumbled across the tent and took the proffered com unit. “Silver.”
“Major, this is Captain Thorpe. Sorry to disturb you, but we just got word on the rest of the Battalion. We’re assembling in the HQ tent now. It’s not good sir.”
Of course. he thought. Nothing’s ever easy. “I’ll be there in a minute, Captain. Silver out.”
A few minutes later, Major Silver strode into the HQ tent. “Sitrep.”
Joe stood and cleared his throat. “Well, it seems that Captain Zimmerman couldn’t extract Secondary Operations Unit Two form New San Pedro. Not for lack of trying though. The militia hit the forces with a full Combined Arms Battalion, but they were cut up pretty badly and the message to evacuate apparently never was received. At last report, Lieutenant Scott and the rest of the unit were still hiding somewhere in the industrial sector.”
Joe took a drag off his cigarette before continuing. “As to Secondary Operations Unit One and Lieutenant Amdecker, they were picked up by militia forces... on foot. Their ‘Mechs are all DOA and stashed out of sight. Apparently they got caught by a Heavy Mobile Reserve unit. Tore them up so bad that Lieutenant Wilmeth is in critical condition. The only thing that kept them from getting captured was the militia unit sent to recall them. They chased off the Reserve Unit, but not before the damage was done. So no more ‘Mechs. We’re it.”
Major Silver sighed. “What about the Armor and Infantry units?”
Joe glanced at his watch. “They should be here any minute. All twelve tanks and all three platoons. But that’s it.”
Nodding, Major Silver continued. “Alright. No use crying in our beer. At least the infantry traps will work. Combined with the armor flanks and fortifications Master Sergeant Green is working on, we stand a chance. Is that all, Joe?”
As Lt. Faller nodded, Major Silver’s personal coms toned. “Major Silver. Go ahead.”
“Comtech here sir. I’ve got an incoming transmission from Force Commander Williver.”
Major Silver stiffened. We’re not ready. Gotta stall for time. Clearing his throat he answered, “Put him through.”
A hiss of static filled his ear for a second followed by the cool and even voice of the enemy commander. “Major Silver? This is Force Commander Williver.”
Taking a moment more than he would otherwise he replied, “This is Major Silver, what can I do for you Force Commander?”
Commander Williver’s voice was nearly apologetic in its timbre. “Major, my scouts inform me that you have vacated the city and have set up in a position to the northeast. Am I to understand that this is where you intend to fight to prevent further damage to the city?”
“It is indeed, Commander.” Major Silver replied. “If you wish to force us away from Pilar, you can face us here. We will wait for you here until this evening. If you do not meet us by 2100 hours local time, we’ll assume you don’t intend to honor your claims to safeguard the city from attack and invade once again. I will warn you, Commander. We have received reinforcements from the rest of our Battalion and have considerably more strength than in our last encounter. What say you?”
Silence filled his ear for a moment before Commander Williver replied. “I understand, Major. We were aware that you had received aid and that more is en-route. From what my intel unit is telling me, we are nearly an evenly matched force. You have the advantage of position, we have the advantage of manpower and firepower. I am not a butcher and distaste the idea of fighting in the city. However, I have my orders and I will carry them out to the letter, as I’m sure you would in my place. We will meet you where you defend from to spare the city.”
Major Silver breathed a sigh of relief. “Very well, Commander. Is there anything else?”
A moment passed like an eternity before the reply came. “Yes Major, there is. I respect you. You are an honorable man and I don’t like what we have to do here. But there is more than what you know. My Battalion has been recalled to New San Pedro for evacuation, as has all the other Third Legionnaire units. We have been recalled. If I could avoid this fight, I would. Unfortunately I have been given orders to engage any threat forces before we depart at 2000 hours this evening. I don’t like the orders, but they are what they are and I will obey them. Even still, I would give you a piece of advice, Major.”
Curious, Major Silver asked, “And that is?”
The reply sounded curt but genuinely concerned. “Don’t sell yourself and your men too dearly. It’s not worth it. Force Commander Williver out.”
-
Scenario 4: Battle of Palmito Ranch
Attacker: Third Free Worlds League Legionnaires
Forces: 35,094 BV / 1,846 tons (BV adjusted for force-size difference)
Command / Support Lance- 5,453 BV / 295 tons
MAD-5M Marauder Lt. JG Coleen "Stilts" Sellers (V-3/3)
WHM-7M Warhammer St. Sgt. Katherin "Mushroom" Schacter (R-5/4)
MAD-5M Marauder St. Sgt. Mohammed "Preacher" Bauer (R-5/4)
ON1-K Orion St. Sgt. Curtis "Seed" Denenberg (R-6/4)
Assault Lance- 6,243 BV / 240 tons
AWS-9M Awesome Lt. JG Tina "Ice Queen" Fenti (V-3/2)
AWS-9M Awesome St. Sgt. Dena "Blade" Casey (V-3/3)
AWS-9M Awesome St. Sgt. Werner "Wildcard" Vliet (V-4/2)
Counter-Recon / Fire Lance- 6,320 BV / 250 tons
GRF-3M Griffin Lt. SG Calvin "Jester" Meighen (V-3/3)
APL-1M Apollo Corporal Rana "WarGod" Mcclure (R-5/3)
CRD-5M Crusader St. Sgt. Jake "Knight" Peasley (V-5/4)
ARC-4M Archer Corporal Dustin "Lancer" Hellings (R-5/3)
Heavy Assault Platoon- 4,178 BV / 570 tons
Ontos Heavy Tank Lt. SG Rodrigo "Principal" Harleston (E-3/2)
Ontos Heavy Tank Sgt. Sindy "Limelight" Kibbee (V-4/3)
Ontos Heavy Tank Sgt. Alejandro "Hotrod" Klostermann (R-5/4)
Ontos Heavy Tank Sgt. Annette "Slamdunk" Paget (R-5/4)
Ontos Heavy Tank Sgt. Ambrose "Glassman" Laduc (G-5/5)
Ontos Heavy Tank Sgt. Kristy "Winterwolf" Dreyfuss (G-6/5)
Medium Assault Platoon- 2,369 BV / 240 tons
Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun St. Sgt. Brent "Tin-Man" Wernecke (V-3/3)
Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun Sgt. Mitzie "Shorty" Zdrojkowski (V-4/3)
Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun Sgt. Clemente "Boots" Westray (R-5/4)
Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun Sgt. Pasty "Whiplash" Mcgregory (R-5/4)
Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun Sgt. Dario "Triggerman" Jakovac (G-5/5)
Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun Sgt. Rachele "Warchest" Windauer (G-6/5)
Light Recon Platoon- 2,367 BV / 210 tons
Pegasus Scout Hover Tank St. Sgt. Duncan "Slingshot" Phelka (V-3/4)
Pegasus Scout Hover Tank Sgt. Sirena "Rabbit" Bilotti (R-4/4)
Pegasus Scout Hover Tank Sgt. Ed "Radar" Marino (R-5/4)
Pegasus Scout Hover Tank Sgt. Suzie "Eyes" Eisenhauer (G-5/5)
Pegasus Scout Hover Tank Sgt. Haywood "Whistlestop" Vignovich (G-6/5)
Pegasus Scout Hover Tank Sgt. Roman "Signal" Munier (G-6/5)
Infantry- 460 BV / 41 tons
Machine Gun-Jump Platoon Lt. SG Florene "Tiger Lilly" Peixoto (V-3)
Flamer-Jump Platoon Lt. SG Cedric "Octopus" Liquet (V-3)
Laser-Foot Platoon Lt. SG Deloise "Cardinal" Gangelhoff (V-3)
Flamer-Jump Platoon Lt. SG Ernie "Golem" Cioni (R-4)
Laser-Foot Platoon Lt. SG Cierra "Queen" Wasp (R-4)
SRM-Foot Platoon Lt. SG Hoyt "Star" Quintard (R-4)
Flamer-Jump Platoon Lt. JG Antony "Amigo" Chenet (R-4)
Laser-Foot Platoon Lt. JG Tiffiny "Glass" Asbridge (R-4)
SRM-Foot Platoon Lt. JG Kory "Panther" Kempt (R-4)
Rifle-Jump Platoon Lt. JG Earl "Rivet" Vuncannon (R-4)
Rifle-Foot Platoon Lt. JG Ulysses "Stonewall" Toalson (R-4)
Rifle-Foot Platoon Lt. JG Clayton "Shotgun" Peverini (R-4)
Defender: Silver Eagles
Forces: 24,672 BV / 1,516 tons
Command Lance- 6,781 BV / 185 tons
BJ2-Oe Blackjack Captain Randall "NightHawk" Thorpe (V-5/4) ECM - Active
ANV-3Me Anvil Lt. SG Richard "Grizzly" Jones (V-3/4) ECM - Active
FLC-8Re Falconer Lt. SG Piotr "Sixguns" Vahzenov (V-4/3)
Assault Lance- 4,181 BV / 185 tons
ZEU-9E Zeus Lt. SG Joe "Fallguy" Faller (V-5/4) Narc - ECM - Active
GAL-1eGLS Gallowglas Lt. SG Ryan "Crawler" Windsor (R-4/4)
SDR-9Keg Venom Lt. JG James "Magic" Mirabito (R-5/4) ECM
ADA Unit- 4,816 BV / 400 tons
TDR-7Me Thunderbolt† Captain Erin "Orchid" McKenna (V-3/3)
Formal Heavy Artillery Tank Lt. JG Eugene "Rain" Bazemore (V-4/3)
Partisan Air Defense Tank St. Sgt. Thomas "Ratchet" Chafin (R-4/4)
Partisan Air Defense Tank Sgt. Marvin "Shotgun" Holland (R-5/4)
Partisan Air Defense Tank Sgt. Edward "Ducky" Rains (R-5/4)
1st Armor Unit- 2,046 BV / 180 tons
Silver Goblin ISV Lt. SG Zane "Psycho" Owens (V-3/4)
Silver Goblin ISV St. Sgt. Leona "Wicked" Fann (R-5/4)
Silver Goblin ISV St. Sgt. Glenn "Gramps" Newlin (R-5/4)
Silver Goblin ISV St. Sgt. Annette "Pinup" Scanlon (R-5/4)
2nd Armor Unit- 2,096 BV / 180 tons
Silver Goblin ISV Lt. JG Melissa "Shortstop" Thiemann (R-5/4)
Silver Goblin ISV St. Sgt. Antonio "Romeo" Wagers (V-5/2)
Silver Goblin ISV St. Sgt. Tori "Flirt" Truman (G-5/5)
Silver Goblin ISV St. Sgt. Robert "Latro" Nac'MacFeegle (G-5/5)
3rd Armor Unit- 2,096 BV / 180 tons
Silver Goblin ISV MSgt. Andrew "Roughrider" Green (G-5/5)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Gary "Wildman" Ingalls (V-5/2)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Naomi "Harpy" Mount (G-5/5)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Steve "Blueblood" Moreland (R-5/4)
4th Armor Unit- 2,096 BV / 180 tons
Silver Goblin ISV MSgt. Mitch "Gunny" Whyler (R-5/4)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Carl "Wildman" Biddle (V-5/2)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Eugene "Gungho" Holliman (G-5/5)
Silver Goblin ISV Sgt. Jacob "Rat" Chipman (G-5/5)
Infantry- 560 BV / 26 tons
5 Clan Elemental Suits MSgt. Mark "Bravo" Rhode - MG (R-4)
Reinforced Laser-Motor Platoon Lt. JG Daniel "Papa" O'Hare (R-4) x4 Narc
Reinforced Laser-Jump Platoon MSgt. Hugh "Lucky" Kobel (R-4) x3 Narc
Reinforced PPC-Jump Platoon St. Sgt. Marian "Tempest" Volk (R-4) x3 Narc
Reinforced Laser-Foot Platoon St. Sgt. Tyrone "Surviver" Bevan (G-5) x3 Narc - TAG
† Pre-existing damage: No arms, no Right Torso. Base BV: 674
Force-balanced BV Ratio: 1.42-to-1
Maps: 4 Woods / Hills maps (Defender’s choice) Arranged 2x2
Special: Defender may pre-designate five (5) hexes for the two Arrow IV launchers as pre-targeted as per the BMR(r) pg. 75. These hexes will be automatically hit. Defender may designate five (5) hexes as mined with Command Detonated Mines. (10 damage to the target hex, 4 damage to adjacent hexes, usable only once) Defender may also designate ten (10) hexes as Fortified as per MaxTech pg. 20. These hexes are also considered Trenches and Fieldworks for Infantry as per MaxTech pg. 42.
Set Up:
Defender: Defender may place anywhere on the maps and may hide up to 16 units of their choice.
Attacker: Attacker must deploy within the first three (3) hexes along the bottom of the map area.
Attacker Victory Conditions: (Infantry count as ¼ of a unit)
Total Victory – Forced Withdrawal or destruction of all Defender units with the loss of no more than 8 units.
Partial Victory – Forced Withdrawal or destruction of all Defender units with the loss of no more than 16 units.
Pyretic Victory – Forced Withdrawal or destruction of all Defender units.
Partial Defeat – All Attacker units suffer Forced Withdrawal with no more than 8 units destroyed.
Total Defeat – All Attacker units suffer Forced Withdrawal with more than 8 units destroyed.
Defender Victory Conditions:
Total Victory – Forced Withdrawal or destruction of all Attacker units with the loss of no more than 7 units.
Partial Victory – Forced Withdrawal or destruction of all Defender units with the loss of no more than 14 units.
Pyretic Victory – Forced Withdrawal or destruction of all Attacker units.
Partial Defeat – All Defender units suffer Forced Withdrawal with no more than 7 units destroyed.
Total Defeat – All Defender units suffer Forced Withdrawal with more than 7 units destroyed.
Notes:
Forced Withdrawal: Units of either side must withdraw if they take a critical hit due to Internal Structure damage. (thus Through Armor Critical Hits do not apply to this rule) Infantry Units must withdraw if they take more than 50% casualties. Withdrawing units must exit the map along the fastest route possible. If withdrawing at Cruising/Walking speed or less, the unit may not make Attacks but may not be designated for Attack either. (they may still be damaged by scattering Artillery, falling, etc.) Infantry units forced to withdraw may not be fired on by anyone. (but they may be hit by Artillery scatter) Artillery must not make deliberate attacks on slowly withdrawing units. (this will be judged on an individual basis by the GM and may disallow the targeted hex at their discretion)
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 23rd, 3057
Major Silver stood in the middle of the Headquarters tent and surveyed the maps. For the last several hours since the Legionnaire Commander had contacted him, the Silver Eagles had been hurriedly finishing their prepared defenses. As he reviewed the battle plan in his mind for the twelfth time, his thoughts were interrupted.
“Major?” reported the communications technician. “Spotter report. Movement at the edge of the city.”
Major Silver nodded. “Alright. Alert the troops. Go to combat readiness.” He sighed as he looked over the map of the approach into their position. And so it begins...
As the message went out over the com channels, the rallied forces of the Silver Eagles all moved into their positions. As Captain Thorpe strapped his neurohelmet on, he activated his Battle Computer. The metallic voice of his authentication system rang in his ears with a single word. “Identify.”
“Thorpe Epsilon Omega Psi” was his reply. Immediately, the systems of his OmniMech came to life and the fusion reactor started running at high power. He felt the ‘Mech shudder for a moment as the actuators unlocked and the myomers tensed to keep the ‘Mech standing upright. Slowly, he stepped the ‘Mech forward and brought it around to face down the hill, the only viable approach path of the oncoming enemy.
Looking over the map of the area on his situational display, Captain Thorpe reviewed the battle plan. With our position in this saddle, the only real way they can get to us is right up the middle and make a direct assault. They’ll probably lead with their heavy stuff and follow up with their Infantry. That’s the only way to get to us. He grimaced as a cold shiver ran down his spine, not just from his cooling suit, but from the thought of what those troops would face as they broke through the tree line one kilometer south of the defensive line.
Minutes passed like hours across the camp. As the time slowly crept by, the tension in the camp rose so that the very air seemed saturated in it. Finally, the silence was broken by the voice of Major Silver. “Silver Actual to all units. The enemy has made their turn up the hill and should arrive in a few minutes. Their ‘Mechs are trailblazing with their support units coming up behind. All units will hold fire until you are ordered weapons free. Keep to your positions, people, and remember your standing orders. No heroics. Just do your job until it would be too dangerous to continue. We don’t need to bleed ourselves white here. Withdrawal honors are in effect. Good luck to you all.”
Captain McKenna sat in her command couch and watched her display. As she stood among the trees just west of the Air Defense Artillery Platoon and south of the HQ tent, she glanced out of her cockpit window. To her south she could see the backs of the six other ‘Mechs in their positions behind covering terrain. From there they would defend the ADA platoon and headquarters. More importantly, she thought, they’ll be presentin’ a target fer th’ enemy, drawing the’ onward. “...toward theer doom.” she said aloud.
Staff Sergeant Tyrone Bevan looked out from his entrenchment toward the coming unit. Motioning to Corporal Forni, he took the offered handset. “Survivor to HQ.” He reported. “Enemy at edge of clearing. Estimate sixty seconds until they reach waypoint Omega. Over.”
Listening intently, Major Silver replied, “Roger, Survivor. Hold position and get ready to spot for artillery on my command.” Turning to the map, he waited and silently counted.
Lt. Jones watched as the first ‘Mech broke through the tree-line, the well-known silhouette of a Marauder leading the way. Slowly it pressed onward toward their position as he lowered his sights onto the target. Range just over a thousand meters. he thought. Just 250 meters to go...
For forty-five seconds, the Silver Eagles just sat there and waited as the enemy slowly made their way into the clearing. As they approached a narrowing in the saddle, they formed into two lines, attempting to bypass the roughest terrain. Major Silver looked at the position report and picked up his handset. “Silver Actual to Fire control. Load Cluster. Designate Delta One and Delta Two. Fire! All units, Magic high.”
As he spoke, Lt. Bazemore listened intently. Turning quickly he ordered, “Seabolt! Set for Cluster! Hellhound! Designate preset targets Delta-One and Delta-Two! Fire when ready!”
Corporal Jack Trammell locked the firing solutions into the guidance computer. “Guidance locked! Missiles away!” With a roar, two heavy missiles leapt from their tubes and sped downrange. Following their pre-programmed flight, they came down on the rear of the enemy formation. As they reached their target altitude, their warheads exploded with thousands of bomblets, saturating the area in a ripple of explosions that tore through the light armor units that were just approaching the pass.
As they detonated, Major Silver nodded to Master Sergeant Rhode. In a flash, the entire pass exploded in a deadly series of detonations as the planted mines exploded all around the six Ontos Heavy Tanks that were just making their way through. Turning back to the map, he keyed his handset. “Spotters report.”
“Survivor reporting. I confirm one clean Oscar kill.”
“Tempest reporting. Make that two Oscars and heavy damage to a third.”
Major Silver breathed out slowly. “What about the Hetzers?”
Sergeant Bevan reported in. “Can’t see if any Hotels were taken out. Visibility obstructed.”
As chaos reigned, Major Silver made his decision. “Fire control. Load HEAT. Designate India One and India Three. Fire!”
A moment later, two more missiles sped downrange as the enemy tried to scatter out of the pass. The two missiles exploded on target, just after the two Awesomes that had been standing there a moment before moved onward toward their prey. The explosions caught the two ‘Mechs in their area of effect, but failed to do much more than scratch the paint on the massive Assault machines.
As the enemy ‘Mechs pressed inward and past the pre-designated kill-zones, Major Silver picked up his handset. “Silver Actual to Survivor. I’m giving you over to Fire control. Target at your discretion. All ‘Mech units, fire at your discretion.” With that order, Major Silver could now do nothing but sit and wait while his men did their jobs.
Hearing the order, Captain Thorpe mashed the firing studs on his control stick, triggering his pair of extended-range heavy lasers at the lead Awesome. One laser danced along the Awesome’s right leg, while the other cored into a single spot on the ‘Mech’s left shoulder. While the first hit failed to significantly damage the enemy ‘Mech, the second found a weak point in the armor plating, slicing through the top of the shoulder and sending a shower of sparks flying out the back. The limb suddenly dropped awkwardly, making the ‘Mech resemble a heavyset wrestler with a dislocated shoulder.
His own fire was joined with more from Lt. Jones, Lt. Vahzenov, and Lt. Windsor. Scattering damage all over the machine, the hail of fire seemed like nothing but the buzzing of flies to the avatar of death. The retaliation was terrible to behold. Even as Randall fired his own weapons, a hail of ten-dozen missiles sped toward him from the enemy’s Counter-Recon Lance. Though only half found their way on target through the heavy electronic jamming, those that did peppered his ‘Mech in a staccato of explosions that threatened to knock him to the ground.
Even as he fought the controls, his Blackjack lurched as a horrible screeching sound ripped through the cockpit. He felt the ‘Mech lurch as though it were suffering a seizure. “Damn it!” he shouted, as he realized his gyro was heavily damaged. Carefully righting himself, he noticed his right arm heavy laser indicator had turned red, indicating that it was damaged, as well as one of the heat sinks in the same arm. Glancing at his armor display, the arm showed less than one-third damage and the armor protecting his gyro still was over seventy percent intact. Must have blasted through on both parts. Damnable luck! he thought.
Instead of firing on the wounded defacto leader of the Silver Eagles’ front line units, the three Assault ‘Mechs focused their fire on Lt. Windsor and his Gallowglas. Nine particle cannons lit up the battlefield and were it not for the cover of his position over half would have hit him. Instead, only a third of them hit, scoring armor off his left flank and arm.
Even as Lt. Jones’ lasers struck out at the lead Awesome, the enemy’s Command Lance struck. Though only nine long range missiles and one extended range particle cannon hit him, all poured into his right flank, rendering the armor there almost completely gone. “If they keep hammering me on that side, I’m done for!”
Major Silver monitored the situation from the HQ tent. They’re focusing fire by Lances. he thought. Analyzing their attacks, the pattern became clear. Griz’s Anvil is the last member of our Command Lance remaining, and their Command Lance is firing on him. Likewise, Randall’s Blackjack is the lead member of Recon Lance, and he’s being attacked by their Counter-Recon Lance. And Ryan from Assault Lance is getting hammered by those Awesomes from their Assault Lance. Like for like. Nodding, he saw that their tactical objectives were strictly ‘by the book’. “And their Armor can soundly beat ours.” he said.
As another volley of fire flashed across the field, Major Silver saw two artillery missiles smash down on one of the Ontos Heavy Tanks. Shattering the turret assembly, the vehicle signaled its withdrawal. As the fight pressed on, he saw Ryan’s Gallowglas signal withdrawal after taking another three PPC hits from the enemy Assault Lance. Worried, he thought, We’re trading ‘Mechs for tanks. If this keeps up, we’re not going to pull this one out. Then he saw one of the Awesomes signal its withdrawal. Breathing a sigh of relief, he waited and watched.
Captain Thorpe had the lead Awesome sighted and triggered his remaining Clan Large Laser. As he triggered the weapon, a coolant line in his arm exploded, triggering the safety override in the laser and shutting it down. “Blake curse these damnable Clan weapons!” he shouted. That was the only weapon I had that can reach them. As he thought it, the enemy Counter-Recon Lance smashed another volley of fire into his position. A particle cannon flayed into his right flank, reducing the armor there to bare scraps.
A moment later, forty long-range missiles slammed into his Blackjack, blasting through the weakened armor on his flanks and tearing into the structure of his OmniMech. As the explosions wreathed his ‘Mech, the force of the blows conspired with the damage to his gyro and sent his ‘Mech smashing into the ground. Bracing himself at the last moment, he managed to bend the ‘Mech’s legs enough to cushion the blow to avoid injury. As his ‘Mech came to a rest, he glanced at his damage display, expecting the worst. To his amazement, his luck held and no internal systems were damaged. In fact, his overheated Clan laser came back online as he glanced at the display. It’s not much, he thought, but it’s something good. I’ll take it!
Lt. Jones triggered his lasers at the enemy Awesome, satisfied at seeing one of the arms come flying off. His satisfaction was brief as the enemy Command Lance pressed their attack and a PPC bolt flashed armor of his left arm and a series of staccato explosions from a Marauder’s Autocannon blew armor of his chest. Stepping his ‘Mech back a moment to move with the blow, he kept his ‘Mech upright. Glad that didn’t hit the right side again. he thought. Thank goodness for small favors.
As Captain McKenna sat in her command couch watching the battle unfold, she saw the enemy ‘Mechs continue their push toward the front line. Behind them she could see the Ontos Heavy tanks were nearly completely wiped out, having only one left of the six that had entered combat. Tha’ still leaves the lighter tanks and Infantry. she thought. But a’ least they’ll bein’ a bit easier ta deal wi’ now.
Joe sat in his Zeus, waiting for the enemy to press close enough that he could bring his fearsome array of short range weaponry to bear. Still 60 meters beyond extreme range. he thought. Ten more seconds and they should be in range. Unfortunately, the enemy Assault Lance did not seem to care to be sporting and the two Awesomes remaining sent six particle cannons toward his entrenched position, four of which hit and scattered damage all over his 80-ton Assault ‘Mech. Fighting with the controls, he managed to keep his feet.
Just then Joe saw the enemy Counter-Recon Lance send another volley of fire into Randall’s position just as his ‘Mech stood back up. Cringing, he watched as a missile salvo shredded the remains of the OmniMech’s right flank, the corresponding arm dropping to the ground and over a dozen missiles cored into the center of his ‘Mech, blasting armor aside like it was never there and sending him once more to the ground. Falling heavy on his left side, Lt. Faller saw his IFF signal switch to indicate withdrawal.
Suddenly the command channel crackled to life. “Nighthawk to Fallguy. I’m too damaged to be effective. You have command. Nighthawk out.”
As Randall hit the ground Lt. Jones fired a full spread of lasers at the next Awesome in the target queue, barely managing to scratch the armor on the arms and left flank. Even as Lt. Vahzenov added his own fire, slamming his Pulse Laser and Gauss Rifle into the center of the ‘Mech, the enemy Command Lance once more assaulted Lt. Jones’ Anvil. As autocannon shells smashed his right arm, the pair of PPCs from the enemy Warhammer slashed into his left arm and flank. The assault was quickly followed up with a flight of twelve missiles, seven smashing into his chest armor and five into the wounded right arm. Keeping his feet, he glanced at the damage display. Damn! Armor is gone on the entire right side and arm and I’ve got structure damage in the left arm. I won’t last another salvo if they keep at me. Silver better spring the trap soon or it won’t matter.
Just as Lt. Jones was thinking it, it was almost as though Major Silver could read his mind. “Now!” Major Silver shouted into the handset. As the order went out, sixteen Tronel III Heavy Lasers leapt out of nowhere onto the two Awesomes, blistering armor off their thick hides as the Armor platoons fired from their hidden positions along the flanks. A moment later, two homing missiles slammed into the lead Assault ‘Mech, guided by the portable Target Acquisition Gear assigned to Fourth Infantry Platoon. The savaged ‘Mech signaled its withdrawal as the battlefield turned into a blistering array of weapons fire.
Major Silver could only watch as the enemy APCs sped toward the newly revealed units along the eastern flank and began disgorging their passengers while the Hetzer Wheeled Assault Guns slogged through the terrain toward the revealed western flank. “Hold your positions! Artillery! Concentrate Cluster fire on those Infantry formations! Try and break them up! Hold the flanks, people!” Setting the handset down, he thought If those flanking positions are compromised, we’ll have to run. Not something I’m looking forward to.
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 23rd, 3057
Major Silver sat at the briefing table in the headquarters tent and looked over the after-action report. Though the battle had been over for nearly two hours, the reality had still not sunk in. When they rolled up the right flank, I thought for certain that we were done for. he thought. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing. Looking up from the Compad, Major Silver saw Captain McKenna standing at the entrance. “What’s the good word, Erin?”
Smiling slightly, she answered. “Th’ Legionnaires air pullin’ out, sair. Their Dropships air loaded and dustin’ off as we speak.”
Major Silver nodded curtly. “Alright. Anything else?”
McKenna nodded. “Aye. Captain Zimmerman wants to call a briefing.”
Sitting forward, Kevin arched his eyebrows. “Captain Zimmerman? What for?”
Erin shrugged. “I wouldn’t be knowin’ sair. He did ask, though.”
Major Silver sighed and shook his head. “Not today. We have work to finish up here. He can say what he needs to at the regular meeting tomorrow morning.”
Erin nodded slightly. “Aye sair. I’ll let him know.” At that, she turned and left.
As Major Silver walked into the HQ tent the next morning, he looked better than he had in weeks. Amazing what a good night’s sleep will do for you. he thought.
As he took his seat in the front of the room, he looked around. “Alright. First off I want to tell you all how well you did yesterday. Though technically a draw, that we held up so well against a superior force and managed to pull a draw is outstanding. When Force Commander Williver called for the cease-fire, we were effectively beaten, and I was very close to calling for a withdrawal. What I didn’t know then was that the Legionnaires were in just as bad of shape. Call it a lucky break in that regard, but still very well done.” Next Major Silver turned to Joe. “Lieutenant Faller? What was the final damage?”
Joe stood up and dropped his cigarette on the ground, crushing it into the dirt. “Of the seven ‘Mechs we had going into the battle, only Lieutenant Vahzenov’s Falconer is in fighting shape. All the rest are down for major repairs for six weeks minimum. As for the Armor units, most of the damage is easily repairable, but for the moment Third and Fourth Armor are completely pulled from the duty roster for a month at least. First and Second Armor are down a tank each, while ADA is at 100%, minus ammo. We’re completely dry on Artillery.”
Major Silver nodded. “It’s not surprising. Those Hetzers managed a lot of damage to Third and Fourth before we managed to take them out of the fight. What about the Infantry Company?” he asked, looking over at Lieutenant O’Hare.
Standing slowly, he grimaced. “First Platoon was hit the hardest, and I’d like permission to take the entire platoon out of circulation for the time being. We’re down a total of twenty-five men, sixteen just from First Platoon. That leaves only half the platoon. Equipment will need weeks of repair anyway.”
Major Silver nodded. “Permission granted. In fact, I think this is a good time for Captain Zimmerman to make his announcement.” Turning to their Zion liaison, he nodded.
Captain Zimmerman beamed as he stood and walked to the front of the room. “It is my distinct pleasure to inform you all that the Third Legionnaires have been issued recall orders. They are leaving Asuncion. Right now, the entire unit is gathering in New San Pedro for preparations for departure. As of now, the Silver Eagles stand relieved. You are all granted two months of rest and refit on-contract.”
Pausing a moment as a round of cheers went up, he continued after it died down. “It is also my pleasure to tell you all that the Mormon Battalion has taken custody of the Kallon Industries plant in Benedict, having destroyed the Second and Fourth Regimental Artillery Units stationed there. The rest of the garrison forces there pulled out to avoid being destroyed. The plant will be operational in a few days, and after the Mormon Battalion has their repairs out of the way, the Silver Eagles will have full use of the facility. Well done!” At that, he returned to his seat.
Major Silver stood and addressed Captain Zimmerman. “Captain. I formally request that the Silver Eagles be re-deployed to New San Pedro. We still have men missing there and we have need of the better medical facilities offered there.”
“Permission granted.” He said as he reached his seat. “Though the Legionnaires are still at the Starport there, they are not engaging in any active duty. We’ll see to it that you have access to the medical facilities located there. I’ll also arrange for mag-lev transport there.”
Turning to face the assembled officers of the Silver Eagles, Major Silver smiled. “I want us ready to roll before nightfall. After we reach New San Pedro, you are all on leave. I’ll speak with the Legionnaires and secure the city as neutral territory until they depart. I’m certain they’re just as willing to avoid a fight right now as we are. Dismissed.”
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 25th, 3057
Lt. Collins and Lt. Vahzenov sat up as the group came into their shared hospital room in New San Pedro’s Capital Medical Center. Major Silver strode into the room ahead of the rest, with Captain McKenna, Captain Thorpe, and the rest of the Officers of the Silver Eagles coming in behind them.
Morander smiled as Major Silver approached the end of his bed. “I’d stand at attention sir, but I’m afraid Vahzenov’s kidney might fall out.”
Vahzenov smiled. “You never had it zo good!” he quipped.
Major Silver smiled. “Glad to see the two of you feeling so good. Up for some company?”
Collins nodded. “Beats laying here watching the news. Did you bring food?”
Vahzenov nodded. “And drink?”
McKenna piped up. “Yes, but nea for you two. Doctor’s orders.”
As she spoke, the luxury room they’d been given quickly filled with members of the Silver Eagles. Before too long, the spacious room was crowded with people and talk. Hours rolled by with the merriment of a combination of a victory celebration and a Christmas party. Though in New San Pedro it was mid-autumn, it didn’t stop millennia-old traditions from dozens of cultures.
Shortly after noon, McKenna decided she needed a breath of fresh air and stepped outside the hospital. As she stood outside, a man in fatigues approached. Noticing his approach, she nodded at him. “Kin I help ye?”
“Possibly.” The man said. “Are you Captain McKenna of the Silver Eagles?”
Guarded, she nodded. “Aye. Who might you be, sair?”
Extending his hand, he replied, “Louie Alo. I work for Krushing Krew. We’re a ’Mech Lance hired by Zion for this mess.”
McKenna shook his hand. “Glad ta meet ye, Mr. Alo. What kin I do fer ye?”
Looking down, he paused a moment before continuing. “Well, I’ve heard about your unit and was hoping you might have an opening for a Mechwarrior. I have my own ‘Mech, an Ostsol. It’s in decent shape. See, my contract is up with the Krew and I’d like to move on.”
McKenna smiled. “Come wi’ me, Mr. Alo. We’ll talk.” As she led him into the room full of Eagles, she found Major Silver standing next to Vahzenov’s bed. Making her way across the room, she tapped him on the shoulder.
Turning, Major Silver saw the unfamiliar face. “What’s up, Erin?”
Gesturing to their guest, she said, “This is mister Louie Alo, Mechwarrior. He’ll be wantin’ ta’ join the Silver Eagles, sair.”
Extending his hand to the man, he said, “Welcome aboard, Mr. Alo.” At that he turned back to Lt. Vahzenov.
Erin sighed heavily and tapped him on the shoulder again. “We have nay hired him yet, sair. We’re all on leave. I was hopin’ you might’n be introducin’ him ta’ some o’ th’ men?” Her tone was almost pleading.
Turning back, he sighed. “Ok, Erin. Go relax. I’ll take mister Alo in hand.” Turning to the man, he asked, “So, where are you from?”
A bit confused over the situation, Louie hesitated a moment as he collected his thoughts. “Uh... Altoona... Draconis March? Near Outworlds? Ever heard of it?”
Kevin shook his head. “No, but then I haven’t heard of half of the worlds where some of the Silver Eagles call home. Draconis March, eh? Hang on a second.” He turned and looked around the room. “Ah. There he is. Come with me, mister Alo.” Making his way across the room to near the entrance, he found Lt. Jones. “Lieutenant? This is mister Louie Alo. He’s from your neck of the woods.”
Richard Jones turned to the newcomer and offered his hand in friendship. “Call me Griz. I’m from Broken Wheel. Where you from?”
Louie smiled and shook his hand. “Altoona. Nice to see another FedSuns native here.”
Griz smirked. “Yeah. The Leaguers here get a bit thick sometimes.” Nodding toward Major Silver he added, “The Major here is a Baron from Negushevo.”
Looking a bit surprised, he turned to Major Silver. “I’m honored, Baron Silver.”
Major Silver sighed and held up his hands. “Major Silver or Kevin is fine. We’re not on Negushevo. I’m no Baron here.”
Relaxing a little, Louie smiled. “Understood, Major.” Looking around he took in the sight of the party. “Celebrating the withdrawal of the Legionnaires in a hospital room?”
Major Silver nodded to Griz. “The Lieutenant here can explain all that. Nice to meet you, mister Alo.” At that he turned to return to Vahzenov’s bed and resume his discussion of how Vahzenov will have to cut back on his vodka.
Half an hour later the party was getting merrier by the moment. Someone had sneaked in a bottle of Everclear into the punchbowl, and half of the room’s occupants were getting pleasantly plastered.
Suddenly a noise rose up from the hallway outside the room. As Major Silver turned toward the door, he saw Joe darting out. Concerned, he turned to Lt. Collins with whom he’d been talking about the Marian Hegemony. “Now what?” He asked no one in particular.
The noise in the room subsided slightly as everyone strained to hear what was going on outside. Morander could hear raised voices in the hall, and due to the position of his bed managed to hear more than others.
“I don’t care what your name is and who you’re related to, Mister Silver. This is a private party and they’re heroes of the rebellion. You can’t come in.”
Morander’s eyes grew wide and Major Silver looked at him curiously. “What is it, Lieutenant?”
Looking up at the Major, he gulped. “I think it’s your father, sir.”
Major Silver turned pale as a ghost. “Inconceivable!” he muttered. Quickly he turned and headed toward the door.
As he exited the room he saw Joe standing in front of a man he couldn’t quite see who was being restrained by two security guards. As he approached Joe, he heard Joe say, “It’s OK officers. His ID checks out. Let him go.”
As they let him go, Joe stood aside and the man shook his arms free of the two guards indignantly. Looking up he saw Major Silver and stood erect. “Nephew.”
Major Silver stopped dead. “Uncle Charles?” He asked, flabbergasted. “What are you doing here? How did you get here?”
The older man balked at the welcome he received. “Good to see you too, nephew. I trust my brother is doing well?”
Kevin collected himself. “Sorry. You just surprised me. Welcome! Glad to see you. Dad’s fine.”
Nodding curtly, the elder Silver answered. “I resigned my commission with the Third Legionnaires. I’ve been with them for the past six years.” He paused a moment before continuing. “I’m sorry to hear about what happened on Negushevo. The news was disheartening to say the least. My condolences on your sister’s assassination.”
Major Silver grimaced. “Thank you. Not that she didn’t bring it on herself, but I thank you just the same. Why did you resign?”
Charles Silver looked around. “This is hardly the place for such discussions, don’t you agree?”
Collecting himself, Kevin nodded. “Yes, of course. Come with me, Uncle.” Turning slightly, he nodded. “Joe?”
Gesturing toward a room down the hall, he asked one of the security officers, “Mind if we borrow that room real quick?” With a nod from the officer, the two Silvers made their way toward the room while Joe went to get Captain McKenna. A minute later the four were in the room alone.
Charles stood at ease before answering. “I refused to fight Zion Province. I believe their cause is just. Rather than face Court Martial, I resigned en-route after we were briefed on the situation.”
Major Silver nodded. “I see. That explains where you’ve been for so long. Last we’d heard you were working as liaison to the Draconis Combine on Saffel after...” he paused. “...after Markab.”
A moment of pain flashed across Charles’ face. “That was almost ten years ago, nephew. My tour with the Kapteyn Liaison Corps ended in ’52. After I heard that you turned up after getting lost on the Clan Front and started your own unit, I decided to transfer to the Legionnaires. I felt it was fitting that a Silver be in service to the League. Now I’m not so sure it was the right decision. I’m beginning to think your father was right about the Captain-General all along.”
Kevin stiffened. “Of course it was the right thing to do... at the time. We had enemies that needed to be kept honest. Your service to the League, while not exactly what father liked, was an honorable decision. Never doubt that he respects your disagreement with him. He may not have agreed with you, but he respects your willingness not to compromise on your principles.”
Charles nodded respectfully. “Accepted.”
Kevin motioned toward the door. “Would you like to join us? We’re celebrating the success against...” he paused and pre-empted himself. “... the success of Zion Province.”
Charles smiled. “Indeed. Thank you.”
Opening the door, he added. “We’ll be along in just a minute, Uncle.” Closing the door, he leaned against it and sighed out heavily.
Erin interrupted. “You’ll be excusin’ me sair, but what’s all this aboot?”
Major Silver turned to his XO. “He’s my father’s half-brother, Charles Silver. He and father disagreed about the changes to the League with the Addendum to the Incorporation, and Charles joined the League military. He spent several years in the Draconis Combine as a liaison for the League. He took a wife who was a citizen of the Combine but she and their children were killed in the War of ’39 when the FedCom took Markab. After that he transferred to the newly captured world of Saffel and I guess stayed on as liaison there until about the time we three met. He then apparently signed on with the Legionnaires until this mission.”
Joe nodded toward the door. “Charles Silver? You named for him?”
Kevin smiled. “In a way, yes. Charles is a family name though. He was named for his and my father’s grandfather, Charles Eugene Silver.” He chuckled a little. “Funny. It was uncle Charles that got me into flying. On my tenth birthday, he bought me a Stingray model. He was about eighteen at the time and about to leave for Princefield Academy. That’s why I went to Princefield.”
Joe snorted. “Hilarious, sir. Shall we?”
At that, the three left the room and returned to the party. By 8pm local time, visiting hours ended and not even the fame of the Silver Eagles would buy them a pardon from the hospital staff. The Silver Eagles departed for the Comstock and to begin enjoying their well-earned rest.
Major Silver was awoken at 6 am by a knock on his room door. Throwing on a robe, he groggily opened the door. “This better be good.” He grumbled.
Joe stood in the door fully dressed. “You better get dressed, sir. We have jump signatures at the L1 point. It’s the Third Free Worlds Guards. They’re coming to relieve the Legionnaires. They’ll be on the ground in four hours.”
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 26th, 3057
Major Silver stood at the head of the Comstock’s conference room table looking at Captain McKenna and Captain Thorpe. The rest of the officers of the Silver Eagles were waiting outside the room for the three owners to decide the fate of the Silver Eagles. “What I need from you two is your opinion. What do we do when the Third Guards land?” He turned to Captain McKenna. “Erin?”
Erin closed her eyes thoughtfully and paused a moment to collect her thoughts. “We canna fight them, Kevin. You know that.”
Kevin lowered his head. “That’s not what I asked, Erin. I asked what will we do, not what can’t we do.”
Erin opened her eyes. “Technically, we’re on paid leave of duties to Zion until the end of February...” she paused and looked at the roster of units for the Silver Eagles. “...and we’ll be needin’ it all to build back up.” She set the report aside. “I say we sit tight and wait and see what happens. There’s not much else we can do, sair.”
Kevin looked over at Captain Thorpe. “What say you, Major?”
Randall shrugged. “We’re on leave. We do nothing. No one would blame us or could claim breach of contract. We’re beaten and bruised. If we fight, the Silver Eagles will die here. Not something I’m in favor of.”
Kevin sighed in exasperation. “Unfortunately, I see no other alternative than sitting on the side-lines as well. We can’t face the combined forces of the Legionnaires and the Guards in our condition, even with the full support of the Militia, the Mormon Battalion, and the other Mercs on-planet.” He looked up at the two officers. “I’ve gone over the numbers a dozen ways and the conclusion is always the same... the rebellion is doomed.” He paused to let the fact sink in a moment before continuing. “The question we have to ask ourselves is do we stick with them and go down with them, or follow the letter of the contract and let the rebellion die without us.”
Erin shook her head. “That’s what it boils down to, eh? Save ourselves or our honor?”
Randall looked over at McKenna. “Given the choice, I prefer to survive to rebuild our rep than die with it intact. After all, what good is a rep if you aren’t alive to reap the benefits?”
Erin whipped her head around toward Randall and scowled. “And what good is it to be alive if the unit is so hated we might as well be dead?” She relaxed her expression and looked down at the table. “It’s not as cut-n-dry as ye’ make it out ta’ be, Randall. It’s a tough choice, bein’ damned if we do ‘air don’t.” She turned to look at Kevin. “What say you, sair?”
Major Silver sighed and sat back. “I see no viable alternative. We will not die here.” He paused and hit a button on the table, initiating the recording system. “It is my duty to ask for an official vote on the subject of whether the Silver Eagles will continue active combat for Zion Province or enforce the official offer of Rest and Refit given us by our liaison on December 24th. A vote of ‘Aye’ will indicate enforcement of the offer, while a vote of ‘Nay’ will indicate continued active combat duty.” He looked to Erin. “Major McKenna?”
Erin shook her head. “Seein’ no alternative, I vote for enforcement of the offer. Aye.”
Kevin nodded and looked at Randall. “Major Thorpe?”
Randall answered without hesitation. “No question to my mind. Aye.”
Major Silver nodded. “I see no alternative. Let the record show the vote is unanimous. The Silver Eagles will enforce the offer of Rest and Refit according to the letter of our contract agreement, remaining out of active combat duty until no sooner than the twenty-fourth of February, 3058.” Stopping the recording, Major Silver looked over at McKenna. “Let them in.”
As Erin opened the door and the Senior Officers of the Silver Eagles filed into the briefing room, Major Silver sat impassively at the table and waited for them to take their seats. When all were seated, Major Silver nodded to Joe. Taking the cue, he secured the room and called the Comtech to have Captain Zimmerman patched into the room, along with lieutenants Vahzenov and Collins. After a moment, Joe nodded to Major Silver.
Major Silver stood up holding a Compad. Reading aloud from it he announced, “Pursuant to section three, paragraph six of the contract dated Monday, August 31st 3057 between the Silver Eagles and Zion Province, by unanimous vote of the owners of the Silver Eagles, we the Silver Eagles are enforcing the official offer of Rest and Refit following heavy combat duty made by the official liaison of Zion Province made on December 24th of the same year.” Stopping and addressing the communications console he added, “I am sorry Captain, but we’re a shambles. If we fight now, we will be destroyed. We have only one fully functional BattleMech and three out of five platoons of armor, and two of those platoons are damaged. Even our infantry is down to only seventy percent, and now with no BattleArmor support.”
He paused a moment before finishing. “If there was any way that we thought we could be of aid to Zion, we would offer it, but we see no alternative. We must stand down. When we’ve repaired our equipment and given time for our wounded to heal, we’ll resume combat operations in full support of Zion Province.”
The voice of Captain Zimmerman came over the static of the line with a note of finality. “Understood, Major Silver. You have the right to claim the offer made. Under the circumstances, I don’t blame you. For now, the Silver Eagles are free to stand down in the face of the enemy without violation of contract. At the end of the term of rest & refit, on or about the twenty-fourth of February, we expect you to resume operations in defense of Zion...” he pause to let the next part be very clear. “...no matter your disposition or location at that time.”
Major Silver nodded. “Agreed.”
Captain Zimmerman added one final comment. “For the interim, I’ve been called for detached duty with the militia. I will return as liaison for Zion before the end of February. Good Luck, Major Silver.”
“Good luck and God speed, Captain Zimmerman.” Kevin finished. “Major Silver out.” Gesturing for Joe to kill the connection, he turned back to the assembled officers. “It’s done. The Silver Eagles are free and clear. Now that we have that in hand, I feel obligated to tell you all that the chances of the rebellion to survive two weeks of combat operations against the fresh Guards, let alone two months, ranges from slight to impossible. Before we have more than a handful of units repaired, the fight here will be over. Free Zion is doomed, they just refuse to see it. Our question has become what will be done afterwards.” Looking around the room, he asked everyone, “What do you all say?”
Lt. Windsor stood slowly. “Am I to understand that it is our intention to turn our backs on those who hired us? To turn our backs on the moral obligation to fight for the freedom of the people here?”
Lt. Jones turned to Ryan. “No, Ryan. What the Major is saying is that by the time we can resume the fight, there won’t be a fight left worth fighting and no Free Zion to fight for.” He turned to Major Silver. “What does that mean for our contract, Major?”
Erin answered for him. “If Free Zion is conquered and th’ government changes hands, th’ Silver Eagles air obligated ta’ continue th’ contract wee th’ new government, whatever that may be.”
Major Silver nodded. “Major McKenna is quite correct. According to the terms of our contract, if Free Zion falls and the League puts a new government in its place, we’re contractually obligated to continue our contract under them.”
Josepho stood and asked,. “This is effectively a trial of absorption leveled against Zion Clan, quiaff? It seems to me that if they are absorbed, we will be abtakha... Warriors for the Free Worlds League. Is this the case?”
Major Silver thought a moment before answering. “Neg, Lieutenant Josepho, not exactly. We are not Warriors of Zion, only their allies. If Free Zion is... absorbed... our allies cease to exist. That does not however eliminate our obligation to the defense of the four worlds of Zion Province. We would be obliged to complete our agreed terms, with or without our allies. However our terms are only to safeguard the worlds from attack, not decide the fate of the absorption.” He paused and considered a parallel. “It would be as though Clan Diamond Shark held territory on a Widowmaker world while the Widowmakers were being absorbed by the Wolves. Even if the Sharks were the allies of the Widowmakers, they would not be obliged to fight to save them from absorption, quineg? But neither does that mean the Sharks would vacate their holdings.” He looked at the ex-clansman curiously. “Make sense?”
Josepho nodded. “Neg, but the analogy is largely flawed. However, I believe I understand the situation better now, my Khan. Our course of action seems obvious to me. To preserve our Clan, we must abandon our former allies. They are too weak to stand with or without our help, so they are undeserving of our support.”
Ryan looked at Josepho with astonishment. “After all this time with us, you can still believe that?”
Josepho looked impassively back across the table at Ryan. “I understand the concept of limiting the suffering of these people. However, it seems to me they would be better off with a protector that is actually capable of protecting them, not one so incompetent it can be absorbed by two Clusters so quickly, even with support of allies like Clan Silver Eagle and the Cloud Cobra-like Mormon Battalion.”
Ryan threw his hands up in the air. “My God! The man sits there and describes the conquering of a people fighting for their own freedom as what’s in their best interest! What next? Do we let the Clans conquer us because they’re better at keeping the lower castes safe?”
“Neg, Lieutenant Windsor.” Josepho replied coolly. “But if Free Zion cannot defend itself, will not their worst fears of being re-conquered by the Capellan Confederation be soon realized?”
Ryan balked. “Conquered by Capellans or Leaguers... choice of evils!”
“Enough!” Erin shouted. “This debatin' air getting us nowhere! Both of yee sit doon!” After they both sat down, she continued. “We canna' save Free Zion. The question at hand is will we be breakin' contract if th' new government wants ta hold us te' oor contract.” She let the thought sink in a moment before continuing. “If they release us, th' point is moot. We'll be leavin' Zion Province an' have te' be takin' another contract. If they want us te' finish th' contract, it may be meanin' fighting th' same people we’ve been fighting alongside fer th' last month. If we refuse, we kin be held in breach o' contract. Th' question is what de' we choose then?”
Vahzenov spoke up via the comlink. “Vell, if ve are forced to chose, I vould not vant to face Free Zion, yet I vould not vant to risk breach of contract. It’s bad for business.”
Ben stood up. “But if we continue the contract and there’s guerrilla fighting, we would have to fight them. How can we avoid it?”
Silence filled the room for what seemed like an eternity. Finally Lt. Collins spoke up. “Can’t we just request assignment to another planet in the Province? One where we don’t know anybody?”
Major Silver looked up at the vid-screen at the Lieutenant. “Excellent suggestion, lieutenant. They could always refuse, but under the circumstances I think it likely they would not. If we are forced into that situation, forced to remain here and fight for the new Zion government, I will not balk if anyone wishes to resign. I know I will do my duty to the Eagles, but I have my own motivations.”
Ryan stood back up. “I will not fight these people, sir. If forced to chose, I will resign.”
Major Silver nodded. “Understood lieutenant, and I cannot fault you.” Kevin looked around the room. “Does anyone else share Lieutenant Windsor’s feelings?”
Ben stood up. “Unfortunately, I would have to agree with Lieutenant Windsor, sir. Free Zion rebels kept my detachment safe for three days here in New San Pedro while half of the Legionnaires here searched for us. I cannot in good conscience bring myself to fight them.”
As he spoke, Lt. Barwick and Lt. Stetler both stood up in agreement with Lt. Scott. As they rose, Lt. Mirabito, Lt. Calame, and Lt. Wilmeth joined them. Looking around, Major Silver nodded in grudging acceptance. “Duly noted. Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.”
-
Asuncion, Free Zion
December 26th, 3057
Louie Alo and Charles Silver stood outside the briefing room while the Silver Eagles debated their fate. Charles stood impassively at ease near the entrance to the room, while Louie paced like a caged tiger awaiting the opportunity to join the Silver Eagles. His old unit was still under contract to Zion, and the prospect of facing off against two full divisions of the Free Wolds League’s front line troops was not his idea of a good time.
Suddenly the door opened and the room started to empty. No one said a word. They all left in total silence, looking beaten and demoralized. Finally, Captain McKenna called the two into the briefing room for their interviews. Within an hour, just 30 minutes before the Third FW Guards were to touch down, both hired on as the newest members of the Silver Eagles.
As the Guards made their approach into New San Pedro, Major Silver received a call from the bridge of the Comstock.
As Major Silver walked out of the lift onto the bridge and approached Captain Friedrich, the Captain turned and faced Kevin. “Major. The Third Guards are challenging us. They want to know if we intend to put up a fight for the spaceport. It seems they’re not interested in maintaining New San Pedro as neutral territory.”
Major Silver sighed. “I expected this. Get me on coms.”
Handing Major Silver a headset and nodding to Petty Officer Ramirez, Captain Friedrich stepped aside.
“This is Major Silver of the Silver Eagles to inbound Dropships.” He began. “On behalf of Zion Province, please state your intentions.”
Static filled his ears for a moment, then cleared as the new enemy replied. “Major Silver, this is Force Commander O’Sullivan. We intend to secure the planet from civil disorder and bring it back under the protection of the Free Worlds League. If you resist, you and your unit will be destroyed.”
Kevin balked at the challenge. “Force Commander O’Sullivan. It is my duty to inform you that the Free Zion Militia will resist your attempts to pacify them, and we are under contract to fight for Zion Province. However, we have taken severe damage in the fighting here and have been granted two months of rest and refit time by our employers. It is not our intent to challenge you at this time. In accords with the Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission treaties to which the Free Worlds League are a signatory, I and my unit are standing down. If you fire on our unit, you will be held in violation of those treaties and subject to criminal investigation by the MRBC. Over.”
Major Silver waited on the bridge for nearly a full minute before the reply came. “Major Silver. In accords with the treaties governing Mercenary conduct, and in deference to your position within the Free Worlds League, you and your unit are hereby granted amnesty by the Free Worlds League. So long as you do not violate the cease fire agreement made on December 23rd with Force Commander Williver, you will be considered a non-threat-force unit. Force Commander O’Sullivan out.”
Major Silver removed the headset and handed it to Petty Officer Ramirez. “Thank God for small favors.” He said.
The next two days spelled the death of Free Zion. On the evening of the 28th, Major Silver called a special meeting of the Silver Eagles aboard the Comstock on the lower ‘Mech deck. All personnel were ordered to attend.
As Major Silver looked out across the bay at the 209 combat personnel and 156 support personnel under his command, he felt a twinge of pride, even though his announcement was a somber one. They fought and worked so hard. he thought. I wish I had better news to tell them. Clearing his throat, he stepped up to the podium on the second deck overlooking the lower deck and began. “Good evening. It is my unfortunate duty to inform you all that Free Zion has fallen. No doubt you have all heard the rumors over the past few days of what’s been going on out there while we’ve been sleeping in our Dropships. However, I feel obligated to make sure that the truth is known among you all. To that end, Lieutenant Faller will brief you all on the last two days of activity on Asuncion.” Turning to his Intelligence Officer, he finished, “Joe?”
Joe crushed out his cigarette and stepped up to the podium. “Evening all. After the Guards landed and secured New San Pedro, they immediately re-deployed to the surrounding cities of New Germany, Pozo Colorado, Lambaré, and Caazapá, capturing them easily and leaving the Legionnaires in complete control of the Capital City and surrounding area. Moving through the countryside, they swept aside all resistance they met in Areguá, Filadelfia, New Mallorquín, and Pedro Juan Caballero, giving them control of the entire northern half of the main continent. Over the next 24 hours, almost all organized resistance on Asuncion collapsed as the Guards destroyed four militia and mercenary commands nearly simultaneously on the morning of the 27th in Fuerte Olimpo, Salto del Guairá, Paraguarí...” he paused before finishing the list. “...and the Puerto Flor de Lis Industrial Complex on Far Continent.”
Joe paused a moment and let the thought sink in. Finally he continued. “The only units remaining to oppose League rule over Asuncion were the Mormon Battalion and a scattering of militia units in the city of Benedict, home Kallon Industries, and eight other southern cities, including Pilar. At each step they deliberately chose cities that would allow the Zionists a means of retreat. They obviously wanted Zion to get away for most of the fights. If they has taken the cities of Villarrica and either Coronel Oviedo or Pilar, they could have cut the resistance off from one another and kept them apart. It is therefore safe to assume that the Guards were driving the Zionists together.”
Joe took a sip of water before continuing. “It was at Benedict that Free Zion intended to make its final stand against the Free Worlds League and attempt to hurt the Guards badly enough that they would be forced to retreat from Asuncion, much like the Legionnaires were about to do. They recalled all Free Zion Forces to Benedict and prepared to face the Guards there. By the time the Third Guards reached Benedict, the Mormon ‘Mech Battalion and the rest of the Zion Militia were ready to face them in-force, even if it meant their deaths. But this was not meant to be.”
Clearing his throat, Joe read the fateful news. “On Monday, December 28th at exactly 12pm Terran Standard Time, an HPG transmission was transmitted from the HPG facility on Zion. Contained in that unscheduled transmission was notice that Zion Province had surrendered to the Free Worlds League. President Malkin is under arrest pending charges of treason against the Free Worlds League, and a Military Governor has been appointed by Captain-General Thomas Marik to oversee the transition of power away from the separatists. On the eve of their last battle, the entire Free Zion State has collapsed. To add insult to injury, the message contained official recall orders for the Mormon ‘Mech Battalion from the leaders of the church. They were granted permission by the Guards to depart unmolested, and the final fight for Free Zion consisted of the Third Free Worlds Guards occupying Benedict unchallenged. The remainder of the Zion Militia has gone underground and no longer officially exists. This concludes my report on the activities of the past 48 hours.” At that, Joe turned away from the podium and sat down.
Major Silver resumed his place at the podium. “At thirteen hundred hours this afternoon, I received a message from the commander of the Legionnaires that an envoy from the Military Governor of Zion Province had been dispatched with the Guards to treat with the Silver Eagles and was requesting a meeting. I obliged him and Major McKenna, Major Thorpe and myself met with him at 2pm local time. It was then that he made clear to us that the new Military Governor intends to hold the Silver Eagles to their contract until its termination date on September 1st of 3058.”
A sea of disapproving murmurs spread through the bay like a wave. As Major Silver held up his hands to silence them, he continued. “I informed him that many of my men would refuse to face and fight free Zionists they had just fought alongside and that if they did not re-deploy us, we would likely be facing breach of contract terms for lack of enough men to fulfill our contract with. He was quite amiable about the whole situation and granted our request for relocation. As of now, Captain Francis DeWitt is the new Silver Eagles liaison Officer for Zion Province.” At that, he gestured to the man no one had recognized on Major Silver’s right.
Turning back to the crowd he added, “We are leaving Asuncion by nineteen hundred hours local time this evening. We are to rendezvous with an Invader-class Jumpship at the Zenith point and they will carry us back to Zion where we’ll finish out the remainder of our contract.” He walked around the podium and looked out over the assembled officers and men. “You all worked hard for Zion’s fight for independence. But that fight is over. Now we must continue the fight for Zion in another way, by helping her heal. I don’t know what the future holds, but it is my firm belief that what we have done here was not wasted. I severely doubt the Captain-General will allow Chancellor Sun-Tzu to have Zion now, for it would validate every claim of despotism made against him. In that way, we have safeguarded Zion from the fate they feared, a return to the Confederation. The new liaison has even honored Captain Zimmerman’s on-contract down-time, if that’s any indication of their intent.” Major Silver stood erect. “We leave in four hours. Be ready. Dismissed.”
As the crowd broke up, Major Silver turned to the senior officers gathered with him on the second level of the ‘Mech bay. “Make sure they know this is not a defeat for the Silver Eagles. We acquitted ourselves well against a superior enemy. That alone is a victory.” He paused a moment. “Moral will be very bad for the rest of the contract. We may be facing a populous that feels we abandoned them, even on Zion. Keep everyone busy. When the Dionysus gets here in June, that will help, but until then we’ll be hard-pressed to keep them motivated. Stick to it. Let’s get out of here.”
The months passed uneventfully on Zion as the Silver Eagles rebuilt. In a further effort to drive up spirits, Major Silver made an announcement on January 1st that brought up spirits tremendously. The Silver Eagles were being reorganized as a Light Regiment. Twelve new BattleMechs and two new Aerospace Fighters would be added to the unit roster and a second ‘Mech Company would be formed. This meant upward mobility for dispossessed Mechwarriors among the Armor and Infantry units. Along with the increase in size would come promotions. Major Silver took the rank of Colonel, and Captains McKenna and Thorpe were promoted to Lt. Colonel and Major respectively and Zane Owens was promoted to Captain.
All seemed well, until word reached Zion that the Word of Blake had taken Terra. A new wave of depression swept across the unit, marking the worst moral the Silver Eagles had seen since the Battle of Negushevo. Major Thorpe was arrested for attempting to start a riot, though the charges were dropped to cover up the event. As the months dragged on and the new units started filtering in, moral improved, but still remained low. When the Dionysus arrived on June 24th, moral improved, and as the end of the contract approached, moral started to improve once again. On August 10th, Captain Jan Hernandez-Silver gave birth to Erin Elizabeth Silver. The event served to help keep spirits from falling for a time, but the end result was inevitable.
By the time September 1st came, the Silver Eagles were eager to leave Zion, stronger than they ever had been. But the Silver Eagles had driven themselves into debt in their efforts to build up the unit before it was ready. Tens of millions of C-Bills in debt. As they departed for Outreach, it was to find work that could pay it off. The last thing the Silver Eagles needed was to die not in combat, but in collections.
When they arrived on Outreach on October 4th, 3058, contracts throughout the Chaos March were plentiful, but Colonel Silver was loath to take another contract in the region, yet contracts along the Clan front were nearly non-existent. That seemed to leave anti-piracy missions along the periphery and garrison contracts in the interior, neither of which paid enough to make significant inroads against their debt. Two weeks passed while the Silver Eagles searched for a contract that could pay their debt down. Finally on October 18th, the Wolf’s Dragoons approached the Silver Eagles with an offer of employment that would wipe out half their debt. The only catch was that they would not say much about what the mission was. They would not even be allowed to navigate the Dionysus. They would also be part of an integrated command. That aspect of the contract was non-negotiable.
In a leap of faith, Colonel Silver accepted the mission after talking it over with Colonel McKenna and Major Thorpe. They would remain on Outreach until the end of the year with the unit on leave, but in total isolation on the Dragoons compound to conduct re-integration drills for their new organization. On January 6th, the Silver Eagles packed up into the Comstock and Hadrian and departed for their mission under radio silence. When they disappeared from the Nadir Jump Point over Outreach, it would be the last time that the Silver Eagles would talk to anyone other than their Liaison for five months.
Three months into their journey, the Dionysus picked up a passenger... a Dropship attached to their third unused collar. They were not allowed near the Dropship, and her crew was allotted separate time on the Dionysus’s Grav deck. Secrecy surrounded nearly every aspect of their mission and training drills filled the hours.
-
Fallguy has been resurrected. The Silver Eagles live.
Not only that but a very big update. Lucky I have plenty of beer. [rockon] {>{> [cheers]
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Fallguy has been resurrected. The Silver Eagles live.
Not only that but a very big update. Lucky I have plenty of beer. [rockon] {>{> [cheers]
Thanks. I have MUCH more to update that I'll get to ASAP, but I've been updating for several hours solid now and need a break. More will follow soon.
Thanks to all for the interest in this old unit. Good to know there are still people interested. ;)
-
Empty Space
May 4th, 3059
The Dionysus materialized in empty space light years from the nearest star. A minute later, a second Jumpship materialized several hundred kilometers away and the Silver Eagles were told to prepare for their official Mission Briefing in six days. They were also told that a Mammoth would be detaching from the new Jumpship and providing fuel for fusion recharging. Days passed slowly as the Silver Eagles waited for any word, yet none came.
As Colonel Silver sat in the briefing room aboard the Comstock with Lt. Colonel McKenna and Major Thorpe waiting for their eventual Mission Briefing on the Dionysus, they debated yet another change to the Silver Eagles.
Colonel Silver turned to Major Thorpe. “Captain Friedrich has expressed his desire to become a full partner. He’s willing to ‘buy in’ with the Comstock itself. It would become the property of the Silver Eagles and Darious would become a full partner, one-quarter owner of the Silver Eagles. What do you think?”
Randall sat forward and thought a moment. “The Captain has stuck with us under very extreme circumstances. I have no doubts in his value to the unit. I for one foresee no problems there. But it creates an interesting problem. With four equal partners, when decisions are made ties become possible. How do we deal with that?”
Lt. Colonel McKenna faced the Major. “Kevin an’ I have an idea. We could let Joe act as a non-voting President of the Owner’s Association. As President, he would have the ability ta’ break ties.”
Randall thought a moment before answering. “I can see the wisdom there. He’d be a full partner if he would accept it. What does Joe think of that idea?”
Colonel Silver answered with a wry smile. “We’ve asked him and he has agreed to the terms, so long as it’s made clear that he’d prefer not to have to vote too often.”
Major Thorpe nodded. “That sounds like Joe. I agree. Anything else?”
The two Colonels looked at each other a moment and Kevin nodded. “As a matter of fact, yes. Colonel McKenna and I have another proposal, but now we need Joe and Darious before we proceed.” He pressed a button on the table. “Comtech. Send down Captain Friedrich and Lieutenant Faller, please.” After a minute, Darious and Joe entered the room. “Now that we’re all together, I’d like to welcome Darious to the Owner’s Association and with the consent of the Owners, appoint Lt. Faller as President, non-voting. Agreed?” as the three other owners nodded, Kevin continued. “Down to business. I want to incorporate the Silver Eagles.”
Major Thorpe sat back. “You mean go public with the ownership? Let anyone buy in?”
Erin shook her head. “Nay, Randall. I think he’s thinkin’ o’ a private incorporation. Only members o’ th’ Silver Eagles would be allowed to buy shares in th’ Company. Right sair?” Colonel Silver nodded slightly.
Randall thought a moment. “How would that work? Who would sell their portion to the new buyers?”
Colonel Silver turned to Lt. Faller. “Joe? You have a handle on this stuff. Can you explain it?”
Joe lit a cigarette and sat on the edge of the table. “How it would work is that the Silver Eagles would become a limited corporation, selling shares to members of the unit. Those shares would be created by issuing stock. That stock would be created and sold at the current share value of the company as needed. As more people buy into the company, more cash folds in, increasing the value of the company. The influx of cash from the purchase of the stock would exactly counter the decrease in value of the company by the issuance of the stock; thus the price remains unchanged. The value of each individual’s stock wouldn’t change unless the company actually lost real value, like if we take a severe beating. The only thing issuing stock would mean is that the Unit would grow in value and the percentage ownership of the four current owners would shrink proportionately.”
Randall looked concerned. “How much are we looking at making available here? Twenty percent? Thirty? How will that affect decisions?”
Joe shrugged as he took a drag off his cigarette. “It means that instead of an Owner’s Association meeting, there’ll be a shareholder’s meeting, mostly attended by proxy voters, which we can limit to only Senior Officers, if necessary. As to how much is made available, we can institute a stock cap that can prevent the issuance of more than a certain number of shares. Of course that can be over-ridden later by majority vote of the shareholders, but seeing as you four constitute the majority of the ownership in the unit, it would basically mean you all would have to want it to happen... or at very least three of you.”
McKenna added her input. “Can we start with an agreement to the incorporation?”
The four looked at each other. Colonel Silver Spoke first. “I vote ‘aye’.” In turn, each of the other three members voted in favor of incorporation. Over the next day, the five hammered out a rough outline of the company’s structure. When the call came that the Mission Briefing on May 12th, the Silver Eagles were not prepared for what they were told.
As Colonel Silver walked into the Grav Deck’s main meeting hall, it was odd to not take his place at the head of the room. Taking his seat next to McKenna, they waited for their briefing along with the other Senior Officers of the Silver Eagles.
After a few minutes, the door to the meeting hall opened and their Dragoon Commanding Officer walked in with three others, all in dress uniforms. As Colonel Silver looked at the three, he recognized the uniform of the Wolf’s Dragoons on two of the men easily enough, but the third wore a uniform he didn’t immediately recognize.
As the three reached the head of the room, Brevet Colonel Ericson, the Dragoon Commanding Officer of the Silver Eagles for this mission, looked at the assembled officers for a moment before he began. His expression could barely contain his wry smile. “Good morning. On October 1st, the leaders of the Great Houses met on Tharkad for what was called the Whitting Conference. This much I’m sure you heard about over the news nets before you took the contract. What you never heard about after you went into isolation was that over the next two months, two historical events took place. First of all, and most importantly to this briefing, the decision was made to attack the Smoke Jaguars en-mass and evict them from the Inner Sphere. You were hired for a mission now code-named Operation Bird Dog. You are one among dozens of units sent to harass the Jaguars under Bird Dog. Most are Company-sized units with front-line gear, and you will be joined by another such unit. Your mission is against the world of Asgard, along with a company of the Davion Heavy Guards, Jake’s Heavy Hitters.”
He stepped out from behind the podium to address the Officers directly. “This mission is the spearhead of a much larger attack code-named Bull Dog. You are not intended to inflict heavy damage on the Jags, but just keep them off-balance for a week. Much like your last mission, you’ll be heavily out-numbered down there. Once you’ve strung out the Jags, you’ll need to stay on the run. We’ll assign targets as necessary, freeing up your command staff for pure tactical considerations.” Pausing a moment, he continued. “Jake’s Heavy Hitters have their own targets and will not be engaging in any joint operations with you. Your job is to keep the heat off the Heavy Hitters. By keeping the Jags focused on you, the Heavy Hitters can harass their objectives without getting hammered too badly. While they have front-line OmniMechs, they can’t be expected to take on the entire Fourth Jaguar Dragoons plus the Epsilon Galaxy Command Trinary alone, even for a week.” Resuming his place behind the podium, he continued.
Pressing a key on the computer in front of him, a map of the Asgard system appeared on the large display screen at the front of the room. Zooming in on the planet, a trail was seen leading up to the edge of the planet. “You can see here the approach path of the Comstock and Hadrian. The two ships will make a lateral breaking maneuver along the upper atmosphere, releasing your units in a way so that they will make simultaneous re-entry onto the drop zone.” The image zoomed in again on a part of the planet below. “Your initial target is a forward command base. The Jags have a Trinary plus Elemental Support that floats through there but we aren’t sure of the exact rotation. You may hit more or less resistance.”
As he spoke the map of the area showed key points of the base. “The Command and Control facility is the primary target, with the ‘Mech Repair Gantries as a secondary objective. The tertiary objectives are the ammo and fuel stores housed there, as well as the short-term barracks. I’ll leave exact tactical planning to Colonel Silver and your command staff. The Comstock and Hadrian will make re-entry and land three kilometers west of the base. There they will disembark Command Company, Armor Company, Infantry Company, and the Support Company. After Strike and Assault Company destroy their targets they will make their way to the rendezvous point and link up with the rest of the Regiment. From there you will go to ground and the Dropships will dust off to avoid capture. Air Lance will cover your drop and rendezvous with the Comstock after they have left you on-planet. I will be joining the Silver Eagles as Commanding Officer of strategic operations.”
Turning off the display, he again left the podium to address the Silver Eagles directly. “The second part of the Whitting Conference was historical indeed. On November 21st, the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere signed a new Constitution of the Star League. The Succession Wars are over. Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao of the Capellan Confederation has been named the initial First Lord of the reformed Star League.” Pausing a moment to look at the astonished officers around the room, he continued. “The other House Lords will each in turn stand in the position for terms of three years. Your mission here is under the authority and under contract with the Star League Defense Force. While I work for the Wolf’s Dragoons, I am operating with the authority of the SLDF, as is Lieutenant Colonel McEvery and Hauptmann Grims.” He gestured to the other two officers in the room. “However, that knowledge does not leave this room until after Operation Bull Dog launches.”
He looked around the room at the Officers and grinned. “This is an auspicious moment for us all. Let’s go make some history!”
Colonel Silver watched and waited as the bulk of the Silver Eagles' 'Mech forces descended through the atmosphere. They got lucky in that Jaguar naval support seemed to be elsewhere, affording them a clean approach to the planet from the L1 point in only 6 hours unmolested. With luck, he thought, the Dionysus should remain safely charging at the L1 point for the rest of the week while we harass the Jags.
As the minutes ticked by, the radar return on the descending 'Mech cocoons suddenly turned into a cloud of noise.
"We have twenty-four good break-ups, sir." reported Petty Officer McFarlane, the sensor operator. "They look to be right on target to land on top of the facility."
"Good. Thank you Mister McFarlane." replied Captain Friedrich. Turning to Kevin, he smiled. "Now comes the hard part."
Erin felt the shock of her cocoon breaking apart. Shaken for a moment, she quickly got her bearings. "Eagles! Count off!" One by one, each Lance Commander reported in, all accounted for. Taking a deep breath she checked her altimeter once more. "Altitude, three thousand meters. Thirty seconds to touchdown."
Suddenly Erin heard her coms crackle to life. "Nighthawk to Orchid. We're off target!"
A lump rose in her throat. "Fallguy, confirm oor position."
A moment of eternity passed before he replied. "I have triangulation confirmed. We're on the correct target coordinates. But the Jags aren't down there."
McKenna cursed under her breath. "Alright. Prepare fer touchdoon. Someone see if they kin pick up anything doon there."
Lt. Collins broke in. "Got 'em, maam. They're 3 clicks west of here." He paused a moment. "Colonel... they're right on the Comstock's L-Z."
Erin shook her head. "Let's get doon theer an' evict 'em, boys!"
Scenario 1: Eagle’s Revenge
Attacker: The Silver Eagles
Forces: 47,072 BV / 1,965 tons / 30 Units
Assault Company, Assault Lance- 5,989 BV / 295 tons
Lt. Col. Erin McKenna (V-3/4) TDR-7Me Thunderbolt
Lt. SG Joseph Faller (V-4/4) BLR-3Me BattleMaster
Lt. JG Coleen Rusen (R-4/5) AXM-1N Axman
Lt. JG Paul (CV-2/3) VTR-9B Victor
Assault Company, Attack Lance- 6,997 BV / 285 tons
Lt. SG Ian Amdecker (V-3/4) AV1-O Avatar
Lt. JG Ryan Windsor (V-4/4) GAL-1GLS-e Gallowglas
Lt. SG Josepho (CV-3/3) ON1-Ve Orion
Lt. JG Aurora Belford (R-4/5) GLT-5M Guillotine
Assault Company, Defender Lance- 5,435 BV / 350 tons
Lt. SG Morander Collins (V-3/3) BNC-3Me Banshee
Lt. JG Asa Coventon (R-4/5) GOL-1H Goliath
Lt. JG Theo Kolic (R-5/5) BLR-1G BattleMaster
Lt. JG Mayra Orsten (R-4/5) CP-10-Qe Cyclops
Strike Company - Recon Lance- 6,615 BV / 155 tons
Maj. Randall Thorpe (V-3/4) BJ2-O Blackjack
Lt. JG Kurt Barwick (V-4/4) VL-5Me Vulcan
Lt. JG Jessie Stetler (R-4/4) Hankyu
Lt. JG James Mirabito (R-5/5) SDR-9Keg Venom
Strike Company, Strike Lance- 6,287 BV / 240 tons
Lt. SG Piotr Vahzenov (V-3/4) FLC-8Re Falconer
Lt. JG Alisha Calame (R-4/5) TBT-5Je Trebuchet
Lt. JG Kurt Wilmeth (R-4/5) OTL-4De Ostsol
Lt. JG Sofia Gordillo (R-5/5) GRF-1Ne Griffin
Strike Company, Tactical Lance- 6,328 BV / 235 tons
Lt. SG Richard Jones (V-4/3) MTR-5Ke Maelstrom
Lt. JG Louie Alo (V-3/3) OTL-5Me Ostsol
Lt. JG Joesph Ganer (R-4/5) STY-3C Starslayer
Lt. JG Vena Holguin (R-5/5) STY-3C Starslayer
Support Company - Air Lance- 9,420 BV / 405 tons
Lt. SG Danielle Tucker (V-3/4) V-12Me Corsair
Lt. JG Joseph Titus (V-3/4) V-12Me Corsair
Lt. SG Heather Seibert (V-4/4) F-700a Riever
Lt. SG Christine Deal (V-4/4) F-700a Riever
Lt. JG Charles Leonard Silver (V-4/3) SL-15E Slayer
Lt. JG Juan Kalan (R-4/5) F-11-RR Cheetah
Defender: 4th Jaguar Dragoons, Gamma Trinary Supernova
Forces: 47,077 BV / 1,080 tons / 30 Units
First Star- 16,959 BV / 420 tons
Star Capt. Lincoln Wirth (CE-1/2) Warhawk C
Pt. Cmdr. Jerome (CV-2/2) Kingfisher B
Pt. Cmdr. Trisha (CV-2/3) Night Gyr B
Pt. Cmdr. Jarred (CR-3/3) Summoner Prime
Pt. Cmdr. Faith (CR-3/4) Dire Wolf B
Second Star- 13,966 BV / 360 tons
Star Cmdr. Belia (CV-2/2) Gargoyle C
Pt. Cmdr. Marcos (CV-2/3) Timberwolf B
Pt. Cmdr. Allan (CR-3/4) Timberwolf Prime
Pt. Cmdr. Breanne (CR-3/3) Mad Dog Prime
Pt. Cmdr. Terina (CR-3/4) Summoner A
Third Star- 11,131 BV / 225 tons
Star Cmdr. Evan (CV-2/2) Cauldron-Born Prime
Pt. Cmdr. Hosea (CV-2/3) Stormcrow B
Pt. Cmdr. Chaya (CR-3/3) Adder A
Pt. Cmdr. Lezlie (CR-3/4) Viper A
Pt. Cmdr. Benito (CR-4/4) Hankyu C
First Elemental Star- 1,841 BV / 25 tons
Star Cmdr. Carina (CE-2) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Pt. Cmdr. Omer (CV-2) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Pt. Cmdr. Felipe (CV-2) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Pt. Cmdr. Donovan (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Pt. Cmdr. Analisa (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Second Elemental Star- 1,730 BV / 25 tons
Star Cmdr. Zachery (CV-2) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Pt. Cmdr. Margarette (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Pt. Cmdr. Carleen (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Pt. Cmdr. Donn (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Pt. Cmdr. Hildegarde (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – SL
Third Elemental Star- 1,451 BV / 25 tons
Star Cmdr. Pauletta (CV-2) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – MG
Pt. Cmdr. Donte (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – MG
Pt. Cmdr. Concha (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – MG
Pt. Cmdr. Maggie (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – MG
Pt. Cmdr. Harland (CR-3) 5 Clan Elemental Suits – MG
Force-balanced BV Ratio: 1-to-1
Maps: Defender’s Choice of four maps arranged 2x2. The tops of the maps are oriented East and the bottoms are West.
Special: There are 14 target structures. They are the Command & Control Facility, (three 150 CF Hardened Structures located next to one another in a line) the ‘Mech Repair Bays, (five 90 CF Heavy Structures situated in a line) the fuel depot and power generator, (one 40 CF Medium Structure) the barracks, (three 15 CF Light Structures located adjacent to one another) and the ammo dump. (two 15 CF Light Structures located next to one another) They may be placed anywhere the Defender chooses, but must be located on a clear or pavement hex.
Set Up:
Defender: Must deploy within 3 hexes of the ‘Mech Repair Buildings. Battlearmor may begin Combat Mechanized.
Attacker: Must deploy along top edge of the map. (edge hexes only)
Attacker Victory Conditions:
Total Victory – Destroy all three C&C buildings, all five ‘Mech Repair Buildings, and take no permanent casualties.
Partial Victory – Destroy either the C&C buildings or the ‘Mech Repair Building, and take no permanent casualties.
Pyretic Victory – As Partial Victory, but taking permanent casualties.
Partial Defeat – Destroy at least two C&C buildings or three Repair Buildings.
Total Defeat – Fail to destroy two C&C buildings or three Repair Buildings.
Defender Victory Conditions:
Total Victory – At least two C&C buildings remain as well as three Repair Buildings.
Partial Victory – At least one C&C building remains as well as two Repair Buildings.
Pyretic Victory – As Partial Victory, but a medium or light building is destroyed.
Partial Defeat – Prevent the destruction of either all three C&C or all five Repair Buildings.
Total Defeat – Failure to prevent the destruction of all C&C and Repair Buildings.
Notes:
No plan Survives Contact with the Enemy: The intelligence on the location of the base is wrong. The Silver Eagles dropped on-target, but the facility was not there. It had relocated three kilometers west. By the time the Silver Eagles can arrive at the base, the entire Trinary Supernova is alerted to their approach and ready for battle. (this is why the Defender gets to chose the maps as well as building deployment and is alerted to the attack)
Forced Withdrawal: Attacker units cannot afford to fight to the bitter end. If any Attacker unit suffers a Critical Hit due to Internal Structure damage that unit must withdraw from the battlefield toward the nearest edge. Any unit is free to fire on fleeing units if they so chose. Defender units are not subject to Forced Withdrawal, nor are they subject to Clan Honor Rules. (any level) Defender may fight to the last man if they so chose.
-
They say first impressions are important... }:)
Asgard, Jaguar Occupation Zone
May 13th, 3059
Lt. JG Charles Silver rode his Slayer down through the upper atmosphere like the veteran he was, cool and collected, despite the roaring heat of the high-speed re-entry. As the six fighters of the Silver Eagles guarded their ‘Mechs, Lt. Silver glanced at a new reading on his display. Clicking a thumb switch on his flight stick, he cleared his throat. “Bogies. One o’clock low at angles five and climbing.”
A voice crackled across the scrambled frequency. “Roger that, Iceman.” Came the voice of Air Leader Lt. SG Danielle Tucker. “I count ten. Stay in defensive formation.” Charles knew that as they closed, having to stay in formation with the descending ‘Mechs would make them sitting ducks waiting to get shot from the sky. Keying his mic once more, he grudgingly replied. “Roger that. Stay in formation.”
As their altitude dropped and their speed continued to climb, his coms once more crackled to life with the voice of his wingman. “Iceman? Needles here. This decent profile is way too steep. I’m dropping behind. Over?”
Lt. Silver glanced at his rear display. Sure enough, his wingman was now half a kilometer behind the formation and falling back. “Needles, what is your situation? Are you at maximum angle of attack?”
“Roger that, Iceman.” His wingman replied. “If I steepen my decent, she’ll tear apart.” Charles could hear over the coms the buffeting tossing the lighter fighter around that his heavy Fighter just plowed through. Grimacing, he switched frequencies and keyed his mic. “Air Leader, this is Air Support. My wingman is at maximum decent and falling behind. I’m falling back to cover him.”
The reply came quickly and curtly, though heavily distorted. “Negative Air Support.” Lt. Tucker replied. “Remain in formation. Ionization is getting worse. If we break up, we won’t be able to support you.”
Lt. Silver scowled, and adjusted his frequency timing. “Say again, Air Leader. All before ‘Ionization’.” It was a blatant lie, but one he would push. The reply that came back was so broken up he honestly couldn’t make out anything that was said. Keying his mic again, he replied. “Did not copy. Per standing Rules of Engagement, I am falling back to cover my wingman. Iceman out.”
Pulling back slightly on the flight stick, Lt. Silver slowed his decent to fall back away from the rest of the formation. Keying in his wingman’s frequency, he keyed his mic as he closed in on his position. “Needles, this is Iceman. Coming up on your twelve o’clock low. Copy?”
Static filled his ears as the reply came. “Good to hear a friendly voice, Lieutenant!” Pausing, Lt. Silver’s wingman reported. “Sir, I’ve got a track on four bogies breaking off to high altitude.”
Looking at his threat warning indicator, Lt. Silver nodded. “They’re breaking high to come in on our six. Once there, we’re dog meat.” Thinking for a way out, a plan formulated in his mind. “Needles, this is Iceman. You picking up hull ionization from my trail?”
A static-filled reply came after a moment. “Affirmative, Iceman. I can barely hear you over it.”
The kid better go for this or we’re both dead men. he thought. Keying the secured channel open again, he began. “Ok, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to stay on your approach path to follow the formation down, and let your angle of attack drop low enough to catch up with them.” He knew Lt. Kalan was about to object, but he never let him. “What I’m going to do is run atmospheric interference for you. I’m gonna put my wake right over that stubby little Cheetah of yours.”
“Are you nuts?” He replied. “With the ionization you’re creating, I’ll be blind as a bat! I won’t even be able to see the Jags coming!”
Lt. Silver interrupted. “But they won’t be able to see you, either.” He paused a moment to let the thought sink in. “Besides, this way we can catch up to the rest of the formation before we get picked apart up here. It’s either this, or we take our chances with four Clan Omnifighters with an altitude advantage.”
Seconds ticked by like the eternity of hyperspace transit. Finally, a simple reply came. “Do it.”
Gauging the distance, Lt. Silver brought his fighter into close formation with his wingman, watching as the lesser experienced pilot began to steepen his dive. Steepening his own, he brought his wake directly over the light recon fighter. Instantly, the fighter vanished from his radar return. Continuing to steepen his dive, the exterior of his fighter began to heat above a thousand degrees Kelvin. All I can do is hope he stays in that wake. Charles thought. One bad move, and that flimsy fighter will fly apart like a paper airplane in a blast furnace.
As Lt. Silver plummeted through the atmosphere, the skin of his Slayer glowing hot, his threat warning indicator kept registering intermittent target locks from behind. They’re trying to get a lock on me. This had better work. Keying his mic, he opened the secure channel. “Iceman to Rogue. I’ve got Needles right on my tail and we’re trying to resume formation.” A snap of over 60 megajoules of coherent light flashed past his cockpit interrupting his report. “They’re trying to get a target lock, but my ionization trail is making me difficult to track.” He paused a moment before finishing. “It’s an opportunity, Lieutenant.”
Static filled his helmet as he waited for a reply. Finally, a curt reply came. “Rogue to Iceman. Maintain your angle of attack and get ready to break high as soon as you hit thirty-three hundred.”
As he watched his altimeter rapidly drop from over 8,000 meters to less than 4,000 meters in less than 30 seconds, he waited for his airspeed to drop below Mach 2. Just as he descended through 3,300 meters, his airspeed indicator showed his velocity under Mach 2. “Right on target.” He said. Pushing gently forward on the stick, his angle of attack steepened, letting his heavy fighter slip into normal flight. As he slipped into normal flight, he finally registered the signature of the Cheetah as it slipped out of his wake.
“Iceman to Needles. Copy?” he quarried.
A moment passed like eternity, ending with a rewarding sound. “Needles to Iceman. I’m still in one piece.”
Suddenly, he slammed the throttle full forward and pulled into a tight climb, just as his threat-warning indicator showed four clear targets behind him. Keying his mic he barked, “Break low!” As the two fighters slit apart, he slipped around to face his former pursuers, locking his weapons on one just as the other four members of Air Lance opened fire on their targets as they shot past his position. Lasers, autocannon fire, and missiles filled the air as five fighters focused on two. The Clanners’ focused attention on the one fighter that suddenly became two left them completely by surprise as two of their fighters completely disintegrated under concentrated fire.
Swinging around as the two remaining fighters pulled around to pursue his wingman, Lt. Silver locked his weapons on one of the remaining fighters. Unleashing three Diverse Optics Type 30X ER Large Lasers at the rear of the Sabutai. Two glanced harmlessly across the heavy rear armor, but the third dug deeply into the left wing root. As fifty megajoules of energy cored a clean hole through the left wing, part of the beam cut into the hydrogen fuel lines running further out into the wing. As oxygen came rushing into the gap, the superheated metal ignited the hydrogen flowing out of the lines, turning the fuel lines into a blowtorch.
Smoke began to billow out of the wing as the fire spread down the fuselage. As the fighter began to yaw to the left, the airflow created a vortex of burning hydrogen that boiled up inside the wing. As it reached the fuel tank, the already buckled fuel lines ruptured, releasing the pressure keeping the metallic hydrogen fuel stable. A millisecond later, the tank exploded in a fury of expanding gas. All that remained of the fighter was a mass of twisted metal spiraling toward the ground.
As he pulled clear of the debris field, Lt. Silver saw the last remaining pursuer vanish from his threat display. “Iceman to Rogue. Nice save. Looks like even odds now. Let’s go clean house.”
Lt. Colonel McKenna kept her Thunderbolt’s pace even as the distance marker counted down to the waypoint that would have been their rendezvous with the Comstock. Now it was a well-armed camp of Smoke Jaguars, all ready to kill or die for their Clan. Bloody hell! McKenna thought. This does nay bode well. Admittedly they had a run of good luck when Lt. Silver had managed to draw four Clan Omnifighters into an ambush, clearing the immediate area of air cover before they even reached the ground, but their luck had all but run out.
Glancing down at her threat-warning display, she keyed her mic. “Orchid to all units. Maintain attack formation and continue to close.” Switching channels, she keyed her mic again. “Orchid to all Lance Leaders. Sitrep.”
Static filled her helmet a moment before the replies began with Lt. Amdecker. “Zero reporting, Attack Lance ready.”
Lt. Collins continued. “Smoke reporting, Defender Lance ready.”
Maj. Thorpe chimed in. “Nighthawk reporting, Recon Lance ready.”
Lt. Vahzenov reported in an unusually professional manner. “Sixguns reporting. Strike Lance ready.”
Next was Lt. Jones. “Griz reporting. Tactical Lance ready.”
Lt. Faller reported for his Lance. “Fallguy reporting. Assault Lance ready.”
Lastly came Lt. Tucker. “Rogue reporting. Air Lance ready for ground support.”
McKenna cleared her throat. “Alright, me boy’os. What air we te do now?” She paused a moment before continuing. If we dinna come up wi somthin’ soon, we’ll all be bondsmen by nightfall. Breaking her reverie, she finished. “Suggestions?”
Fallguy spoke first. “Well, one thing’s for sure, we sure can’t follow the plan. Those Clanners will eat us for breakfast in a head-to-head fight.”
Randall continued the thought. “Agreed. We might want to consider aborting the attack, wait until they aren’t expecting us.”
McKenna keyed her mic. “No good, Nighthawk. We need te knock their C and C oot so we kin stand a chance at drawing th’ Jags away from Jake’s Heavy Hitters. If we dinna get their attention, th’ Hitters air doomed before they even hit th’ ground.”
Lt. Silver added his own thoughts. “Can’t you just challenge them to some kind of trial in one-on-one combat? Reduce the odds somewhat?”
Lt. Amdecker refuted the idea. “Negative, Air Support. These are Jaguars, not Falcons or Wolves. They will not engage in honorable combat.”
Silence filled the air as the range indicator slowly ticked toward their target. Finally, Lt. Vahzenov spoke up. “Colonel, reqvesting permission to take Strike Lance along ze souzern flank vile ze rest of ze unit flanks along ze north. Ve vill hit zier fuel bunker and generators while you draw off ze Clanners. Ve vill zen do as much damage as ve can before pulling out.”
McKenna thought about the plan a moment and glanced at the tactical display before speaking. “Permission granted, conditionally. Air Lance? Ye will make a strafing run against th’ fuel bunker and do as much damage as possible. Strike Lance? Ye’r job will be t’ keep th’ heat off Air Lance. If ye see anyone taking shots...” she paused a moment. “...get their attention.”
Lt. SG Piotr Vahzenov dodged behind the cover of a hill as the Timberwolf unleashed a full barrage of forty long-range missiles at his Falconer. As the missiles lost lock and detonated harmlessly, Vahzenov keyed his mic. “Sixguns to Air Leader. Ve have zeir attention. You’re clear to engage.” As he continued his run past the low rise, he swiveled his ‘Mech to the right to face the Jaguar OmniMech that was engaging him.
As he rounded the hill, he saw the Timberwolf facing skyward as the six fighters of Air Lance came in on their attack run. “Forgetting about me so qvickly?” he quipped with a smile. Lining up on the center of mass, he tapped his main trigger twice, unleashing 62 megajoules of coherent light from his Clan heavy pulse laser, followed quickly by a hypersonic slug of nickel-iron from his Poland Main Model A Gauss Rifle. The laser scorched a line of ruined armor across the left missile box launcher, while the slug of nickel-iron shattered against the thick plate over the ‘nose’ of the 75-ton OmniMech, raining a shower of ruined crystal-steel and boron nitride to the ground.
Even as armor shattered and the ‘Mech staggered back, twin lances of laser light flashed back at him. One connected with his left arm just above the elbow, exploding nearly two-thirds of a ton of armor, while the other dug into the armored right flank just below the shoulder joint. As the energy spent itself on his protective shield of armor, Vahzenov’s Falconer rocked to the left as he fought with the controls to keep the 75-ton war machine balanced. Taking a hitch-step, he regained his balance and dodged behind the next hill.
As Lt. JG Charles Silver swing in behind Lt. Tucker’s Corsair, he activated his ground-track radar. His display was populated with a multitude of targets, one of which was designated as Air Lance’s target. He flicked the safety cover off his primary trigger controlling his three nose-mounted Diverse Optics Type 30X ER Large Lasers and waited for optimum range to fire. As he approached the target, he watched Lt. Tucker and Lt. Titus unleash a pair of Exostar ER Large Lasers each on the target. Megajoules of energy splayed across the target and shattered the light structure containing the power generator. As Lt. Silver reached optimum range, he tapped the trigger, unleashing his firepower at the wounded fuel bunker.
As he did so, a small secondary explosion blew the south side of the building to shards. Can’t have been the fuel. he thought. Wasn’t nearly large enough. As he swept over the target at high speed, his threat warning indicator went off. The impassionate tone caught his attention just before the spray of missiles slammed into his fighter. Even as a dozen high explosive warheads shattered armor, his heavy spacecraft only buffeted slightly. Lt. Silver smiled as the damage display showed only minor armor damage. Suddenly his damage indicator flashed as another weapon hit his armor and penetrated into his right wing.
As he pulled back on the control stick, the fire indicator went off. “I’ve got a fuel fire!” he shouted as he glanced over his right shoulder at the wing. A trail of fire and smoke was pouring out of the wing. Even as he shouted his warning, the self-sealing tanks cut off the flow of hydrogen fuel to the ruptured tank and the fire spent itself harmlessly. Suddenly his ground-track radar removed his target from the display. Glancing back, he saw the two F-700a Rievers pulling up behind him, a large cloud of debris where the fuel bunker used to lie behind them.
Lt. Col. McKenna ran Macha, her customized Thunderbolt, along the ridgeline north of the Jaguar camp. Triggering her Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser at the Dire Wolf, she glanced armor off the heavily armored leg. In return, a particle cannon flashed over her shoulder as a smattering of 30mm light autocannon shells exploded all around her. At the same time, a barrage of sub-munitions exploded all over her ‘Mech. One detonated against her cockpit canopy, slamming her into her restraints. The sickening sound of a rib cracking filled her ears, even through the sound of explosions outside her ‘Mech.
Cursing in Gaelic, she saw the fighters scream over the base. The explosion of the fuel bunker brought a smile to her lips, even through the pain in her chest. Glancing at her tactical display, a new unit appeared on the scene. Even as realization formulated in her mind, her com system crackled to life.
“Silver Actual to Orchid. Command and Fire Lance ready to drop on the target. ETA, 30 seconds.”
Lt. Col. McKenna tapped a point on her situation display and keyed her mic. “Eagles! Fall back by Lances to waypoint delta-two-six. Collateral damage as you move out!”
As the bulk of the Silver Eagles turned north away from the Jaguar base camp, they all took parting shots. Not at the Jaguars, but the ‘Mech repair facilities behind them. Dozens of long-range missiles, autocannon shells, lasers, and particle cannons smashed into the reinforced buildings. As the Silver Eagles reached the tree line to the north of the base, one building was burning, with another heavily damaged.
Lt. SG Joe Faller watched the situational display as he reached the tree line. “Fallguy to Orchid. They’re breaking ranks to pursue. Looks like we rattled their cage, Colonel. They’re probably pretty pissed we shot at the building and not them!”
McKenna smiled. “Aye, love. Tha’ twas th’ whole idea. No one left to guard th’ base.” As Assault company reached the waypoint, she designated a new point on her area map and keyed her mic again. “Orchid to all units. Turn and hold. If you take serious damage, fall back ta waypoint alpha-six-two and rendezvous with th’ Comstock. No last stands, understood?” A chorus of acknowledgment rang back as her threat indicator showed ten contacts closing quickly through the trees. “Hold fast, me boy’os. Here they come...”
Lt. Vahzenov shoved both feet hard to the floor of his cockpit, igniting his jump jets and sending his Falconer 150 meters over the top of the Command and Control Facility. As he sailed through the air, fifty short range missiles followed him into the air, but failed to lock on as he landed on the far side of the building. “Sixguns to Orchid. Looks like a Nova of Elementals and ‘Mechs remained behind to guard ze base. Ve are outmatched.”
Static crackled through his com system as he got a reply. “Silver Actual to Sixguns. Just keep their eyes busy for a few more seconds, Vaz.”
Piotr grinned. “Da. I vill grab zier attention, Colonel.” Turning to face the building he unleashed all his weapons into the face of the center building of the command center. The lasers shattered ferrocrete facing and started small fires while the gauss rifle round blasted a hole deep into the heart of the building. As he expected, the Elemental Star leapt into the air and onto the building to engage him. Even as they did so, a barrage of two hundred long-range missiles pounded most of the building they were standing on into oblivion. As the center of the building collapsed, most of them fell with it, never to be seen again. Lining up on one elemental, he tapped the trigger for his Clan pulse laser. A scarlet beam sliced through the damaged armor of the clansman like a bullet hitting glass. Sighting another Elemental, he triggered his gauss rifle at the hapless Jaguar, shattering him into a stain of red mist and metal.
Bringing his ‘Mech up to a trot, Vahzenov ran north along the face of the building, taking opportunity to fire at the building as he ran. Even as he did so, hundreds of missiles started pouring into the ‘Mech repair facility, while the four ‘Mechs of Command Lance and the other three members of Strike Lance engaged the remains of the base defenders. Rounding the C&C building, he saw the Timberwolf he traded shots with a minute before, this time with his back turned to face Command Lance.
“Never turn your back on a Russian, comrade.” He joked as he sent a full salvo of weapons fire into the back of the heavy OmniMech. The laser blistered armor off of the left arm, but his gauss rifle buried itself into the shoulder joint and shattered the endosteel bones forming the link to the right arm. The ‘Mech spun with the shock of the damage like a mortally wounded animal, its right arm hanging limp from a few scraps of twisted metal and myomer.
As it turned to engage him, a hail of fire from Command Lance continued what he began, eating away at the internal structures that made up the right half of the ‘Mech. Overcome with the blistering hail of weapons fire the ‘Mech lost its footing and tottered toward the ground, even as the pilot tried to fire back at his tormenter. Two lasers flashed into the ground directly in front on Vahzenov’s Falconer from the limp right arm, while another two flew wide over his head.
As the ‘Mech came crashing to the ground, the impact overcame the structural integrity of the wounded right flank and the entire right side collapsed. The ‘Mech rolled a moment on the ground before the threat indicator removed the weapons lock. Checking the display status, the ‘Mech was no longer showing an active reactor. Superheated coolant gushed from the wounds along the right side of the ‘Mech like steaming blood on a cold winter day. Looking at the thermal display, Vahzenov realized the Jaguar ‘Mechwarrior had taken severe engine damage and not bothered to slow his rate of fire. The two conspired together to drive the heat inside his ‘Mech to impossible levels. “Fool.” was all he said as he searched for his next victim.
McKenna unleashed a full barrage of laser and short-range missile fire at the Summoner as it came crashing through the trees toward her. Six light lasers and ten short-range missiles slammed into the enemy ‘Mech, boiling armor off every part like a sugar cube immersed in water. Even as she did so, the rip of heavy autocannon fire screamed as dozens of high-explosive shells ripped armor off her ‘Mech’s wounded left leg. Meanwhile a barrage of long range missiles exploded all around her, chipping armor off like a snake shedding its skin. Leaning back, Erin screamed and charged at the Jaguar OmniMech. Lifting her axe high, she brought it down with the force of a gauss rifle, cleaving the right arm off the enemy machine like a gardener pruning the limb of a tree.
Stepping back as the heavy war machine fell to the ground, she unleashed another hail of fire into the prone enemy, shattering armor plates easily. One of the light lasers struck the cockpit assembly, damaged some time in the initial exchange of fire against the Silver Eagles. The cockpit split open like an over-ripe melon, bringing the ‘Mech to a shuddering end.
Even as she gained a small victory, the rest of the Binary broke through the trees and engaged the rest of the Silver Eagles. Weapons fire blasted trees into flames while the two sides tried to kill one another. As she turned to look down the line of fire, she saw all of Defender Lance open fire on the Dire Wolf she wounded earlier. With a pang of jealousy she watched the hundred-ton OmniMech fall under the blistering wave of weapons fire. Even as it settled to the ground, a Jaguar Warhawk unleashed its deadly array of heavy pulse lasers against Lt. Windsor’s Gallowglas. With the precision of a surgeon, the Jaguar Mechwarrior carved a gaping hole through the ‘Mech’s chest armor, eating away at the internal structure surrounding the heart of the machine. The explosion of energy was so intense it lifted the 70-ton ‘Mech off the ground and sent it flying onto its back.
Even as Lt. Windsor struggled with the machine to get it to regain its feet, the wounded Dire Wolf rose like a phoenix from where it had fallen. A lump rose in Erin’s throat as she did a quick examination of the balance of power. We’re losing. she thought. Even as the thought formulated in her mind, two dozen Elementals leapt through the air to land among the Silver Eagles ‘Mechs. Gathering her pride, she barked, “Eagles! Pull out! Waypoint alpha-six-two, now! All units pull out!” As she lit off her jump jets to get clear of the battle zone, she watched as the other members of the ‘Mech Battalion tried to break off engagement. She could see a star of Elementals swarming all over Lt. Collins’ Banshee as he pulled back, him trying to swat at the Jaguar warriors like a man in a swamp swatting mosquitoes.
Despair swept over Erin as she moved north to get away from the enemy ‘Mechs. As she turned west to head toward her waypoint, she glanced at her situational display and could hardly believe what she saw. They’re pulling back! Even as she watched her command pull away from the Jags, she realized why they were breaking off. She quickly keyed her mic. “Orchid to Silver Actual. Th’ Jags air pullin’ out. They mean ta’ come clean house, sair.”
“Roger that, Assault Leader.” Colonel Silver replied. “Silver Actual to all units. Pull out. Make for waypoint alpha-six-two. Group up into formation victor-four. Strike Lance? You’ve got point. Silver Actual out.”
Erin quickened her pace to catch up with the retreating Silver Eagles. Glancing back at the base camp as she cleared the tree line, she nodded grimly and keyed in the command frequency. “Looks like you dinna leave them much, Kevin.”
Col. Silver replied with an equally dire tone. “Aye, Erin. We ruined their repair facilities and most of the C&C. Didn’t leave the ammo dump untouched, either. Whatever they can pick out of that mess won’t be worth fixing. They’re going to have to pull back to repair and refit. That buys us the time we need to unload and disappear.”
Major Thorpe added to the conversation. “They will be looking for us, Kevin.”
Col. Silver nodded. “Yes Randall, they will. Meanwhile, they won’t be looking for Jake’s Heavy Hitters. That leaves them free to cause all sorts of havoc with the Jags. Our bosses wanted chaos... and by God, chaos is what they’re going to get!”
-
Asgard, Jaguar Occupation Zone
May 13th, 3059
Colonel Kevin Charles Silver stood at the foot of Hermes, his modified WHM-7M Warhammer handed down through six generations of the Silver family. As he enjoyed the cool breeze of the early local morning, he watched the Comstock and Hadrian unloading hundreds of tons of supplies and the rest of the Silver Eagles regiment.
His musings were broken as Major Thorpe walked up. “Something I can do for you, Major?” he asked.
Randall nodded. “Aye, sir. Any ideas for what to do once we get unloaded? I’ve been going over the planetary survey maps and I’ve got a few.”
Col. Silver nodded grimly. “Ok. Briefing room in five minutes. All senior staff.” At that he picked up his coolant vest and started walking towards the huge spheroid Dropship.
Randall watched Kevin walk away just as Lt. Col. McKenna walked up. “Something wrong, Randall?” she asked.
Major Thorpe shrugged. “Not sure. Kevin’s just acting a bit... off. Distracted.”
Erin smiled. “Dinna worry yerself, Major. He’s probably just focused.” She nodded towards Kevin. “What’s th’ plan?”
Randall took a sip from his canteen and gestured toward the Comstock. “Briefing in five. All senior staff.”
Five minutes later, Col. Silver walked into the briefing room aboard the Overlord class Dropship Comstock. With him was Brevet Col. Ericson. Seated length-wise down the left side of the briefing room table were Lt. Col. McKenna, Lt. Faller, Lt. Amdecker, Lt. Collins, Captain Owens, Lt. O’Hare, Sr. Tech Iverson, and Captain Friedrich. Opposite them were Major Thorpe, Lt. Jones, Lt. Vahzenov, Lt. Chism, Lt. Bazemore, Master Sergeant Spanner, Sergeant Chi Lin, and Captain Hernandez-Silver. As he took his seat, Col. Silver cleared his throat. “Alright. Sven? How long until we’re unloaded?”
Chief Tech Sven Iverson looked up the length of the table. “Should be unpacked and loaded, ready to roll, in just over two and a half hours, sir.”
Col. Silver looked over at Randall. “Major? You have a recommendation?”
Randall nodded and punched a key on the table in front of him. “Aye, sir. I was looking over the maps provided by our employers and I found a nice little nook here in the base of these hills. It’s easily defendable, well away from any occupied areas, and if worse comes to worse, the unit can fall back higher into the hills.” As he spoke, the main display showed the surrounding area, zooming in on an area 500 km to the west. “If we head out as soon as we’re ready, we can make it there by twenty-two-thirty local time.”
Col. Silver looked around the room. “Any other suggestions?”
Lt. Vahzenov leaned forward. “Vat is ze plan after ve zet up camp? Ve need to keep zeir attention, nyet?”
Col. Silver nodded. “Yes. Any suggestions on that front, Colonel Ericson?”
The Dragoon liaison shrugged as he stood near the corner of the room, his arms folded almost as if in boredom. “Strategically, there are no objectives set until the 15th. I’ll go over the details after we have a safe place to settle.”
Col. Silver looked around the room. “For now, we’ll just let things go and see where they settle. The intel we got on the Jags can’t be considered completely reliable...” He glanced over his right shoulder at Col. Ericson. “...so we’re going to assume nothing. For the moment, let’s just concentrate on getting rolling. I’m designating our destination waypoint Bravo-one. While en-route, I want you all to go over maps of the surrounding area. I want alternate rally points at least as good as Bravo-one.” Looking around the room, he let out a sigh. “Alright, you all know what to do. Dismissed.”
Fourteen uneventful hours later, the Silver Eagles reached waypoint Bravo-one.
As morning broke over the western hills of Asgard, Erin was finishing her morning workout routine. With the dim orange rays of the type M1 star streaking over the eastern horizon, the sky took on a bloody red hue. Looking across the small camp of mercenaries, the activity of morning just beginning, the color made the camp look dingy and rusted over. Looking at the pristine armor of the Partisan Air Defense Tanks, they looked worn and old, as though the slightest touch would cause them to shatter. Erin shook her head to clear the thought. Ye’re lettin’ th’ gloom settle o’re ya, Erin. she thought. Grabbing her towel, she slung it over her shoulders and pulled it under her hair. As she started toward her tent, she saw Joe coming toward her. Glancing at her watch, she queried, “Did Kevin push up th’ morning meeting?”
Joe shook his head. “Nope. Just came out to check on ya, love.”
Erin stopped in her tracks and looked at him. “That’s...” she paused a moment to consider her next words carefully. “...oddly sweet.” She smiled. “What’s the occasion?”
Joe shrugged. “None. Just had some time to kill and thought you might enjoy the company.” He furrowed his brow. “Was I wrong?”
Erin chuckled. “Nay, love. I could use the company.” As they strolled toward the camp, she tugged at the ends of the towel. “Any word on the Jags or our ships?”
Joe shook his head. “Nope. Last report on the Comstock and the Hadrian had them meeting up with Air Lance on orbit and making for the L2 point. Last tac-recon on the Jags had them pulling back to the city of Vernon. There wasn’t much left of their camp, but they packed up the scraps and hauled them back there.”
Erin looked at the ground as she walked. “Sounds almost desperate, if I didn’t know Clanners the way I do. ‘Waste not, want not.’ ”
Joe chuckled. “No kidding. There is such a thing as being too thrifty.”
As the two walked into the headquarters tent and took their seats, Colonels Silver and Ericson walked in as well. Col. Silver nodded to the assembled officers as he went to the front of the tent. “Good morning. Status report.” He looked to Col. McKenna.
She stood slowly, the soreness of her muscles slowing her reaction. “Well, we’re pretty well set up here. Camo is up, and we’re tapped into th’ local water table. Rations aire in great shape and we have enough supplies fer half-a-dozen combat actions.”
Nodding, Col. Silver looked over to Sven. “How’s repairs?”
Chief Tech Iverson stood and looked at the ground. “We’re making progress fixing up the lightest damage, but a few units in Attack Lance are pretty banged up. Lt. Windsor’s Gallowglas took the worst of it. She’s got massive internal damage. We’ll be lucky if we can patch her up in time for whatever mission is set for tomorrow. In either event, the unit is at about 95% as it stands.”
As Sven sat back down, Col. Silver looked to Joe. “Lt. Faller. What’s intel have on the Jags?”
Joe stood and lit a cigarette, blowing it out slowly before he spoke. “Best info we have places most of the 4th Dragoons in Vernon, but by now the Heavy Hitters should be on the ground and getting a little attention of their own.” He paused and looked up at the roof of the tent as though mulling over something as trivial as his lunch before continuing. “Taking into account the details of yesterday’s battle, I’d say we’re looking at some odd aspects of the Jags’ deployment. Even the very act of re-deploying the forward base three clicks west of their former position is a complete puzzle. I mean, why pack up an entire forward command center and relocate it only a few kilometers from where it was? Something just doesn’t add up.”
Lt. Vahzenov nodded. “Da. It doesn’t make any zense to me, either. If zey knew ve vere coming and vhere ve vere going to land, vhy not have more zan a Trinary Supernova zere?”
Lt. Amdecker added his perspective. “Perhaps they bid down to a Supernova to destroy us.”
Erin shook her head. “I dinna agree, Ian-sama. If th’ Jags ken we were comin’, we’d ‘ave ne’er hit th’ ground.”
Joe nodded as he took a drag from his cigarette. “That’s my analysis as well. What I’m looking at is telling me it’s just coincidence that they moved their forward base to the same place we were going to land the Comstock. They likely picked that location for many of the same reasons we did.” He ticked off each item with his fingers as he listed them. “It’s in a relatively open area, there’s defensible cover along three sides, the way west is open enough to have a clear field of fire but still has enough broken terrain to slow enemy advance, and lastly the ground there is nearly a solid slab of granite so landing a Dropship there is relatively easy and safe.” He paused again before continuing. “The only thing that doesn’t make any sense is that where they were before was even better.” He let the thought sink in before concluding, “So why the move?”
Silence greeted him as everyone present struggled for an answer that was as elusive as smoke. Finally Col. Silver spoke up. “We don’t have enough intel on the Jags to draw any conclusions. Toward that end, I’m authorizing a recon run on Vernon. This will not be recon-in-force. Just a fact-finding mission.” He turned to Joe. “Lt. Faller? You’re free to gather an operations team and make your way to Vernon to see what you can dig up. I want it quiet and small. Be back in time for tomorrow morning’s briefing.” Kevin glanced around the room before finishing. “Unless anyone has anything to add, you’re all on R&R until oh-seven-hundred tomorrow. Dismissed.”
As the command staff filtered out of the headquarters tent, Erin saw Joe talking to both Chi Lin and Lt. Vahzenov. Approaching the trio, she queried, “What evil aire you three cooking up?”
Lt. Vahzenov grinned. “Oh nozing, Colonel. Ve vere just trying to decide vich vone of us gets to drive your car into town.”
Erin shot an icy stare at the St. Ives native. “Mess up me car, Sixguns and you might live to regret it.”
Joe leaned over and kissed Erin’s forehead. “Don’t sweat it, dear. I’ll drive safe.”
Erin pulled back slightly and looked at Joe incredulously. “Ye forget, love. I’ve seen ye drive.” She pulled her keys out and jingled them like a bell. “I’ll drive, love.”
Major Thorpe interrupted. “You can ride shotgun, Joe. I’ll take point on my bike.” Looking at the quartet, he shrugged. “What? I’ve got nothing better to do until tomorrow’s morning meeting, and you have to admit I’m a good guy to have in a fire fight.”
Joe rolled his eyes. “Yeah Randall, but we’re supposed to it quietly. If we get into a fire fight, we already screwed up.”
The native Terran shrugged. “All the more reason to have me along. If it goes that sour, you’ll want someone that good.”
Joe sighed in resignation. “Alright, good point. You...”
His statement was interrupted by the distinct sound of a high-speed aircraft pass. Even as the sound registered in their minds, an alert was shouted over their personal radios. “Overflight! ADA prepare to engage!” As the five came racing out of the HQ tent, they all began searching the sky to identify where the offending aircraft was. Even as they did so, the three Partisan Air Defense Tanks revved to life, their turrets swinging toward the east and dropping low to the horizon.
“Contact!” came the shout over the radio. It was the familiar voice of Lt. Bazemore, head of ADA platoon. “One bogey at low altitude heading two-nine-six at six hundred knots. No IFF.”
Even as the report came in, Erin turned and dashed back into the HQ tent. As she ran up to the communications console, she grabbed a headset and switched to a dedicated line going to the Formal where Lt. Bazemore would be operating the C³ gear. “Orchid to Rain. Hold yer fire until we ken they’ve seen us.”
His reply came quickly and simply. “Affirmative.”
Tense minutes passed as the noise of the near supersonic aircraft grew louder, then quiet. As the Silver Eagles tensely awaited their fate, the noise once more started to grow. Once again Lt. Bazemore’s voice gave warning. “He’s coming around again. Vector has him on a direct line over our camp. ADA stand by to fire.”
As the sound of the high-speed aircraft grew louder and louder, the tension of the moment grew. Finally, just as Erin could almost feel the rush of battle to come, Lt. Bazemore shouted, “Hold! Do no engage! Target is friendly!” With a feeling of confusion, McKenna ran out of the HQ tent and looked up just in time to see Lt. Silver’s Slayer streak over the camp.
After clearing an approach path for the wounded aerospace fighter, Lt. Silver landed the heavy craft with ease. As the 80-ton fighter powered down its engine and the cockpit opened, Astech team four rushed to assist the pilot. After a few minutes spend covering up the fighting spacecraft with camouflage netting, Lt. Silver walked up to his nephew Kevin. Refraining from saluting as was the custom in the field, Lt. Silver nodded respectfully to Col. Silver. “Lt. Silver reporting, Colonel.”
Kevin nodded in recognition of the ancient tradition. “Welcome to Asgard, Lt. Silver. Now do you mind telling me why you’re here?”
Charles Silver jerked his thumb over his shoulder toward his heavy fighter. “She took wing damage and I lost a lot of fuel. I couldn’t make stable orbit. I had to circle completely around the planet a few times, saving all my fuel for a decent shot at making a good landing. I went silent running so the Jags couldn’t dispatch air support to take me out. When Air Lance made rendezvous with the Comstock, I was on the opposite side of the planet running on fumes. When I came back around...” he paused a moment before finishing his report. “... they were already gone. So I stayed up as long as inertia would keep me there, found your camp about two orbits ago, and made hot re-entry with just enough fuel to make a few search passes before ditching.”
Kevin crossed his arms. “How did you find us, Lieutenant? If you could, the Jags can too.”
Charles shook his head. “Not likely, Kevin. I knew where to look because I have the same maps you guys do. After trying to figure out where I thought you might go, I just got out my bicocs and looked. I caught a flash off that shiny cockpit of yours about eleven hours ago while you were on your way here. From your course, I figured out where you were going. From there I took a chance.”
Kevin scowled at his uncle. “We don’t have hydrogen to fuel you up with, we don’t have an electrolyzer, nor the repair gear to fix your fighter. You’ll have to sit things out while we do our business, Lieutenant.”
Charles scoffed. “Hardly, nephew. My talents aren’t limited to just flying aerospace fighters. In fact, I happen to know I loaned a particular piece of equipment to Sven that could come in handy about now, and I’m fully rated.”
Kevin cocked his head curiously. “Oh? And what is that?”
Lt. Silver walked over to the supply area as Kevin followed him. They approached a long trailer being towed by an ancient-looking vehicle. Unlocking a few latches on the trailer, Charles boasted proudly, “This beauty set me back an entire year’s pay, but she’s worth it!”
Kevin looked at the trailer. “What is it?” he queried.
“She’s a solar-electric glider.” He answered. “I bought her for sport flying, but she’s about as stealthy a recon aircraft as you can get. You need intel?” he asked as he patted the folded wing. “I can get you pictures of the Jags cooking dinner from a hundred kilometers, and they won't even know I’m there!”
Asgard, Jaguar Occupation Zone
May 14th, 3059
The sleek black glider slid silently through the night. Lt. Charles Silver banked and turned enjoying the freedom of unpowered flight for a few minutes while they took recon photos. In front of him, Sergeant Chi-Lin scanned the surrounding terrain for a landing zone close to the city of Vernon. "Over there, two points west of the city. There's a large open space near a stand of trees that we can use for cover."
Charles nodded and banked to angle the plane in the direction she'd indicated. After landing nearly soundlessly, he leaned forward. "Where did they say to meet them?"
"On the outskirts of the city, Lieutenant."
Charles popped the canopy and began climbing out. Smiling as the young Asian woman lithely jumped to the ground next to him. "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?" With silent agreement they began making their way to the city limits and their rendezvous with the rest of the team.
Joe pulled the car to a halt. As he, Col. McKenna, Lt. Amdecker, and Lt. Vahzenov climbed out of the car, Sgt. Chi Lin and Lt. Silver joined them. “All right people. The warehouse lies about six blocks from here in the Western portion of the city. We're going in for recon only. My intel states that this is the primary supply depot for the Jags.”
Erin stretched as she pulled herself out of her car. “If it is then we cuid have a real juicy target tae hit.”
“Or a real nice salvage point.” Lt. Vahzenov quipped.
Erin shook her head and turned to look at the Unit's Logistics Officer. “Nae this time Vaz. Remember we're only here fer recon. Ye can figure oot how te pick th’ Jags clean later.” She glanced at the other members of the team. “A’right people, shake a leg.”
Fifteen minutes later the group moved to a hidden position across the street from the warehouse. Lights were on inside the building and three Elementals patrolled outside. The group watched for several minutes getting a lay of the land and an idea of the Elementals' patrol patterns.
Vahzenov leaned over and whispered to Erin. “Zey seem to be pretty standard, tovarish. Vhat do you propose ve do now?”
“Well Vaz, we need te get someone up te the windows te take a peek inside.” She turned to Sgt. Chi Lin. “Ye up fer th’ task, Lotus?”
Chi Lin shrugged absently. “Scaling walls isn't my forte, but I can manage.”
Erin turned to Joe. “What dae ye propose tae be doin tae distract the guards, love?”
Joe shrugged. “With any luck, we’ll avoid them entirely. If they see us...” he paused a moment before finishing. “...well it won’t be pretty.”
As the six made their way through shadows toward the warehouse, Joe paused and pointed toward an adjacent building. Gesturing for Col. McKenna, he whispered. “I’m going to make my way around to that building. If things get nasty, that’s where I’ll be.” He gave Erin a quick kiss on the cheek and shot her a smile. “With luck, I’ll just be board.” At that he dashed back toward the car.
Within a few minutes, the five reached the warehouse unseen. As Erin glanced around the corner to look down the street, she quickly leaned back and turned to Vahzenov. “Th’ toads air still there, Vaz. We have a problem.”
Lt. Vahzenov grinned. “Nyet, comrade. Jus’ an opportunity.” He pulled his two heavy revolvers from his shoulder holsters. “Should I get zeir attention?”
Erin shot him an icy stare. “Do and ye might live te regret it, Lieutenant.” She leaned back around the corner and looked once more up the street. Pulling back she turned to the group again. “They’re moving. This air oor chance, folks.” At that she leaned around the corner and led the way up the street.
As they reached the middle of the building, the team stopped. Chi Lin pulled her pack off her back and dug into its contents. Retrieving a pair of gripper gloves, she donned them as the rest of the team stood watch. Activating the high-tech climbing gear, she slapped her hands against the wall. Microscopic fibers dug their way into the outside of the building without any visible harm. Scaling the wall like a spider, the scout leader reached the windows quickly. Peering into the building, she paused a few moments before making her way back down the wall. As she approached the ground, she dropped the last two meters into the rest of the group. Catching her breath a moment, she finally reported, “It’s empty, ma’am.”
Erin furrowed her brow at Chi Lin’s comment. “It’s what, love?”
Still breathing heavily from her climb, Chi Lin shook her head. “Bone empty, Colonel. Joe’s intel must be out of date.”
Lt. Silver spoke up. “Then why are they guarding it? That makes no sense.”
Vahzenov spoke up. “Zat’s Clanners for you, Lieutenant. Guard an empty varehouse out of habit.”
Erin thought a moment. “If they’re guarding it, then that means that at some point in time it was used.” She glanced up the street. “Either way, we can talk about this later. Let’s move out.”
As the five made their way back the way they had come, they reached the far corner of the building. Just as the reached the corner, the metallic clank of Battlearmor greeted them as a mottled gray figure walked within a meter right past them and toward the street. Erin froze in place against the wall.
Even as the figure stopped, Ian leaped from his Iaijutsu crouch as his vibrokatana flashed from its scabbard. Landing back-to-back just behind the armored clansman, another was stepping past the corner, facing him. Reacting instantly to the newest threat, his vibrokatana flashed forward towards the completely surprised clansman. Tipping his attack slightly upward, the tip of the blade stuck the armor at the exact center of the visor slit. The visor splintered as the length of the blade drove through to the back of the helmet. The armor stiffened and slumped to the ground with dull thud.
Even as he withdrew the blade from his slain enemy, Ian spun in place to face his original opponent. Just turning to react to the threat, Ian rolled sideways to stay behind the armored opponent. With a fierce cry, Ian put all his strength and weight behind his blade as he stabbed at the back of his nemesis. The high-tech blade struck the armor of the Jaguar warrior with enough force to puncture the protective sheath of crystal aligned steel and diamond fibers and gut into the body of its pilot.
Elemental Rudolph never saw the nearly invisible opponent that killed his pointmate. Even as he turned to destroy the fool who dared defy the might of the Jaguar, he heard the cry and felt the sting of steel pierce his back. As the advanced harjel system spewed black gel to staunch the bleeding and his bloodstream was pumped with painkillers, his deadly opponent leaned down on the hilt of the blade. The suit that protected him suddenly sealed his fate, acting as a pivot to send the tip of the blade into his abdominal aorta. In less than a second the strength he had known his entire life vanished. Numbness clouded him mind for a moment before it was swallowed in the inky blackness of death.
As the second elemental dropped to its knees, Ian withdrew the blade and sheathed it in one fluid motion. Even as he did so, a third elemental appeared at the far corner of the building, running in response to Ian’s kiai. As he leveled his support laser toward Ian, a flash of laser light struck the elemental in the faceplate. In an instant, over 30 megajoules of coherent light turned the helmet of the suit into an expanding cloud of gas. While the damage to the suit was not that severe, the suit fell in a clattering heap as the entire right side of the occupant’s head was vaporized.
As the moment passed, the group listened intently for any other attackers. Seconds stretched like hours before Erin finally pealed herself off the wall and stepped out toward Ian who stood impassively over his two fallen enemies. Bowing slightly, she whispered, “Arigato, sensei.” Ian’s only response was a curt nod and a sly smile.
Vahzenov stepped out of the shadows brandishing both his heavy revolvers. Walking up to Ian, he grinned. “Good job, tovarish. Ve might even be able to salvage zem!”
Erin looked at the head of Strike Lance. “And how pray tell air we te do that, Vaz? Did ye bring yer flatbed truck in yer hind pocket?”
Vahzenov looked around a moment before his gaze stopped and his smile widened. “Da. Zat vill do.” At that he trotted off toward a pickup truck parked down an adjacent street. Within a few minutes, the six were making their way back out of the city.
As Joe drove Erin’s groundcar, Erin turned to Joe. “By th’ way, love. What exactly did you shoot at that third Jag that took him down so fast?”
Joe shrugged and smiled. “A heavy support laser I borrowed from Second Infantry Platoon. I dropped it in your trunk...” he paused and looked at Erin as they drove out of the city. “...just in case.”
BTW: The killing of three Elementals was total luck... a total fluke of the dice. They were supposed to run. Silly me for thinking “No one is lucky enough to take out three Elementals without a ‘Mech... not even these guys!”
Silly me... ::)
-
I was so far behind at this point that I couldn’t hope to do full in-character write-ups for a while. As such, none were ever written and now the details are lost to the years... so here is a summary of the remainder of the mission and the mission that followed.
After gathering intel on the Jags, the SE returned to their camp to prepare for their first raid. Their target was a power substation on the outskirts of Vernon, code-named “Operation: Lights Out” The idea was to damage the facility enough to prevent it from being brought back on-line before Bull Dog goes off. Defending the substation were a lot of Jag 2nd line tanks and Battlearmor. The SE threw their entire ‘Mech Battalion at the station. A few ‘Mechs took a beating, but in the end all that was left was a burning ruin and a bunch of junked tanks. Mission accomplished.
The SE pulled back for repairs and to prepare for their next mission. Their target was the runways at the starport at Vernon where the majority of the Jag’s air support was stationed. In an effort to get their ADA in close enough, the unit was split into a two-prong assault. Assault and Strike companies were to attack the airfield from the south to draw away the defenders, while Command Company and Armor Company attacked from the north, showering the airfield with missile fire and Arrow IV missiles. Infantry Company would provide “retreat”.
Once the damage was done, ADA and Armor Company couldn’t hope to get away before being over-run by Jag striker stars. So Col. Silver devised an ingenious plan. The area to the north of the runways was a warehousing district. Infantry Company would sweep in and secure several buildings. Once secured, Armor and Command Company would move in and start hitting the airfield. Once their mission was accomplished, the tanks would retreat into the warehouses and go dark while Command Lance and Fire Lance led the Jags away. That let them up to “Operation: Last Stand” on May 19th, 3059.
The saying, “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” reared it’s ugly head when they went to pull it off. When Assault and Strike hit from the south, their slow assault ‘Mechs moved out to engage them, but their fast Mediums and Lights didn’t. When Fire Lance and ADA started firing, the fast units moved out to engage them. By the time the airstrips were damaged, Command Lance had it’s hands full trying to keep Fire Moths and Stormcrows at bay.
Luckily they had a “Plan B”. Demo charges went off along the buildings to the south of their position to cover their retreat. Armor and ADA successfully hid in the warehouses and Command Lance led some medium Stars on a merry chase through the Industrial sector. By the time they reached the city’s edge, the Jag stars had given up being drawn into one ambush after another and pulled back to the starport.
Meanwhile, Assault and Strike Companies held their ground just long enough for the Heavy and Assault Jag ‘Mechs to be committed. Once they were drawn out of position, they pulled out and headed for the hills. Getting reports of the Ambush points the lighter Stars were encountering, they didn’t pursue, suspecting an “honorless Inner Sphere barbarian” trap. Chalk up another success for the SE.
But in the confusion, one unit got caught up in more than it could chew. Fire Lance led a full Binary of Jag Elementals out of the City to the north of Vernon. Strike Lance and Recon Lance were dispatched to find out what happened to them while the SE set up camp in the hills east of Vernon. What they found was the very obvious trail that Fire Lance left in an effort to keep the Jag Elementals interested. Erin, Joe, Ian, Chi Lin, Morander, Josepho, & Paul headed out in the Ferret VTOL to help track Fire Lance down.
The trail led to a stand of trees with smoke rising from behind them. As Strike and Recon lances approached, a spray of weapons fire leapt from the trees as dozens of Elementals leapt out to swarm the Eagles. Before they could get a handle on things, two ‘Mechs of Recon Lance were out of action due to critical damage. (gyro damage mostly)
Once the Elementals were out of action, Strike and Recon followed the rising smoke to the burning ruin of four Longbows. (which from now on are to be referred to as “The Lucky Longbows” thanks to Major Thorpe... a.k.a. Nighthawk... a.k.a. Jim) As they approached, they were surprised to find a Jag Elemental standing with three of the four ‘Mech pilots... apparently held hostage. Attempts to communicate with the Jag were fruitless. Stalemate. The Eagles couldn’t attack the Jag without killing their pilots. (Gauss Rifles slamming into dirt at Mach 10 don’t discriminate based on allegiance)
As Erin & company approached in the VTOL, they landed next to Major Thorpe’s ‘Mech. Erin took command of the situation and challenged the elemental to a Trial of Possession for the three pilots. The Jag elemental accepted the challenge and she opted for an un-augmented combat there. (mostly as a pragmatic response to being surrounded by six BattleMechs and trying to salvage a “win” out of this Charlie Fox-trot) Erin bargained a six-to-one advantage; to win the Jag would have to down Erin, Randall, Vazanov, Ian, Josepho, and Paul. (ironically, the last two being a former Falcon and Jag bondsmen)
Erin put up a pretty decent fight... for all of about 20 seconds until the Jag nailed her in the chest with a round-house kick that cracked her sternum, broke five ribs, and slammed her into the ground hard enough to give her a concussion. Undaunted, the Jag motioned for Randall to step up and fight. Randall fought a very defensive bout for about a full minute, before she caught his arm in a lock and snapped it like a twig. Staggering away to the edge of the Circle, he tried to “cry uncle” but didn’t know that he needed to leave the circle to yield. She charged him and caught him with her massive shoulder, throwing him out of the Circle like a rag-doll. Lifting her arms up victoriously, she screamed for her next challenger. That was when Joe entered the ring and shot her with a full burst from his Mydron Auto Pistol. :P Trial of Possession over... SE chalk up another “win”. (and Josepho and Paul won’t speak to Joe... who doesn’t care)
Heading back to base-camp with their injured Elemental (Ian saved her life with some immediate first aid) they re-grouped for a final meeting. Their liaison informed them that if all was on-schedule, Operation Bulldog would be launching the next day. (May 20th, 3059) The SE were tasked with keeping the Jags on alert all night. A series of light strikes and sabotage missions were assigned and Infantry Company was pulled out to join in the assaults. Nothing more than harassment attacks meant to keep the Jags awake all night, little actual combat damage was expected. Strike Teams were formed to hit perimeter fences with explosives to keep the Jags guessing. Each 8-man team had a target to hit at specific times.
Col. Silver took command of First Strike Team with Joe, Vazanov, Morander, and four Marines in Vazanov’s flatbed truck. They hit their target first; the starport main gate. Joe and one of the Marines set C8 explosive charges and detonated them, alerting the ‘Mechs on watch. They were forced to temporarily abandon the truck with the Marines hiding under the tarp as a Jag Supernova stood watch over the intersection where they parked it. Escaping on foot, they ran into a Star of Jag Elementals. Posing as scared civilians, they bluffed their way past a checkpoint and waited for the next attack.
When the second explosion went off near the hydrogen fuel tanks on the south side of the starport, they noticed Joe was missing. Suddenly, the Supernova guarding their truck toppled over. As the smoke cleared Joe could be seen climbing out of the hatch. (he may not be much of a Mechwarrior, but he’s an excellent spook ;) ) The Truck roared to life and Joe jumped on as it sped away from the Elemental Point dispatched to take them out. Picking up the rest of the team, the truck sped away as a Jag Dire Wolf B began pursuit.
Col. Silver had jumped in the back of the truck and took cover behind a crate as four UAC-2s opened-fire at the truck. He then noticed the crate was marked “DANGER! Compound-8 / 144 blocks” Thinking quickly, he grabbed a grenade, pulled the pin, tossed it in the crate, and shoved it out the back screaming “Fire in the hole!” Joe took a sharp corner and the flatbed barely escaped the detonation as over 120 blocks of C8 detonated right under the feet of the Dire Wolf. Scratch two Jag Assault ‘Mechs.
They then made their way back to base camp and waited for the other teams to report in. By 0300 May 20th, all but one squad reported in. Nothing was ever heard of from 2nd Jump Squad. (after the battle, eyewitness reports said they were slaughtered by a Jag Elemental Point) Fifteen minutes later, the Bulldog forces jumped into the system and the Jags gave up worrying about some little Merc unit.
The Eagles hunkered down and waited for the storm to pass. Their ‘Mechs were a shambles and in desperate need of repair and their armor and infantry were strung out and tired. By 0900, the first units of the Bulldog forces were hitting the ground and the massacre began. As the Jags pulled back to Vernon, the Eagles began salvage and repair operations. Within 24 hours, the Eagles were discharged from duty and paid for a successful mission. Battle Loss and Salvage netted them another 6.7 million C-Bills on top of their mission pay of 26.6 MCB. By the time the Eagles got back to Outreach on October 7th, 3059 they were only 48.2 MCB in debt.
Taking two weeks for R&R on Outreach, the Eagles started looking for a good “money” contract with low risk. Finally ready to settle in and accept a long contract, they negotiated a three-year Cadre/Garrison contract with the DCMS on the near-Periphery world of Bad News near the Outworlds Alliance. With six months to get there, the Eagles departed Outreach on October 21st, 3059, arriving on Bad News in time to start their Garrison and training with the 19th Galedon Regulars on May 1st, 3060. (eight years to the day from when the Silver Eagles formed) The contract waved all Support and Remuneration rights in an effort to get as much pay as possible. They even let the Dionysus depart to make money with merchant shipping. They took 10% of the pay up-front and paid off their debts after adding in their signing bonus.
Eleven months passed with nothing of importance. The Eagles kept busy with training exercises with the 19th Regulars. On April 1st, 3061 a pirate unit raided Bad News while the 19th Galedon Regulars were deployed on “training exercises”. (which consisted of attacking nearby worlds suspected of harboring pirates) The pirates were heavily outnumbered, but still managed to do some damage to Command Lance when they made initial drop before they were wiped out by Assault Company.
Another eleven months went by without major incident. The Eagles were re-assigned to garrison a marginally rebellious district on Bad News that still holds ties to the Outworlds Alliance. (the DC annexed Bad News sometime in 2585) So the Eagles found themselves facing insurgents and doing police duty for several months. On March 8th, 3062 a coordinated attack damaged all four ‘Mechs of Fire Lance. (Lucky Longbows!) While not enough to take the Lance out, they had to scrap one Longbow to fix the other three. So they had to buy another Longbow.
Eight more months of tracking down insurgents led to a house-by-house search of the town of Gytheio on November 23rd, 3062. Col. McKenna and Major Thorpe were leading the search for the insurgent leaders responsible for the attack eight months earlier. Their search stirred up a hornet’s nest when 3rd Squad of 2nd Jump Platoon was killed by massive weapons fire while searching an abandoned storefront. A firefight ensued in which Major Thorpe was heavily wounded. After the attack, the insurgent leadership was found dead, killed by concentrated weapons fire from 1st Infantry Platoon. Thus ended all organized insurgent activity on Bad News.
Three days before the end of the year, Col. McKenna was on her way back to the Comstock when she was attacked by three Japanese assassins. Why she was attacked was a mystery. All Erin knows is that they said something in Japanese about “dishonor” and that she should have killed herself for her “crimes”. (her grasp of Japanese was not good enough to tell exactly what they were saying) She managed to kill the assassins with little injury to herself, but the attack remains a total mystery. The final four months of the Bad News contract ended uneventfully. The Eagles departed Bad News on May 1st, 3063 and headed back to Outreach.
During this time, Lt. Vazanov kept himself busy investing in various enterprises. (40% in ‘Mech manufacturing, 40% in Aerospace manufacturing, and 20% in guaranteed interest loans) By the time the Eagles reached Outreach, they had nearly 450 MCB in easily liquidated assets. Were it not for Vazanov’s investments, the Eagles would have only made about 80 MCB after taxes. The decision was made to expand the unit yet again into a full Regiment.
And so we get into why I have no time for a full in-character write-up.
Firstly, they needed another Dropship and they decided to try for another Overlord. They wanted to keep the costs down so they were looking for a “good deal”. Several offers were made, but either the Dropship was in too poor of shape or the offer was too high. So, they kept looking. Finally, just before they reached Outreach over the DC world of Kurhah, they found a ‘fixer-upper’ and made an offer. After quite bit of haggling over the final price, the owner accepted an offer of 165.5 MCB to be paid in two months after some repairs. Thus the Eagles acquired their third Dropship, the Zutsuu. (Japanese for “headache” :P )
Once they got to Outreach, the SE incorporated and liquidated their investments to pay for the Zutsuu and the stuff to fill it with. The unit was re-organized into four Battalions:
First Battalion consists of three ‘Mech Companies. Assault Company was placed under the Command of Captain Morander Collins, Strike Company under the command of Captain Vazanov, and the newly formed Recon Company under the command of Battalion Commander Major Thorpe. Erin McKenna and Joe Faller were pulled out of Assault Lance and assigned to Command Lance. (where they belong) To fill out the positions, they bought a custom Bandersnatch for Attack Lance, moving Lt. Josepho to command of Defender Lance and Captain Collins to command of Assault Lance. A second VTR-9B Victor joined Assault Lance replacing Joe’s BattleMaster. Fire Lance transferred to Assault Company, Attack Lance to Strike Company, and Recon Lance to Recon Company. That left two new ‘Mech Lances to be formed for Recon Company.
The Anvil from Command Lance moved to Recon Lance and was joined by a Komodo and a Spector to form a spec-ops Lance headed up by Major Thorpe. Lt. Scott was given command of the new Hunter Lance in Recon Company, (a counter-recon unit) and a re-build of his Wolverine using parts in stores to give it partial Omni-capability. Hunter Lance got Lt. Kurt Barwick and the Vulcan and added a new FS9-O Firestarter OmniMech. Sven was finally able to rebuild the damaged Stormcrow they decommissioned back in February of ’54 following the Battle of Negushevo to fill out the Lance. They still had most of the parts in stores (bloody packrats!) and they finally got the missing components while on Outreach. Lt. Jessie Stetler headed up the new Scout Lance (a true recon-only unit) in addition to the Venom and two new OW-1 Owenses. That gave Recon Company seven OmniMechs, nine total for the Battalion.
Second Battalion was re-organized into two light Armor Companies made up of 24 Silver Goblins as 1st and 2nd Companies, and ADA filled out to a full company. The Formal was joined by three Mobile Long Toms and the Partisans added a Company Command Partisan to form two full Heavy Armor Platoons. The Pegasus Scout Tank added three more hover-tanks to form a Spotter Platoon filling out ADA Company. The heavy armor and scout platoon was moved off of the Hadrian and onto the Zutsuu by pulling out ‘Mech bays and adding vehicle garages and crew quartering. That left room for all 24 light armor tanks on the Hadrian.
Third Battalion was reorganized into an Infantry Battalion with two full Companies of 112 Infantry each and a full Marine Company. The newly formed 2nd Infantry Company is a Specialist Company. The first two Platoons have Heavy Zero-G Industrial Exoskeletons, while 3rd Platoon is a training Platoon. The new 4th Platoon is a 16-man Engineer platoon. The Eagle standard of 8-man Squads is still in place. Meanwhile, all of the Clansmen in 1st Infantry Company were pooled into 3rd Jump Platoon and reorganized into a 25-man Clan Infantry Point. Twelve more Standard BA suits were added to the unit to give eight full 4-man Squads forming two Armored Marine Platoons. Third Platoon is born of the experience of the unit needing conventional transports and is an Airlift Platoon made up of four Planetlifter Transport Aircraft. If needed, Airlift Platoon can transport all of Infantry Battalion with room to spare. Second Infantry Company, 2nd Marine Platoon, and Airlift Platoon are stationed aboard the Zutsuu, again made possible by pulling ‘Mech bays, while 1st Infantry and 1st Marine are still on the Hadrian.
Fourth Battalion is a support unit with 18 Aerospace fighters being the only regular combat units in the Battalion. Captain Jan Hernandez-Silver, who is remaining in the non-combat position of Space Operations Officer, heads up the Fighter Wing. First Flight, tagged Interceptor Flight, consists of the two V-12Me Corsairs, two new F-700 Rievers, Lt. Charles Silver’s SL-15e Slayer, and the new addition of Lt. JG Dr. Nathan Falken (yes, I said doctor... he actually has an MD) in his privately owned IRN-SD1 Ironsides. Second Flight is called CAS Flight and is headed up by Lt. SG Heather Seibert and is made up of their two F-700a Rievers and four good-old-fashioned CHP-W10 Chippewas. Third Flight is a catch-all unit called Air Attack Flight and is headed up by recently promoted Lt. SG Juan Kalan and is made up of two F-11-RR Cheetahs, two SPR-6D Sparrowhawks, and two S-4 Sais. Interceptor Flight is stationed on the Comstock, while CAS and Air Attack Flights are stationed aboard the Zutsuu. The top ‘Mech Deck was removed to allow the addition of the six additional fighters. (though still with only two launch doors)
The rest of Support Battalion consists of Support Company, Tech Company, and Command Company. Command Company is home to Col. Silver, Lt. Col. McKenna, Lt. SG Faller, and Lt. JG Sanderson forming Command Lance. The K-1 Dropshuttle Danube and S-7A Bus Éireannach form the first part of Transport Platoon, while newly promoted Lt. JG Chi Lin is now in the position of “official transport pilot for the Command Staff”... which means she's a glorified taxi-driver. :P Rounding out the platoon is the addition of a Brooks Vehicles manufactured S4 Mobile Headquarters Truck. Unlike the Kuritan-made Daimyo HQ truck, the S4 is more low-tech. No fusion engine, support laser, etc. Just an ICE with an anti-personnel MG turret. The final part of Command Company is Space Transport unit, consisting of the Dionysus, the Comstock, the Zutsuu, and the Hadrian.
Support Company is home to now three S1 White Whale MASH units, four S19 Battalion Support Trucks, the two S21 Mobile Field Kitchens, a new S18 Hydrogen Fuel Truck, (now needed to run all these ICEs) and an S10 Engineering Vehicle. All Silver Eagles support vehicles are manufactured by Brooks Incorporated. (a Free Worlds League industry, of course) Lastly, the tech unit has been organized into Tech Company under the direction of Sr. Technician Sven Iverson. A full sixty ‘Mech technicians, twenty seven Aerospace Technicians, seventeen Vehicle Mechanics, an S15 ‘Mech Recovery Vehicle, and two S16 Mobile Repair Platforms (all made by Brooks, naturally ;D ) allow repair and salvage operations for the entire Regiment.
Attached below is the Rank & Organization Chart for the full Regiment.
-
The Niops Incident
After gathering their new forces and hiring a crank-load of new personnel, the Silver Eagles decided to take another garrison mission to allow for integration of their new forces. After reviewing contract options, they took a contract in their home neighborhood, a 3 year garrison/cadre mission on the planet Niops VI to begin April 14th, 3064. The pay wasn’t great at only 2,383,422 C-Bills per month, (with 822,603 C-Bills per month of expenses) but there’s a hidden perk... no taxes. ;) That’s three years tax free once onsite. Now that the SE are fully incorporated as an independent corporation with the name "The Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion Incorporated", their tax liability is getting higher and more difficult to manage. The use of "Battalion" instead of "Regiment" was made because the name had stuck after the Outer Volta campaign. Re-naming the unit would result in a loss of some of the reputation they had earned. This new contract represented a fantastic opportunity to do something the SE have rarely had the chance to do, get some decent cash reserves to keep the company in the black if disaster should come. The SE departed Outreach at 06:00 hours TST on Thursday November 19th, 3063.
By March 11th, 3064 the SE arrived over Negushevo while en-route. (hey, it was on the way!) Jumping into their well-plotted L1 point, they had a week on Negushevo while the Dionysus was charging her drive. Col. Silver took the opportunity to give the crews a week of R&R and confer with Steve Sutton, his Land Manager, and his father, Baron-regent Kevin Silver Sr. on necessary expansions for the Starport on his Landhold. Part of the incorporation called for permanent housing for the dependants of all 773 SE members and employees if they wanted it, as well as a profit-sharing private stock option in lieu of pay. So the area around Agata Starport was expanded to include permanent housing for over 750 people with room to add several thousand more.
Over the next two years, construction would be completed on 250 new houses, apartments, and condos broken up into ten ‘neighborhoods’ named for fallen warriors of the Silver Eagles. Construction began with Stone Parkway, a housing tract named for Mechwarrior Keith Stone, the first Mechwarrior to die for the SE. Following that would be another housing tract for Senior Officers called Young Manor, named for Mechwarrior Jack Young, then a third housing tract called Solovitch Springs named for Mechwarrior Ivan Solovitch. Everman Apartments would be named for Mechwarrior Matt Everman, Bibbs Condominium named for Mechwarrior Grace Bibbs, and Chekov Community Apartments named for Armor Commander Nicoli Chekov.
Crowder Community Center, named for tank commander Leon Crowder, would be surrounded on four sides by the Dobson Court housing tract named for tank commander Peter Dobson, the Lancaster Circle housing tract named for tank commander Fran Lancaster, and Sing Towers Condominium named for tank commander Yao Sing. Lisa Marshal Memorial Hospital, Ryan Carleson Mall, and Kelly Urley Elementary would finish out the community with expected completion in late 3067. As needs grow, more neighborhoods could be added. (with no shortage of names yet to use, unfortunately)
After leaving Negushevo, the Eagles arrived over Niops VI on April 10th, 3064. Landing on the 13th, they prepared for yet another long mission. Time went by with the Eagles training with the local Niops Militia for the first six months followed by six months on garrison duty spread around key points around the planet with little else going on. Then on March 12th, 3065 an Invader class Jumpship appeared at the Sun-Planet L1 point and unleashed three unidentified Union class Dropships that refused communications and carried no transponder codes. The SE were advised these were a troublesome group of pirates calling themselves The Forgotten that had been hitting with increasing frequency for over the last two years. The Eagles were put on high alert and waited for the pirates to commit to a landing. The Comstock and Zutsuu launched with all 18 fighters ready to intercept.
As the pirates closed on the planet they rapidly adjusted their trajectory to take them on a fast fly-by of the planet and whip them around the far side, too fast for the SE space assets to intercept before atmospheric entry. Giving pursuit, The Forgotten made high-speed re-entry over the planet’s capital city, garrisoned by Assault Company. While the Eagles had the advantage of better technology and heavier ‘Mechs, The Forgotten had the advantage of 3-to-1 odds with a full 36 ‘Mechs, mostly older common Lights and Mediums with a few Heavies mixed in.
Assault Company made a good showing and made The Forgotten pay dearly for every inch of ground while the six Fighters the Forgotten deployed provided cover. But by the time Air Wing arrived, all twelve ‘Mechs of Assault Company were damaged or out of action. Once the ground fight was over, the pirate fighters kept Air Wing busy long enough for the three Forgotten Dropships to load up with over 150 million C-bills in goods from the warehouses in the city’s industrial sector. When The Forgotten lifted off, only six of their 36 ‘Mechs were aboard, the rest damaged or destroyed by the Eagles, including their flight of fighters. While a technical loss for the Eagles, the damage done to The Forgotten would make any future attacks very unlikely. The Forgotten’s Jumpship vanished from sight less than 24 hours after it arrived.
Six months passed with little interest. Then on October 26th, 3065 while on training maneuvers with the Niops Militia outside their Capital City, an ad-hoc platoon of dispossessed Forgotten Mechwarriors attacked Fire Lance (lucky Longbows!) wounding Lt. Chism and damaging all four Assault ‘Mechs. Before The Forgotten could get away, an entire company of Infantry and Battlearmor airdropped on them, cutting them to ribbons. Twelve Forgotten warriors were captured alive, including the second-in-command of The Forgotten who was stranded with the rest of the Mechwarriors when his ‘Mech was destroyed six months earlier. Turning the prisoners over to the local officials, the Eagles went back to tending to their damage and minded their own business.
Nine months of public trials were held for all twelve pirates, with charges ranging from vandalism to multiple counts of murder. Each of the pirates were in turn tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for various crimes. Several Silver Eagles personnel were called upon to testify in the trials, but other than required witness duty, the Eagles were dedicated to staying out of this issue. (they’re a tad paranoid about getting involved with local politics now... I wonder why? >:D ) An execution date was set for July 20th, 3066 for all dozen pirates.
But early in the morning on July 11th, a lone Union class Dropship entered the atmosphere of Niops VI, seemingly from out of nowhere. Landing quickly at the Starport next to the Niops Detention Facility where the pirates were being held, the Dropship disgorged the six ‘Mechs left to the Forgotten and a mass of ad-hoc infantry to storm the prison. But the Eagles were ready. Thirty-two Battlearmor Marines, two companies of Infantry, all of Recon Company, and Air Wing were dispatched within minutes, with Assault Company, Strike Company, both Light Armor Companies, and the rest of Infantry Battalion moving in to encircle and capture The Forgotten.
But whoever it was that said, “There is no such thing as overkill.” never tried to hit a mosquito with a sledgehammer. The Silver Eagles hit the feeble pirates with such force that they folded in seconds. It was a complete slaughter, but the cost was high. With so much to shoot at, the Pirates focused on the weakest units and managed to nearly completely destroy Recon Company before they fell. Inside the prison, whole companies of Silver Eagle Infantry slaughtered pirates as they fought to the death against an impossible foe. None of the pirates survived, including the twelve convicted prisoners. Meanwhile the Marines stormed the pirate Dropship and took her a-prize, at the cost of destroying the fusion reactor core rendering the Dropship derelict.
All total the Eagles lost two Mechwarriors from Scout Lance, Lt. SG Jessie Stetler and Lt. JG Sabra Hampton who were killed in the initial exchange, and the lead pilot for Airlift Platoon when his Planetlifter was hit by autocannon fire as he deployed the Marines. The aircraft landed safely thanks to the efforts of Cpl. Helene Ogden who took the controls and landed her safely. Seven others were injured in the fighting. Mechwarriors Louie Alo, Theo Kolic, Mayra Orsten, Vena Holguin, Samual Sabat, and Gordon Arizola suffered various injuries. Heather Siebert’s F-700a Riever was shot down by a pirate Warhammer on takeoff with a total loss of the fighter. Over 100 million C-Bills of damaged and destroyed units added insult to the injury of their losses.
The aftermath was the worst blow to the Silver Eagles since their conviction for Culpable Negligence back on Negushevo. Three days after the battle, Niops officials reprimanded the Silver Eagles for “excessive use of force, resulting in unnecessary loss of life and property damage.” After going back to their task of garrison duty, the Niops Militia refused to train with the Eagles. Finally they were relegated to guarding an abandoned mining complex that was now home to only a few warehouses full of parts and supplies. The Eagles took the opportunity to get the captured Union flight-capable and relocated it to their base camp for further repairs. The Dionysus was dispatched for repair parts to get her fully operational for sale.
On October 11th, 3066 the Silver Eagles were sent the following dispatch from Niops officials.
To: The Silver Eagles
From: Niops Association Militia
The Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion Incorporated is hereby dishonorably discharged from duty in the defense of The Niops Association effective this day, the 11th of October, 3066. Enclosed is a release for the contract payment of 14,300,532 C-Bills representing the remaining six months of service pay agreed to on November 18th, 3063. The Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion Incorporated must depart Niops VI on or before 00:00 hours on October 12th, 3066. Failure to comply will be determined to be a hostile act and will be dealt with accordingly.
By midnight the next morning, all four Silver Eagles Dropships lifted off and headed for the Dionysus. The decision was made to leave the Zutsuu behind under the command of Major Thorpe while the rest of the Eagles, including the captured Union, would make their way back to Negushevo and dispatch commercial transport to come pick up the Zutsuu. Upon arrival at the zenith point over Romita in the FWL, a Scout class Jumpship was there awaiting completion of its charge cycle. The Eagles bargained commercial transport for the Zutsuu for 1 million C-Bills to drop its current transport with a 200,000 C-Bill bonus if the ship could arrive over Negushevo by November 17th. By November 7th, 3066 the Eagles landed on Negushevo. Later that same day, the Zutsuu arrived at the Zenith point, to land by November 20th.
Four weeks after the Silver Eagles were re-united on Negushevo the captured Dropship finished repairs. The plan was to sell it to help to pay for the massive repair costs the Eagles were facing to re-stock their dwindling parts supplies. But rather than that, Lt. Vazanov convinced Col. Silver to allow the creation of The Silver Eagle Trading Company, a commercial shipping company based out of Agata Starport. The Union was sold to finance the purchase of an old Mule class cargo ship, the Cylene's Sorrow. With enough left over to pay for a lot of their needed replacement parts, things were looking brighter for the Silver Eagles. On December 12th, 3066 the Silver Eagles departed Negushevo once again to return to Outreach for work.
Upon landing on Outreach on 16:00 Thursday April 4, 3067, Lt. Col. Erin McKenna received a summons from the MRBC. Taking the dispatch to Col. Silver, he was convinced the summons was a hearing to find the Silver Eagles guilty of Breach of Contract for the Niops contract. As McKenna elaborated, she told Col. Silver it was a personal summons... she was being called on for Tribunal Duty. According to the terms of MRBC membership, every senior officer of any MRBC registered mercenary unit could be called upon for Tribunal or Jury Duty if available. McKenna had been called for duty to stand as one of three Tribunal judges for another Mercenary unit called The Battlecorps Legion. So while the Silver Eagles replaced lost warriors and equipment, Lt. Col. McKenna was discharged from official duties to see to her summons.
Thus, we arrive at April of 3067. Where things go from here... well...
-
Dawn of the Jihad
Outreach, Chaos March
April 9th, 3067
Colonel Silver stood outside the waiting room nervously checking his uniform one more time. What could the Wolf’s Dragoons want with us? His fears kept running back to the last series of misfortunes that had befallen the Silver Eagles. While monetarily successful, the unit’s reputation had been damaged over the last few missions. Niops was an absolute disaster. the colonel thought, further eroding his confidence in the nature of his meeting with the Dragoons.
Standing behind and to the sides of Colonel Silver were Lt. Col. McKenna and Major Thorpe, with Captain Friedrich and Lt. SG Faller behind them. Thus was assembled the totality of the owners of the Silver Eagles. While Lt. Faller was not an owner, he was acting proxy for the individual shareholders for the unit. Ever since the Unit had become a limited corporation, some members of the Silver Eagles had forgone salary payments to acquire stock in the Unit, buying into their profits. Joe had been voted as proxy representative for the collective shareholders. Since over 90% of the company was still owned by the four shareholders, that put Lt. Faller in the position of “tiebreaker” if the principle owners were split on a decision.
The five mercenaries stood at ease, waiting for the answers to why they were summoned by the most famous mercenary unit in the known universe when the door to the meeting room swung open without a sound. A woman wearing the dark dress uniform of the Dragoons was barely visible in the dimly lit room as she motioned for the curious quintet to enter. As Col. Silver’s eyes adjusted to the low light of the room, he saw the woman take a seat at the head of a table with two men, one in the uniform of the Wolf’s Dragoons, the other in the uniform of the Northwind Highlanders.
As the five strode up toward the table, Col. Silver stopped at the table’s edge and snapped a crisp salute to the trio. After holding the barest of moments, he spoke with purpose. “I am Colonel Silver and these are all the representatives of the Silver Eagles Mercenary Unit and her ownership. You requested to speak with us?”
The man in the Dragoons uniform shifted in his chair as he looked up at Col. Silver, gave a scant nod to the salute, and motioned to the chairs in front of the table. “Please, be seated Colonel.” He glanced at the others and motioned to the other chairs. “Colonel McKenna? Major Thorpe? Captain Friedrich? Lieutenant Faller? Please, be seated.” As the five took their seats, the Dragoon officer picked up a thick folder. Seeing the curiosity and concern on Col. Silver’s brow, he smiled. “Relax Colonel. This isn’t a review board. We simply have some questions for you and possibly more.”
Kevin’s mind raced over that last phrase. Possibly more? More what? He took a breath and relaxed slightly before speaking. “By all means, Colonel.” He sighed, spotting the rank insignia of Lt. Colonel on the Dragoon officer’s uniform. “What can the Silver Eagles do for you?”
The Colonel looked up from the folder and tossed it on the table. “This is a summary of your public files, describing your missions since your inception on Irian in 3052. It described in detail your dealings with...” he paused a moment in thought, “...certain parties of interest to us.” He smiled slightly as realization dawned over Colonel Silver’s face. “What can you tell me about the Word of Blake, Colonel?”
Kevin chuckled shortly. “What’s there to tell? They have been our enemy since our first inception, though then in the form of the pre-reformation ComStar. Not that we sought to make them our enemy, they made themselves our enemy.”
Major Thorpe couldn’t resist the urge to add his own opinion. “Yeah, well what can you expect out of a bunch of toaster-worshiping nut-jobs?”
Col. Silver shot a look at Randall to quell further commentary. “The Word has taken a stance against my family in particular, co-opting my sister into a plot to wrest control of my home world away for their own uses. The plot ended with my family no longer in the line of succession for the Dukedom of Negushevo and the death of my sister, not to mention hundreds of Negushevians and...” he paused a moment in respect, “...several good friends.”
The Dragoon officers looked at each other and then back at Col. Silver. “But that was after the incident at Clipperton. Why did you destroy the Clipperton HPG, Colonel? This is of course, off the record. Nothing you say here will be used in any way other than to determine the truth of the situation.”
Kevin took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m afraid I cannot disclose the details of that situation. Suffice it to say we had need of the facility for... personal reasons.”
The woman leaned forward over the table. “And they were?”
Kevin smiled slyly. “A friend needed to make an emergency phone call.”
The three looked at each other and looked back at the folder. “According to your affidavit on the incident, The Word intercepted you at Clipperton and tried to place you under arrest for...” he paused as he looked at the report. “...harboring a fugitive from a friendly power and crimes against the divine will of Blake.”
Erin’s expression went hard at the mention of her as a ‘fugitive’ after these many years. She turned to the Dragoon officers. “Tha’ ‘twis a case o’ mistaken identity, Colonel.” She swallowed hard before continuing. “They thought Ah wis somebody else.”
Kevin held up his hand to forestall objections. “Colonel McKenna was believed to be someone who was later found to have been killed in action on Eom. That situation is resolved. As to the rest...” Kevin leaned back in his chair. “...we are unfortunately unable to go into details of exactly why The Word holds such enmity toward us. Suffice it to say that we thwarted one of their plans. That was enough for them to condemn us as heretics.”
Randall spoke up again. “Technically speaking, you are all are condemned as infidels, not heretics. I’m the heretic in their eyes.”
Joe nodded. “While true, it’s of little importance here, Randall.” He turned to the trio. “We interfered with a black-ops mission they were pulling. Can’t say where, but they were up to no good from the start.”
The woman picked up the folder and looked at Col. Silver. “So Colonel? In your estimation, what are The Word’s goals?”
Kevin sighed. “I think they’re bloodthirsty lunatics bent on universal control of all mankind.”
Randall sat up. “Amen!”
“At ease, Major!” Col. Silver barked. Turning back to his hosts, he apologized. “Sorry for the outburst, Colonel.”
The Dragoon Col. shook his head. “It’s ok, Colonel. No love is lost between The Word and the Dragoons, either. In fact, this brings us to why you are really here.” The Dragoon officer nodded to the Highlander officer who had been quiet the entire time.
The Highlander turned to Col. Silver. “Are you familiar with the AMC, Colonel?”
Kevin nodded. “It’s an organization formed to oppose Blake, am I correct?”
The woman spoke up again. “Not precisely, Colonel. Officially the AMC was formed to defend independent worlds from being conquered by larger powers.”
Joe nodded. “No offence meant, I’m sure, but The Word is the biggest player in the Chaos March at the moment, true?”
The Dragoon colonel nodded. “Indeed they are, Lieutenant. Which is why we would like you to consider an offer.”
Kevin sat up. “What exactly is this an offer of, Colonel?”
The Dragoon officer smiled. “Membership in the AMC, Colonel. We would like to invite the Silver Eagles to join with other units like the Dismal Disinherited, Grim Determination, the 51st Dark Panzers, Always Faithful, the Northwind Highlanders, and the Wolf’s Dragoons in standing up for the rights of independent nations to remain free from oppression. We would like you to become members of the Allied Mercenary Command.”
Kevin looked at Erin who was dumbstruck, as was Captain Friedrich. Randall had an overjoyed look on his face as though someone had just offered him the keys to Terra. Glancing at Lt. Faller, Joe just shrugged. Turning back to the trio, he gathered his thoughts. “Can we have a moment to discuss this?”
The Dragoon colonel held up his hands. “Take your time. This is a serious commitment we are asking for, not just a one-off contract. You’ll be committed to going where the Command needs you, not where you prefer to go. The pay is fair, not great, but the work is steady and for the most part, peaceful. Full-blown battles are actually not as common as everyone believes. Often enough, just the presence of an AMC unit is enough to prevent a fight. But you have to be ready for full scale war if the time should come.” The trio stood, followed by Kevin and the other members of the Silver Eagles.
“So take your time and consider it.” the Dragoon officer concluded. “You can contact us when you have reached your decision.” He extended his hand to Kevin and shook it firmly. “Good meeting you Colonel.”
Kevin shook his hand with equal firmness. “And you, Colonel.” At that the five left to return to the Comstock.
New Canton System, Chaos March
May 1st, 3067
McKenna looked at Dr. Heiser with astonishment. “Are ye sure, doc?”
Joyce nodded. “Positive, Colonel. I ran the test twice.”
Erin couldn’t formulate the words to express her shock. Finally, the only thing she could ask was, “How long?”
Dr. Heiser looked at her report. “According to your tests, about two months. Per standing orders, this has been forwarded to Dr. Benson to determine if your active duty status should be revoked. The CMO has to sign off on anyone with a debilitating medical condition to remain on active duty.”
Erin nodded in absentminded agreement. She knew the regulations well. She helped write them. Dr. Benson was a capable Medical Officer and would never let someone on active duty in a multi-ton war machine when it could be a hazard to themselves... or others. She turned back to Dr. Heiser. “Tis tha’ why ah’ve been chuckin’ me guts out, doc?”
Dr. Heiser nodded. “Likely. It’s a common symptom.”
Erin took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’d better be goin’ ta tell Joe. ‘Tis important that he know. Thank ye, doc.”
Erin made her way through the corridors of the Comstock in a daze as it decelerated toward the planet below. Ah’ve faced death hundreds ‘o times, but this... The news hit her harder than she believed it would have.
Walking the corridors, she passed crewmen and other members of the Silver Eagles going about their business, getting ready to land on New Canton the next day. After voting to join the Allied Mercenary Command, their first assignment was a six-month garrison there. Hired by a private corporation based on New Canton, their mission was to ensure that the system remained independent. WoB had been exerting pressure on the planetary government to join the Blake Protectorate and as a result, the AMC offered its services to local planetary concerns. As Joe had put it several weeks earlier, “We’ll just be making sure the stalemate stands.”
Making her way to her private quarters, she entered the room and found Joe sitting at his computer console, busily typing away. She came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him. His only response was a mild grunt, continuing to type away.
“Busy love?” she queried.
“Just a lot.” He retorted. “The colonel wants a complete report on the New Canton political situation by 1500 hours today so he can study it before we land tomorrow.”
Erin sighed and gathered herself. “Lieutenant, I hereby order ye off-duty for a mandatory fifteen-minute rest period. Per SOP, ye air required to comply.”
Joe stopped typing and turned to McKenna. “Ok Erin. This better be good.”
How will he take this? How do I say this? Erin collected herself once more and took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.” Erin searched Joe’s expression for a clue to the questions that she asked herself.
Joe was dumbfounded. Looking at the woman who he had been with for almost 15 years, he finally stammered out a reply. “Who is the father?”
Erin looked back at Joe with a steely expression. “It could only be you, love. There has been no one else.”
Joe’s expression turned from shock to disbelief. “Honey, that’s impossible. So says a host of the best medical personnel in the Free Worlds League.”
Erin smirked. “Then ah be carrying th’ second-coming, love because ah’ve not been with anyone else.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at their door. Erin stormed over to the door and flung it open. “What?” she snapped.
Colonel Silver was taken aback at the harsh greeting. “Uh, bad time Erin?”
Erin’s rage at being interrupted melted away. “Sorry Kevin. What kin ah do for ye?”
Kevin scowled at his executive officer. “Actually I came to see if Joe had the data on the latest troop movements within the Chaos March. Is he here?”
Erin looked over at Joe who was still sitting in his chair with a look of confusion. Looking back to Col. Silver she replied, “He’s a wee bit indisposed at th’ moment, Colonel.”
Kevin furrowed his brow in concern. “Is he ok? What’s wrong?”
Erin smiled. “Not much, Kevin. I just shattered his worldview ‘tis all. Kin he be getting’ back ta ye in a bit?”
Kevin nodded curiously. “Ok. But I need that information before I review his report on New Canton’s political situation. See to it he gets it to me by no later than 1400 hours Colonel.”
Erin gave a curt nod and closed the door. Turning back to Joe, she saw he was gone. Searching the room she did not find him. Going back to their bedroom, she found Joe searching through a metal briefcase. Coming up behind him again, she whispered, “Ye don’t need ta’ get th’ data now, love. Kevin kin wait.”
Joe grunted and shook his head. “I wasn’t looking for the intelligence reports.” Turning around, Joe revealed a small black-felt box. “I was going to ask you on the fifth. It will be the fifteenth anniversary of our first date.” He opened the box and revealed a gold ring with what appeared to be a very simple stone set.
As Erin looked at the stones, she saw they formed a familiar pattern. My God! she thought. That’s the Chancellor’s Constellation! As she stared at the pattern, her memories drifted back to her childhood on Glasgow, to countless nights staring up at the stars that pointed toward Sian and the heart of the Capellan Confederation. Tears welled up in her eyes as she searched for the words to express her feelings, but Joe did not give her the chance.
Joe looked at Erin softly and tilted her head up to make their eyes meet. “Erin, I know this has been a long time in coming, but I would ask you to marry me, if you will have me.”
Unable to hold back the emotions sweeping over her, Erin burst into tears; her sobs interspersed with a vigorous nodding of her head. Finally she was able to choke out, “Yes, me love! I’ll have ye and give me’self ta ye.”
Joe removed the ring from its vessel and slipped it onto Erin’s left ring finger, gently placing a kiss on her cheek as he did so.
The next few days passed like a whirlwind. Joe and Erin asked Captain Friedrich to officiate the marriage ceremony on the Comstock, and they were married on May 5th. The simple ceremony was carried over the communications net to all three Dropships and transmitted up to the Dionysus. Kevin stood as Joe’s Best Man and Chi Lin stood as Erin’s Maid of Honor. After fifteen years of waiting, she became Erin Renée McKenna-Faller.
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Thank you for the update!
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Thank you for the update!
You're quite welcome. Hope you all enjoy this mule-puke I laughingly call "writing".
New Canton System, Chaos March
October 20th, 3067
Erin sat in her office in front of her computer reviewing personnel logs. Now seven months into her pregnancy, she had been reduced to light clerical duties for a month now and was chaffing at her physical restrictions. I’m a warrior, she thought. Not a bloody incubator! Arching her back to try to relieve the ache as the Comstock made its burn out of the system, her com panel toned. Reaching over to the console, she snapped, “McKenna here.”
Joe’s voice came over the com line like a soothing drink of honey. “How you feeling sweetheart?”
Wrinkling her brow into a knot, the soothing effects of Joe’s voice were vaporized by his words like armor under heavy laser fire. “Ah feel like a useless beach ball, love. Dinna be askin’ stupid questions!”
His response was clipped and short. “Sorry dear. Kevin needs you in the briefing room ASAP. We have important news.”
Erin grumbled. “Fine. I’ll be there in a minute. McKenna out.” At that she flicked off the com line and managed to stand. Making her way to the briefing room, she entered slowly as Joe helped her to the seat next to his.
Turning to Kevin who was standing at the back of the briefing room facing the large view-screen, his back to the rest of the room, Joe added, “Randall will be here in just a few sir. He’s on approach in one of the Cheetahs now.” Kevin only nodded silently.
Erin turned to Joe with a puzzled look. “What is it, Joe? Way’s so important tha’ Randall’s comin’ o’er from th’ Zutsuu?”
Joe just looked at his expectant wife and frowned. “It’s best if Kevin handles this, love.” At that he kissed her forehead and took his seat.
Several minutes later, Randall came storming into the briefing room, along with Captain Friedrich. “Ok, I’m here. Now what was so damned important that I had to shuttle myself over?”
Finally turning around to face his senior staff and taking a deep breath, Kevin began. “One hour ago, New Canton sent up the following transmission that was sent via HPG from Outreach.” Kevin walked around the table to the side of the room and nodded at Joe. Hitting a single key on the briefing room table, the symbol for INN displayed briefly followed by the caption, “Harlech, Outreach, 20 October 3067”.
What followed over the next several minutes was a news report and video footage of the attack on Outreach by Waco's Rangers, Smithson’s Chinese Bandits, the Tiger Sharks, & the 51st Dark Panzer Jaegers. As the report from Emilio Sanchez finished, Kevin turned back to face the senior officers and owners. “Comments?”
Erin spoke first. “Bluidy rat bastarts!”
“WoB’s behind this!” Randall said definitely.
Joe turned to Major Thorpe. “You think WoB is behind everything Randall.”
Randall shrugged. “It’s not paranoia if they really are out to get you, Joe.”
Joe shrugged while he lit a cigarette. “While it is true that WoB has the most to gain from a successful attack on Outreach, as of right now there is nothing connecting them to this attack. Waco’s had a grudge against Jamie Wolf since his son was killed by the Dragoons way back in ’08 on New Aragon.” Joe sat back and pondered a moment. “If Waco were able to beg, borrow, and steal everything he could, he might be able to pay enough for the other three units to side with him. It’d be a stretch, though.”
Col. Silver shook his head. “Enough! We don’t need wild speculation right now. What we need is a plan of action.” He turned to Erin. “Colonel? What is our operational readiness?”
Erin sat up and looked back at Kevin. “We be at 100% o’ operational capability. We need some re-supply o’ basic resources like food an’ spare parts, but nothin’ mission-critical. Major Vahzenov can give ye details.”
Kevin turned to Randall. “Major Thorpe. How is personnel readiness?”
Randall sat back. “The unit is restless after a six-moth babysitting job with nothing to do except clean their rifles. What we need is some action, sir.”
Col. Silver sighed. “We may be getting some. The report says that some renegades are still operating on Outreach.” Turning to Captain Friedrich, he asked, “How long until we link up with the Dionysus?”
Darious shrugged. “Nineteen hours, thirty-five minutes...” He paused a moment as he looked at a data pad. “...and 182 hours charge time at the Zenith point over Hsien, plus five-and-a-half hours furl-unfurl time.”
Kevin nodded. “And 80 hours transit down to the surface. That gives us almost exactly 12 days until we can render aid.” Kevin thought a moment. “Can we trim the charge time any?”
Darious shrugged. “We could chop a day off if we quick-charge the drive with minimal risk, but not with zero risk. Anything more than that and we run a real chance of some sort of mishap.”
Kevin nodded. “Ok, so our first order of business is to decide if we risk quick-charging to get to Outreach sooner to render aid.” He looked at Erin. “Colonel?”
Erin shook her head. “Too risky. It would nay save enough time ta’ be worth th’ chances we’d be takin’.”
Kevin turned to Randall. “Major?”
Randall thought a moment. “The clock is ticking. I vote we drop our charge time low enough to get us there within six-and-a-half days, almost half the time. Statistically that’s a one-in-four chance of something going wrong. That’s within operational guidelines for an emergency situation.”
Kevin nodded and turned to Darious. “Captain Darious?”
Darious Friedrich shuffled in his seat. “I vote no quick-charging. It’s dangerous and we can’t help anyone if we get stranded over Hsien with a blown helium tank.”
Kevin nodded once more and spoke. “For my part I vote in favor of quick-charging. We are needed and as Randall pointed out, the clock is ticking. As members of the AMC not currently on mission, we are required to render aid to all other members as possible. I don’t know about shortening up to only a three-day charge time, but I vote in favor of quick-charge. That makes the vote two for and two against.” He turned to Joe. “Lieutenant Faller? How do the minor shareholders vote?”
Joe stood up and paced a moment before speaking. “In a different set of circumstances I might be in favor of forgoing the safety issues and vote in favor of a quick-charge, but in this circumstance I am forced to vote against. The time saved is not worth the risk of not arriving for several weeks, which is the real expectation if we suffer a mishap over Hsien. It’s already been five days since the attacks and twelve more won’t make much of a difference.” He turned to Major Thorpe who was about to voice his opinion. “Six fewer won’t either.” Joe turned back to Major Silver. “The minor shareholders vote against quick-charge, Colonel.”
Kevin nodded in resignation. “Very well. With the vote against quick-charge, the unit will arrive over Hsien after transit there and await normal charge cycle before jumping into Outreach.” He turned once again to Captain Friedrich. “Darious, do we have any plots for an in-system jump close to Outreach proper?”
Darious shook his head. “No sir. And even if we did I would vote against using them, if for no other reason than the volatile nature of the situation.”
Joe nodded in agreement. “There is also another factor involved. Remember that the 51st was supposed to be an AMC unit. If we show up at a pirate point, we could easily find our motives in question.” Joe shook his head as he crushed out his cigarette. “No. I say we make for the Zenith point, on time and ready to assist.”
Col. Silver nodded in agreement. “I have to agree there, Joe. I withdraw my suggestion of using a pirate point.” Looking up at his officers he sighed. “Now we have to break the news to the Unit. We’ll have a general assembly in the lower decks on each Dropship. All personnel not essential to Dropship operations are required to attend.” At that he nodded to his senior officers and they departed to fulfill their tragic duty.
Nadir Point, Hsien System, Chaos March
October 29th, 3067
Major Silver floated on the bridge of the Dionysus, waiting for the ship to finish preparing for jump into the Outreach system. Captain Johnathan Thatcher turned to him and nodded. “Colonel, the sail is furled and charge cycle complete. Navi-computer has been loaded with the jump sequence and we may commence jump at your discretion.”
Kevin nodded and turned to the communications technician and nodded once more. Clearing his throat, he spoke into the microphone. “This is Colonel Kevin Charles Silver to all Silver Eagles. We are ready to jump into the Outreach system and render aid to the Wolf’s Dragoons and all other AMC units in-system. Due to treachery within the AMC itself, we may be under scrutiny while rendering aid. All Silver Eagles are to display prudence and comply with the dictates of the Dragoons. Prepare to jump.” At that he handed the microphone back to the ComTech and nodded to Captain Thatcher.
Nodding in turn to his navigator, the sequence was initiated. Over seven terajoules of energy poured into the Kearny-Fuchida drive, vaulting the Dionysus a distance of nearly 22 light-years in just over 30 seconds. As Col. Silver regained his senses, he looked around the bridge. Captain Thatcher turned once more to the ship’s navigator. “Report position.”
Senior Petty Officer Larry Matlock examined his instruments carefully before reporting. “Star-fix has us just 30 meters off destination point. We’re adrift over the Zenith point above Outreach, sir.”
Captain Thatcher nodded. “Spool up the drive and make ready to deploy sail.” Turning to the sensor operator, he queried, “Contacts?”
Petty Officer Mohammed Raab shook his head. “Still blinded by our emergence wave sir. No contacts to report. Give me a minute.”
Sixty seconds ticked by like an hour before the operator reported. “Contact! Bearing 172 mark 87, distance 500,000 kilometers. Large contact, mass exceeding half a million tons. IFF reports her as a Dragoon warship. Warbook pegs her as a Lola III.”
Col. Silver spoke up. “ComTech, open a channel to that ship.” A moment later, the channel was opened. “Dragoon vessel, this is the Silver Eagles’ vessel Dionysus, Colonel Kevin Silver in command. We are here to render aid to the Wolf’s Dragoons and any other friendly AMC units in distress. Respond please.”
An eternity seemed to pass before the reply came. “Silver Eagles Jumpship Dionysus, this is the Wolf Dragoon Warship Darius. Power down and prepare to be boarded and searched.”
Col. Silver turned to Captain Thatcher. “Well, you heard the man. Send orders to the Dropships that we’ll be here a while.”
Outreach, Chaos March
November 3rd, 3067
Col. Silver sat in the back seat of Erin’s ground car as they sped toward their appointment with the Wolf’s Dragoons near the remains of Harlech City. They had landed outside the city under the strict guidelines set down by the Dragoons following their clearance to approach the planet. For almost a full day after they jumped into the system, the dedicated marines and officers of the Dragoon warship had searched every corner of the three Dropships of the Silver Eagles before clearing them to proceed.
As he looked out the window toward the ruins of the former jewel of Outreach, he could understand the Dragoon’s caution. It looks like holo-footage from the First Succession War. he thought. Kevin shuddered at the thought of the carnage that had taken place there less than two weeks earlier. What he found most interesting was that the Dragoons were not concerned much about the war materials aboard the Silver Eagles’ Dropships, but the crew and personnel of the unit. Countless hours spent answering questions to which the answers lie in the public records. Obviously they were fact checking, but what were they looking for? They seemed to keep going back to the incident on Clipperton a lot. Kevin’s mind wandered as the car sped toward its destination.
Two hours later, the car slowed as it approached a security checkpoint. Rolling to a stop, Joe opened his window. “Command staff of the Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion Incorporated to meet with our AMC liaison.” he informed the checkpoint guard. The dragoon soldiers spent several minutes searching the vehicle (for the third time) before allowing them to proceed into the camp. As they moved on, Col. Silver could make out their destination, a largish tent in the middle of the makeshift compound.
Exiting the ground car, Col. Silver was joined by the very expectant Lt. Col. McKenna-Faller, Major Randall Thorpe, Captain Darious Friedrich, and finally Lt. Joe Faller. The five senior officers and owners approached the headquarters tent slowly, yet purposefully.
As they closed, they were met by a squad of Dragoon infantry who searched them yet once more before permitting them to enter the headquarters tent. After they entered the tent, Erin turned to Col. Silver and quipped, “Paranoid much?”
Kevin shrugged. “They have every reason to be...” he paused before finishing his retort, “... to be cautious, Erin. You saw Harlech City as we drove by, right?”
Erin nodded solemnly. “Aye, Kevin. I did.” A shudder of a nearly forgotten past ran up her spine. “Sorry, sair. I’ll keep me quips to meself. I just be nervous, is all.”
As the five entered the tent, they saw it was partitioned into several smaller areas with smaller tents within the larger. Motioned onward by a Dragoon infantryman, they made their way to the small tent they were told to wait in. Entering the small ‘room’, several folding chairs and a small folding desk were the room’s only contents. Taking seats, they waited for their liaison.
After several minutes, two Dragoon officers entered the small room and nodded as Kevin and the other Silver Eagles rose to greet them. Kevin noted the rank of Major on the uniform of the first officer. “Colonel Silver and the Silver Eagles reporting to render aid, Major.”
Gesturing to the folding chairs, the Dragoon Major nodded. “Thank you, Colonel. Please be seated.” As the five took the offered seats, Erin helped into her seat by Joe, the Dragoon offer looked at the assembled officers. “I understand you just completed a garrison on New Canton?” Seeing a nod of ascent from Col. Silver, he continued. “Reviewing your report from there it looks like the Blakists made several attempts to coerce the government into joining the Protectorate. This may be very useful at some point. More importantly, your presence kept the Blakists from getting any ideas at making a military move. Good job, Colonel.”
Tossing the report on the small folding desk, he nodded at the second officer who handed him another folder. “As of this moment, we’re not in much of a position to be worried about much beyond immediate survival and our intelligence unit is concentrating their efforts elsewhere. What we have for you now is a mission of high importance to the AMC.”
Opening the folder and handing a bundle of papers to Col. Silver he continued. “Wolfnet was able to follow a money trail from the Blakists to several accounts based out of Solaris VII, but we were attacked before we could trace where the money went from there. It’s possible that the Wobbies are buying Merc services through a dummy corporation on Solaris, but we cannot afford the distraction of chasing a money trail right now.” Pointing at the papers, he concluded. “Your next mission is to get to Solaris VII and find out where those payments went. We need you to find out who is getting that Wobbie money.”
Kevin examined the orders before passing them to Erin. “So you’re hoping we can find if there are units operating under WoB’s payroll that don’t show up on the Hiring Hall records, right?” Seeing a brief nod from the Dragoon officer, Kevin continued. “So you’re trying to catch future turncoats before they turn?”
“Essentially correct, Colonel Silver.” The Dragoon officer admitted.
Kevin sat forward before he asked his final question. “Does that mean that you suspect WoB is behind the attack here?”
The Dragoon Major folded his hands and looked at them as though they were crucially important to his answer. “We have no way of tracing the attack on Outreach to WoB... yet. But it’s just a matter of time. Wolfnet will find the link, Colonel. And once we do...” The Major stopped. “Well, suffice it to say that the Dragoons and the AMC may be injured, but we’re far from out of the game and we have a lot more damage to do before we cash in.”
Erin examined the orders and finally spoke. “Major, th’ orders have us o’er Solaris VII as o’ th’ new year, but Solaris be less than 40 days away.” Noting down quickly, she continued, “After figurin’ transit times, tha’ gives us almost two weeks in oor schedule.” She paused a moment and looked to Col. Silver for assent. Seeing him nod once, Erin concluded, “Major, th’ Silver Eagles offer their services for disaster recovery in Harlech City.”
The Major smiled a slight smile. “Your concern is welcome, Colonel. To be honest, we actually could use some help at basic disaster recovery. Permission granted.” At that he stood and offered his hand. “Good luck, Colonel Silver.” Glancing at the other officers briefly, he turned and left the tent.
Following him out after a moment, the five made their way back to Erin’s ground car and were soon off. Over the next twelve days the Silver Eagles busied themselves with digging out buried buildings, distributing food from the Dragoon reserves to the near-starving populace, and organizing the refugee camps into orderly disaster relief centers. When the Silver Eagles left Harlech City on November 15th, 3067, moral was running high and the Eagles were proud of the job they had done and the lives they had saved.
As the Silver Eagles prepared to land on Solaris VII on December 31st, all that dissolved into nothingness when word arrived of the nuclear hell unleashed on Outreach.
Solaris VII, Lyran Alliance
January 1st, 3068
As the Silver Eagles landed at the starport of Solaris City, the command staff met once more in the briefing room. Standing at the head of the room, Col. Silver faced the assorted Company Commanders of his Mercenary Regiment. We’ve come a long way from a Lance on Irian. But now... Gathering his notes he took his seat at the head of the table as Joe stood and began his report.
“As Intelligence Officer of the Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion Incorporated, I hereby convene this emergency meeting of the command staff of the Silver Eagles. This meeting will only be a briefing on the events leading up to our mission here.” Pressing a key on the table, Joe continued. “As you all know, fifteen days after we left Outreach, the Whitting Conference convened on Tharkad. What was to have been a vote for a new First Lord became a vote of no-confidence for the restored Star League.”
Joe took a sip water from the cup in front of him he continued. “Starting with Chancellor Liao, the Capellan Confederation withdrew from the Star League on the premise that it was a sham built only for the destruction of the Smoke Jaguars. He was quickly followed by the withdrawal of the Lyran Alliance and the Federated Suns by their respective regents on the grounds that the recent Civil War had so drained their nations that they could not afford to remain members. Without a two-thirds vote to continue, the Second Star League dissolved on November 30th.”
Letting the concept sink in for a moment, he finally continued. “Four days later, two Word of Blake fleets appeared over both Tharkad and New Avalon. The fleets engaged the defenders of those worlds and launched a coordinated assault that ended in the destruction of the Triad of Tharkad and widespread damage over New Avalon. Both systems are still under interdiction by Blake forces.”
Whispered voices encircled the room as Joe paused in his briefing. “Two days later, December 7th, the Wolf’s Dragoons launched a full-scale assault on Mars which included the majority of their warship fleet. Word of Blake reported that the fleet was completely destroyed; the fact that the fleet never returned from the Sol system is a good sign that the Dragoons did in fact fail.”
As murmurs of disbelief arose, Joe continued once more. “Just over a week later, Blake warships arrived over Northwind and blockaded the system while the Highlanders were gathered there to select new Clan Elders in the wake of the deaths of several of their former leadership. Less than a week later, yet another WoB task force materialized over Outreach and destroyed the ships defending the system. Once over the planet, the Blakists began a systematic assault on the planet, which included nuclear bombardment. A few of the Dragoons managed to escape the system, but it effectively rendered the Allied Mercenary Command defunct. This concludes my report on the most important of current events.”
As Joe finished his report, Col. Silver stood. “It seems we are members of an alliance no longer extant. In point of fact, the mission we were sent here to accomplish is for an organization that is for all intents and purposes defunct.” Kevin paused a moment and reviewed his notes. “Later today, the owners will be meeting with our AMC liaison, Captain Ward Greenwood to discuss if there is still a mission here. Until we know what our employment status is, the Silver Eagles will be on downtime duty.” Looking around the room at the assembled officers, he concluded. “Hopefully we still have a job. If not, you can be sure that Colonel McKenna and I will see to it the unit will continue on, AMC or no AMC. Dismissed.”
January 4th, 3068
I was a fool. Kevin berated himself. Looking up the ramp leading into the Hadrian toward the stretcher that carried his wife, he shook his head as anger boiled up inside him. They nearly killed me today... as well as my wife and children. His daughter clung to him as he looked off toward the Comstock where his aid had taken the other two of his three children, his self-deprecating seething inside him as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning quickly and raising his fists in a fighting stance, his gaze of fury locked with Erin’s, melting the fury into helplessness. “Sorry Erin.” he stammered.
“Tis’ alright, Kevin.” She absolved. “Yer angry n’ frustrated. I understand.” Looking at Kevin’s daughter clinging to him, she smoothed the girl’s hair back. “I kin take her to me quarters fer th’ time. I need ta’ be gettin’ back ta’ little Jamie, anyway.” She turned to the 10-year-old girl and queried, “Would ye like ta’ see me little boy, Erin?” The girl looked toward her father who nodded encouragingly. Hesitantly, the child took her hand and Col. McKenna led the girl back to the Comstock.
Kevin looked back at the Hadrian and slowly began to walk up the ramp.
One hour later Col. Silver entered the briefing room on the Comstock, the Silver Eagles’ command staff already assembled. Taking his place at the head of the table, he began, “Thank you for gathering together on such short notice. I’ve called this meeting to discuss the recent attack on myself and my family.” He cleared his throat as he took his seat. “At 1300 hours this afternoon, while taking R&R at a local amusement park, a gunman attacked my family, wounding Captain Hernandez-Silver. While the gunman was killed, unfortunately his body went missing before the local authorities could secure the area.”
He regarded the assembled officers for a moment before continuing. “Lieutenant Scott has arranged for a press conference in three hours with most of the major media services. In that press release I will be stating our intent to remain on Solaris VII to complete the 6-month contract we were hired to fulfill here as representatives of the AMC. After speaking with our AMC liaison Captain Greenwood it has been determined that we can still fulfill our mission here.” Kevin hid a pang of guilt over the fact that the Wolf’s Dragoons had set up the Comstar holding account for their pay prior to the attack on Outreach. It almost feels like taking money from a dead man.
Swallowing hard, Col. Silver looked out over the assembled officers. “With WoB attacking members of the AMC at every turn, as members of the AMC, albeit new members, that makes us a target. Therefore, until further notice, the Silver Eagles will be on standby alert for combat operations. Security details will be at highest threat condition, and R&R requests will have to be approved by a Staff Officer, Colonel McKenna, or myself.”
Standing slowly, he concluded. “I want to minimize our exposure to potential threats. Stay alert and be ready for anything. Dismissed.”
Col. Silver approached the podium overlooking the lower bay of the Comstock where several dozen reporters had gathered. “Thank you for coming.” he began. “The past month has seen a dramatic upheaval for the AMC. With the attacks on Outreach by several rogue mercenary units, the blockade of Northwind by the Word of Blake, and the deliberate use of weapons of mass destruction by the Blakists, it has become clear that The Word is attempting to destroy the AMC.”
Kevin blinked as the bright lights made it difficult to see the assembled crowd. “Word of Blake has made their intentions clear. They are systematically attacking members of the AMC in an attempt to destroy those who defend independent systems so they may take the Chaos March for their Protectorate and form a new Terran Hegemony.”
He paused a moment to allow his words to take root. “The Silver Eagles Mercenary Battalion joined the AMC to defend the rights of independent systems to retain their independence. We have ever fought for the right of worlds to determine their own place in the Inner Sphere, be it as a member of a Great House or as a separate and equal sovereign nation. At every turn, The Word has attacked the AMC in their blatant power-grab to form the Blake Protectorate. They have bullied, threatened, and now committed crimes against humanity against their neighbors, all for the goal of carving out their own realm built on the backs of independent systems too weak or too poor to defend themselves. And when the AMC offers it’s services to these worlds, The Word responds by using any means necessary to destroy us, from nuclear attacks on Outreach to assassins on Solaris VII.”
The gathered reporters began clamoring for answers. Nodding at one reporter in the front of the crowd, they rushed to question. “Marlena Pulk, INN. Colonel Silver, are you accusing the Word of Blake of arranging the assassination attempt on you earlier today?”
Kevin nodded solemnly. “Yes, in point of fact I am. While they were very good in coving their tracks, the writing on the wall is clear. The Word has isolated or destroyed the top members of the AMC. All that stands in their way now are the smaller units such as Always Faithful, Grim Determination, the Wild Geese, The Furies, and yes, the Silver Eagles. Alone we are of little concern, but no doubt the Word’s greatest fear is that we combine our forces and begin joint operations to halt their invasion of free systems.”
As the crowd of reporters began to clamor for further questions, Col. Silver held up his hands. “I have said all there is to say on this. The Word must be stopped. As members of the AMC, and as Commanding Officer of the Silver Eagles, I will pledge everything to that cause. Thank you for coming.” At that he turned and walked off the dais.
Over the next three months, the Silver Eagles began broad anti-WoB and pro-AMC publicity campaigns, even as WoB made inroads with assaults on Tukayyid and Dieron and the bolstering of their assaults on Tharkad and New Avalon. When word reached Solaris VII of the disaster of Case White and the attack on the Free Worlds League by the Bolan/Skye alliance, not even the good news of Wolf in Exile rescuing survivors on Outreach could bolster the sinking spirits of the Silver Eagles.
As the months ground by toward June and more news of the devastation unfolding around them rolled in, Col. Silver called for a final meeting on Solaris.
“The time has come to figure out what the Silver Eagles are going to do next.” He began. “Our contract here ends June 1st, and once that hits we’ll need to find gainful employment.” Looking toward McKenna he querried. “How are the books looking, Colonel?”
Erin rolled her eyes. “We’ve only 5.3 million in oor Comstar account, sair, but once th’ mission is done, we’ll have o’r sixty in th’ bank.”
Turning to Cap. Vahzenov he continued. “And supplies, Major?”
Vahzenov smirked. “Ve have enough on hand for zix months of heavy combat duty or tvelve months of light duty, comrade Colonel.”
Nodding he turned to Joe and Ben. “And how goes the propaganda machine, Lieutenants?”
Joe smiled as he lit his cigarette. “Not bad, Colonel. We’ve made some friends out there loosely referred to as ‘The Resistance’. While the AMC is shaken up, independent units opposed to WoB are cropping up all over the place. We’re not talking large units mind you, but all together it would make one hell of a task force.”
Lt. Scott interjected. “I should point out that while true, there is no leadership among the Resistance, just a loose collection of like-minded Mercs, House Units, some Clanners, and assorted riff-raff. Decent numbers, but without leadership?” His voice trailed off as he shrugged skeptically.
Kevin took in the information and looked toward Randall. “How’s combat readiness, Major Thorpe?”
“Lagging, but easily recovered once we see action against WoB.” Randall replied. “Moral is very low and the troops are itching for a fight. The sooner we kill some Wobbies the better, Kevin.”
“If we face off against The Word, Major.” Col. Silver reprimanded. “That has yet to be decided. Let us not forget the lesson of the Wolfs Dragoons... and we only have one Regiment and no Warships.” Looking toward their AMC liaison, he concluded. “Major Greenwood? Once the Silver Eagles conclude our mission here representing the AMC, what are your plans?”
Major Greenwood mildly shrugged. “I haven’t heard from my AMC contacts in over two months. I can only assume they are dead. Standing orders in this situation were to return to Outreach for reassignment. But now...” he paused and exhaled before finishing. “...the only place I can think of to go is the AMC satellite office on Galatea.”
Standing, Col. Silver bowed slightly. “It would be the honor of the Silver Eagles to escort you to Galatea, Major. In point of fact, with Outreach gone, Galatea is the best place to find steady work for the Silver Eagles.” He looked at Captain Greenwood sorrowfully. “I am not at all certain if the Silver Eagles will be able to remain members of the AMC, given the current situation, Major. But even if we leave the membership officially, the Silver Eagles have always stood against WoB, even before the AMC existed. Rest assured that we will continue the fight against The Word, even if the AMC is no more.”
Cap. Greenwood nodded. “I appreciate and accept the offer of transport to Galatea. As to the future of the Silver Eagles, I have no doubts that once you find a place you can strike, The Word will regret it.”
Ten days later, the Silver Eagles left Solaris VII for Galatea. Two weeks after their departure while recharging over the Lyran world of Gacrux, the news of Word of Blake's attack on Solaris VII only served to further convince Col. Silver of his worst fears. They're hunting us.
-
Before anyone blames me... THIS IS NOT MY DOING! THEY DID IT ALL THEMSELVES!!!
Galatea, Lyran Alliance
July 11th, 3068
“We need nukes.”
Erin turned to Joe with a puzzled look. “What was that, love?”
Joe turned the corner leisurely as he drove Erin’s ground car back to the Comstock. Glancing sideways towards her, he repeated, “I said we need nukes.”
Kevin sat forward in his seat, having not quite believed what he’d heard Joe say until he said it again. “What are you two talking about?”
Joe took a deep breath. “We should wait until we get back to the Comstock to discuss this further. Until then, forget I mentioned it.”
Randall looked at Kevin sitting beside him in the back seat. “Is he serious?”
Col. Silver only shrugged and sat back, turning to look out the window as the car filled with silence. As they sped toward the starport, Kevin mused over the events of the day. Joe had finished the briefing on the Word of Blake use of weapons of mass destruction in the capture of Altair just before they left the starport. After they arrived on Galatea and heard the reports, they had set up a meeting with the AMC representative to find out what their next assignment for the AMC would be.
As the vehicle approached the starport, Kevin recalled how the AMC had offered a contract with the New Earth Trading Company to provide a secondary defensive force for their headquarters on New Earth. The Silver Eagles would have to start the mission by September 1st with a guaranteed contract through March of 3069 and over 100 million C-bills as payment with generous salvage rights. However, battle loss compensation was non-existent and not negotiable. Col. Silver had requested time to discuss the mission before accepting the assignment, and the four had left to return to their Dropship.
As the wheeled vehicle drove up the ramp and slowed to a stop inside the main bay, Joe turned around to face Kevin. “You probably think I’m crazy, but we need to discuss the option, Kevin.”
Sighing heavily, Col. Silver shook his head. “Briefing room. Thirty minutes. Make sure Darious is there and the room is secure.” As the door opened, Kevin stepped out without saying another word.
Kevin stared at Joe in amazement. “You can’t be serious!” he exclaimed.
Randall stood and pounded the table. “Damn right he’s serious!” he nearly shouted. “We have to defend ourselves, Kevin.”
Col. Silver looked toward his executive officer. “And what do you think about this, Erin?”
McKenna just sat impassively and silent, staring across the table at some point a hundred light-years distant and almost two decades in the past. Looking at Col. Silver who stood waiting for her reply, all she said was, “Indeed.”
Sighing in exasperation, he turned back to Joe. “Do you mean to stand there and tell me that you think the Silver Eagles should try to acquire nuclear weapons?” Kevin paced back and forth like a caged animal as he spoke. “Assuming that we could even get them, what do you propose we do with them, Joe? Jump into the Sol system and nuke Hilton Head?”
Joe shook his head as he lit another cigarette. “Nothing so grandiose, Kevin. What I propose is that in order to defend us from the inevitable, we need the ability to threaten a warship. Now we have two choices. Either we hire out an Aerospace escort unit at the cost of hundreds of thousands of C-bills per month, or we train our Aerospace Wing in the use and deployment of fighter-carried nuclear missiles and then get some.” Joe turned to Erin and exhaled a breath of smoke. “Do we have the money for the first option, Colonel McKenna?”
Erin shook her head in cold silence.
“There, you see?” Joe retorted. “That leaves the only other option being that we do nothing and wait for the Word to come wipe us out, wherever we end up.” Joe looked at Kevin with a deadly concentration. “We have no choice, Kevin. Unless you want to call it quits and go home back to Negushevo.” He paused a moment before finishing. “Oh wait... that won’t make any difference either because they will just destroy us there and take out your homeland in the process.” Joe sat back violently and kicked his feet up unto the briefing room table, practically daring his commanding officer to disagree with him.
Kevin slowly sank back down into his seat at the head of the table and waited. After several minutes of awkward silence, he finally spoke. “Assuming we wanted to get them, hypothetically of course, just where does one get a nuclear weapon?”
Joe kicked his feet off the table and leaned forward. “You don’t get them.” he answered. “We make them.”
Erin finally turned to Joe and queried, “An’ jest how dae ye propose tae dae tha’, me boyo?”
Captain Friedrich was still somewhat in shock as he listened to the back and forth of this insane conversation. Finally he spoke. “I’d like to know that myself. Don’t nukes require access to some things we can’t get?”
“Not really, Darious.” Joe shook his head as he answered. “A nuke is just a specialized warhead with a delivery system, much like any other weapon. The delivery system is easy enough to manage. We can modify Arrow IV missiles or Long Tom shells to carry a half kiloton warhead easily enough. The problem being that Arrow IVs and Long Toms can’t effectively engage a warship.”
Joe stood as he continued. “Remember back in ’52 when we found that dead Alamo missile?” Kevin nodded as Joe continued. “Before we turned it over to the FedCom as evidence, I decided to see if I could dig up where it came from. According to my sources at the time, it was part of a lot that was produced at a secret Star League manufacturing facility rumored to be somewhere near Thuban.” Joe began to pace as he continued. “Using some other contacts within SAFE I obtained some old telemetry data from a Jumpship that was over Chukchi III on July 2nd, 2673. The ship recorded the emergence wave of a SLDF Jumpship that had reportedly left Gallery and arrived at Chukchi III. It was one among thousands of recordings I requested.” Joe stopped pacing and turned to Kevin. “The pieces were always there to find this place, but no one had put the two together before. The emergence wave was too long.” He announced. “Sure it was only 117% what it should have been, but that was long enough to give me someplace to look.” Pulling out a slip of paper, he slid it across the table to Col. Silver. “Here are the jump calculations for a jump from Chukchi III to system JP19361187, a type M0 star about 4.4 light years from Thuban and the exact distance from Chukchi III to generate an emergence wave that is 17% longer than a jump from Gallery.”
Kevin looked at the paper a moment before speaking. “Ok, so there was a base there and they made nukes. Surely any missiles they have wouldn’t be usable any longer, right?” he challenged.
Joe nodded in agreement. “Right. The facility was a highly automated factory for the production of several classes of nuclear missiles, from the Davy Crocket up to the big Santa Anna, and some even larger.” Joe crushed out his cigarette before he continued. “The facility was not designed to produce nukes on its own though. The SLDF didn’t want unrestricted manufacturing of WMDs, so they had to ship in any plutonium needed. All the facility does is mass-manufacture delivery systems and warheads.”
Randall spoke up. “So, you think you know where this place is, but it doesn’t have a plutonium refinery? What good does it do us then?”
Joe shrugged. “It’s half the battle... getting a viable source for delivery systems.”
“And where air we supposed ta get th’ nuclear material?” Erin calmly asked.
Joe grinned. “Ah! I was waiting for someone to ask that!” Punching some coordinates into the keyboard on the briefing room table, the screen at the back of the room came to life displaying a map of the Inner Sphere. Quickly it zoomed in on a system in the Lyran Alliance and a string of data flowed from the Comstock’s database. “I give you Soilihull.”
Kevin walked up to the screen and stared a moment before he began reading the report. “They were attacked by the Sixth Crucis Lancers as part of Operation Scatter during the FedCom Civil war. Type F5 star...” pausing a moment as he read through the data, he finally concluded, “...and no notable industry beyond local needs.”
Joe shifted in place as he lit another cigarette. “What the report does not show is that they get almost all of their electrical power from old fission reactors. The planet is rich in uranium.”
Randall shook his head. “So they use fission for power. How do we get any of it?”
Joe sat back down as he finished. “That I couldn’t tell you. I’m a field analyst, not a diplomat.” He looked to Kevin and Erin respectively.
Erin snorted in derision. “Indeed.”
Kevin returned to the head of the table and sat slowly. “Agreed. Without a viable method to get refined plutonium, the whole idea is moot.”
Darious reflected a moment before adding his thoughts. “Assuming we go along with this, we would have to convince them it was in their interest to sell or trade plutonium. That’s a tall order.”
Kevin furrowed his brow in concentration as he considered the problem. “They were attacked in Operation Scatter. The report shows their militia was damaged, but no follow-on report for repairs.” Kevin turned to Joe. “Did they ever get brought back to pre-Civil War status?”
Joe shook his head. “Not according to the reports. Their militia is still torn up, unless they got repairs done under the table.”
“Under the table...” Kevin murmured. Thinking another moment, he turned to Erin. “How long can we maintain operations without a contract?”
Checking her notes quickly, she replied, “We kin pay upkeep until th’ end o th’ year, but we nea have enough ta be payin’ taxes. If we dinna get a contract by th’ end o th’ year, we’ll have ta take out a 27 million C-bill loan ta pay th’ Lyrans for th’ right ta dae business here this year and have enough ta last through next year.”
Randall smiled. “I could cover most of that if it comes down to it.” Thinking a moment he added, “We’d still be short about 10 million C-bills.”
Kevin nodded and added, “We could sell off one of the OmniMechs and replace it with a standard ‘Mech to cover that loss in short-term.”
McKenna looked at Col. Silver quizzically. “What air ye thinkin’ Kevin?”
“I’m looking to buy us time, Erin.” Kevin replied. “If we do this we’re going to need time to negotiate with Soilihull for the materials and travel to that facility to find out if we can use what’s there.”
Darious looked at Kevin sternly. “We’re all talking in hypotheticals here. Isn’t it time we decide if we are going to or not?”
“Good point, Captain.” He answered. Looking around he began. “As Commanding officer of the Silver Eagles I call for an open vote on the decision of whether or not the Silver Eagles will attempt to gain access to nuclear arms for the express purpose of having an active anti-warship defense.” Looking at Randall he smiled. “I don’t think we need to guess very hard how you vote.”
Major Thorpe stood slowly. “I don’t make this choice idly. I really do believe it is the best course of action for the unit. I vote yes.”
As Randall sat back down, Kevin turned to Col. McKenna. “Erin? How do you vote?”
“I’ll have ta be votin’ aye, Colonel.” she answered. “Th’ bluidy bastarts have left us wi’ lil’ choice.”
Nodding, Kevin turned next to Captain Friedrich. “What say you, Captain Darious?”
The Comstock’s Captain didn’t answer at first. Finally he nodded. “I vote aye. If it’s insurance from being obliterated by a warship, then it’s a good investment.”
Kevin sighed and took his seat. “I also vote in favor of adding nuclear weapons to our inventory to attain parity against the Word and for use in case of disaster.” Turning to Joe he added, “While it is not required as there is already a majority vote in favor, I would like the vote of the minority shareholders on this issue.”
Joe smirked. “Speaking on behalf of the shareholders, those who have the most to lose from a warship attack, I vote aye.”
“Then it is unanimous.” he concluded. “Effective immediately, the Silver Eagles will be suspending regular duties to allow time to negotiate terms for trade for nuclear materials.”
Erin stood as he finished. “Colonel, what air we ta dae aboot ‘Major’ Greenwood an’ th’ AMC?”
Kevin sighed. “We’ll have to turn down the AMC contract and advise them that we’ll be on hiatus for the time being. If they ask why, we’ll tell them the truth. We’ll be setting up a more local base of operations and hoping to expand our inventory to be more effective in the new climate of total war.” Pausing a moment, he looked at Erin. “We still need to tell Greenwood about his family.”
Erin nodded. “Aye, sair. Dae ye want me ta break th’ news?”
Kevin shook his head. “No. I have a better plan.” He turned to Joe. “Could you get Major Greenwood and wait outside while I let him know?”
Joe nodded and he and the other three officers left the briefing room.
Joe was leaning against the doorframe to the briefing room. They’ve been in there for ten minutes already. he thought as he took another drag off of his cigarette. Looking toward Erin he smiled slightly at his wife. “They’ll be out soon.” He commented.
Erin shook her head. “Possibly. It’s pretty bad news ta take, love. They could be a while.”
Joe shrugged. “We’ll see.”
Five more minutes passed before the door opened and Col. Silver motioned for the four officers to join him once more. Entering the room, Joe saw their AMC liaison sitting in Col. Silver’s chair hunched over the briefing room table.
As Joe closed and secured the door, Kevin began, “I have advised Major Greenwood of the news of the confirmed loss of his family in the attacks on Outreach by The Word.” Taking a deep breath he continued, “I have also offered Mr. Greenwood the position of Spokesperson and Agent for the Silver Eagles here on Galatea. He has accepted this offer and will be resigning from the Wolf’s Dragoons and the AMC.” Col. Silver turned to McKenna and added, “We’re going to be getting an office here on Galatea for the Silver Eagles and Mr. Greenwood.”
Erin nodded and jotted down a few notes. “Aye sair.” Looking at the ex-Dragoon officer she consoled, “I grieve fer yer loss, sair. Let me know if there be anythin’ I kin dae fer ya.”
Ward Greenwood looked up from the table toward Erin. “In fact, there is Colonel McKenna.” He growled through gritted teeth. “If you see those bastards... don’t hesitate. Nuke ‘em!”
The assembled officers looked at Col. Silver astonished. “I know. I took a risk in telling him. I think it was worth the risk. Besides, if he’s going to be our agent here on Galatea, he needs to know what we’re really out there doing so he can give believable cover stories if asked.”
Erin shot Kevin an icy stare. “Ye should have conferred wi th’ owners first, Kevin!”
Randall shrugged. “I trust Kevin’s judgement, and based on Mr. Greenwood’s stance, it was a good call.”
Joe nodded his ascent to Kevin’s choice, but Captain Friedrich echoed Erin’s concerns. “Operational security is going to be very important if this is going to work, Colonel Silver. I call for a vote that this project be classified and only reveled to any other personnel with the approval of a majority vote of the owner’s.”
Kevin nodded. “Very well. A motion has been made to make ‘Project Umbrella’ classified to all personnel except those expressly cleared by the owners. All in favor?” With a nod from all the owners, Kevin nodded as well. “Very well. Project Umbrella will be kept secret from all members of the Silver Eagles except on a need-to-know basis until such time as the owners agree to full disclosure.” Looking around the room, Kevin finished with, “May God help us.”
Soilihull, Lyran Alliance
September 13th, 3068
Col. Silver stood at the base of the ramp leading up into the Comstock. He shifted uncomfortably as he tried to adjust the concealed body armor under his clothes. Even though he’d been wearing the body armor in every public appearance for the last two months, he chafed at the necessity of it. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this stuff. he thought.
As McKenna’s ground car came down the ramp, it rolled to a stop next to Col. Silver. The driver’s door swung open and Joe stepped out. “Ready when you are, Kevin.”
Nodding passively, Kevin looked back at the Comstock. May Blake forgive us for what we are about to do.
Arranging the meeting with the local planetary government was more difficult than Kevin had expected, until the Silver Eagles learned of the Word of Blake attacks on Liberty & Genoa and the Free Worlds League counterattack across the Lyran border. I would have hated to be there when word reached the Capital that an entire Mercenary Regiment based out of the League was approaching the planet. Kevin mused. They must have thought themselves already conquered.
Kevin chuckled as he remembered the reply to his request to open communications with the planet. That the government was requesting for the terms of their surrender to the Silver Eagles was a shock, but understandable given that the entire militia was made up of only a single ‘Mech Lance, two mixed companies of light armor, and an Infantry regiment. The confusion was quickly cleared up, but the suspicion lingered like a storm. Opening the lines of communication is not going to be easy.
I wonder if I’m making a dent? Kevin thought as he sat across the table from the Duke’s aide, Minister Loyd Raducha. Trying to read the man’s expression he had determined was an impossible task. The man’s vaguely Indian features never seemed to show the slightest sign of change, even as he spoke. Gathering his thoughts, Kevin continued. “Mr. Raducha, just how long do you think it will be before war comes to Soilihull again? We are your wake-up call, sir. War is coming, whether you get involved or not. Eventually, someone is going to come here to take what is yours. Do you honestly expect the Alliance has the resources to protect you? Your value to the Alliance is far less than that of worlds like Hesperus II or Coventry, and they can’t even protect those worlds. The Word is attacking worlds all over the Alliance.”
Minister Raducha sat impassively as Kevin laid his foundations. Raising a finger to pause Col. Silver, he interjected, “But as you point out yourself Colonel, Soilihull has little to offer the Word of Blake. Why should they come here?”
Kevin shook his head. “And what did Arboris have to offer The Word? Why attack a world of farmers who have proven themselves so independent they threw the Capellans off their world... twice... in addition to the Davions? What did they have to gain?” Kevin paused a moment to let the thought sink in before continuing. “The answer is that The Word wants us all under their heal. They simply will not stop until all worlds bow to Blake. ‘Why would The Word come here?’ That’s not the question you should be asking yourself, Minister. You should be asking what you can do to stop them when they attack.”
The Duke’s aide cocked an eyebrow. “And what should we be doing, Colonel? Hiring your unit to ‘protect’ us?”
He shook his head before answering. “No, Minister. We could not hope to stop them when they come. They could destroy us from orbit without so much as a token battle against our wing of fighters.” As he searched the aide’s expression, Kevin finally saw a glimmer of emotion. He’s curious.
Minister Raducha sat forward. “You mean to say you are not here to sell your services in our defense? What brings you to Soilihull, Colonel?”
Here it comes. Kevin took a deep breath. “We came here because we have access to something you can use to defend yourselves. But without your assistance, our discovery is useless.”
“And why bless Soilihull with your ‘discovery’, Colonel?” The Minister’s voice became gravely with the tone of minor irritation. “What is it that makes Soilihull so special that only we can receive your aid? Are there not other systems with more to offer? We could not compensate you in any meaningful way for a realistic defense from the Word of Blake warships you say could arrive any day. Our technology is antiquated, our industry is atrophied, our resources barely enough to meet our own needs, and our agriculture is likewise only adequate to keep ourselves fed. We have nothing you could want.”
Col. Silver nodded in agreement as Minister Raducha went through his list of Soilihull’s deficiencies. As the Minister finished, Kevin answered. “Minister, while what you say is true, Soilihull does have certain commodities that not just anyone and every world has ready access to. Your so-called ‘antiquated’ technology is still above that of subsistence, and in fact, has some benefits over more modern systems.”
Minister Raducha narrowed his eyes. “Such as?” he queried.
“Have you been watching the news reports of the attacks perpetrated by The Word, Minister?” As the aide nodded in silent acknowledgement of the apparent change of subject, Kevin continued. “You have access to the technology to destroy the warships that would threaten your freedom. You merely lack the means to make best use of the very resources within your grasp that can save your world.”
“You’re driving at something, Colonel.” the aide probed. “Speak plainly. What do you want?”
“Uranium.” answered Erin.
The aide stood stiffly. “Out of the question!” He nearly shouted. “You would have us become the barbarians that the Blakists claim we are!”
“Nae, Minister.” Erin retorted. “We would give ye th’ opportunity ta use what ye already have but kinna use.”
“You’ll pardon me for saying, Colonel McKenna,” Minister Raducha shot back, “but your suggestion that Soilihull actively employ nuclear weapons, even in our defense, would do nothing more than draw the attention of the people you would have us believe are threatening us.”
Erin shook her head. “Tis too late, Minister. Th’ Word’ll be commin’ whether ye be havin’ nukes ‘er not. If ye dinna have a defense, then ye’ll be conquered in due course. But if ye kin put up a fight, ye just might make yerselves a sour enough target with such little ta gain that th’ Word’ll jest pass ye by, hopin’ ta nab ye after th’ rest have fallen.”
Minister Raducha was about to swat her retort aside when the words to do so failed him. Searching for an adequate response and finding nothing left the Duke’s aide feeling vulnerable and exposed as a newborn. Gathering his wits, he tried to formulate a reply, but was cut short.
“Minister,” Kevin began. “We know this is a big step. We know what we are asking of you. We know what we will be called by doing this. Barbarians, killers, heathens, mad men, bandits, pirates, traitors, scum, you name it. But we have no choice, Minister. We did not begin this war. They began it. It was The Word who scoured Outreach in nuclear fire. It was The Word that used WMDs on worlds like Altair, Asta, Fomalhaut & Yorii because they would not submit to Blakist rule. Do you honestly think Soilihull will be spared the horror? When The Word comes, what will you do? Surrender or die under nuclear attack? Choose your fate, Minister. Because if you lack an offensive strategy to kill them first, then you will either die or become slaves to their will.”
Minister Raducha sat back down in partial resignation. “Even if what you say is all true, while we do have the radioactive materials needed to create a nuclear defense, we lack the infrastructure to build a reliable delivery system. In Standard English, we have no missiles that can hit a warship in orbit. So what good would atomic warheads do us?”
“Did ye fergit that we have an offer ta trade, Mr. Raducha?” Erin smiled slyly.
The Duke’s aide sat forward again. “By all means, Colonel. Enlighten me.”
Erin sat with her arms folded across her chest. “We kin where there be a source o’ ancient Star League missiles. Th’ catch is that there be no radioactives there, sair.” Erin sat back. “So ye see Minister, we have th’ missiles, an ye have th’ fuel. Alone, we both have nothing. Together, we both kin have a hope.”
“You actually have missiles that will reach orbit, Colonel?” Minister Raducha challenged.
“Nay from th’ ground, Minister.” Erin replied. “But we dae have Aerospace fighters that kin carry ‘em.”
“That does us little good, Colonel.” He parried. “Unless you are offering to stay here and defend Soilihull in exchange for our assistance.”
Erin shook her head, letting her hair cascade over her shoulders. “Not exactly what we had in mind, Minister. While we dinna have any surface ta orbit missiles with us, we dae kin where ta get them.” Taking a deep breath, she laid her offer on the table. “What we be proposin’ is that in exchange fer uranium that we kin refine into fuel fer oor own warheads, we would be willin’ ta bring ye several dozen missiles that kin reach orbit, as well as the resources ye’ll be needin’ ta maintain ‘em.”
Kevin continued the thought. “And that’s not all, Minister. We know that the Soilihull militia is, shall we say, at less than full capability.” Seeing a single nod from the Duke’s aide, he continued. “We would be willing to not only repair all your damaged equipment, but work with your militia to help get them in fighting trim. Even with a strong nuclear deterrent, you’ll still need a capable ground defense to protect those assets from covert attack. It will take some time to prepare a uranium refinery lab on our Dropships. Time well spent in training your militia in how to defend from attacks against your new defenses.”
Minister Raducha sat in silence as he examined the officers in detail. After an interminable silence, Kevin offered a way out. “I know you cannot make this decision yourself, Minister. Please, take your time. Take our offer to your Duke and present it exactly as you like. We’re not going anywhere for the moment. We can wait.” Kevin paused a moment. “But we cannot wait forever, Minister. If you cannot assist us, for whatever reasons, we’ll need to look into other opportunities. We can give you five days to think it over.” As the officers of the Silver Eagles stood, Col. Silver concluded, “If you need us, you know where we will be.”
Four days later, Minister Raducha delivered a message to Col. Silver. It was short and succinct. “Agreed. We await your presence at militia headquarters outside of the Capitol. Minister Raducha.”
I’m serious! All I did is make an off-the-cuff wild remark that Joe (who is a super-patriot and severely anti-WoB at the moment) would make and they picked up the ball and ran with it.
NOT. MY. FAULT.
-
Soilihull, Lyran Alliance
October 17th, 3068
They’re doomed. Kevin thought as he reviewed the training report for the first week after the Silver Eagles were officially listed as “employed for cadre duty” on Soilihull. After two solid weeks of negotiations with the planetary officials, Kevin and Erin had finally attained their goal. In exchange for unprocessed uranium, the Silver Eagles would deliver twelve Killer Whale class capital missiles and twelve Santa Anna class short range ICBMs. In addition, the Eagles were required to fully repair the militia, a task that took only a week for the dozens of technicians in their employ. Once complete, the Silver Eagles were to aid in training the militia in guarding their new assets. After only one week, the report from Major Thorpe was not promising.
Tossing the report on the conference room table as he leaned back, Col. Silver looked at the senior officers assembled. “‘Woefully inadequate senior officers and leadership’? Do you really want that on the record for the first week’s training?”
Major Thorpe shrugged. “It’s the facts, Colonel. Their tactics are simplistic, their strategic thinking is non-existent, and they act like they can just march in and declare themselves victorious. ‘Stand in a line and die like good soldiers’ is their primary defense.”
Col. Silver picked the report back up and re-read part of it. “They pulled a victory yesterday. Was that just pure luck?”
Randall shook his head. “No. That was when I had Captain Vahzenov take their reins. He managed to thwart three successive attacks by superior numbers and technology by making use of their strengths, mostly with hidden infantry positions and ambush points.”
Kevin placed the report back on the table and sighed. “So that’s where you get the idea that it’s their leadership that’s the problem?”
“It’s obvious, sair.” McKenna responded. “What they be needin’ is a good leader; one o’ their own tha’ kin think outside th’ box.”
Col. Silver turned to Major Thorpe. “Anyone in the rank-and-file fit that description, Randall?”
“No sir.” He replied. “No one in the militia fits the bill.”
Kevin cocked his head slightly. “What about among the civilian population?”
Randall was about to reply when he stopped as though he wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly. Finally, he managed to shrug, “Honestly we hadn’t gone that far yet, Colonel.”
McKenna shrugged. “If’n th’ powers in charge would permit access, I kin dae some pokin’ in the personnel histories ta’ see if any likelies pop up.”
Kevin handed the file to McKenna. “Take this to Minister Raducha and make the request after he reads it. These people need a defender to make this trick viable. So lets find one before they come to their senses and kick us off this rock empty-handed.”
“Go Away!” he shouted as he slammed the door in McKenna’s face. Determined, McKenna began knocking at the door once again, continuing to knock until the office door was flung open once more. “Are you mercs deaf and stupid?” the man shouted through his doorway. “I said, ‘Go Away!’ As in ‘I’m not interested in your offer.’ or ‘I’m disinclined to acquiesce to your request.’ or just plain old ‘Get lost!’, whichever you prefer! Pick one and don’t let the door hit you in the tail on the way out!”
McKenna stood in the doorway and took the berating stoically, meeting the plant manager’s furied gaze with her own blank stare. As he finished his tirade and turned away from the door, Erin slipped into his office and crossed the room silently, taking a seat on the corner of his desk as though they were old friends. Seeing her open defiance to his demands nearly brought the ex-Hauptmann to blows, but he stifled his instincts to fight long enough to ask, “What gives you the right to barge in here uninvited?”
“This does.” McKenna pulled a letter out of her coat pocket and slapped it down on his desk. “Tis’ a contract agreement wi th’ Soilihull Militia allowin’ all Silver Eagles personnel th’ right ta enter any buildin’ tha’ kin be a potential threat ta Soilihull security.”
Markus Olsten sneered at her. “And how exactly is this facility a threat to Soilihull, Colonel?”
“Simple.” Erin grinned. “If yee dinna take charge o’ th’ Soilihull Militia, they’ll be gettin’ themselves killed when th’ Word attacks.”
Markus stifled a laugh at her defense. “Are you serious, Colonel? Do they let you out in public often, or is it outpatient day at the local nut-hut?”
Erin jumped off his desk and looked at the former FedCom officer with a cold gaze, vacant of any mirth. “Yes Hauptmann Olsten, I am deadly serious.” She walked toward him with a slow gait, emphasizing every word with her steps. “Yee kin make jokes if ye like ta’, but in th’ end they’ll be a bitter pill ta’ haf ta’ swallow when Th’ Word is destroyin’ yer home from on-high. Ye think thay’ll be stoppin’ with th’ likes o’ Tharkad an’ New Avalon?”
Markus was taken aback for a moment as she strode toward him. Finally he collected his thoughts and countered, “If you’re talking about the Word of Blake, why should they attack Soilihull? And what could I do to stop them if they did? You yourself point out they can kill us all from orbit. I’m a...” he paused and corrected his Freudian slip. “...was a Mechwarrior. I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to stop a naval attack. Besides that, I’m retired. I don’t do that sort of thing for a living any more.”
Erin looked around the office as she spoke. “Yes, yer an adept lil’ bean counter, Hauptmann Olsten. But ye an’ I kin tha’ ye still have warrior blood in yer veins. This...” she pointed around his office. “...this is all ta’ be fer naught if’n Th’ Word comes here an’ there’s no one ta’ stop them from takin’ everything ye hold dear. Tha’ would include yer right ta be part o’ th’ Lyran Alliance, if tha’ be what ye want.”
He stood defiantly as Erin spoke, not letting any sign show his curiosity. “Eloquent words Colonel, but once more it doesn’t answer the basic question of exactly how I am supposed to be able to stop these ‘marauding hordes’ when they arrive. If you read my personnel file, you should know that I left the AFFC because I believe the individual warrior is obsolete once more, rendered moot by the almighty warship. ‘For he who controls the high-ground of space controls the universe.’ Care to shed some light on that issue?”
Erin smiled slightly. “I could, Hauptmann. But answer me straight. If’n I could prove ta’ ye tha’ ye were wrong an’ show ye a viable defense, would ye commit ta’ a new commission in th’ Soilihull Militia?”
Marcus crossed his arms and smirked. “Well, I suppose...”
Erin shook her head. “No sair. No supposin’. Would ye, oor would ye not?” His only reply was contemplative silence. Finally, Erin broke the silence as she walked toward the door, handing him a card as she left. “T’would be a great pitty if’n ye were ta’ be remembered as one of th’ people tha’ could have made a difference, but dinna act until it were too late. Number’s on th’ card if ye want details.” At that she walked out of his office and closed the door behind her.
Markus Olsten just looked at the card, trying to determine what to do next.
Erin strode across the room with a fury. “Those bludey bastarts will pay fer this!” she growled. “Bludy white-robed, toaster-worshipin’, green-faced, mother...”
“Erin!” Kevin interrupted. “There is no proof linking The Word to the attack on the Forbidden City! In fact, no one has claimed responsibility as-of-yet.”
Erin whirled in place to face her commanding officer. “An’ jest who else could it be? The FedRats? It kin only lead ta a more unified Confederation in th’ face o’ Davion aggression.” She waved her hand as though to dispel any counter-argument. “George Hasek is a fool fer attackin’ th’ Confederation while New Avalon burns, but even he is nea so big a fool as ta order a strike on Sian now. It must be WoB!”
Col. Silver turned to Joe. “What’s intel’s analysis?”
Joe took a drag from his cigarette and blew it out slowly as he closed his eyes in concentration. Finally he opened his eyes and looked over at Kevin. “Examining the evidence at hand, the FedSuns only had five warships in active status at the time. Of those, the only one in full fighting trim was deployed to the blockade over Tikonov. So either they sent in a ship that was already damaged...”
Kevin completed the thought. “...or they didn’t do it at all. Understood.” Looking back at Erin he calmly asked, “Please, take a seat Colonel. Getting agitated won’t solve anything.”
Erin laughed. “Ha! Ye kin be so calm. No one has nuked Atreus, Kevin.”
“Yet.” He counter-pointed. “The night is still young on this fight, Erin. We may yet see Parliament revoke Resolution 288 and see the League’s ‘Allies’ turn against them.” He turned back to Lt. Faller and queried, “Was there anything else of note in the HPG broadcast, Joe?”
Nodding, Joe crushed out his cigarette as he continued. “The League launched attacks against Penobscot and Cavanaugh II on the 28th of last month. The locals started listening when the League overran Dixie & Arcadia, but news of more attacks into Bolan are just cementing their position in our favor. For the time being, we have a receptive audience, Colonel.”
Col. Silver nodded. “But we all know that can change if things turn sour along the League border. So for the moment, we have to focus our efforts and get this job done quickly and quietly.” He looked around the room at the assembled officers in turn. “That means putting any personal issues aside for the time being and getting this job done. The last thing we need is for us to get sidetracked and waste time on things we can’t do anything about.” He focused on Erin sternly as he concluded. “As terrible as it sounds, we need to keep these people paranoid of WoB attack for a few more weeks.”
Kevin lowered his voice into hushed tones as he went over the bargain in detail. “Once we have the refinery completed on the Zutsuu, we can take ‘first delivery’ and head out to Joe’s mystery system to get the missiles. ‘First delivery’ will only be enough for a few warheads, four or five at most and after six months they’ll be duds. That means to keep going we need to fulfill the mission and return with the weapons.” He let his final words carry the weight of their situation. “No missiles, no uranium. No uranium, no nukes. No nukes, WoB will kill us when they catch us. It’s that simple, people.” Looking around the room, he waved his hand. “Dismissed. We have no time to lose here. Let’s get this ugly business over with.”
The next day Erin received a letter from the Soilihull Militia advising her that Hauptmann Markus Olsten would be “observing” training operations. Three days later, he accepted a commission with the Soilihull Militia after he was fully briefed on their new ‘defensive strategy’. His only retort was, “What a bastardly bunch we’ve become.”
Soilihull, Lyran Alliance
November 7th, 3068
Col. Silver entered the briefing room aboard the Comstock and took his place at the head of the table with the command staff assembled. Looking at the notes he’d brought, he began. “Thank you all for meeting on such short notice. We’ll start with a brief overview of our status.” He turned to Erin. “Colonel?”
“We’re at 100% operational status.” She said succinctly.
Turning to Cap. Vahzenov, Kevin continued. “How are supplies holding?”
“Ve have enough for six months of sustained operations vitout re-supply.” He answered. “Ve should zink about acquiring more food stores before anyzing else.”
Turning to Lt. Faller, Kevin nodded. “Go ahead, Joe.”
Joe stood slowly and crushed out his cigarette. “As I informed Colonel Silver about an hour ago, we have received reports from some underground sources that a number of free units aligned against WoB are gathering for a meeting on Arc Royal. The purpose of this meeting is to coordinate actions against Blakeist expansionism and terror attacks. The meeting will take place on or around the 25th of January, 3069.”
Kevin took a deep breath. “The Silver Eagles will be at this meeting. That means we will have to leave today.”
Everyone in the room looked around at each other in shock. Finally, Lt. Collins spoke up. “Sir... what about our mission here?”
Kevin sighed. “I have contacted the planetary government and advised them that we will be using our exit clause as of today. We will return after the meeting to complete our ‘business’ here.” Col. Silver turned to Maj. Thorpe. “Is the militia ready, Major?”
Randall nodded. “Yes sir. They have been training hard over the last few weeks. With Colonel Olsten at the helm, they have improved considerably. They have what it takes to defend the ‘assets’.”
Seeing the look of confusion on the faces of many of the command staff, Kevin decided to speak up before questions were asked. “What the Major is referring to is a top secret project that we are assisting the Soilihull government with. While we cannot go into the details for obvious reasons, suffice it to say that this project will ensure the safety of Soilihull and the Silver Eagles from the horrors visited on other mercenaries of late. Details will be made available after the project is complete.”
At midnight Terran Standard Time, the Silver Eagles left Soilihull.
Chukchi III, Lyran Alliance
December 3rd, 3068
Randall floated through the hallway on the Zutsuu as the ship and crew waited another two days for the Jumpship Dionysus to finish charging its K-F drive. As he waited for the lift to take him back to the bridge, he overheard two crewmen as they floated nearby.
“So have you been down to Deck 13?”
“I was down there yesterday. Any idea what’s going on?”
“Only that the Marines guard that bay 24/7. Whatever it is in there, they don’t want anyone getting close.”
“I heard from one of the spacers that he was picking up increased levels of radiation while on Deck 14 right below the bay. Said he found it while running routine maintenance on the fusion reactor; checking for neutron leaks.”
Looking around the corner, Randall recognized Cpl. Jack Trammell and Pvt. Jo Seabolt from Artillery Platoon. Clearing his throat, Randall let them know he was present.
“Didn’t see you there, Major.” Jack said as he snapped a crisp salute.
“At ease, Corporal.” Randall said as he returned the salute. “I couldn’t help but overhear your remarks. I know curiosity is insatiable, but you don’t want to be discussing this in open corridors. Understood?”
“Yes sir!” the two replied in unison.
As the lift door opened and Randall floated in, his personal coms toned. Pressing a button on his ear-piece, he responded. “This is Major Thorpe. Go ahead.”
“Comtech Rickner here sir. Colonel Silver requests your presence on the Comstock sir.”
“Tell him I’ll be there in a few minutes. Major Thorpe out.”
A few short minutes later, Randall floated into the briefing room aboard the Comstock. “So what’s all this about?” he snorted.
“Seal the door, Joe.” Kevin replied. “Take a seat Major and we’ll begin.”
Taking his usual seat to the right of Col. Silver, he queried, “So what’s the big secret now?”
Joe signaled that the room was secure and Kevin rose. Placing a hand on the back of his chair as if to brace himself he began. “As you all know we are about to jump into the system that Joe identified as a Star League manufacturing site.” He looked at the assembled owners. “We’ve just received a news transmission that I think we should all view together.”
Joe pressed a button on the panel before him. On the display the image of a news reporter came into focus. For the next several minutes, the gathered officers watched a news report by Free Worlds News Service, detailing the attack on the Knights of the Inner Sphere while on Atreus.
After the screen went dark, Kevin turned back to the assembled. “Chemical weapons.” he spat in disgust.
Randall held up a hand. “Wait a minute. Atreus has been attacked by Chem-Warfare?”
Erin glanced at Joe from the corner of her eye before speaking. “It has tae be the bluidy toaster worshipers. ‘Tis imperative noo tha’ we get tae Arc Royal. Ah mean ‘tis a dark day indeed when the viper attacks its own nest, but we huv fish tae fry.” She looked up at Kevin for a moment. Choosing her words carefully she continued. “Honestly sair, dae ye think we can dae anythin’ fer the League er Atreus at the moment?”
Kevin shook his head. “I’m not saying that we return to the Free Worlds League. This,” he pointed at the now dark vid screen. “... just goes to prove that no place is sacred. Not even the League.” He cleared his throat and sifted through his notes for a moment, allowing things to sink in before continuing. “What we have to do now is figure out what our next move is.”
“Get the nukes.” interrupted Joe, speaking for the first time since the transmission’s playback. “Until we have an effective anti-warship deterrent, we can’t hope to face off against WoB.”
His stark reply took none of them by surprise, as most of them were thinking along the same lines.
Captain Friedrich spoke up, rolling his shoulders he nodded towards Joe solemnly. “I think the Lieutenant has the right idea. We’re only a couple of days away from jumping to that unknown system of his. At this point it would be a waste of time to turn around and go back to the League. We’re not much help for them anyway. I say we go on.” He paused, gathering his thoughts before broaching his second subject. “By the way, I think it’s time we disseminated the information on ‘Project Umbrella’. Captain Hila has alerted me to the growing rumor mill. That bay on deck thirteen being off limits to all but authorized personnel is beginning to cause some real bad rumor mongering.”
Randall and Erin nodded in unison. Randall spoke. “I agree sir. We need to let the men in on what we’re planning. They aren’t going to be happy about it, but they need to be informed. Accidents now could be really bad. Especially for us on the Zutsuu.”
Erin interjected. “He’s right. We need tae gi’ the men a chance tae understand whit we’re doing an’ why. Ah suggest tha’ we gi’ em a vignette style review o’ whit’s happening across the Sphere. Beginning wit’ the attack on Atreus.”
Kevin let his eyes rest on his XO for a moment before turning them to his Intelligence Officer. “Joe? What’s your take?”
Joe lit a cigarette with a shrug. “Give them the worst information on what WoB is doing and then tell them we plan to fight back with nukes?” He shrugged again. “We have to be very careful about what we say and more importantly how we say it. The troops aren’t going to like the idea of nukes, especially the Clanners. Some will take the news in stride, some will be outraged, and some will grudgingly accept it as a necessity of the situation. We could have Lieutenant Collins put together a video montage to be played in the background as you address them, with a generous dollop of footage from Outreach to pound the point home.”
Kevin nodded his head in agreement but frowned. “The question then becomes when? When do we tell them?”
Erin folded her hands and leaned back. “As soon as possible? Today?”
Randall shook his head. “It’s better to wait. Wait until we’ve jumped into JP whatever.” He said, not even trying to remember the series of numbers that were the hidden system’s only name. “I mean, we don’t even know if this facility is even there. If we assume it is, then we should not enter the system by the usual jump points.” Turning to Joe he queried, “Any chance the info you dug up includes the coordinates of a pirate point?”
Lt. Faller shook his head as he exhaled smoke. “The only reason I have any coordinates is by rough estimation of the distance from Chukchi III and using data from stellar cartography to find out what type of star is there. No other info on the facility is available, other than rumor and conjecture.”
Randall shook his head. “I don’t like it one bit. We’re walking into a trap if we come in on the standard jump points.”
Kevin held up a hand to dissuade Randall’s tirade. “We know the risks involved here Randall, and I agree.” Looking at Captain Friedrich and Lt. Col. McKenna he continued. “It is time we told the troops what is going on. But I have to agree with Randall here. It would be better to wait until we’re in the system before we spill this. It gives Morander a chance to compile a video montage and for me to prepare. We’ll discuss this more later. Does anyone else have anything to add?” Seeing shaken heads all around he sighed. “All right then. Dismissed.”
As the room cleared, only McKenna remained. Turning to his XO, Col. Silver cocked his head in curiosity. “Something on your mind, Erin?”
She shook her head slowly. “No’ really, Kevin. Jest cannae shake this creepy feelin’ Ah keep getting’.”
He looked at Erin and frowned. “Same here.” Glancing around the room as though looking for spies, he lowered his voice to a growl. “I’ve not told anyone this, and I trust it’s safe with you?” As Erin nodded, Kevin sighed. “The crew would think ‘the old man’ has really flipped his lid if this got out, but...” He looked at Erin curiously. “Have you ever seen stuff while in hyperspace?”
“Aye.” She replied. “Seen all kind o’ weird stuff, everyone dis. Disnae mean anythin’. ‘Tis jest random noise in yer head, Kevin.”
Kevin shook his head. “I saw the Inner Sphere as thousands of points of light. Then from Terra, a plague of sickly gray smoke filled the Terran Corridor. Then suddenly, the space between the stars began to burn, shooting like a flamer right into the heart of the Free Worlds League.” Seeing McKenna’s look of incredulity, he snorted. “I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t help but feel that something sinister is at work, and that unless WoB can be stopped, the League may suffer a horrible fate.”
Seeing the look of genuine concern on her CO’s face, Erin smiled a moment before she nudged him toward the door. “Come on, Kevin. We huv a speech tae be writin’, an it had better be a guid one!”
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 5th, 3068
Almost seven terrajoules of energy poured into the K-F drive of the Dionysus, driving the ship into hyperspace and sending the Jumpship over 29 light-years from Chukchi III in seconds. As the ship materialized at the zenith point 180 million kilometers over an unnamed type M0V star, Col. Silver floated on the Comstock’s bridge, shaking his head sharply, the feeling of nausea threatening to overwhelm him.
As he regained his composure, he turned to Captain Friedrich. “Status?”
Darious looked over the shoulder of the Dropship’s pilot. “The board is green, Colonel. Captain Thatcher reports the Dionysus is stable and powering up the station-keeping drive.” Turning to the ship’s sensor operator he barked, “Contacts?”
Watching the waterfall display, Petty Officer McFarlane shook his head. “Emergence wave is still interfering. We’ll know more in a few minutes.”
Minutes ticked by like an eternity, enough to make Kevin start to worry. Finally, Darious broke the silence. “Report, mister McFarlane!”
James McFarlane wiped the sweat off his brow as he stared at the display, trying to make out anything through the noise generated by their passage through hyperspace. Finally he took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he responded. “Sensors show no contacts, Captain.”
Turning to Petty Officer Brian Ramirez, Captain Friedrich snapped, “Comtech! Get me Captain Thatcher.”
A moment passed as static filled the bridge. “This is Captain Thatcher, go ahead?”
“Captain.” Darious responded. “This is Captain Friedrich. Do you have any contacts?”
A moment passed before his reply. “Negative, Captain. No contacts reported. Looks all clear, Darious.”
Nodding to the Comtech to close the channel, Darious turned to Col. Silver. “No contacts reported, Colonel. We appear to be alone.”
Kevin grimaced and nodded. “It would appear so. Tell Captain Thatcher to unfurl sail and begin charging operations.” Turning to the sensor operator he asked, “Mister McFarlane? Can you detect any planets?”
Furrowing his brow, James typed a command into the sensor system. “Affirmative, Colonel. I’m detecting mass shadow from six bodies large enough to be classified as planets.” Reading the display, he continued. “Two Gas giants... two frozen moons orbiting the second gas giant... one frozen planet at the edge of the system... and one planet just over 32 million kilometers from the star. That puts it just inside the life zone, Colonel.”
Nodding, Kevin turned back to Darious. “Captain. Prepare to detach and burn for that inner planet. I want a detailed report and ETA on that planet as soon as you can.” Snapping a brief salute, Kevin floated toward the elevator.
An hour later, the command staff had assembled in the briefing room of the Comstock. With the ships under thrust, many of the senior officers stationed on the other Dropships were monitoring by teleconference.
Col. Silver walked into the briefing room and took his seat at the head of the table. Turning to Darious, he began. “Do you have a report on that planet, Darious?”
“Aye, Colonel.” He replied. “I gave all the information to Lieutenant Windsor.”
Standing slowly, trying to acclimate to the return of gravity, Ryan Windsor began. “The planet is habitable, in a manor of speaking. She has three moons, two have a diameter greater than a thousand kilometers, the third with a diameter of only 220 kilometers. The planet itself is only a little more than 54 hundred kilometers in diameter, about 85% of Terran Standard, and masses about 60% of Terran Standard. That indicates a surface gravity of about 0.84 Gs and a density of 7.5 tons per cubic meter. That and the magnetosphere indicate a core of almost pure iron...”
Kevin rolled his eyes and tapped the table. “Skip the planetology lesson and get to the point, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, Colonel.” Ryan sighed. “The bottom line is this. The atmosphere looks good with higher than normal oxygen content, which will help with the thinner air. But because of the levels of radiation from the system’s primary, the planet has next to no column ozone. Based on spectroscopic view, surface UV is 50/50 lethal with more than 30 minutes exposure.”
McKenna sat up at that. “Thirty minutes? How kin anything survive?”
Lt. Windsor shook his head. “Nothing much does on the surface, other than plants, I’d imagine. We detected large bodies of water. There’s probably ocean life, but animals can’t survive on the surface for very long.” Looking down at his notes he continued. “Surface illumination at peak is less than 4% Terran Standard and planetary spin gives it a 16-hour day. The only reason it’s not a frozen wasteland is the amount of infrared radiation that gets trapped in the troposphere. Average temperature is a nice 11° Celsius, so other than the radiation, it would be a nice place to live, if a bit on the dark side.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Kevin replied. “Sounds like a perfect place to hide a secret Star League facility, no?” A chuckle ran through the room before he turned back to Captain Friedrich. “Any sensor contacts, Captain?”
Darious shook his head. “Still no contacts, Colonel.”
“Good.” Kevin turned back to the assembled officers. “We have about three days burn time until we reach the planet. Once we get there we will need to search the surface. We still have no idea exactly what we’re looking for.” He turned to face Lt. Faller.
Joe sat back and stretched. “The info I gathered says nothing about the facility itself. Based on other Star League facilities and the local conditions, we’re probably looking for an underground facility. That will make it a bit difficult to find.”
Kevin looked around. “Any suggestions?”
Darious spoke up. “I’d recommend a high-altitude fixed-latitude search.” Seeing the building look of confusion on Col. Silver’s face, he explained. “The ships split up into three orbits about 700 kilometers above the surface. One enters a stable equatorial orbit while the others enter into orbits over the 55th parallels. The two then begin a slow low-g lateral burn, continuously turning their orbit to maintain 55 degrees of latitude. That allows coverage of over 98% of the planet’s surface in a single two-hour orbit.”
Col. Silver sighed. “Fine. We’ll make one pass around the planet and regroup after.” Kevin stood slowly as he looked at the main screen toward the two Captains and Captain Friedrich. “I don’t want any heroics, understood? If you see anything, I want you to run.” Seeing all three nod in agreement, he concluded. “Alright, we have three days. Let’s learn all we can, see if we can find this place, and get out of here.”
Lt. Windsor stood. "What exactly are we looking for down there, Colonel?"
Keven looked at Joe. "Tell them." he stated simply.
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 8th, 3068
Major Randall Thorpe stood at the back of the bridge of the Zutsuu, holding the rail to keep his balance as the Dropship slowly rotated. As the ship’s rotation slowed, Randall looked toward Captain Hila.
“Commander Detirch,” he began. “Set navigation autopilot for polar alignment and engage thrust.”
Cmdr. Ryan Detirch nodded and entered the instructions into the Overlord’s flight computer. “Aye Captain. Auto-navigation locked in. Thrust engaging.”
Randall felt his feet press into the deck as the Dropship’s engines began thrusting at a fraction of a gravity. “Captain Hila. Do we still have communications with the Comstock?”
“Mister Rickner?” Captain Hila queried.
Petty Officer Yun Rickner pressed the com unit into his ear. “Telemetry signal is barely getting through, Captain. The Comstock is almost beyond line-of sight. We’re getting signal skipping through the planet’s upper atmosphere. I need to go down to the avionics bay and see if I can clean up the signal.”
Captain Hila nodded. “Do it.” Reaching down, he activated the ship’s intercom. “Mister Kenton. Report to the bridge.”
As the two ship’s crew exchanged places, Captain Hila returned to standing next to the pilot’s station. “How’s navigation looking, Ryan?”
Cmdr. Detirch reviewed his navigation panel before responding. “We’re right on course, Captain. Now maintaining 700 kilometers AGL and orbit is turning nicely.”
“Very well.” He nodded. “Chief Blacker? Begin surface sweep.”
Chief Petty Officer Blacker turned to his sensor panel. “Aye Captain. Beginning surface sweep.”
As the Zutsuu began it’s part of the search, Sr. Spacehand Kenton spoke up. “Captain, I have Mister Rickner for you.”
“Put him on.” The captain replied.
“Captain, this is Petty Officer Rickner. I’ve managed to boost the gain on the com system. We can raise the Comstock at any time.”
Captain Hila turned to the comtech. “Get me Captain Friedrich.”
A moment later, static filled the bridge as the channel was opened. “This is Captain Friedrich, go ahead?”
Randall finally spoke up. “Captain, this is Major Thorpe. We have begun surface sweep and will relay any findings.”
A moment passed before the Comstock replied. “Randall, this is Colonel Silver. Keep in contact at all times and let’s get this over with quickly.”
“Roger that, Kevin. We’ll keep in touch. Zutsuu out.”
Half an hour later, Chief Petty Officer Blacker spoke up. “Captain? I’m picking up a thermal bloom on the surface.”
Major Thorpe and Captain Hila both crossed the bridge to look at the sensor panel and see what they had found. Looking over the info, Captain Hila turned to Randall. “Standard procedure would be to launch fighters for a closer look, Major.”
“By all means, Captain.” Turning to the comtech, Randall ordered all fighters launched, also ordering the Comstock be alerted to their find.
After several minutes, Randall turned back to look at the thermal image. Finally he turned to ask Captain Hila a question, but he never got the chance.
-
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 8th, 3068
Randall opened his eyes and immediately wanted to close them again as the smoke in the air burned. Not sure what had happened, he tried to assess the situation. Feeling no pull of gravity, he knew he was once again in free-fall. Glancing around he saw the handrail that ran through the bridge and reached out for it. Feeling the pain in his left side, he knew he likely bruised a rib. Feels like I was thrown out of a ‘Mech at a full run! What the hell happened? Righting himself and looking around the bridge, the chaos around him threatened to doom them all. “Damage Report!” He shouted over the noise of gas venting from somewhere on the bridge.
Cmdr. Detirch shouted back. “We’re venting atmosphere, Major! Decks one, seven, and eight! The main bay is depressurizing! Helm won’t respond! We’re adrift, Major!”
Randall could hardly believe his ears as he looked around. “What the hell happened! Where’s Captain Hila!”
Even as he asked the question, he saw Captain Hila’s body floating in free-fall, blood pooling in the air around him in shiny red spheres of death. “Chief Blacker! Report!”
“Contact! Bearing one-three-five mark eight-two! Spacecraft on intercept course!”
Randall swore as he floated over to the sensor display. “IFF?”
The Chief Petty Officer shook his head. “Negative, Major! Mass over four...” The veteran sensor operator stopped in mid report. “...over four hundred thousand tons, Major. Warbook pegs over a ninety percent probability for a Vincent class Corvette.”
Turning in place he barked, “Mister Kenton! Get me the Comstock!”
The comtech shook his head in response as he shouted over the noise filling the bridge. “No good, Major! Communications are off-line!”
“Then get me engineering!” He shouted back. “We have to alert the Colonel!”
“All communications are down, Major! Lines to engineering are not responding.”
Realizing that the damage was extensive, Major Thorpe took control. “Alright! I’m going down to avionics and raise the Comstock manually. Begin damage control and seal off any section that is venting. Mister Loring! Get someone to engineering and get those engines burning! So long as we aren’t pointed at the planet, I don’t care where we go! I’ll be back after I re-establish communications!” Turning to open the floor panel leading to the emergency access ladder, he gave his final order. “Commander Detirch! The bridge is yours. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” At that he yanked the floor panel open and swung his weight into the tunnel leading down to the avionics bay, closing the panel behind him.
As he flew down the shaft like a torpedo head first, he grabbed the ladder built into the wall to stop just short of the access panel leading into Avionics. Even as he slowed to a stop, he was once again thrown violently into the wall of the shaft, only his grip to the ladder preventing him from breaking his neck as his shoulder slammed into the access panel. The scream of tearing metal filled his ears as his world turned up side down yet again.
As the buffeting stopped, Randall reacted quickly. Pulling his laser pistol, he gripped it by the barrel and slapped the hilt against the panel, listening intently. Hearing the echo of air on the other side of the door, he holstered the weapon once more and opened the door.
What should have been a well lit avionics bay was as dark as the emergency access shaft he had just left. Immediately, he went to a status panel. Seeing no power, he surmised that the ship must have been struck once more. We’re a sitting duck! he thought. Acting quickly, he flew toward the storage closet in the bay. Reaching inside he retrieved the emergency survival kit and pulled out the light environment suit.
Donning the suit as quickly as he could, he made his way toward the access corridor leading into the main avionics bay. As he once again tapped at the door and listened, the sound was hollow and void. Vacuum he concluded. Thinking quickly, he broke the seal on the door. A roar filled his ears as his light environment suit ballooned out. Knowing he would have to act quickly, he flung the door open and let himself be flung into the next room, gripping the door handle to keep from being blown too far.
As the atmosphere finished venting, he looked around the bay and found no one. Pulling himself to the deck, he planted his feet and let the magnets in the suit’s feet give him purchase. Walking as quickly as he could manage, he made his way to the exit onto the crew deck. As he walked across the room, he saw why the room was depressurized. A hole four meters wide was torn into the side of the ship and he could see the faint starlight moving in the background beyond. We’re in a slow tumble. he realized.
Reaching the door that led into the Crew Deck, he had no need to check for atmosphere. The pressure door had not closed and he could see bodies floating in the hallway. Making his way through the deck, he found nothing but dozens of dead bodies and darkness. Heading for the far side of the ship toward one of the ship’s three Lifeboats, what he found there was almost enough to make him vomit in his suit.
They killed each other! he nearly said out loud. Looking at the arrangement of people around the access lock and the signs of weapons fire on the far wall, he pieced together a picture of twenty or more ship’s crew all vying for one of the six Lifeboat seats. And so none of you get to live. Brilliant. he mused as he shook his head and began moving bodies to gain access to the Lifeboat.
After a few minutes of clearing bodies, he finally closed the access door and began to pressurize the Lifeboat. Doffing the light helmet and taking his seat in the simple command chair, he unlatched the docking clamps. Making sure to deactivate the homing beacon, he slowly thrusted away from the wrecked Dropship.
As he gained distance, he came to a stop to assess the damage. Looking out the small viewport, he scanned down the length of the Overlord class spacecraft. As his eyes reached the aerospace deck, the ship ended. His face fell ashen as the wreckage of the lower half of the Zutsuu came into view, tumbling slowly through space, and completely separate from the upper half of the vessel.
Colonel Silver turned toward the ship’s Comtech. “What do you mean we’ve lost them?”
Petty Officer Ramirez looked back at the communications panel. “Their signal just went dead, Colonel. We are no longer receiving telemetry from the Zutsuu.”
Kevin furrowed his brow as Captain Friedrich floated up behind the Comtech. “Interference with the planet’s atmosphere again?”
Ramirez shook his head. “Negative, Captain. We’re receiving no signal at all from the Zutsuu, not even a carrier wave.”
Kevin turned to the captain of the Comstock. “What about the Hadrian? Are we still getting their signal?”
Darious looked over the Comtech’s shoulder. “Aye, Colonel. Weak, but still coming through.”
Kevin felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. “Comtech, put me through to Captain Diller.” After a moment, Ramirez nodded. “Silver Actual to Hadrian, please respond.”
“Silver Actual, this is Captain Diller. Go ahead?”
“Captain.” Kevin began, his voice deep and clear. “We’ve lost contact with the Zutsuu and are moving to investigate. I want you to stay in contact, so you’ll have to break orbit. If nothing is wrong, we’ll just have to restart the search where we left off. Understood?”
A moment of static passed before the reply came. “Understood, Colonel. Hadrian making for higher orbit. Will remain in contact. Diller out.”
Turning to Darious, Kevin nodded. “If you please, Captain? Launch fighters when ready as well.”
“Aye, sir.” Turning to the helm officer, he barked, “Commander Du Bragalon! Come about to heading zero-nine-zero mark seven-five. Ramp to 1.5 Gs and maintain for intercept with the Zutsuu’s last known course.” Turning again to Ramirez, he continued. “Comtech! Contact Space Operations and order all fighters launched when ready.”
Angus Du Bragalon nodded as he carried out the order. “Aye captain. Coming about heading zero-nine-zero mark seven-five.” As he spoke the Overlord class Dropship slowly turned to a right angle along her orbit and began thrusting, slowly building up to one and a half times the force of Terran gravity. Two minutes later the engines once again grew silent as the maneuver was completed. Turning back to Captain Friedrich, he concluded. “Navigation now has us on an intercept course for the Zutsuu along her last known flight path, Captain.”
Several minutes went by without a word spoken on the bridge of the Comstock, only the background noise of instruments all trying to grab the attention of their operators. Finally after more than five minutes of waiting, Ramirez broke the silence. “Captain, Space Operations reports all fighters ready for launch.” As he spoke, the ship shuttered slightly, heralding the launch of the first pair of the six fighters carried aboard the Comstock. Over the next sixty seconds, the ship shuttered twice more, ending with Ramirez reporting, “All fighters launched, Captain Friedrich.”
Even as he spoke, Petty Officer McFarlane shouted. “Contact! Bearing zero-two-zero mark eight-eight, range 51 hundred kilometers! Multiple small signatures. IFF reports CAS Flight, Captain.”
Darious sighed in momentary relief. “Comtech, put me through.” After a moment, Captain Friedrich cleared his throat. “Comstock to CAS Leader, Come in?”
Lt. Seibert responded immediately. “Captain! Put me through to the Colonel! Hurry!” Her reply was interrupted by the report of autocannon fire from the pair of Imperator Code Red LB 10-X autocannons on her F-700a Riever.
Kevin spoke up immediately. “Albatross, this is Silver Actual. Report!”
“Colonel!” Heather shouted. “The Zutsuu has been destroyed! We are under attack! WoB fighters and a Vincent class Warship bearing down on our position! We were ordered into CAP before we lost communications with Major Thorpe. I don’t think we stand a chance here, Colonel!”
Kevin analyzed the tactical situation as quickly as he could before his regretful reply. “Silver Actual to CAS Leader. Break off CAP and begin escape and evasion. Rendezvous at emergency waypoint Sierra two-six.”
Before Lt. Seibert could reply, Petty Officer McFarlane shouted once again. “Contact! Bearing zero-two-four mark eight-six, range 6,000 kilometers! Designating target Whiskey-Victor-1. Warbook classes target as Vincent class Warship! She’s on an intercept course, Captain!”
“Get out of there, Albatross!” Kevin shouted. “Make for the rendezvous at best possible speed!” Kevin turned to Captain Friedrich. “Darious! Get us out of here! Comtech! Order the Hadrian to emergency waypoint Sierra two-six and order all personnel to alert.”
Even as he gave the order, Kevin knew what he was saying. I’m condemning the crew of the Zutsuu to death or capture, Blake help me! He knew too well that Randall would die rather than be captured by the Word.
Col. Silver walked into the briefing room aboard the Comstock, dropping into his seat like a stone. Glancing over at Joe he simply nodded.
Crushing out his cigarette, Lt. Faller walked around the table towards the main display at the back of the room. “Good evening. This SITREP will bring everyone up to speed on the details of the events of the last hour.” Taking a deep breath, Joe reviewed his notes and continued. “At approximately 17:15 Terran Standard Time this evening, we lost all contact with the Zutsuu shortly after she reported a sighting that could very well have been the facility we were here to find. According to eyewitness reports and this reconnaissance footage...” Joe motioned toward the main display as it began showing gun camera footage from an Aerospace fighter. “...the Zutsuu was attacked by what can only be The Word of Blake.”
The footage paused as the camera footage panned over a white blur on the screen. “Zoom and enhance.” Joe ordered. The screen zoomed in on the blur as it resolved into a stark white painted spacecraft. “This is a Vincent class corvette; a relatively light warship designed for system patrol duties. According to the account, it fired several volleys of capital scale missiles at the Zutsuu, disabling her. It then hit the ship with a full broadside from her Naval Autocannons...” Joe paused a moment before concluding. “The Zutsuu was struck amidships and was destroyed. Due to the presence of the warship, we have no way of closing to recover any survivors.”
As Joe returned to his seat, Kevin stood slowly. “On my order, CAS Flight, which had been launched to investigate the sighting, broke off escort duty. I immediately ordered all surviving units to rendezvous at a pre-selected waypoint on the planet's surface, plotted for just such a contingency. While en-route, the Hadrian made long-range sensor contact with a small spacecraft; an unknown class of Dropship. After we landed, the Hadrian and CAS flight also rendezvoused. All craft were ordered to power down in an attempt to hide from the assets now threatening the remainder of the unit.” Looking around the room, Kevin leaned over the table. “I’m open for suggestions on our next course of action.”
Stunned silence filled the room. Finally, Erin broke the silence. “Whit can we dae, Kevin? They huv a bluidy warship!”
Looking at Captain Friedrich, Kevin inquired, “What are the odds, Darious?”
Closing his eyes to ponder the situation, Darious answered. “One Vincent, plus six aerospace fighters and an unknown number of unknown Dropships, versus twelve fighters, the Comstock, and the Hadrian? It’s a hundred-to-one shot. Suicide, basically.”
Lt. Windsor leapt to his feet, leaning over the table toward the ship’s captain. “What’s our alternative! Surrender? We can’t run! They can just jump to the Zenith point and capture the Dionysus if we do! We have to fight!”
A chorus of both supporters and detractors all shouted at once, sending the briefing room into a cacophony of bedlam. After a moment, Kevin shouted. “Enough!” As quiet once more took the room, he continued. “This is not a democracy! We are in a state of war! As commanding officer of this unit, anyone who interferes with tactical briefings and brainstorming will be punished with extreme prejudice! If I have to, I’ll space the whole lot of you and promote from the lower ranks!” Sitting back down, he turned to Joe. “What about the nukes?”
Joe shook his head. “The ‘down payment’ they gave us on Soilihull was only enough to make a few low-yield tactical warheads. Each only has about half a kiloton of yield. That wouldn’t even dent her hull, even if we did have delivery systems, which we don’t yet. That’s why we were here.”
Lt. Scott turned to Joe. “Can’t an Arrow IV hit a warship?”
Captain Hernandez-Silver, head of Space Operations shook her head. “No, Ben. They’re too slow and have too short of a range. You’d have to be right on top of them and be just as likely to kill the pilot that delivered the missile. Arrow IVs just don’t have a good enough of a guidance system to hit a moving target in space.”
Ben scoffed. “So what about the Long Toms on the nose of the Comstock? They have decent range and speed. Heck! Just put ‘em in iron bombs and strafe the blasted thing! They are nukes, fer cryin’ out loud!”
Darious shook his head. “No good, Ben. Spacecraft are hardened against radiation by the requirements of their primary purpose; space transportation. You have to get a penetrating hit with a detonation after the warhead is already past the rad shielding to do any damage.”
Ben shook his head. “I don’t understand. It’s still a nuclear explosion, right? I mean, the radiation can be lethal, but the big ball of plasma would still do plenty of damage, right?”
“Sorry Ben,” Joe replied. “but they’re quite correct. The explosion from a nuclear weapon in a ground-burst is from the superheating of the air around the warhead when it goes off. No air, no superheated air explosion. Just an x-ray burst and a few billion neutrons.”
Lt. Windsor snorted. “Huh! Sounds like you speak from experience! Nuke anyone we know?”
Joe turned to Ryan. “I have never had cause to use a nuclear weapon in the performance of my duties, Lieutenant.” Joe shot an icy stare back at Ryan before continuing. “However, my background and training did cover those contingencies, should the need have ever arisen.”
Kevin rapped on the table. “Ok, we’ve pursued that angle enough. Intel, Space Ops, and the Transport Officer all agree that they are too small to get the job done.”
Sven cocked his head slightly. “Just out of curiosity, how much yield would we need to take out a ship like that?”
Joe sighed heavily and closed his eyes. “Standard practice calls for at least five kilotons nominal yield against a warship of that size.”
Sven closed his eyes and leaned his head back as if in deep thought. After a moment, he sat back forward and opened his eyes. “I believe I have a solution, Colonel.”
Kevin waved his hand in an open gesture. “By all means, Sven.”
Standing up he began pacing. “Individually, the warheads aren’t large enough. However, there’s enough nuclear material present that I could combine them into a single larger warhead. I think I could get two or three kilotons of yield with a good reflector.” Sven stopped in place as his face fell ashen. “Great Blake, I’m becoming one of them!”
Joe exhaled heavily and queried, “One of who, Sven?”
“One of those engineers that builds WMDs bigger and better to kill more and more people!” Sven snapped back.
Kevin shook his head. “No, Sven. You’re different. We didn’t just slaughter hundreds of people without a thought. We didn’t start this war. We are only defending ourselves.” Kevin pointed toward the sky. “They began it. They’ve slaughtered millions in the name of ‘Peace in our time.’ And it is they who are responsible for the lives lost on that warship when we blow it back to Terra in atoms!”
Lt. Bertel watched the threat warning indicator on his Sparrowhawk flash over and over as he floated in zero-gravity in orbit above the unnamed planet. His passive sensor suite kept detecting the active sensors of the warship. Only his extreme distance and presence at the very edge of the curve of the planet prevented his detection. This is the most screwed-up plan I’ve ever heard of! he thought. They’ll never buy it!
As he floated almost six thousand kilometers ahead of the wreckage of the Zutsuu, Lt. JG Robin Bertel’s display console went completely black. Slamming his fist down on the upper-right corner of his console, the power blinked and the displays returned. Guess I’m lucky this thing still flies. Gotta bug Elda to fix the elecctricals, he thought, ...assuming this works and I don’t die here!
Suddenly his com system toned. Here we go. pressing the com-link, he cleared his throat. “Word of Blake vessel. My name is Lieutenant Robin Bertel, formerly of the Silver Eagles. I hereby renounce their actions and request sanctuary aboard your vessel.”
Static filled the com line for a few moments before the reply came. “Lieutenant. This is the Word of Blake warship Divine Cause. Are you declaring your intention to defect to our holy order?”
Trying to suppress a shudder, he replied almost as soon as the question was asked. “That is correct, Divine Cause. I renounce all ties to the Silver Eagles and vow my allegiance to the holy order of the Word of Blake. Will you accept me?”
Moments passed like an eternity before the reply came. “Hold position and prepare to be inspected, Acolyte.”
Well, that went as expected. he thought. Now to see if they bite.
Joe turned to Kevin. “They’re bringing him aboard, Colonel.” He handed the mercenary unit commander a detonator trigger. “We’ll have to wait for optimal conditions.”
Kevin nodded in understanding as he took the trigger. “Just say when, Joe.”
Minutes ticked by like hours as their plan unfolded. Suddenly Joe turned to Kevin. “We’re loosing signal strength, Kevin. It’s almost inside.”
“Now?” Kevin asked. Joe only shook his head as he reached over to the communications console. “Nest to Bird. The string is loose. Take up the slack.”
Lt. Bertel shook his head, not responding as ordered. “Here we go.” He said to himself. Nudging his throttle slightly, his fusion engine leaked high-energy plasma out the exhaust vent at the rear of his fighter, sending him even closer to the warship.
Watching the signal strength indicator drop dangerously close to ‘loss of signal’, Joe took a deep breath and held it out of reflex. A moment later, he turned to Kevin. “Atmospheric pressure detected, Colonel. Now!”
Without a moment of hesitation, Col. Silver mashed the thumb trigger down. The signal indicator went from weak to non-existent a fraction of a second later. Turning to Joe he asked, “How do we know if it worked?”
“When the Hadrian reports sighting her wreckage.” Joe retorted as he lit a cigarette. “Either that or they report that they’re under her guns, Colonel.”
Petty Officer Heery turned to Captain Diller. “Signal, Captain. Code Silver.”
Turning in place and grabbing the handrail he barked, “Con! Maximum thrust! Ops! Signal the formation! Let’s go, men!”
As the Hadrian’s engines spooled up to over 14,000 tons of thrust, “Major” Hernandez-Silver keyed her com system. “Vengeance flight, this is Thunder. You are go.”
Lt. Tucker replied immediately. “Roger that, Thunder. Vengeance Flight on intercept. Rogue out.”
“Rogue! Break left!” Lt. Titus banked his V-12Me Corsair hard over to the right as he saw his wing leader pivot and start to slew around in a tight zero-g turn, thrusting against its direction of travel and at an oblique angle. Sluing in on an intercept vector, his targeting system toned as the stark white Hammerhead entered his sights. “Guns! Guns! Guns!” he shouted as his finger mashed down on the trigger. At once, two Exostar ER Large Lasers and two Martell Medium Lasers flashed out at the enemy fighter. Armor flash-boiled and exploded at the touch of hundreds of megajoules of light focused onto the fighter’s right wing. Already damaged, the wing root snapped, sending the fighter into an uncontrolled spin.
Even as he completed the maneuver, six more lances of light struck the doomed fighter. As the enemy fighter disintegrated, Lt. Titus scanned his threat-warning indicator. Keying his mic quickly, he called out. “Rogue, this is Twitch! Two fighters broke through and are closing on the wreckage of the Zutsuu at high speed! We’ll never catch them before they get there!”
“Needles!” Lt. Tucker shouted. “Take Air Attack Wing and give them something to worry about! Interceptor Flight! Form up on my wing and we’ll pursue. CAS Flight? Search for survivors from that warship wreckage. Let’s move!”
“Roger that, Rogue. Needles out.” Keying his wingman, Lt. Kalan barked, “Morticia! Cover my six! We’ll make a high-speed pass-and-strafe. Go!” Shoving the throttle to its maximum position, his F-11-RR Cheetah pounded out 225 tons of thrust, shoving his 25-ton fighter forward and him into his command chair with nine times his own weight of force. After a full minute of brutalizing his body, he pulled back on the throttle to reduce the acceleration to ‘only’ six Gs. As the two light fighters rapidly closed with the heavier fighters, Lt. Kalan keyed his mic. “Focus on the second fighter and see if we can’t pull him off his wing, Mort.”
Locking her targeting system on the second Zero, Lt. Guterrez replied with a tone of irritation at the shortening of her callsign. “Roger, Needles.”
As the two fighters streaked past their quarry, both unleashed a volley of laser fire, pitting armor off of the heavier Blake fighter. One of the lasers shot directly up the exhaust vent for the Zero’s fusion drive, burning a coolant line into melted slag. In response, the enemy fighter’s control computer forced the engine to power down slightly to prevent the drive from overheating and turning the spacecraft into a drifting derelict.
As the fighter started to fall behind his leader, the two light fighters flashed past the lead fighter and continued on their flight toward the wreckage of the Zutsuu. Turning retrograde to slow their rapid approach, the two fighters still shot past the upper half of the derelict at over six kilometers per second. As they continued to slow while approaching the lower half of the Dropship, Lt. Kalan heard his com line tone on the ground support channel. “Needles here, who is this?”
“This is Hotshot. Welcome to Zutsuu base, Lieutenant.” Lt. Scott replied. “Draw those fighters in close and we’ll give them a nice, close, shave!” Looking out his view port, Lt. Kalan saw half a dozen BattleMechs standing on the side of the derelict. Adjusting his course slightly, he keyed his mic once more. “Morticia! Kick it up and follow me! We’re gonna try and draw that lead fighter close! This might get a little hairy.”
Lt. Silver watched his long range sensors as his flight continued to close on the remains of the Zutsuu. The two fighters had separated, one pursuing the lower half of the ship while the other fought with engine damage and was closing on the upper half. Keying his mic, he queried, “Iceman to Rogue. I show intercept at 90 seconds. Request permission to go weapons free.”
“Permission granted, Iceman.” She replied. “Rogue to Interceptor Flight. All units weapons-free. Fire on solution.”
Watching his range indicator, he waited until it marked range to target at 342 kilometers. Locking sights on the enemy fighter lining up for a strafing run on the wreckage, he triggered a triple burst of fire from his nose-mounted lasers. All three focused their deadly energy on the left wing of the enemy fighter, blasting it into shards. “Yes!” he shouted as the enemy fighter spun, throwing off its own salvo of missile fire and scattering missiles harmlessly around space.
Even as his wingman was disabled, the lead Zero raced towards its own fate. Lining up on the slowly tumbling wreckage, ready to ensure that no survivors would remain, the pilot was shocked to see half a company of ‘Mechs raise up over the bend of the curved hull. A heavy volley of laser fire peppered his fighter as the two Cheetahs harassed his left flank. Unleashing a full volley of weapons fire at the derelict, missiles exploded against bits of wreckage and remaining hull armor, blasting more of the wreck, but hardly making a dent. The nameless pilot screamed sounds no human would ever hear as a second volley of weapons fire tore into his cockpit, his fighter disintegrating in a ball of wreckage of its own.
Petty Officer Ramirez turned to Kevin. “Colonel? I have the Hadrian.”
“Put her through.” Kevin replied, sweat beading on his brow in the frustration of waiting.
“Silver Actual, this is Captain Diller. Enemy Aerospace assets neutralized. Repeat, all identified enemy aerospace assets neutralized. Scratch one Vincent, two Zeros, two Hammerheads, one Ironsides, and one Ahab. Remaining unidentified Dropships still at large. Over?”
A shout rang out across the bridge as word of the warship’s destruction lifted hopes. Kevin shouted for silence before replying. “Understood, Captain. Begin immediate rescue operations for all Silver Eagles personnel. Report any findings. Good job, Captain!”
Within an hour, word reached Kevin that Major Thorpe was alive and well, along with 39 other crew and officers. Kevin sighed heavily at the number. Forty survivors... out of 335 crew and passengers. He probably would have continued to brood if his musings weren’t interrupted.
“Colonel? I have an incoming transmission from the Dionysus.”
“Put it through, Mister Ramirez.” Kevin replied. Waiting to hear Captain Thatcher’s voice he was rudely shocked by a familiar, yet unexpected voice.
“Good day, Colonel Silver. This is Precentor Marlin. The Dionysus is mine!”
Kevin stood in stunned silence as he listened to the message that had been sent ten minutes earlier. Precentor Marlin detailed out his demands for the unconditional surrender of the Silver Eagles within 24 hours or he would abandon them on the unnamed planet. As the message concluded, Kevin began to formulate a plan of action.
“Captain Darious.” He began. “Prep the ship for launch. We’re heading for orbit to assist the Hadrian in recovery operations. I want us up there as soon as possible.”
After thirty minutes, the Comstock lifted for orbit on a rendezvous for the wreckage of the Zutsuu, leaving most of the ‘Mechs and personnel behind on the planet to give the Dropship the capacity to recover as much equipment as possible. As they neared the orbiting debris, Petty Officer Ramirez turned to Darious. “Captain Friedrich? I have Silver Special Flight One.”
“Put him through, Mister.” Darious replied.
A moment of static filled the line. “Bird to Nest. Requesting permission to dock.”
Darious smiled. “Granted, Bird. Welcome back!” Closing the channel, Darious turned to Kevin. “By the way Colonel, I forgot to congratulate you on pulling that off. How did you know they would fall for it?”
Kevin shrugged. “It’s in their nature. An offer of affirmation of the superiority of their position, offered from an escaped enemy in a harmless lifeboat? They couldn’t resist the ego boost, let alone what they felt they could gain in intel from the defector.”
Kevin smiled as he remembered how the plan had unfolded. The warship had confidently poised itself in a position only a few hundred kilometers from the wreckage of the Zutsuu, almost challenging the Silver Eagles to try and rescue their comrades. With their single heavy warhead loaded into one of the Hadrian’s lifeboats, the Dropship and other fighters had taken off and circled around the planet and approached the warship from behind while the lone fighter towed the lifeboat and its deadly cargo the opposite direction. Once the fighter was close to being seen, Lt. Bertel released the lifeboat and guided it by remote, thanks to some modifications from Lt. Faller and a long range com set.
Once in position, it was just a matter of relaying the communications from the pilot to the com set and into the lifeboat’s emergency radio. The dangerous part came when the warship sent its fighters to ‘escort’ the lifeboat into recovery by the warship. One small mistake and the Blakists would have detected the sub-carrier wave hidden in the lifeboat’s emergency beacon’s frequency. As luck would have it, the hidden signal went undetected as the lifeboat was brought into the warship’s cargo bay. Once they began to pressurize the bay, Kevin triggered the device, sending a single high-powered signal to the warhead. There was of course a contingency plan that would have triggered the warhead if the signal failed. In that event, a timer that began counting down from 60 seconds from the moment atmospheric pressure was detected. In either event, the warship was doomed once it took the bait.
Looking up at Darious, Kevin continued. “In the end it was just good luck and good planning working hand-in-hand. A hundred things could have gone wrong and doomed us all. But what choice did we have?”
Darious nodded grimly. “Aye, Colonel. I follow.” Turning around to glance at the display, Darious nodded to Kevin. “He’s aboard. We should link up with the Hadrian in the next few minutes.”
Kevin nodded as he turned to leave. “Keep me posted. Once we link up, I want you to focus on recovery as our top priority. I’ll be in my office.”
-
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 8th, 3068
Kevin floated into the briefing room of the Comstock and settled into his seat at the head of the conference table. Looking around at his assembled staff officers, he turned to Randall. “Glad you could join us, Major.”
Major Thorpe smiled. “You think you’re glad? How do you think I feel?”
A slight chuckle echoed through the room before Kevin turned to Lt. Faller. “Alright Joe. For the benefit of the Major and the others, give us a full rundown on the events since we lost contact with the Zutsuu, if you please?”
“Right.” Said Joe, as he stood and crushed out his cigarette. After recounting the events of the destruction of the Zutsuu and the counterattack on the Warship and her fighters, Joe paused a moment before continuing. “Forty minutes after taking off, the Comstock linked up with the remains of the Zutsuu and began recovery operations. The Hadrian has managed to locate another sixteen survivors on the lower half of the Zutsuu; the combat engineer platoon had managed to seal themselves into an airtight cargo container before it was too late. Adding the twelve survivors we picked up in the two Lifeboats and the eighteen survivors Major Thorpe located on the lower half, that brings our survivor count up to 87.”
In the middle of Joe’s briefing, Col. Silver’s com toned. As Joe concluded, Kevin interjected. “That was Captain Darious. They’ve recovered the Zutsuu’s flight recorder and are downloading the data into the Comstock’s computer now. The captain will be in once the data has been analyzed. For the moment, I want to concentrate on the facility that we were here to locate.” Turning to Joe he asked, “Where is the suspected facility site that the Zutsuu was investigating?”
Joe glanced at a display map of the planet’s surface. “We’ve almost completed two orbits since then and we should be over it right now. One moment, sir.” Lt. Faller entered a few commands into the computer console and walked up to the main display. “There!” he exclaimed as he pointed to a small dot on the surface below. Pausing the display, he zoomed the image onto the small dot that resolved into a single building. “According to the data, what we’re looking at is a single structure between 30 and 31 thousand square meters in area and at least 15 meters tall.”
Kevin furrowed his brow and looked at the image. “That’s not very large, Joe. Could there be more to it elsewhere?”
Joe shrugged. “Possibly, or this could just be the top of a subterranean facility. Given the levels of UV radiation on the surface and the history of Star League engineering, it’s likely they would build down.”
Randall looked closely at the displayed image. “Is it a hardened structure?”
Joe shook his head. “I’m not sure. Spectrographic data suggests the outer layer is coated in standard radiation sheeting. No telling what the structure itself is made of.“
Kevin interjected. “Any signs of recent activity?”
Joe shook his head. “Other than the thermal signature the Zutsuu originally spotted, I’m not seeing any signs... wait...” Joe moved the display to the north and focused in on another spot. “There! Looks like a spheroid landing site. Judging by the scorching, I’d estimate a take-off took place sometime in the last few days.”
Kevin nodded and looked at the display. “We need to capture that facility. If the Word is holding it, we’ll need to take it from them.”
Erin looked at Kevin. “Whit guid does it dae us now, Kevin? We’ve lost the Dionysus. Even if we take the facility, the bluidy Blakists can jest leave us here tae rot wit it.”
Kevin shook his head. “Not quite, Erin. They’re here for a reason: they want that facility. If we take it from them, they might want it back badly enough to barter for it.”
Lt. Scott spoke up. “What’s to stop them from just taking it back? Or just nuking us from orbit?”
Joe smiled. “That’s easier said than done when they want what we’ve taken to remain intact.”
The debate halted as Captain Friedrich entered the briefing room. “Colonel? We have some data to report.”
Kevin nodded and waved Darious toward his seat. “By all means, Captain.”
Floating to his seat, Darious began. “We copied the data from the Zutsuu’s flight recorder and found the times and trajectories of the escape pod launches. Based on that, we could extrapolate their approximate landing areas.” Darious brought up a map of the planet and highlighted two spots on the northern hemisphere.
Kevin looked at the display. “Joe? Aren’t those...”
Joe completed Colonel Silver’s statement. “Yes, sir. They’re quite close to the facility. One is only 16 kilometers to the south.”
Kevin thought a moment before continuing. “Alright. Here’s what we’re going to do. First, Recon Company will be hot-dropped to recover the escape pods. The Comstock and Hadrian will land west of the facility after we have recovered the rest of the unit from our first landing site. Assault Company and Strike Company will be dropped on the facility itself and command the assault on the facility and take it intact while both Light Armor Companies act in support once the Hadrian has landed. Once the area is secure, Light Armor will transport First Infantry and the Marines to storm the facility’s interior. If possible, Armor and ‘Mechs will provide support.” Kevin glanced at the chronometer. “You all have fifteen minutes. I want that facility captured before Marlin’s deadline. Hopefully we can use it as a bargaining chip to save our skins.”
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 9th, 3068
Erin sat in the command couch of her Thunderbolt encased in the cocoon that would protect her ‘Mech from the searing heat of re-entry. She felt the cocoon descend into the launch bay and shake to a stop, the sound of hydraulics followed as the drop bay was opened to space. Glancing at her chronometer with only sixty seconds remaining, she steeled herself for the drop.
Her coms came to life with the calm voice of Petty Officer Ramirez through the data feed linking her ‘Mech to the Comstock until her drop. “Assault Lance, Defender Leader, and Defender Wing have reached deployment altitude. Sensors report six good deployments and report Recon Company on schedule for rendezvous.”
Static filled the line as Erin switched to the ground control channel. “Hotshot to Orchid. You still up there?”
Erin smiled as she keyed her coms in reply. “Aye, Hotshot. Deployment in thirty seconds. I’ll be on th’ ground a’fore yee git there.”
“I got a bad feeling about this op, Orchid.” Ben replied.
Erin laughed. “Stick te yer mission orders and we’ll be fine, Hotshot.” Suddenly, her stomach leapt into her throat as she plummeted toward the atmosphere below. Seconds ticked by like hours as her ‘Mech screamed through the thin upper atmosphere of the unnamed planet. Glancing at her sensor display, the cocoon’s exterior temperature soared to over a thousand degrees as her descent speed dropped. Sweat droplets streamed down her face like tears, but not from the heat. Ben’s words rang in her ears like a trumpet. Shaking her head as vigorously as possible in the confines of her neurohelmet, she tried to shake the feeling of dread as easily. Come on, Erin. Snap out of it! Ye’ve got a job ta dae.
Just as suddenly as it had begun, the cocoon shattered into tens of thousands of shards, clouding her approach and dropping her ‘Mech toward her target. Glancing at her inertial navigation system, she keyed her coms. “Orchid ta all units. I show Command Lance on target. Estimated time te’ target, two minutes. Orchid oot.”
Kevin gripped the handrail near the ComTech’s station on the bridge of the Comstock as he listened in on the communications. Keying his mic, he ordered, “Silver Actual to all units. Stick to your mission profiles. I don’t want any engagements until ordered to do so. If you come under fire, your orders are to break engagement and regroup at waypoint Sierra-Echo two-seven-zero. Silver Actual out.” Turning to Captain Friedrich, he queried, “Captain? Can we get a visual on that facility?”
“Aye, Colonel.” Darious replied. Punching a few keys on the panel in front of him, one of the displays switched to an external high-resolution camera.
Col. Silver searched the image for the facility. As the image panned over, the facility entered the view. “There!” Kevin shouted. “Hold that spot and zoom in as far as we can.” As the image stabilized, the outline of the facility grew large enough to make out major details. “I don’t see any signs of activity, do you Darious?”
Captain Friedrich shook his head. “Not a thing, Kevin. Could be deserted.”
Kevin let a slight chuckle out. “With the way our luck is running, I very greatly doubt that.” Kevin just sat and watched the display for several seconds in silence until the call came over the coms.
“Orchid to Silver Actual. Assault Company is down and deployed. Strike Company is moving to waypoint Sierra-Alpha two-seven-zero. No contacts.”
Kevin keyed his mic in reply. “Roger that, Orchid. Move by Lances to Sierra-Alpha two-seven-zero and hold covering positions.” Switching channels, he queried, “Recon Company, report status.”
Major Thorpe replied a moment later. “Nighthawk to Silver Actual. We are approaching Sierra-Echo one-eight-zero; distance, point two-seven. Looks quiet from here, but we can’t see over the ridgeline yet. Hotshot has the ‘goodies’.”
Kevin switched the display to a tactical overview. Waypoint Sierra-Echo one-eight-zero was half a kilometer south of the facility and covered by a slow rise in terrain, just high enough to cover a southern approach. Odd that the Star League would leave such an obvious approach path. he thought. No matter. They probably thought it so unlikely that an enemy ‘Mech unit could get this far. Keying his mic once more he ordered, “Silver Actual to Nighthawk Armor unit is five minutes behind you. Cover their approach then move to Sierra-Alpha two-seven-zero and link up with Orchid. Silver Actual out.”
Several agonizing minutes later Kevin finally heard what he’d been waiting for. “Orchid to Silver Actual. Armor Company and Recon Company have arrived at Sierra-Alpha two-seven-zero. Request permission to deploy infiltration units.”
Kevin nodded, knowing that until now, the Infantry Company and Armored Marines had been traveling in the relative safety of their Silver Goblins. With direct sunlight pouring down on his unit, any infantryman caught out in the open for any significant amount of time would be facing a death sentence from UV radiation poisoning. Only the Silver Eagles’ Armored Marines could survive out in the open for any length of time. “Roger that, Orchid. Deploy Marine units One and Two. Keep me advised.”
As Erin watched, the sixteen battlearmored marines approach the huge main doors leading into the Star League Facility. Stopping next to the main doors, she heard her coms crackle to life with the voice of Sergeant Major Karl Spanner.
“Alpha to Orchid. Teams are in position. Ears says the facility has power and she can override the door locks. Request permission to open the facility.”
Steeling her nerve for the worst, Erin replied. “Roger that, Alpha. Proceed. Orchid to all Units. Prepare for armed resistance from the facility. All units hold fire on my order.”
Moments passed like an eternity, waiting for the inevitable. Finally the massive doors began to open. As Erin looked through the doors, she could see the emptiness inside. When the doors finally slid to a stop fully opened, she could scarcely believe what she saw. Keying her mic, she reported. “Orchid to Silver Actual. We have access ta th’ facility. Looks like nobody air home, Colonel.”
Kevin furrowed his brow in concern. “Roger that, Orchid. Proceed with extreme caution.”
As the Silver Eagles made their way into the massive facility, all they could see was four empty walls containing nothing more than a few observation windows and two or three human-sized doors leading to other parts of the facility. As they searched further into the massive rectangular room, Erin spotted what looked like four human-sized elevators set into the floor of the empty room and a very large door in the center of the floor.
“Orchid to Silver Actual. No contacts. It would appear that th’ facility does have at least one subterranean level. Still searching. Orchid out.”
After several minutes of searching the vacant upper level, all that was found was a computer interface in a room along the eastern wall of what would seem to be an otherwise empty warehouse. Also several offices along the north and south walls, and a stairwell, four elevators, and a 225 square meter door... all leading down. Secure in the knowledge that at least the upper level seemed secure, the Comstock made preparations to land outside the facility. Twenty minutes later, Col. Silver, Lt. Faller, and Lt. Chi Lin entered the facility as the Unit’s infantry secured every entrance Lt. Chi Lin and Cap. Morander Collins began working on accessing the computer system while the rest of the unit waited.
Finally a voice cried out from what the Silver Eagles had dubbed the ‘Operations Office’. “Got it Colonel!” cried Chi Lin. As she spoke, the massive 225 square meter door slowly slid open. Darkness was all that could be seen in the level below as Col. Silver approached the massive opening in the warehouse floor. Infantry moved into position around the entrance as dozens of lights were shined down the hole. All that could be seen was another massive hole in the floor ten meters below... and another... and another.
Kevin looked over at Lt. Faller. “How far down you think this goes, Joe?”
Joe just shrugged. “Knowing Star League engineering, I’d be prepared to meet Hades himself if I were you.”
After an hour of searching down five sublevels and 50 meters below the surface, Kevin ordered the Marines to hold and secure their current positions. After seeing how large the area inside was, Col. Silver ordered the unit to make camp in the massive warehouse floor. Tents were set up, the mess facility broken out, and the HQ Van deployed while the command staff met in their HQ tent.
Col. Silver took his place at the head of the table. “For all we can see, this facility is abandoned. If WoB did hold it, they aren’t holding it anymore. That doesn’t mean I want people to get lax. I want you all expecting a trap, got it?” Kevin looked around the table at the assembled senior officers. “Marines are covering us down to sublevel 5 and the Infantry are setting up base camp. Once that is done, I want a few suggestions on how we search this facility out to find what we’re looking for.”
Randall spoke up first. “I suggest a complete top-to-bottom search of the facility for any WoB traps and suicide troops, Colonel. They would not have let this facility go so easy.”
As Randall spoke, Cap. Collins handed Kevin a data chip, which he slid into his noteputer. “That may be easier said than done, Major.” Kevin replied. “According to the data that Captain Collins and Lieutenant Chi Lin have gathered from the computer, this facility as a little larger than we suspected.” As he turned the noteputer to the assembled officers, they could see the schematic diagram of the facility; extending down half a kilometer through solid rock.
Attached is the schematic diagram I gave to the players representing the base and its sublevels.
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Very nice! Does it have a legend, or did they have to guess what the colors mean? ;D
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Very nice! Does it have a legend, or did they have to guess what the colors mean? ;D
Thank you very much. :-[
They didn't have a color key but then they didn't really need one... they figured it out on their own pretty quickly based on my descriptions of what they had already seen and the written descriptions in the map.
For the large area map shown, each square is 5 meters across and the colors are as follows: White indicates open floor, Light Green indicates office/living space, Bright Green is for personnel lifts, Sea Green for heavy lifts, Medium Gray for heavy access doors, Orange for Control areas, Tan for heavy machinery, Red for self-contained systems, Light Yellow for stairwells, Cyan for workshops, Blue for water, and Gold for Platforms.
A slightly different color code was used for sublevels 11-20 (housing) and the detailed maps that they didn't get to see until later. (scale 1 meter per square)
Of note, height for the overall cutaway profile is slightly off-scale on sublevels 11-20, 22, 24, & 25 as the ceiling height is 4 meters per half-sublevel on those levels. (i.e. there is a sublevel 11a and a sublevel 11b, etc.) The rest of the levels are 5-15 meters high.
Thus the accurate depth of the facility is 554 meters. (1,817 feet or about 115 stories... taller than all but a handful of skyscrapers in the world today)
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Thanks! I was entirely serious about being impressed... that is one sweet map! O0
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So were we when she unveiled it. So much work was put into that one facility that we were very pleasantly surprised. ;)
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Sure, it was fun filling in over 3 million cubic meters of SLDF manufacturing facility only to have most of the details get glossed over by the PCs... but I'm not bitter. :^Þ
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 9th, 3068
Sgt. Nicolas Harelson held his hand up, stopping his squad cold. Searching for the sound that triggered his response, his ears strained for more warnings of danger, but none could be found. Gesturing to PFC Ellegood, he waited while the Support Weapon Specialist moved further down the narrow metal corridor. As he waited for the PFC to report, his concentration was interrupted.
“Sarge? What’s the holdup?” came the whisper in the dark.
Snapping his head around he saw the concerned face of Cpl. Gitelman. With an outraged look on his face, he held his finger to his mouth and tapped his left ear, indicating he was listening for a threat. After a minute of unsuccessfully searching for another sound, Sgt. Harelson finally signaled for his squad to advance further down the hallway. The darkness of the narrow confines threatened to swallow them, held back only by the dim illumination of the rifle-mounted flashlights each infantryman carried. The sounds of their slow progress down the metal passageway rang in his ears like the clatter of pots dropped in a noisy kitchen, though he knew his men were actually making very little noise. It’s so damn quiet in this metal tube, any noise sounds like a racket! he warned himself. If anyone’s down here, they’ll know we’re here for certain!
Looking ahead, Sgt. Harelson noticed the passageway curving to the right slightly. Gesturing with his head, he ordered his squad to hug the left wall, giving them as much view down the hallway as possible. A blur of something barely visible at the edge of the darkness ahead caught his eye for only a moment... the scant moment between his seeing it and the sickening crack of his spine as his head was twisted 180 degrees.
Daniel O’Hare stood over the printout of sublevel seven that had been provided by Lt. Chi Lin, examining the schematics for some indication of the purpose of this large open room and the sixteen small tunnels that branched out from it.
As he mused its purpose from the relative safety of the ‘Control Room’ as they had dubbed it, his thoughts were interrupted by the soft voice of Sgt. Delprete. “Lieutenant? Third Squad is overdue for their check-in.”
“Great!” he grumbled. Grabbing his laser rifle from the console he had set it on, he headed out of the small room at the center of the level and into the large open area surrounding it. Jogging quickly across the metal floor, he reached the doorway leading into the main stairwell. Flinging the door open wide, he saw the two infantrymen manning the communications console that had become necessary to keep in touch with the rest of the unit on the surface. Grabbing the handset, he barked “Get me the Colonel.”
Kevin touched the key on the side of his headset as he stood in the Mobile Headquarters Van. “Silver Actual, go ahead.”
“O’Hare here, Colonel. We’ve lost contact with third squad, first platoon. They were investigating corridor H7. Request instructions.”
Col. Silver wasted no time. “Are any other squads still on search?”
Checking his checklist of search areas, he replied after a moment. “Affirmative Colonel. Squad two and squads four through eight are still searching corridors H1 through H6.”
Kevin furrowed his brow and thought quickly. “Order your teams back, Lieutenant. I want every man accounted for ASAP. I’m sending third Marine Squad down to give you backup.”
Lt. O’Hare quickly replied, “Sir, it may just be further interference from the structure, similar to why we had to set up the com line. Shouldn’t we just send another squad...”
Kevin interrupted his Infantry commander. “Those are your orders, Lieutenant. I’m taking no chances. Silver Actual out.” Turning, he looked over at Sgt. Major Spanner. “Get third Marine down there ASAP. I’ll have one of the Mechwarriors get back in their ‘Mech to cover the entrance to the stairwell. I know it’s overkill, but I need them down there until we can get that door on sublevel six open.” Seeing a nod from the head of his marine unit, he tapped his headset once again. “Silver Actual to Nighthawk.”
Randall picked up his radio and quickly swallowed the bite he’d managed to eat. “Nighthawk, go ahead.”
Col. Silver spoke quickly. “Randall, I want you to get someone back in their ‘Mech ASAP. I’m dispatching third Marine down to sublevel seven. We’ve lost contact with an infantry squad. Put the unit on alert.”
“On it!” Randall replied. Standing up he shouted to the Mechwarriors assembled in the mess tent, “Ready five people! Lieutenant Deckman! I want you in your ‘Mech yesterday and guarding that stairwell!” Turning to Lt. Col. McKenna, he nodded. “You’ll have to excuse me, ma’am.” At that he ran toward his Blackjack OmniMech.
Erin sipped her tea as though nothing odd were happening. Finishing her tea in two more drinks, she set the cup down and stared at the distant wall. After pondering a moment, she slowly stood and walked leisurely toward the Mobile HQ Van. Nodding as she passed the infantryman guarding the door, she entered the Van and walked strait to Kevin. “Colonel? I request ta’ join th’ Comstock an’ oversee th’ recovery op.”
Waving her away a moment, Kevin strained to hear the report. “Say again, Sven? All after ‘motor’.”
Sven rolled his eyes and sighed heavily. “I said, the motor is gone, Colonel. Not damaged, not fried... gone. As in ‘removed and now missing’. Over.”
“Roger that, Sven.” Kevin replied. “How long would it take you to work up a replacement?”
The chief technician scoffed. “Here? Now? With the materials we have? Forever, Kevin! These aren’t tiny motors! Those doors weigh close to two hundred tons! The only thing I can suggest is to take the motor from sublevel five that’s already open and install it here.”
Kevin thought a moment. “Do it, Sven. Requisition whatever you need to get it done fast. Silver Actual out.” Turning to his executive officer, he shook his head. “Denied, Colonel. I need you here.”
Erin shook her head. “Nae sair, ya dinna. I’m only guid ta’ ya in a ‘Mech right noo, an’ tha’ll do ya little guid right noo.”
Kevin folded his arms and looked at his friend of over sixteen years. “You still brooding over loosing the vote?”
Erin shot a fiery look at Kevin. “I’m nae broodin’, Kevin! I accept th’ vote o’ th’ owners. ‘No surrender.’ It’s stupid, Kevin! We’re trapped here fer’ever if we dinna surrender!” She ticked off the fingers of her hand as she went through her arguments, the same as she had done when the vote had taken place. “Nae one knows where we went, nae one even knows this Blake-fersaken’ place even exists, the bluidy Wobbies have th’ Dionysus, we nuked th’ only other Jumpship here, an’ last time I checked, ya dinna have a pocket HPG! Be I wrong, Kevin? Tell me! I’d really like ta’ see where I be wrong here!” Erin crossed her arms in mocking defiance of Kevin’s stance.
Kevin shook his head and dropped his arms to his sides, leaning on the holotable in front of him. “No Erin, you’re not wrong. Everything you say is correct. But there are other matters to consider, as was stated in the meeting, I might add.” Ticking off his own fingers, he retorted, “The WoB have been hunting us for years because we knew they were collecting nukes way back in ’52. There’s no way they’re going to let us go now! We spotted a WoB Dropship here and the warship we destroyed was a Vincent class. Those have no Dropship collars, so it had to be carried here on something other than the warship. And last but not least, we have taken a facility that WoB wants to keep. That gives us a bargaining chip if they don’t want us to gut this place.”
Erin rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Aye, I heard th’ arguments. Whit with th’ surface radiation, guttin’ this place wouid be signin’ oor own death warrants an’ th’ bluidy Wobbies know it. Tis’ an empty threat. Even worse, they could jes leave us here ta’ starve ta’ death. Going by oor current supplies, tha’ shuid only take aboot seven months, eight if we live on bare minimums.”
Col. Silver dropped his head in resignation. “Fine Erin. You’re relieved. Report to the Comstock to assist with disaster recovery operations. Report to me on each orbit with any findings.” He looked up at his executive officer who stood impassively. “You’re dismissed, Colonel. The Comstock is due to leave in less than five minutes. Better hurry.”
Erin bowed slightly, then snapped a crisp salute and left the van for the Dropship.
Randall looked at Joe with a puzzled look as he and two others came down the stairwell. “Why are you bringing Aerojocks?”
Lt. Faller looked back at the two following him and jerked his thumb over his shoulder as he came down the stairs. “Lt. Silver’s here because we’re short-handed, his Slayer is all shot up and in for repairs, and he’s not that bad in a gunfight. Dr. Falken is here because we’re shorthanded and may need a medic.”
Randall grimaced and joked, “We get the CO’s uncle killed and he’ll take it out of our hides.”
Joe smiled. “He can bill me. Let’s go.”
“What’s in the pack, sir?” Lt. Silver asked Joe who was carrying a black backpack.
“Insurance, my friend. Insurance.” Joe retorted.
As the four officers left the stairwell on sublevel seven and approached corridor H7 they were met by Lt. O’Hare. “Third Marine has been guarding the entrance since they got here fifteen minutes ago. We haven’t heard from third Infantry squad for 45 minutes.”
Randall nodded as he listened to the report. “Alright, I want all infantry squads set up in a firing line facing the eastern wall here.” He pointed at the wall into which was set four tunnels marked H5 through H8. “Marine Squad three will go with my team for backup. We’ll radio every five minutes. If we fail to check in and you can’t raise Marine Squad three...” he paused a moment to think what the Infantry Lieutenant should do. “If we’re not out in thirty minutes and you can’t reach anyone, have the Combat Engineers collapse the tunnel behind us.” At that he hefted his Mauser 960 to his shoulder and started into the tunnel.
Joe stepped quietly into the hallway, a Laser Rifle in his right hand at the ready. Meanwhile, Lt. Silver followed close behind carrying an Imperator AX-22 at the ready and a Sternsnacht pistol on his hip, while Dr. Nathan Falken carried only a M&G Service pistol and his medical gear. As the four made their way down the passageway, the battlearmored marines kept right behind them, making stealth impossible, but greatly increasing their chances of survival.
After five minutes of walking, Randall pulled out his field radio. “Nighthawk checking in.” Static filled his radio before a reply came weakly through.
“Roger that, Nighthawk.” Lt. O’Hare replied. “We can barely read you. Over?”
Randall grimaced. “Same on this end, Lieutenant. I’m ordering Marine Squad three to stay here so we can maintain coms while we scout ahead. Looks like an empty hallway that’s just messing with coms. Third Infantry probably just kept moving further down and is out of reach. I’ll check in in five. Nighthawk out.” At that, Randall turned to Staff Sergeant Lusk. “Delta? Stay here and relay our coms. Stay on alert, though and be ready to play the part of the cavalry.”
The lead marine stepped forward. “The cavalry, sir?”
“Yea.” Randall replied. “Don’t you ever watch old 2Ds, Sergeant? ‘Cavalry riding to the rescue’ and all?”
The marine battlearmor suit simply stood motionless. “No sir, can’t say I ever have. But I get the general idea. If you call for backup, we’ll be on you faster than a Drac on a Capellan hooker.”
Joe looked back at the marine. “Watch the slurs, Sergeant. We have both Kuritans and Capellans in the Eagles... including my wife.”
“No offense intended sir.” The marine replied sheepishly. “We’ve got your back.”
As the four continued down the hallway, Randall turned to Joe. “About how far have we come, Fallguy?”
Joe shrugged. “Little over a half a klik I estimate.”
Dr. Falken walked slowly behind the other three. “What did you mean earlier when you said your wife was Capellan, Lieutenant Faller? I thought Colonel McKenna was a Negushevo citizen?”
Joe nodded as he searched down the hallway with the light of his rifle-mounted flashlight. “She is... now. She was born a Capellan citizen though. Just not common knowledge.”
“What was that?” asked Randall startled as he whipped around to look behind him.
The four stopped and listened. Joe crouched and shouldered the laser rifle. “I don’t know. It almost sounded like metal dropping on metal, from behind us.”
Randall quickly grabbed his field radio. “Delta this is Nighthawk, come in?”
Static once more filled the line before a reply came. “Nighthawk this is Delta. Read you. Over?”
Randall keyed his radio once more. “You guys hear anything back there? Like metal on metal?”
A moment passed before a reply came. “Negative Major. Nothing back here but us.”
Randall paused before replying. “Roger that, Delta. Stay alert. We heard something like metal on metal and it sounded like it came from between us. Over?”
Noise filled the line once more before the reply came. “Roger that, Nighthawk. We’ll be on alert. Delta out.”
As the four continued down the curved passageway, several minutes passed when Randall stopped. “Time to check in again.” He announced as he pulled out the field radio. “Delta this is Nighthawk, come in?”
Static filled the line once more, but this time no response came back.
“Delta? This is Nighthawk. Respond. Over?”
Once more, static was the only reply.
“Crap!” Randall swore. “I can’t raise third Marine!”
Lt. Silver looked around. “Interference again?” he asked.
Randall shook his head. “I don’t think so. Not unless we passed a huge iron depot back there.”
“Should we go back?” asked Dr. Falken.
Joe nodded. “Yeah. Let’s...”
Joe’s reply was interrupted by a sound he and Randall knew well coming from the hallway behind them.
Randall turned to Joe. “Does that sound like our boys?” he asked.
Joe listened intently and looked back at Randall seriously and shook his head. “That’s not Inner Sphere battlearmor. Sounds different. Quieter, and only one.”
Randall stiffened and whispered. “That’s what I thought. Move out!” At that the four stood and ran down the passageway.
After running for several minutes, Joe nodded ahead. “Opening ahead, Nighthawk.” As the four approached it, they could still hear the sound of metallic footsteps behind them. Quickly moving through the doorway at the end of the passage, the four looked around and realized where they were. As the sound of metallic footsteps grew louder, Dr. Falken took a step backwards and out of the large cylindrical room.
“Doc!” Randall whispered loudly. “Get in here!”
Dr. Falken shook his head. “Don’t you know what that is, Major?”
Joe shook his head and grabbed Dr. Falken by the hand, pulling him back in the room, pressing the release for the door close as he did so. As the door slid shut with a thud that rang throughout the chamber, Joe turned to Dr. Falken. “Yeah. It’s a nuke silo.”
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JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 9th, 3068
Joe looked around the silo, quickly surveying the situation and trying to come up with a plan of attack. Seeing the scaffolding that would surround the Peacemaker missile normally housed there, Joe was actually glad the silo was not ‘occupied’. “Alright! Everyone up the ladder!” he ordered. Quickly slinging his rifle, he started up first, with Dr. Falken and Lt. Silver close behind, while Randall covered the door.
“Joe!” Randall shouted. “Does this thing lock?”
As Lt. Faller reached the next gantry level, he looked back down at Randall. “I released the emergency seal. The door thinks there’s been a radiation leak. No one can open it now.”
Even as he spoke, Randall could hear the sound of heavy metallic footsteps stop on the other side of the door. “I think that could, Joe.” He retorted as he quickly began climbing the ladder.
As the quartet all reached the next gantry level, the sound of tearing metal rang in their ears followed by silence.
Randall leaned over to Joe as the four crouched in the shadows directly above the doorway. “Now what?” he whispered.
Joe quietly opened the backpack that he had removed as he had sat down. “It’s time to cash in on my life insurance policy.” He whispered back, pulling a block of C8 from his pack. Reaching inside his pack again he pulled another object and pressed it into the block.
“Jeez Joe!” he whispered. “That block will kill us all! What’s that thing?” Randall asked, nodding at the device.
“Pentaglycerine charge with a contact detonator.” Joe whispered back. “Stay here and hold on to something.” At that, Joe slowly and quietly stood up and looked straight down through the grill of the gantry he stood on. A moment later, a blurry figure appeared below him, the sound of metal straining under massive weight filling the chamber. What the hell is that thing? Joe wondered. It’s like a Battlearmor suit covered in active camo. As he watched, the vague figure stepped further onto the gantry floor below. Get ready for it... Joe waited.
Even as he thought it, the blurred figure seemed to tilt backwards as though looking upwards. At that moment, Joe ran forward toward the guardrail surrounding the gantry. As his body hit the railing and started to topple over it, Joe swung his body around the rail like a set of parallel bars, his right hand still holding the C8 block as his body inverted. His free hand swung wide and threw the block of plastic explosive toward the intruder, but it seemed to miss his target and sailed past it. Joe’s body continued its circle around the bar as he closed his eyes and flung himself back toward the wall.
As the block of explosives sailed past the intruder, it landed in the passageway just behind the battlearmor. The shape of the tunnel focused the explosion in two directions, both up the tunnel and out of it. The unknown battlearmor suit took the brunt of the blast and the hardened armor protected the occupant, however the energy was transferred into the suit as armor ablated and the shock wave sent the suit flying across the silo. The suit slammed into the far wall with the force of a freight train, shattering concrete like glass. As the explosion spent itself and the falling suit tore through the gantry below, the gantry above the door began to buckle.
Randall reached down and grabbed one of the two grapple rods he kept clipped to his belt. “Hang on!” he shouted as he shot the grapple into the gantry above them. Grabbing Dr. Falken, he tossed the other grapple to Joe, just as he was trying to regain his feet.
Grabbing the grapple, Joe shot it into the upper gantry just as the gantry he was standing on buckled under his feet. He looked across the collapsing gantry toward Lt. Silver. “Jump!” he screamed as the gantry collapsed. Lt. Silver flung himself off the wall, grabbing the cord of the grapple rod and hanging on as the gantry fell away below them. As the four dangled from the upper gantry, the battlearmor suit slammed into the bottom of the silo, followed by six tons of steel and concrete.
“How long have they been gone?” asked Col. Silver
“About twelve minutes, Colonel.” Lt. O’Hare replied. “They missed their check-in two minutes ago and we just heard a large explosion down the passageway.”
Kevin closed his eyes a moment before answering. “Roger that, Lieutenant. I’m sending the Combat Engineers and another Marine Squad down now. Once they get there, they are to set charges and collapse that passageway. Understood?”
A moment passed before Lt. O’Hare replied. “Roger that, Silver Actual. O’Hare out.”
Kevin sat down into the seat next to the holotable and cupped his face in his hands. Erin will never forgive me for this. he thought.
Joe looked down the shaft at the wreckage as he stood on the upper gantry. “I think we got him, Randall.”
Randall finished pulling himself up onto the gantry and looked back down the seemingly bottomless shaft. “Whaddya figure, Joe? Twenty-five meters?”
Joe nodded. “Twenty-five or thirty. Even in a suit, no one can take that kind of ‘rapid deceleration trauma’. Right Doc?” Joe looked up at Dr. Falken.
Nathan looked down the shaft and nodded. “Yeah. Near instantaneous 70-g deceleration... right after getting blasted 20 meters across the silo and slammed into a concrete wall? No matter how padded that suit is, he’s Spam in a can.”
Joe looked down the shaft and spat down at the rising cloud of dust. Looking around, he pointed at the gaping hole that led into the passageway. “We need to figure a way to get down.” Glancing at his watch, he added, “And we’ve got about five minutes to do it or we won’t have enough time to get out before they seal us in.”
Using the two grapple rods, the four set up a makeshift ‘zip line’ in a few minutes. Randall slid down the line first, followed by Lt. Silver, then Dr. Falken. Joe was getting set to slide down when they all heard the sound of twisting metal. Joe grabbed his rifle and pointed the flashlight down the shaft and shook his head in amazement. “You have got to be freaking kidding me!” he exclaimed. Snapping off a few covering shots, he slung his laser rifle and nodded to Randall. “Cover me!”
Randall shouldered his Mauser and shouted. “Fire in the hole!” launching a grenade into the rising dust. Waiting for the explosion to settle, Joe took cover as Randall followed the grenade with a burst of laser fire. Taking his opportunity, Joe grabbed the zip-line and got ready to slid down as quickly as he could.
Lt. Silver pulled a stun grenade and tossed it down the shaft. “Fire in the hole!” he shouted, but Joe could stop in time. As he slid across the chasm, the stun grenade exploded below him. Reaching the ruined passageway, Joe collapsed in a heap and started to slide down the slope of ruined concrete and dirt, his laser rifle slipping off his shoulder and into the gaping maw. Lt. Silver dove forward and grabbed Joe’s hand just as his feet started to slide down into the shaft. “Haul us up!” he shouted, grabbing the sleeve of Joe’s fatigues to get a better purchase. As Dr. Falken and Randall pulled the two up into the passageway, the sound of metal bending and tearing resumed.
“Joe had it right!” Randall quipped. “You’ve got to be freaking kidding me!”
Pulling Joe to a sitting position, Dr. Falken reached into his medical bag and pulled out a stimpatch, slapping it on Joe’s arm. “Come on, Fallguy!” he shouted. “Snap out of it!”
A few moments later, Joe’s eyes snapped open and he reached for his pistol and screamed. “Grah!”
Dr. Falken stepped back and let Joe go. “Fallguy!” he shouted. “We have to leave! Now!”
Looking around, Joe lowered his pistol and slowly stood up. Randall offered him a hand up. “No time for napping, Fallguy. Our ‘houseguest’ doesn’t seem to know the meaning of the word ‘quit’.”
Staggering to his feet and shaking his head to regain his senses, Joe nodded. “Right!” Gesturing back toward to silo with his thumb, he breathlessly stammered out, “Fire in the hole, Randall.” At that, Randall turned and fired every grenade in his rifle into the shaft. Tons of concrete and dirt exploded from the far wall, sending tons more tumbling down the shaft as the quartet ran down the passageway.
As they made their way back toward the entrance, Randall shouted, “I see third Marine squad! Four men down!”
Running up to the four prone battlearmor, Dr. Falken opened the faceplate of the first. “He’s alive!” he shouted. Looking over the suit, he saw the pool of blood on the floor, but no visible damage to the suit. Reaching his hand underneath the suit, he found a small wet hole. “I’ve got massive trauma and blood loss, probably a puncture wound through the back. We need to get him out of this suit!”
Randall stood up after checking another of the marines. “Too late here.” He announced, pulling out his field radio. “Nighthawk to Lt. O’Hare, over?”
Daniel couldn’t believe his ears. “Nighthawk! Where the hell have you been? We were about to seal you guys in!”
“I got a live one!” shouted Lt. Silver. “Multiple stab wounds through the back!” Lt. Silver tuned back to PFC Anastasio. “Just hold still! We’re gonna get you out of here!”
Randall keyed the mic again. “Marines were attacked from behind with a piercing weapon. We have two marines down, stab wounds through the back. Send medical teams ASAP!”
Joe spoke up next. “Make that three down! Same MO.”
Dr. Falken pulled the chest plate off the first marine. “Stab wound goes all the way through!” he shouted. “I need some help over here, Major!” Randall ran over to Dr. Falken as he continued to listen.
“Silver Actual to Nighthawk. Is your position secure?”
Randall glanced down the passageway as he knelt beside Dr. Falken. “For the moment, Silver Actual. We have at least one confirmed hostile in the area. I don’t know who this guy is, but he makes a Clan Elemental look like a pansy hemophiliac!”
Dr. Falken pulled a plastiflesh bandage from his medical kit. “Hold this on his chest and apply pressure while I try and get the back wound stabilized!”
As the two lifted the marine’s upper body, Staff Sergeant Lusk’s eyes shot open and a gurgling noise came out of his mouth. Coughing violently, blood spattered out.
“Doctor!” Randall shouted. “He’s awake!”
Nathan looked back at his patient. “Lie still and try not to move, Sergeant. You’ve got a punctured lung and came within half a centimeter of having a severed renal artery.” He reached around the marine and slid the plastiflesh bandage in place over a piece of heavy gauze. “There! That should stop most of the bleeding. Lay him back down and keep applying pressure while I get the next one.”
“Silver Actual to Nighthawk. I’m sending in first marine and first and second infantry squads with medevac gear. Over?”
Randall laid the Sergeant back in the cradle of his damaged suit and picked up his radio. “Roger that, Silver Actual. You better have them double-time it, sir. These guys are in bad shape!”
Sergeant Lusk grabbed Randall by the shoulder. “Never saw it... sir. It was fast! Came out of nowhere... then suit went dark.” Walter coughed up blood and rolled in agony.
“Hey Doc!” Randall yelled. “I need morphine!”
Dr. Falken looked up from Private Kracht while Joe stood guard next to him. “It’s in my bag. Do you know how to use a bag valve mask?”
Randall ran over to Nathan’s bag and opened it. “Yeah, it’s been a long time since first aid training, though.”
“Administer one morphine dose and begin assisted respiration so he doesn’t go into respiratory arrest.”
Lt. Silver reached around the back of PFC Anastasio and shouted over to Nathan. “I have multiple stab wounds between the sixth and seventh sinister ribs, and a second between the eighth and ninth dexter ribs. Likely puncture of the right middle lobe and possible rupture of the left superior pulmonary vein. BP is eighty over thirty and breathing is shallow.”
Dr. Falken looked up as he pressed the gauze into the stab wound in Private Kracht’s upper left shoulder. “Good work, Iceman. Can you start an IV?”
Lt. Silver nodded. “Yes sir.” Running to his wingman’s advanced medical kit, he quickly retrieved a saline pouch and IV line. Racing back to his patient, he had the IV going in seconds.
Dr. Falken looked over to his wingman. “Ice! How bad is the bleeding?”
Charles Silver looked at the floor and under the damaged battlearmor suit. “Looks like when he fell on his back, the blood backed up and clotted. If we move him, he could start bleeding again.”
Nathan turned to Joe. “I know you’re busy, but I need you to apply pressure on Private Kracht’s bandage while I treat PFC Anastasio.”
Staring down the passageway toward the silo, Joe slightly nodded. “Yea, Doc.” He crouched and glanced down at the marine. Reaching out with his left hand and applying pressure as instructed, his eyes never left the passage and his pistol continued to aim down the hallway. “I got ya covered both ways, Private.” He quipped. Glancing over at Randall, Joe queried, “How do you figure he slipped by us?”
Randall looked over at Joe. “I think this guy was crawling on the damn ceiling!” he retorted.
Joe nodded. “That’s what I figure too. Keep your eyes open, Nighthawk. I’m still not convinced he’s dead.”
Randall looked back at Joe. “We must have buried that S.O.B. under a few tons of dirt, concrete, and steel! How can he get out?”
Joe shook his head. “I dunno. But you saw what kind of punishment he took while in his battlearmor. He’s one tough hombre.”
Several moments later, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard coming up the passageway, as well as the heavy metallic thump of running battlearmor suits. Second infantry squad ran right past the wounded marines and immediately assumed firing positions on the far side of the tunnel. Moments later, first infantry squad arrived toting stretchers and medical gear with first marine squad right behind them.
Nathan finished stabilizing the three wounded warriors as the rest of the infantry helped remove them from their ruined battlearmor suits. As the three were hefted into stretchers and first infantry started moving them out, first marine and second infantry covered their retreat.
As the injured reached the entrance of the passage, they were met by four more infantry squads and first medical platoon. Dr. Benson quickly examined them and ordered them sent up to the surface for treatment in the Silver Eagles’ MASH truck. Meanwhile, the rest of the infantry exited the passageway under the cover of first marine squad.
Randall ran up to Lt. O’Hare, still trying to catch his breath. “You have the charges ready, Lieutenant?” he gasped.
Daniel nodded. “As ordered sir. Ready to collapse the passage on your order.”
Randall nodded as he tried to catch his breath. “Blow it, Lieutenant. Now!”
Lt. O’Hare shouted across the room to the infantry and marines covering corridor H7. “Fire in the hole!” As he did so, all Silver Eagles forces moved away from the eastern wall, over to the entrance of the emergency stairwell along the southern wall. The explosives blew rock, concrete, and dirt out into the main room, kicking up a massive dust cloud. As it settled, Joe began to breathe a sigh of relief... until he saw the figure rise from the dirt and ashes at the mouth of the corridor.
Joe whispered something under his breath that Nighthawk couldn’t hear, even though he was standing right next to him.
“What the hell is that thing, Joe!” Randall stared in awe at the figure.
Joe stood in shock. “A rumor... a legend... a ghost story that intelligence agents tell to try to scare each other... but never for a moment did I think it was real...”
Randall stared at the humanoid figure as it slowly limped away from the collapsed tunnel towards them. “What are you?” he wondered aloud.
“Manei Domini.” was Joe’s only response.
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 9th, 3068
09:00 Terran Standard Time
Taking a long slow drag on his cigarette, Joe exhaled. “We were betrayed.” he said flatly.
Kevin looked across the table and shook his head in amazement. “What did you say, Joe?”
Lt. Faller looked over at Col. Silver and crushed out the rest of his cigarette. “I said we were betrayed, Colonel.” Looking across the table at his wife Erin, Joe grimaced as she sat impassively staring at the far side of the HQ tent. “After Colonel McKenna radioed down that they had recovered the data from the Zutsuu’s internal security cameras, I requested the bridge monitors be reviewed. The findings are not good. That’s why I requested Colonel McKenna to return here to deliver the data in person, rather than risk transmission.” Joe reached over and pressed a key on the holodisplay’s remote control. Light flickered and an image of the bridge of the Zutsuu resolved in front of them all. A moment later, the image began to move as the recording played out.
“Captain? I’m picking up a thermal bloom on the surface.” came the recorded voice of CPO Blacker from beyond the grave.
“Standard procedure would be to launch fighters for a closer look, Major.” Captain Hila had said after crossing the bridge along with Randall Thorpe to look at the sensor console.
“By all means, Captain.” Randall had replied. “Bridge to CAS Leader. You and your flight are a ‘go’ for launch. Air Attack Leader, stand ready for launch.”
Several seconds passed as the recorder played back the last few minutes of the life of the Overlord class Dropship before Joe paused the playback. “Take a close look at the sensor operations panel.” Joe directed as he zoomed in on that section of the playback display.
As the command staff looked on, the image zoomed in on the console in front of the Petty Officer managing the panel.
Kevin’s eyes grew wide as the image resolved. “That son of a...” he muttered. Anger boiled inside him as the feeling of betrayal grew. Unable to contain it further, Kevin slammed his fist down on the table in front of him, hard enough to bring the security troops in from outside the HQ tent. Joe simply dismissed them with a wave of his hand.
Most of the assembled officers looked at the display with puzzled expressions. Finally Lt. Scott spoke up. “What did he just do?” he asked.
Joe looked across the table at Ben. “Master Petty Officer Masako Peressini just put the Zutsuu’s threat warning indicators into a diagnostic cycle.”
Ben shrugged. “Ok. So what?”
Kevin replied, his head hung in exasperation. “Putting the TWI into diagnostic mode would prevent the system from seeing any threats, Ben. The Zutsuu was being set up.”
Ben sat back in his seat. “But how do you know that, sir? Could there be another explanation? A mistake?”
Captain Friedrich, commander of the Comstock shook his head. “No way, Lieutenant. Before running a diagnostic, procedure would call for switching several of the external sensors over to the backup TWI so the ship isn’t blinded. The Zutsuu, along with the Comstock and the Hadrian were all operating on High Alert. Switching the primary TWI into diagnostic mode effectively blinded the Zutsuu from all threats.” Turning to Joe, he asked, “Lieutenant Faller, could you back up the playback a few seconds and run it slowly?”
Lt. Faller obliged and the image ran backwards a few seconds before beginning to advance slowly. As the officers watched the operator’s hands, Captain Friedrich interrupted. “Stop!” As the image stopped, Darious shook his head. “No doubt about it. He was intentionally blinding the Zutsuu.” Standing and pointing at the frozen display, he continued. “What he’s doing is switching the port-side sensors over to the backup TWI. According to the panel data, that’s the side of the ship facing the planet. With the portside sensors still running, he then placed the remaining sensors, all the ones that could have picked up in inbound hostile in space, into diagnostics. That way, the sensors tracking our fighters toward the facility would continue to do so, along with continuing to track the facility’s heat signature.”
Joe sat forward. “That’s my analysis as well, Captain. Petty Officer Peressini set up the sensors to blind the Zutsuu from any threats from space, while keeping anyone from suspecting trouble by letting the already known contacts continue to be tracked.”
Ben mused the situation before commenting. “But shouldn’t someone have noticed that? I mean, aren’t there other people watching the sensors?”
Randall shook his head. “The sensor operator is tasked with ensuring that the sensors are fully functional and relaying their data to the Officer of the Watch. That’s their job. No one else would have been looking because we were expecting that everyone was doing their jobs right.”
Kevin finally spoke up. “Bottom line, Lieutenant Faller is quite correct. The Silver Eagles were set up.” Turning to Joe, he changed the subject slightly. “Any further sign of our unwelcome ‘guests’?”
Joe shook his head as he lit another cigarette. “Nothing for the last ninety minutes, sir. Last reported sighting was on sublevel five after we pulled back to the surface to treat the wounded.”
Erin finally spoke. “How far down have we searched?”
Lt. O’Hare sighed. “Marines and Infantry have searched down to sublevel ten and holding. Nothing new yet.”
Kevin looked at Lt. Collins. “Any luck on getting the security cameras working below sublevel five?”
Morander shook his head. “According to Sven, the wiring at sublevel five was deliberately cut. Recently. He’s working on fixing it as we speak.”
Kevin nodded and changed the subject once more. “Joe? What about the data you got from the Zutsuu’s bridge escape pod? Anything new there?”
Joe nodded. “Aye, sir. After reviewing the logs, they appear to have been doctored.” Joe paused a moment while he took another drag from his cigarette before continuing. “According to the escape pod’s data log, she launched a few seconds before the final blow struck the Zutsuu, less than a minute after Major Thorpe left the bridge. The data on the trajectory that brought her down just north of the facility matches up reasonably well, but there were some discrepancies. According to the log, only one person was in the escape pod, but that doesn’t jive with the pod’s rate of descent and fuel use. By my best estimations, she had to be carrying between four and six passengers, probably five. Descent profile gives an actual mass of about 6,780 kilograms and the fuel used matches that to within less than a one-percent margin of error. That would indicate a carried weight of about 380 kilograms. So either there were five people on that escape pod, or the one occupant was more than a little overweight.”
Kevin nodded. “Any sign of what happened to the occupants?”
Joe nodded. “All signs indicate they came here, Colonel.”
Erin thought a moment before she interjected. “Does th’ surveillance video show who entered th’ escape pod?”
Joe shook his head. “Negative. Right as the Zutsuu was struck the first time, the video stops.”
Randall spoke up. “Given the timetable, it would have to be the bridge crew.” He turned to Col. Silver. “There were five people still alive on the bridge when I left, Colonel: Commander Detirch, Petty Officers Peressini and Blacker, and Spacehands Kenton and Loring. They must have abandoned ship right after I left the bridge.”
Darious shook his head. “That doesn’t sound at all like Commander Detirch to me, Colonel. He’s not one who would cut-and-run like that. In fact he’s a bit of a risk-taker.”
Kevin nodded. “Then we can assume that they were either aware of the second attack to come or were forced to escape for some other reason. For the time being, we will assume the latter for all but Peressini. As of this moment, I want Peressini’s name stricken from the rolls and marked as an enemy of the Silver Eagles.” Turning back to Randall he continued. “What is the status of the unit, Major?”
Randall sat back and sighed. “We sent Scout Lance and Hunter Lance out to search the area. They found sixteen silo hatches surrounding the facility. Armor Platoons three through six were dispatched to keep an eye on them. The ‘Mech Battalion has been recalled and are currently getting some rest. Infantry and Marines are stretched out from the surface down to sublevel ten. The PBIs are getting kinda strung out, though. Most of them haven’t slept in twenty-six hours and we’re down fourteen men with six more in the infirmary, not counting the loss of 104 infantry and marines on the Zutsuu in the initial attack. That leaves 133 active duty infantry and marines, sir.”
Kevin nodded and turned to Morander. “Captain Collins? Do you have the video we picked up of our ‘guests’?”
Morander nodded and handed a data chip to Kevin. “This is what we picked up on the facility’s surveillance system once we got it running about five hours ago. The ‘five’ were seen at about 06:20 TST, sir.”
Kevin inserted the data chip into the holoplayer and began the playback. Running the time forward eighty minutes, he stopped the playback when movement showed on sublevel five’s display. “These them?” he asked.
Joe nodded. “Yes sir. We don’t know what they were doing on sublevel five, but shortly after they were seen there, they entered the northwest elevator shaft and vanished. Marines continued the search down to sublevel ten before we ordered them to hold position.”
Kevin looked at the five figures carefully. “Any indication that these five could be the five people who rode that escape pod down from the Zutsuu?”
Joe shook his head. “Negative Colonel. The resolution on these security cameras isn’t that great. They’re old and in desperate need of repair. We’re lucky that half of them work at all.”
Kevin nodded as he looked at the figures. “Well whoever they are, those aren’t Silver Eagles uniforms they’re wearing. Based on your information and the data you got from the escape pod, I’m going to assume that these five aren’t the escapees from the Zutsuu’s destruction. I think they, along with that super-soldier we killed on sublevel seven, were left here to defend the facility from us. And given their current track record, they’re doing a decent job of it, too.” Turning to Dr. Benson, he asked, “How are the injured doing, Doc?”
Major Joel Benson sighed as he sat forward. “They’ll live. Sergeant Lusk, PFC Anastasio, and Private Kracht are out of intensive care and should make full recoveries. Sergeant Hafen and PFCs Quang and Nebel are hurt, but should recover within a few weeks.”
Kevin nodded. “Any word from Dr. Falken on the forensic analysis of the enemy soldier’s remains?”
Joel pulled out a notepad. “Yes sir. Dr. Falken examined the remains and gave me this report. According to his findings, the subject was heavily modified with cybernetic implants and other augmentations. The short list includes myomer muscular replacement, skeletal reinforcement, artificial heart, lungs, eyes, ears, and larynx. The report also shows what caused the explosion after the subject’s death that killed Privates Tsukamoto and Arent. Initial tests show the explosion originated from the upper chest of the subject. Likely it was some sort of ‘suicide charge’ or failsafe device. The level of augmentation is ‘best guess’ only, based on the lack of burned tissue recovered.”
Kevin pondered the data a moment. “I want to review Lieutenant Faller’s report on this subject for all present so everyone knows what we’re dealing with.” Pulling out a data reader he inserted a chip and began to read. “After the subject was spotted, the subject was surrounded by six squads of infantry. Third squad of fourth platoon approached to take the subject into custody when the unarmed subject killed Private Sammartino with a single blow to the chest. The subject then proceeded to kill Corporal Nestler and PFC Huppe before all six squads opened fire on the subject. Even after the apparent injuries sustained through earlier combat, it continued to close while sustaining heavy laser fire. Sergeant Spanner then ordered all units clear and opened fire on the subject with his support machine gun mounted in his battlearmor suit, tearing the subject in half.” Kevin put the data reader down and looked at the assembled officers. “Lieutenant Faller’s report goes on to say that the subject continued to close on his position until Sergeant Spanner stepped on the subject’s skull, crushing it underneath the suit’s foot.”
Kevin paused a moment to let the situation sink in. “We are dealing with a nightmare. Soldiers augmented with massive levels of cybernetics and bionics that can continue to fight well beyond normal human levels of injury. Worse, they can even kill after they are dead with explosives carried inside their bodies. If the five other intruders are equally ‘enhanced’, they could do some serious damage to the Silver Eagles, considering that only one of them managed to kill fourteen men and seriously wound six more.”
Joe sat forward and crushed out his cigarette. “There is one difference now, sir. We know what we’re dealing with. Given that, and a little bit of advance planning, we should be able to deal with them much more easily now.”
Kevin nodded in acceptance. “A valid point, Lieutenant. But if we underestimate these five intruders in any way, we could very well all die here. I just want the gravity of the situation understood by all present. We can’t afford to let even one of those...” he turned to Joe. “What did you call them?”
Joe shook his head. “They’re called Manei Domini. Roughly translated, ‘The Hand of the Master’ in an ancient tongue. At least that’s what the rumors said they were called.”
Kevin turned back to the assembled officers. “We cannot afford to let even one of these ‘Manei Domini’ loose or we’re all dead where we stand? Understood?”
As the assembled officers all responded their understanding, Kevin’s personal communicator toned. “Silver Actual, go ahead?” After a moment of listening, Kevin concluded. “Roger that Sven, Thank you for the update. Good work!” Closing his military communicator, he turned back to the officers of the Silver Eagles. “Sven reports he has completed repairs of the electrical systems damaged on sublevel five. We now have security cameras working.” He turned to Morander. “Captain Collins? I want you and Joe to head up a team to go over the security cameras and see if you can find any sign of the intruders. Let me know of any findings. Dismissed.”
As the two left the HQ tent, Kevin turned back to the remaining officers. “As for the rest of you, I want you all to stay alert. If you haven’t rested, get some. If you have, I want you ready to act at a moment’s notice. Dismissed.”
-
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 9th, 3068
Kevin walked into the Operations Office and looked around the room. The large window along the left wall gave an excellent view of the entire upper level of the facility, while the opposite wall appeared to house a very large and complex set of computers. Walking up to Joe and Morander who were sitting at the console in front of the large window, he cleared his throat. “Report.”
Joe turned to Kevin and grimaced. “Well, the good news is that we found our intruders and they are on sublevel twenty-three.”
Kevin nodded. “And the bad news?”
Joe nodded back toward the display. “The bad news is they look like they’re getting ready to move on and we only have cameras down to sublevel twenty-five, and nothing on sublevel twenty-four. It also seems that sublevels eleven through twenty-two are further divided into an upper and a lower level each. That gives us twice as many levels to search as we thought.”
Kevin swore and turned back to Joe. “Let me see sublevel twenty-three.” He ordered.
Morander punched a key on the console and a display changed to show what appeared to be a dimly lit forest. Kevin looked closely at the image. “What the heck is all that?” he asked, pointing at the image.
Joe shrugged. “Looks like a dead tree, sir.” Joe pulled up the schematics for the facility. “According to the specs, sublevel twenty-three has about 2,600 square meters of open parkland, half a kilometer of walkways, and a forty-by-twenty meter pool. Going by what I can see, it looks like the vegetation started growing unchecked after the facility was abandoned. Eventually the lighting failed and all the plants died.”
“So where are they?” Kevin queried. The image shifted on a nearly pitch-black screen. At first Kevin couldn’t see anything, but the image finally resolved into a faint outline of five indistinct people. Pointing at the left side of the display which seemed in constant chaotic motion, he wondered aloud, “What’s this off to their left?”
“According to the facility layout, that would be the pool.” Joe answered. “Looks like they pulled something out of there.” Joe pointed at a faint outline near the figures. “There. A large crate, about two meters long and a meter square I would guess.”
Kevin glanced at his watch. “The Marines should be on sublevel 20 right now. Call them and get them down there before we lose these guys.”
Moments later the call came back that the battlearmored Marines were making their way toward the park level. Even as the call came in, Morander spoke up. “They’re on the move, sir. Heading toward the north side of the park level. They left that box behind.”
“Damn it!” Kevin slammed his fist on the console. “Joe, get down there and find out what they were up to. Take everyone you need to secure the area. I need to know what their plans are with whatever they just got.”
Joe crushed out his cigarette and hopped out of the console seat. “I’m on it.” Pulling out his personal comms, he keyed the mic as he reached the ladder leading down to the warehouse floor. “Get me Major Thorpe, ASAP.”
Randall turned the corner and pointed his Mauser laser rifle down the stairwell leading to sublevel 23. Seeing nothing, he signaled to the four Marine squads behind him to move up. As they secured the entrance to the stairwell, Randall’s comms toned. Stepping back and shouldering the weapon, he pulled his radio and whispered angrily. “Nighthawk, over!”
Joe grabbed the laser rifle from his equipment stores as he spoke. “Nighthawk this is Fallguy. I’m on my way down with another platoon.” Joe slapped a power pack into the rifle’s slot, then cocked the underslung compact grenade launcher as he continued. “The target is on the move and near your position heading north. Secure the stairwell and be prepared for stiff resistance. We’ll be down in five. Fallguy out.”
“Damn it! I already have secured it!” he shouted in a whisper. “We’re moving in now, but we’ll take it slow. Nighthawk out!” As he shouldered his weapon again, he stepped back toward the stairwell. Gesturing to the corporal wielding the heavy missile launcher, the Marine nodded in response and started slowly and silently down the stairwell.
Minutes ticked by as Lt. Col. McKenna stood next to the HQ tent, waiting for any word from the scout teams. Her attention was grabbed by a mechanical whirring sound to her left. Spinning around, she quickly located the source of the noise. Grabbing her radio, she barked, “Lieutenant Deckman! Target the northeast elevator! Fire on my command!” Cupping her hands to her mouth, she shouted, “Everyone down!” and pulled her Nakajama Laser Pistol. Taking up a covered position behind an MRE pallet, she glanced over the box toward the lift.
As officers and soldiers scattered for their own cover, the Komodo from Recon Lance stepped forward, facing the lift and lowering its weapon arms toward the target. As Erin waited, she picked up a pair of binoculars and looked at the lift from a safe distance. It’s coming up! she thought as she saw the level indicator slowly counting down toward one. Thinking quickly and remembering the scene on sublevel seven, she made a snap decision as the number ‘1’ lit up. Picking up her comms she ordered, “Lieutenant Deckman! Fire!” ducking behind the crate for cover.
The sound of superheated air snapped through the warehouse as the ‘Mech fired five Victory 23R Medium Lasers, pouring megajoules of heat into the door of the lift in a fraction of a second. The top of the lift exploded in a flash of superheated metal, showering the area around it in debris. Erin slowly stood and surveyed the scene. Fire leapt from shards of metal and the scent of ozone filled her nostrils as infantrymen slowly made their way toward the wreckage of the lift’s exit. Holstering her weapon, she grabbed a fire extinguisher from the side of the HQ van and started to walk toward the burning remains. As she approached, she tossed the extinguisher to a sergeant and barked, “Alright ye numbskulls! Police those fires an’ get a tech squad over here. I want to know what’s left.”
As Randall reached the base of the stairwell, he heard a loud roar echoing from somewhere in the cavernous room beyond. Leaping out of the stairwell, he rolled to a stop at the base of a dead tree, its dried out roots having cracked the walkway some untold centuries past. The stench of rotting vegetation and stagnant water assaulted his senses as he closed the faceplate of his combat suit. Glancing around the area at the base of the stairwell that led into what used to be the facility’s massive park, he saw only the Marine squads that accompanied him.
“What the heck was that?” He asked no one in particular. Keying his radio, he whispered loudly and quickly, “Nighthawk to Fallguy! Sitrep!”
Static was all he heard for several seconds. Finally, his radio crackled to life. “Fallguy to Nighthawk. The XO ordered the northeast elevator destroyed. Apparently it was sent to the surface level, so she had one of the ‘Mechs wipe it out before anything could get out.”
Randall breathed a sigh of relief. “Understood. We’re on sublevel twenty-three. Beginning our sweep.”
“Hold up, Nighthawk.” Joe toned quietly into his headset radio as he moved quickly down the stairwell. “We’re just hitting stairwell twenty-two A now. I’ve got second platoon’s first squad with me. Second and third squads are on their way down.”
Randall breathed slowly to focus. “Roger that, Fallguy. Holding position.” Less than a minute later, his comms clicked twice. Looking up the stairwell leading to sublevel 22B, he saw the brief flash of a flashlight. Keying his coms twice in response, he whispered into his mic, “Clear below.”
“Clear above.” Joe responded and began moving down the stairwell with eight Infantrymen behind him. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, Randall quickly moved to meet him, crouched low.
“What’s the word, Joe?” Randall whispered.
“The word is ‘gone’, unfortunately.” He replied. Just got the word from topside. Cameras picked them up prying the northwest elevator doors open, then slipping inside. We lost ‘em.”
“Damn it!” Randall shouted. “We could have nailed ‘em Joe!”
Joe covered his mouth and coughed at the stench filling the once green parkland. “More likely they would have had you. Morander said he thinks he could make out that at least one of them was carrying a Man-Pack PPC…” he paused for effect. “…in one hand!”
Randall’s eyes widened. “Yikes!”
“Yikes, indeed.” Joe nodded. “XO still wants us to sweep the level and make sure they didn’t leave anything useful behind. How you wanna split it?”
Randall thought a moment. “You check south and I’ll check north. We’ll sweep around the garden path and join up near that pool on the west side. Got it?”
Joe just nodded as he slipped a filter mask on. Swinging his laser rifle toward the southern side, he barked, “Lucky? Split your squad up into fire teams. You take first team around the perimeter wall. Second team’s with me.”
Master Sergeant Hugh Kobel nodded. “Sir, yes sir.” Nodding to Corporal Addams, he headed towards the outer wall of the park along with three other infantrymen.
Joe turned to the remaining four infantrymen. “Privates Vicueroa and Hammen? You cover the rear. Corporal Addams?” Joe pointed to the Semi-Portable Support Laser the Support Weapon Specialist had attached to the harness he was wearing. “You and that cannon are with me.” Looking at the remaining Private, Joe grimaced. “Chuck? You’ve got point.”
Erin waited for Sergeant Pinchon to signal the doorway clear before slowly stepping out of the main stairwell and into the dark and mephitic park. Letting her eyes adjust to what little light was available, she nodded at the Squad Leader to proceed on. Each step sounded like a thunderclap in the silent and echoing chamber of dead and rotting plants.
Moving along the northern wall of sublevel twenty three, Lt. Col. McKenna followed along with third platoon’s first squad, her Nakajama laser pistol scanning the room for any sign of a threat. A scant moment of movement caught in the corner of her left eye, sending her crouching toward the floor and her weapon pointing off toward the darkness behind them. “Shh!” was the only sound she made.
As the rest of the squad with her took up defensive positions, Erin reached up to her headset mic and clicked the transmitter twice. After a moment’s silence, a set of two clicks responded back. Not moving an inch, Erin growled out, “Clear north wall.”
Randall lowered his laser rifle and stood. “Clear.” he sounded out and started walking towards the north wall. “Glad you could join the party, Colonel. Sorry our guests couldn’t make it.”
Erin shot him an icy stare, barely visible in the darkness surrounding them. “Been a wee bit busy, Major. Right noo, we’re needin’ ta’ find oot why those monsters were here.” Turning back toward the blackness, Erin keyed her mic. “Orchid ta’ Smoke. See anythin’?”
Captain Morander Collins looked closely at the monitors. “Negative, but we’re still only getting about one out of four cameras, so we have a lot of gaps.”
Erin grimaced and looked into the blackness around her. “Orchid ta’ Papa. Sitrep.”
Lt. O’Hare checked his squad positions a second time before responding. “My first platoon, first squad is holding the surface level. Second and fourth squads are split up into 2-man teams watching sublevels two through six and eight through ten. Combat Engineer platoon is still working to get the cargo doors open at sublevel seven with first marine platoon, first squad on watch there. The rest of third platoon is split up over sublevels eleven A through fifteen B. Fourth platoon is covering sublevels sixteen through twenty-one. Second platoon, first squad is on sublevel twenty-three with Fallguy and second and third squads are on twenty-two A and B respectively. All the rest of the Marines are on sublevel twenty-three with Nighthawk. Over.”
Erin nodded. “Roger tha’, Papa. We’re sweepin’ twenty-three noo. Orchid oot.” As she looked up, she saw Randall and his marine squads continuing their sweep. Falling in behind them, they made their way slowly through the forest of dead trees and grass, every step an earthquake of noise, making stealth virtually impossible.
Within minutes, the two groups had met up at the large pool near the northwest corner of the level, the fumes of centuries of rotting algae permeating everything. As Erin approached, she saw Joe kneeling next to a large crate, fetid water pooling all around it. “What air it, love?” she asked.
Joe let out a long breath as he stood up. “Well, it was carrying C8.” he answered. “Now it’s just an empty crate. It hasn’t been here long either.” He added, pointing to the side of the crate.
Erin pointed her light at the side of the crate and sighed. “Aye. Noo we have an even bigger problem.” Keying her mic, she looked at the WoB broadsword emblazoned across the side of the crate as she spoke. “Orchid ta’ Silver Actual.”
Col. Silver picked up the headset and held it up to one ear. “Silver Actual, go ahead.”
“Sair, th’ bloody Wobbies had a ton o’ explosives doon here. Noo the be armed ta’ th’ teeth. Enough ta’ level this place. We air continuing doon ta’ sublevel twenty-five. Orchid oot.”
The lift doors slowly opened into a darkened hallway barely four meters in length and just as wide. Erin lowered her pistol and stepped off the lift into the room no bigger than the lift itself. Shining her light around the room, she found what appeared to be three concrete brick walls and no other exits. As Randall stepped into the small chamber, his Mauser searching the tiny room for any threats and Joe coming in behind him, Erin broke the silence.
“So wha’ air this place? A closet?”
Randall shrugged. “Dunno. Seems damn peculiar though. The floor plan says this is the detention facility.”
Joe shone his light at the elevator call button next to the open door. “Seems to be a bit on the informal side for a prison, eh?”
Randall shook his head and tapped his personal coms. “Nighthawk to Silver Actual, do you read?” Static filled his radio and for a moment he thought he heard a voice in the noise, but it was too faint to tell. Joe similarly tried to reach Col. Silver, but also only received static. Randall looked at Erin and sighed, then turned to the four infantrymen holding the lift door open. “See if any of you can raise someone.”
The four solders each tried their radios in turn as the three officers waited. Finally, Erin lowered her light and stepped back into the lift. As Randall was about to ask what she was doing, her heard her Irish lilt. “McKenna here. Radios air na getting’ through. Kin ye patch me through ta’ th’ Colonel? Thanks!” Leaning into the doorway, Erin was holding the hand receiver for the lift’s emergency phone and shot Randall and Joe a brief smile. “I figured it ware worth a shot.” Leaning back out of view, the others heard her half of the conversation. “Colonel? McKenna reportin’. We be on level 25A, but it would seem tha’ ‘tis only a four-by-four room wi’ nay else but a lift call button. Radios air useless doon here too. Aye, sair. Standin’ by.” Silence followed for several minutes before Erin continued. “Aye sair. We’ll try it. McKenna oot.” As she hung up the receiver, she stepped into the small room and turned to the four infantrymen, she waved them in. “Everybody oot. Morander says th’ security system will nay open the interior door ‘till the lift doors air closed.”
Randall looked at the three concrete walls. “What interior door, Erin?”
Erin smiled. “Jest wait, Randall.”
As the four infantrymen stepped into the room, the lift doors slid shut, encasing the seven in total darkness save their flashlights. After a moment, Randall quipped, “Well?”
Just as he spoke, the wall opposite the lift door started sliding slowly apart with a ground-shuttering rumble. Joe smiled. “Well I’ll be damned.” Looking at the door as it slid open, Joe shined his light at the side of the ‘door’, showing it nearly a meter thick. “Now that is one heavy door!” After a few seconds, the door stopped opening, revealing another chamber, nearly identical to the one they were standing in, save that the wall on the right side appeared to have a large mirror extending from one meter from the floor to the ceiling.
Randall shone his light on all three walls and the ceiling. “Paranoid much? How many doors do you have to go through to get in?”
Joe shrugged. “Probably just the one more.” Pointing his light at the mirror, Joe concluded, “That’s probably the security desk with a one-way mirror. Probably half a meter thick bullet-proof plex on the other side of the mirror, too.” Stepping into the room, Joe turned to the others. “Aren’t you coming?”
Erin stepped back from the door. “Get back in hare, love.” As Joe returned to the first chamber, Erin sighed. “A horrid thought jest perked. What if ye can nay get back oot unless a non-existent security guard opens the outer door? Ye said it yerself, love. That door air a meter thick. This coud be a one-way trip.”
Joe nodded. “You’re right, love. But we have to make sure these guys aren’t hiding out on this level before we can continue down and we sure as hell can’t just leave them to wander around doing Blake-knows-what.”
Erin shook her head. “‘Tis too risky. We’d be cut off wi’ nay way ta’ call fer help. Unless ye kin tell me fer sure tha’ we kin get back oot, I’m ordering this...” Erin’s voice trailed off as the door started to close again with the same loud rumble. Glancing back at the closing door, her eyes grew wide with shock. “Randall! Get ye’re ass oot o’ there, that’s an order!”
Randall stood impassively, his combat suit’s helmet closed, hiding any expressions from view. As Erin tried to race into the closing chamber, Joe grabbed and restrained her.
As she struggled to escape Joe’s grasp, she screamed at the unit’s third in commend. “Randall! This air insubordination! I’ll be havin’ yer head fer this!”
The expressionless figure cocked its head slightly as if curious what she were doing. Tapping the side of his helmet, it seemed as though Randall was signaling that he couldn’t hear her.
As the door started to slide shut, Erin saw his silent reply. “Oh! Ye think tha’ I believe ye can’t hear me, Randall! I kin ye can hear me, ye bastard! Randall!” As she screamed his name, the heavy door slid shut with a crushing thump, the joint between the two halves of the door once more completely invisible. Releasing his Executive Officer, Joe stepped back arms raised as Erin turned toward him. “Ye shuld nay hav’ held me back, love! He culd be trapped!”
Joe shook his head. “Sorry, Colonel. As S2 I could not let the Regiment’s Executive Officer endanger herself. If you question my judgement, I will accept a formal reprimand, but I stand by my actions.”
Erin shot an icy stare at her husband and stood impassively. “Very well, Lieutenant. I’ll be notin’ yer actions in my report to the Colonel an’ we’ll be seein’ who was right.” Keying her personal coms, she queried, “Orchid ta’ Nighthawk. Do ye read?”
Static was the only reply.
Randall stood in the second chamber, his rifle-mounted flashlight the only thing keeping the darkness at bay. Waiting for the second door to open, he was taken by surprise when a drawer opened underneath the one-way mirror and a computerized voice spoke. “Place all objects in the tray for secure holding.”
Randall sighed and unslung his laser rifle. “This is not good.” Unclipping the attached flashlight, he placed the weapon in the drawer, along with his pulse laser pistol, hold-out pistol, and vibrodagger. Stepping back from the drawer he expected it to close, but instead the computer repeated its demand. “Those are all of my weapons!” he shouted at the autonomous voice.
“Place all objects in the tray for secure holding.” the disembodied voice repeated.
Looking over himself, he realized he was still carrying his grapple rod and medipack, along with his spare e-clips for his weapons. “Ah. Sorry about that.” Placing them all in the tray, he stepped back again. “That’s everything.”
To his irritation, the voice repeated, “Place all objects in the tray for secure holding.”
Looking over himself again, all he could find that he was still carrying was his watch, flashlight, and his combat suit. Pulling off his combat helmet, he dropped it in the tray. “Maybe you don’t like body armor?”
“Place all objects in the tray for secure holding.”
Irritated even more, he yelled at the voice. “What do you want! My watch? The light? What!” Exasperated, he pulled his watch off and dropped it in, only to be rewarded by the computer repeating its demand. Randall looked at the light and sighed. “This is it, isn’t it? You don’t like any electric devices, do you?” Randall stepped up to the tray and placed the flashlight in the tray, turning it off as he did so. Stepping back in total darkness, he heard the sound of the drawer retracting. “Finally!” he sighed.
As the inner door slowly growled open, Randall stood in total darkness. As the noise ended, he felt around until he found the door recessed into the wall adjacent to the security mirror. Slowly feeling his way along the wall, Randall shook his head. Damnable paranoid Star League security! I practically had to strip naked to get that damn door open! Speaking out loud to the automated computer system, he muttered, “I better get my damn Mauser and helmet back you greedy S.O.B.!”
As he felt his way slowly, the wall suddenly ended only a meter past the heavy inner door. Following the wall around the corner, Randall groped his way for another three meters before the wall turned again to the right. Following the right wall for a few meters, the wall ended once more. As he turned the corner, dim panel lights lit his way into the security room.
Colonel Silver sat back as he listened to the reports being fed up from the detention center At this rate there won't be many of us left soon. Closing his eyes he listened as the casualty reports finished coming in. "So in total, 2 dead, 14 wounded... that's half the Platoon."
Erin nodded absentmindedly. "Aye, sair. Add ta' the losses already an' we be doon a full platoon, sair."
Kevin grimaced. "And they've only lost 1 man. We can't let this rate of attrition continue."
Erin nodded. "Aye."
Kevin looked at the map of the facility. "Alright, I want you to pull back up to sublevel twenty-four Baker and hold it while we clear all sublevels down to your position. Then we'll proceed level-by-level in force. Understood?"
Erin grimaced. "Aye, sair. Pull back ta' level twenty-four Baker an' hold. Orchid oot."
As they returned to sublevel 24, Erin heard a call on her comms.
"Sergeant Delprete here Sir. We found a passageway on sublevel 24 and... well I think you need to come see this."
That was the last of what was written before I stopped updating, but luckily I took good notes and remember a lot of what happened, so I'll start writing up the final tale of the Silver Eagles as time permits. (being semi-retired now I can afford the time)
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"Final tale"... my, that sounds ominous. :o
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They did kind of back themselves into a corner... :-\
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"Final tale"... my, that sounds ominous. :o
That would be because it is. ;^)
They did kind of back themselves into a corner... :-\
You have NO idea! LMAO!!!!
Here’s the next installment. Enjoy!
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 9th, 3068
Erin looked around the room in stunned silence. Simply beautiful. she thought. Shaking her head to clear it she pulled out her personal com device. "Put me through ta' th' Colonel."
Kevin punched a button on the console. "Silver Actual, go head."
"Sair," she began, "we found wha' looks ta' be a hydroponics bay. It be 'uge an' it still workin'."
Col. Silver visibly blanched. "Impossible."
Erin shook her head. "Impossible or no... it's real, sair."
Kevin looked at the diagram of the facility again. "There's no hydroponics bay shown in the schematics. Do you think it's new?"
Lt. Col. McKenna examined the display panel near the entrance. "No' unless WOB made it ta' look like it ware Star League vintage, Colonel. More likely tha' th' Wobbies refurbished it back ta' runnin' order, sair. I also thin' we found th' source o' power for this place. There be a fusion reactor here."
"Negative, Colonel McKenna." Kevin replied. "The specs say there's a huge geothermal plant at the base of the facility. That generator is probably just a backup unit just for the hydroponics system."
Erin looked at the display panel. "Aye, sair. I'm thinkin' tha' they added this on after initial design o' th' facility an' the existin' power system could nay handle th' extra load."
"I copy that, Colonel. Hold your positions. The rest of 1st Infantry and the Marines should have the upper levels cleared and reach your position in the next ten minutes. Silver Actual out."
Erin sighed and turned to Sergeant Delprete. "Alright me boy-o's, let's sit tight 'till th' cavalry arrives."
Fifteen minutes later, just as the infantry and Marines were finishing searching and clearing down to sublevel 28, the power went out throughout the facility.
Joe wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, quickly returning it to support the barrel of his Blazer Rifle as he took another half step through the corridor. Steam vented from an emergency relief valve three meters in front of him, causing him to tense and aim as though it could kill him. Relaxing slightly once he realized it wasn't a threat, he gestured over his shoulder to the fire team shadowing him. Cautiously the five made there way forward, waiting for the inevitable ambush to be sprung.
"Orchid ta' Fallguy. Sublevel 57 be clear. We'll be comin' doon th' stairwell now. Over?"
Joe responded by keying his mic twice, not daring to risk a verbal response. They hadn't figured on the main stairwell ending three levels from the bottom of the facility, having been forced to locate the central stairwell in a manual search of the level. As the rest of the unit searched sublevel 57, Joe, Morander Collins, and one squad of infantry headed down the stairwell to secure the landing on sublevel 58, only to find it riddled with a maze of catwalks, steam pipes, and blistering heat.
A moment later he stopped and listened hard. Foosteps? Crouching low he held a fist up over his right shoulder, causing the four-man fire team behind him to take defensive positions. If we didn't need the power back so badly, I would have never gone along with this. he mused. This is suicide.
One corridor over Captain Collins led another fire team, a double-barrel shotgun in his hands and a vibroblade on his hip. As he saw the steam vent out across the catwalk he noticed the oddness of its movement, curling up and around an unseen obstruction. Fear nearly took him to his grave before his training kicked in and he snapped off both barrels at the figure he couldn't directly see. At only 2 meters distant both sets of high speed pellets slammed into the facemask of the Purifier suit. Though most of the projectiles merely bounced off the hardened armor, one struck the eyeport at just the right angle, sending shrapnel directly through the brain of the suit's pilot. As the body twitched in convulsions of death the machinegun mounted on its arm sent a burst of projectiles back at its killer, sending Morander and his fire team diving for cover.
As the shots rang out, Joe bounded from his crouch and raced around the corner just as the Purifier suit toppled sideways over the railing to the concrete floor 10 meters below. As it crashed into the floor Joe spotted Captain Collins picking himself up off the catwalk, his dive for safety nearly sending him over the edge to his own death. Reaching down Joe helped the junior officer back to his feet and glanced at the ancient weapon still clutched in his off-hand. "You killed it with that?" he exclaimed.
Morander smirked. "Hey, if it ain't broke... this'll break it!" he quipped.
As Erin flew down the stairs she saw Joe helping Captain Collins back up. "Sitrep!" she whispered.
Joe nodded over the railing and whispered back, "Scratch one... four to go." Crouching back down and raising his Blazer once more he continued the search of the catwalks as he was joined by the rest of the Silver Eagles available infantry and Marines and as many other warriors as the unit could spare.
Erin dashed back up the stairwell to sublevel 56, the sound of weapons fire still ringing in her ears. While the tech teams had just managed to get the geothermal plant back online and up to 60% power, the sound of small arms fire rang out from the level above where they had left two infantrymen to guard the stairwell. As she launched herself out of the stairs she saw a figure crouched over one of her fallen soldiers, the hapless infantryman staring back at Erin with lifeless eyes from over his own shoulder. Rage filled her as she spotted the other infantryman, his body slumped over the support weapon that was supposed to safeguard his life.
Diving toward the second slain infantryman, McKenna rolled the body off the weapon and brought it to bear against the intruder in one swift and smooth motion, his attention only just then coming around to her. As she lined up the shot the figure stood, impassive and bold and practically daring her to shoot him with a haughty posture of indifference. Mashing down the firing trigger, 36 megajoules shot from the focusing lens in a fraction of a second, briefly connecting her to her target. Flesh exploded as the weapon poured energy into the Blakist warrior. Unspent it flashed flesh, bone, cybernetic implants, and everything it touched into a plasma, vents of gas exploding out through her victim's back.
As the zealot felt life leaving his body he smiled back at Col. McKenna and with nothing but a thought triggered the explosive in his chest cavity. Ferrocrete and body parts flashed out away from his suicide explosive and became shrapnel, cutting through walls and ruining anything in their path. Erin rolled with the explosion, her body carried on a shockwave of death and destruction.
Erin waved away the probing hands of the medic trying to staunch the bleeding from the cut over her eye. "I'm fine!" She barked at the infantryman.
Joe stood over her and shook his head. "Just let her help. It's her job."
Looking back up at her husband she sighed and relented. After a minute cleaning and bandaging the wound Corporal Forni got to her feet and closed her field kit. "There. You should see Doctor Cassidy as soon as you get topside, ma'am. You may have a concussion."
Joe chuckled. "That would imply there are brains there to get damaged, Corporal." He looked down at his wife who was just opening her mouth to formulate a retort. "She'll go."
Erin sighed. "Aye. She'll go."
Randall came up the stairwell just in time to hear the exchange. "Well you can scratch four of these freaks off the WOB payroll. Collins decapitated another one with a chunk of metal through the neck. Crazy Larry already cut out the explosive charge from his chest and disposed of it... so we can have medical do a proper examination."
Erin hung her head. Tha' means two more o' these bloody nightmares air still roamin' loose. "Aye, Randall. Good job. 'Ave th' Marines get th' body top-side ASAP."
Randall gave her a quick salute. "Yes, ma'am."
Kevin looked down at the level-by-level layout of the facility that he had printed. Sven says they finally got the cargo door to sublevel 7 open and they're now on sublevel 26 fixing the electrical systems. That should get Chi Lin access to nearly every level's security cameras. After having gotten some sleep, the command staff had met for another late evening / early morning meeting to decide what their next steps should be. Looking up from the map across the table at his second in command he blew out a breath of frustration. "Even if we can secure the facility we're going to need to come up with a means of keeping everyone going. That hydroponics area you found will help a lot."
Randall leaned against the table. "Yeah. Word about that has already started circulating and moral is up as a result." He looked over at McKenna. "The men know we're trapped, and the prospect of starving to death makes men desperate."
Erin leaned back in her chair. "Aye. An' we'll nay be gettin' any aid anytime soon. Eventually WOB will come here in force an' end oor li'l stalemate." She looked over at Col. Silver. "Ye' nay should 'ave slammed th' door on Precentor Marlin like that, Kevin."
Looking back at his XO he scoffed. "We've been through this Erin. Surrender is not an option with WOB. Clanners? Ok... One of the major powers? Sure... But WOB? We'd be signing our own death warrants."
He trailed off while a plan formulated in his mind. "OK, I want all available personnel to clear down to at least sublevel 40 before anything else."
Joe crushed out a cigarette and looked at the map. "What do you have in mind, Kevin?"
Pointing at the map he explained. "What would happen to that Geothermal plant if almost 49 megaliters of water came rushing in?"
Joe smirked. "Nothing good, I imagine."
Kevin sat up. "Not good at all. I want a means to completely destroy this place so I don't have to bluff my way through it again the next time I have to talk to Marlin. That gives us leverage we can use to maybe save our bacon."
JP-19361187, Lyran Alliance
December 10th, 3068
Erin snapped back at Col. Silver. "Just another two dead an' eight wounded, eh, sair?"
Kevin whipped around on his heals. "That's enough Erin! You're relieved!"
As she stormed out of the Mobile HQ, Joe turned to his boss. "You know she doesn't mean it, Kevin. She's just frustrated."
Hanging his head and leaning hard on the table he nodded. "Yeah, I know Joe. But I have to enforce discipline or the unit will crack and we'll be slaughtered for certain."
Looking at the after action report following the fighting on sublevel 46 he looked up at Joe. "These areas here on 46 through 55. Those lead to mineshafts, right?"
Joe nodded. "Yes sir. There appears to be an extensive network of mineshafts that the SLDF dug out with drilling equipment to feed the factories with raw ore. These facilities down the middle of 46 through 55 appear to be ore processing and refining."
"Any way to easily cut them off from the rest of the facility?" Kevin queried.
Shaking his head Joe replied, "Negative. Not without risking a complete cave-in of the surrounding sublevels. That would cut us off from the power station and spell an end to your 'self destruct' plan as well."
Kevin's eyes flew over the maps. "Any way of getting some kind of chart on these mine networks from the computer? Or maybe sounding one out with our detection gear?"
Joe once more shook his head. "The mine charts were kept on paper due to their continual changing, which would have rotted to dust centuries ago... and we don't have good enough Ground-penetrating radar or sonar to map a network this extensive and complex."
Kevin slammed his fist on the table. "Fine! I want a lance of 'Mechs down in those tunnel entrances as fast as we can lower them down there."
Joe nodded. "Yes sir." He tossed a leisurely salute as he left to see to the operation.
Just as Joe left his aid Corporal Winters came in. "Sir? Chief Technician Iverson reports that the computer network break at sublevel 26 has been repaired."
Kevin nodded as he walked out to head for the facility's command center. "At least we have some good news."
"Ye' gave 'em wha' they wanted, sair?"
Kevin looked up at Erin. "Yes Colonel, I did... to safeguard the lives of four members of the Silver Eagles we had thought to be dead."
Erin threw her hands up in the air. "Aye! Thought dead because o' him!"
Joe sat back and listened to the exchange. Within an hour of placing 'Mechs at the entrances to the mines they had received a radio message from Master Petty Officer Peressini, formerly 1st Watch Bridge Engineering officer of the Zutsuu and the man who had hidden the approach of the Vincent class warship from his crewmates. The message was clear, remove the 'Mechs from the entrance of the mines or the four surviving members of the 1st Bridge Watch would all die. After several attempts at negotiating Col. Silver agreed to a 3-day supply of food and water for all five. Cmdr. Ryan " Mystic" Detirch, former XO of the doomed Dropship, was allowed to talk briefly with Col. Silver, verifying that they four were in fact alive and in relatively good health before Peressini cut him off and threatened to kill them all unless his demands were met.
Sitting forward and looking at his wife, Joe retorted, "We all know that, Erin... and giving a few days of food and water won't hurt anyone and buys us time to figure out what we're going to do."
Erin paced the room like a caged tiger. "I'll tell ye' wha' we're goin' ta' do, love! I'll march right in there an'..."
Kevin stepped in front of Erin mid-stride. "And what, Colonel? Get yourself killed? Get them killed? And how exactly will you find them in that rat's nest of a maze of tunnels? Hmm? Pure luck? We have no clue where they are, what booby-traps Peressini has set up, or anything, Colonel! I will not let you jeopardize the safety of those men under my command!" Stepping in close and looking down at his Executive Officer he finished, "Is that clear, Colonel?"
Erin fumed at the direct challenge, but backed down quickly, letting her gaze drop to the floor, her fury spent. "Aye, sair. Clear."
Kevin sighed. "I know Erin... I'm frustrated too, but we have to keep our heads to have any hope of getting out of this one alive." Looking over at Joe he queried, "What is your estimation of Peressini, Joe? Would he keep them alive for so long as he thinks he can get his way?"
Joe lit a cigarette and blew it out slowly, thinking. "Yes, if for no other reason than a live hostage can always be made dead later, but a dead one can't be used for much of anything." He paused before finishing. "But that wouldn't stop him from killing one or two just to make a point or punish you for failing to bow to his demands."
Kevin nodded. "Agreed. So what are our options?" Turning to Lt. Chi Lin he asked, "Any chance of a search being effective and covert enough to not be noticed?"
She shrugged at the suggestion. "It would be blind luck for a unit small enough to not be noticed to find them, sir. I don't think it's worth the risk."
Kevin turned to his long-time friend. "Joe?"
Joe simply shook his head. "Agreed. Searching effectively would require too many people to do so with any kind of stealth."
Captain Owens sat forward. "As Regimental S-1 I do have to note that we have to consider the simple fact that we don't have enough people to do it, and the ones we have are running pretty close to the ragged edge as it is."
Captain Collins added to the sentiment. "Agreed. We need to rest the men and buy time."
Kevin looked over at Captain Vahzenov. "How are we looking on supplies, Vaz?"
The unit's S4 shrugged. "Ve hafe enough for about eight months, azzuming zat ve continue to hafe access to ze Dropships for vater recyclink."
Kevin turned to the exhausted Chief Technician. "Sven? Any word on the facility's support systems? Can we start trusting the water and other support systems to sustain us?"
Sven Iverson looked bleary-eyed at his long-time employer. "No clue yet, sir. My men are running themselves into the ground just keeping up with the immediate needs." He closed his eyes briefly. "We need rest, sir."
Doctor Benson chimed in. "As Chief Medical Officer I put in a formal request for 8 hours of downtime for the unit sir. They need rest or the stress will break them."
Kevin shook his head slowly. "Understood, but the request must be denied for now, Major. We can't afford the downtime or the lives that will be lost while we rest and the enemy doesn't." Switching gears he tried to derail any retort. "Have you learned anything useful from the body we retrieved from the lower levels?"
Dr. Benson nodded. "Yes sir. We were able to verify a lot of our guesswork about these soldiers and their..." He paused for effect. "...enhancements. I can add to the last list I gave you enhancements such as respiratory filtering, vibroclaws, and..." He swallowed hard due to his own personal discomfort with the last item, "...Direct Neural Interface."
Kevin looked up at the Major. "DNI? Really?" Repressing a shudder at the thought he continued. "Major Thorpe? Any thoughts on the best uses of the Engineering teams?" Looking around he asked, "Where's Randall?"
As the assembled officers looked around, Joe pulled out his personal coms. "Put me through to Major Thorpe, please?"
Seconds passed before the reply came. "I'm sorry sir, but Major Thorpe isn't responding. Do you want me to take a message for him when I reach him?"
Joe shook his head. "No thank you, Private Washer." Returning his comms to his belt he looked at Kevin. "WC maybe?"
Col. Silver shook his head. "I don't think so Joe. I have a bad feeling about this."
Randall paused, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness of the mining tunnel ahead of him. Kevin'll have my butt in a sling for this, but I owe Mystic and I pay my debts. Creeping forward through the darkness, he shined his light as he examined the copy of the rudimentary drawings the unit had made of what they knew of the tunnels and passageways making up the subterranean mining project for the facility. Making his way forward he listened intently for any signs of activity. Hearing none he continued down the passage as stealthily as he was able.
After what seemed like hours searching in vain, Randall came upon a large cavern marked on the map as "Area 12". There were five other large caverns marked that were easily detected by the primitive mapping that the Silver Eagles had managed before they had determined that the network was too extensive to map easily or quickly. As he scanned his light across the room he stopped on what appeared to be a 'Mech but much smaller and with no weapons. A MiningMech Randall mused. Stopping to listen he could almost make out the faint sounds of talking... but he had no idea where it was coming from as the sounds echoed off of every wall and down every tunnel. Could be anywhere. Randall mused in frustration.
Taking a blind stab he started to head down one tunnel that he thought might be the source of the sounds, only to have them fade to nothingness as he entered. Shining his barrel-mounted light down the tunnel he raised his Mauser 960 and slowly started forward.
"Colonel Silver? I have Precentor Marlin."
Kevin nodded. "I'll take it here, Private. Put him through." Setting his comms onto speaker he placed it on the table. "This is Colonel Silver."
Precentor Marlin sounded smug and self-satisfied that his long-time nemesis was now at his knees. "Baron Silver. Your time is up. What say you? Will you surrender to the will of Blake or will we leave you here to die?"
Kevin bristled at the oiliness of the threat. "Marlin, I have twenty pounds of C8 strapped to the sides of the main water tank on sublevel 40. If you leave us here, we'll blow it and send millions of litters of water down on top of the geothermal plant, destroying this entire facility."
Precentor Marlin's smug smile dissolved into a frown. He wouldn't! Thinking quickly he replied, "That would mean your own death Baron, as well as that of the rest of your unit." If he destroys that facility, The Master will have a new 'volunteer' for the Manei Domini! he mused, trying his best to mask his fear from his voice.
Kevin smiled as he heard the voice of his enemy shake in fear. He needs this place! I knew it! Smiling as he replied, "If you leave us, we're dead anyway... even though we have the hydroponics bay and months of supplies... eventually time will run out and you'll get help from elsewhere, sending in more then we can stop to kill us all and take the facility by force of arms. Maybe even more of your 'Manei Domini' soldiers?" He risked telling Precentor Marlin that he and the Silver Eagles knew about their augmented soldiers, betting that it would further throw him off and push Marlin into making a mistake.
Precentor Marlin's look of concern grew into a look of wide-eyed panic. He knows! Stupid Peressini must have been captured and cracked under questioning! He must not be allowed to escape! Gathering his composure, he retorted. "Then we are still at an impasse it would seem."
Kevin nodded. He might as well just have admitted that he needs this place intact. Looking at Joe he saw the look of admiration in his old friend's face. Smirking he collected his composure and replied with utmost precision. "I know you have Dropships in the system. Am I correct in assuming that this is your personal guard unit?"
Marlin nodded in grudging admiration at how well he'd been played, but refused to reply to the querry.
Kevin took a chance. "I propose that you land your Dropships and face us in honorable combat to decide who shall take this facility. If you win we will all either be dead or captured and the facility is yours. If we win, we take what we want and leave you here until we can contact a WOB representative and tell them where you are. You have my word as Baron of Agata."
Precentor Marlin mulled over the suggestion. It would end this thorn in my side and erase the stain from my record if I could destroy this Blake-forsaken mercenary. Gathering his thoughts he decided to call Col. Silver's bluff. "I consider your presence here a crime against humanity, Colonel Silver. As such any negotiations from a point of honor would be a farce. Precentor Marlin out." As he queued the comms officer to cut the transmission he let out a breath. Blake protect me! Turning to the Bridge officer he ordered, "Bring us to an intercept heading for their Jumpship. We're leaving to get reinforcements."
"It was a good try, sir." Joe patted Kevin on the shoulder. Looking over at the communiqué they received from the Comstock Joe sighed. They're marooning us here. "Orders, sir?"
Kevin closed his eyes. No use fretting about mistakes now. Straightening up he looked over to Lt. Amdecker, acting S3 while Randall was absent. "Begin moving the temporary quarters down to sublevel 11... the housing levels. Tell Sven I want those units up and functional ASAP. All other repair work is on hold until we have housing for every soldier in this unit."
Bowing crisply, the Kuritan replied, "Hai, Colonel Silver."
As he left the HQ, Sergeant Spanner walked in. "Colonel? I think we know what happened to Major Thorpe. Second Marine found some tracks leading into the mining complex." He paused to let that sink in. "The boot treads match that of Major Thorpe's Comstar combat suit."
Kevin looked up at his Command Sergeant Major. "You sure it's not a Wobbie? They used to be Comstar too."
Sergeant Spanned nodded. "Aye aye, sir. We're certain."
Col. Silver almost punched a wall. "Dammit Randall!" Turning to face the senior NCO he replied. "Alright. The standing order to shoot on sight stands. If anyone sees anyone moving in those tunnels... shoot to kill. No exceptions, Sergeant Major."
Nodding in understanding he simply replied, "Aye aye, sir."
Kevin stormed out of the HQ and headed for the MASH units. Finding Dr. Benson he asked, "Have a minute, Major?"
Joel Benson looked up from his reports on the wounded. "Yes sir?"
Kevin looked out at the tents of wounded. "We found a proper medical facility on sublevel 25, Major. Can the wounded be moved? I'd much rather then down there where it's safer then up here with Blake-knows what able to just walk in the front doors."
Looking down at his reports he mused, "A proper hospital would help a lot, sir. We have all the wounded stable enough to be moved. Just give the word and I'll get the medics to start moving the most serious patients down first."
Kevin nodded as he left. "The word is given, Major."
An hour later Kevin stood in the middle of one of the senior SLDF officer's quarters on sublevel 16 as Captain Collins was hooking the holotable from the HQ van up to the room's power and computer system.
"Got it!" He shouted. "I have the table hooked into the facility's main computer network. We should now be able to have the detailed plans of this place displayed here, with security camera overlays to show activity and isolate threats quickly, sir."
Kevin nodded. "Good work, Captain." As he powered up the table, he noticed that it immediately started running a system check. After several seconds he was shocked to hear, "Good afternoon! Long live the Star League! How may I assist you, sir?"
Morander looked at his CO. "Beats me, Colonel. I'm as shocked as you are."
Kevin stood in dumbfounded astonishment. "Uhhh... can you show me a layout of this facility?"
Less than a second later the facility sprang up from the holotable. "Displayed." the mechanically feminine voice replied.
"Can you show me the mines?" Kevin probed.
Zooming down to show only sublevels 46 through 55, the computer started projecting last known caverns, tunnels, and access paths. "Probability of accuracy less than forty percent, Colonel."
Once more Kevin was dumbstruck. How did it know I'm a Colonel? Realizing it must have overheard Captain Collins' comment he pressed on. "Please highlight using a color gradient based on probability of accuracy... red for less than 5% probability of accuracy through blue for 100 percent certainty of accuracy."
As he watched the map shifted colors as he instructed. "Displayed, Colonel."
Tempted to get lost in the possibilities of this new interface with the facility computer, he focused on the most important item. "Computer, can you identify any signs of habitation within the mines? Can you detect any people alive in there?"
Seconds went by with no reply. After an interminable silence the computer replied, "Data level classified. Please state your name, rank, and clearance code."
"Never mind, computer. Off please." Kevin sighed. As the holotable switched itself off, Kevin turned to Morander. "I guess that would have been too easy, huh?"
Captain Collins shrugged. "Hey, it was a good try though sir."
"Captain," Kevin began. "I'd like you to review the data logs in the computer. Look into any signs that WOB accessed the system and left anything useful... log entries would be most helpful if there are any."
Morander nodded. "I'll get on it, sir."
Ten minutes later, he came back into Kevin's office. "Sir? I think I may have found something even better then data logs."
Col. Silver looked up at his C4 Operations officer. "What could be more important than what I ordered you to do, Captain?"
Morander leaned back against a wall. "Ever heard of a 'FAX machine' sir?"
More to come! #P
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final tale of The Silver Eagles :'( :'( :'(
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And they all lived happily ever after...
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A Grimm fairytale. ;)
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Boo! 8)
Yes a very Grimm tale indeed. It will be worth the wait though. Unfortunately life got a little busy again. changing job schedules and things. Don't worry though the final tale will get up here.
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I've been rereading a lot of this lately (thanks for keeping it going!) and wondering: did we ever find out what happened to the mechwarriors kidnapped on pandora?
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I've been rereading a lot of this lately (thanks for keeping it going!) and wondering: did we ever find out what happened to the mechwarriors kidnapped on pandora?
No. Well, not yet, anyway. (haven't had time to get that part of the story written)
This year I was really hoping for more time available to do writing, but life is like a box of chocolates... it's messy, makes you fat and out of shape, and eventually it runs out. ;)
I will make a concerted effort to try and get SOMETHING up this month. I really want this story written so I can get it out of my head and put everyone out of their misery satisfy everyone's curiosity. :))
Stay tuned! >:D
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The Birds of Pay
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Birds of Pay?