BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat
BattleTech Player Boards => Fan Fiction => Topic started by: Dreadpool on 18 April 2022, 20:05:45
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Aftermath of The Battle of Earth
The Avengers Compound, Upstate New York
April 26th, 2023
"and I am Iron Man..."
'SNAP'
With this selfless gesture, Tony Stark ends the Battle for Earth.
Instead of dying, Fate, it seems, has something else in store for the Invincible Iron Man
New Avalon Institute of Science
College of Biology & Medicine
February 7th, 3028
"Dr. Stewart, we're getting some strange readings on the sensors; they're like nothing we've ever seen before."
"Alright, I'll be there shortly."
Dr. Charles Stewart, NAIS, is head of a project commissioned by First Prince Hanse Davion; the purpose of this project being to crack the secrets of HPG technology and, in so doing, break Comstar's monopoly on interstellar communications. Unbeknownst to Dr. Stewart and his colleagues, the experiment is about to have certain unforeseen complications.
Just as Dr. Stewart arrives on site, the building housing the experimental apparatus begins to shake with all the force of a moderate earthquake. Then, seemingly from out of nowhere, a globe of energy comes into existence that resembles an event horizon; from this globe, arcs of electrical energy span off in all directions. A few seconds later, the phenomenon vanishes. In its wake stands a man-sized figure clad in gleaming crimson & silver armor.
As Dr. Stewart and his colleagues look on in utter amazement, the armor's faceplate opens up and the man within begins to speak.
"Who are you? Where are the others? How the hell did I get here?
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it would have been funny if tony was dropped in naked like the Terminators
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It's funny enough I'm IN! :thumbsup:
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For purposes of the TL, the Snap didn't kill Tony Stark; it brought him to the Battletech Universe.
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Ping.
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It's funny enough I'm IN! :thumbsup:
I'm glad you liked it.
Here, we have Tony Stark at the height of his technological progress. The Mark 85 armor is INSANELY durable, capable of going toe-to-toe with beings that are literally gods. It's got FRIDAY (an AGI superintelligence) and the combat power of a heavy ASF.
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Ping.
One ping only?
<gratuitous 'Hunt for Red October' reference...>
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it would have been funny if tony was dropped in naked like the Terminators
It wouldn't have mattered if he did, because the Mark 85 suit is part of Stark's body.
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Another situation like A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, except the Connecticut Yankee is Tony freakin' Stark ;D
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Another situation like A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, except the Connecticut Yankee is Tony freakin' Stark ;D
That's exactly the situation I had in mind.
Oh to be a fly on the wally when Comstar gets word of what happened.
Stark's going to be like "hold my beer..."
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I imagine the impact to the REST of the setting too. Iron Man present at even ONE of the major battles of the 4th Succession war, or iron-man derived tech versus the Clans?
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I imagine the impact to the REST of the setting too. Iron Man present at even ONE of the major battles of the 4th Succession war, or iron-man derived tech versus the Clans?
Both, actually.
The prospect of mechs and tanks protected by IM-grade armor and powered by Arc reactors, Jericho-type LRMs & Arrow IVs plus all the other goodies fairly boggles the mind.
Stark's actions against the Chitauri invasion force coming through the gate above Manhattan come to mind; he absolutely tore that bunch several new orifices...
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Stark "Hanse, can I call you Hanse"
Hanse with an amused smirk "sure, easier then First Prince or highness"
Stark "you do your political things and let Ben and I handle the tech, We'll bring the six Liberties to the sphere as a whole, oh do you have any issues with me dealing with some of the nastier foes, cause as Iron Man I like to defend the innocent at my pleasure, and I do like to pleasure myself often"
Ardan just shakes his head "My liege..."
Hanse laughing holds up his hand "Ardan see what Tony, you mind if I call you Tony"
Stark smiles and offers his hand "not at all Hanse"
Hanse chuckles and continues "Ardan see what Tony needs, Ben you have any objections"
Benjamin Banzai shakes his head "Tony has a great sense of science and music, he also seems to have good tactical sense. We can work well together" Banzai knows Tony will have a ego problem from time to time but he and Prince Davion should be able to handle it.
As Davion and Stark shake hands Tony nods "well highness I believe this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship and a profitable partnership!" Hanse Nods "once we have fixed things here..."
"I could use the help with some of your RCTs! Would love to upstage Captain America and the other Avengers when we are dealing Thantos! Though first we have deal with your 'Mandarin' problem!"
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Stark "Hanse, can I call you Hanse?" With with an amused smirk, Hanse replies "sure, easier then First Prince or highness"
Stark "you do the political thingy and let Dr. Banzai and I handle the tech side of the equation, and we'll bring the six Liberties to the sphere as a whole. By the way, do you have any issues with me dealing with some of the nastier foes? you see, as Iron Man, I defend the innocent at the pleasure of myself; if there's one thing that I've proven time and again, it's that I can be counted on to pleasure myself."
Ardan Sortek just shakes his head "My liege..."
As he rumbles with laughter, the First Prince holds out his hand "Ardan, see what; Tony, you mind if I call you Tony?"
Stark grins by way of reply and offers his hand "not at all."
Hanse chuckles again and continues "Ardan, see what Tony needs. Dr. Banzai, do you have any objections?"
Banzai shakes his head "Tony's got a great sense of the sciences, and he also seems to have good tactical sense; we can work well together" From their brief discussion, he knows Tony has a ego the size of Ceres but he and the First Prince should be able to handle it.
As Hanse Davion and Stark shake hands, Tony nods "well highness, I believe this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship and a profitable partnership!" Hanse nods "once we've fixed things here..."
"I could use the help of some of your RCTs; would love to upstage Captain America and the other Avengers, the way I did when we dealt with Thanos. First, however, we have deal with your Comstar problem; I'll begin by hacking whatever passes for their operating system..."
I did a few edits to make this section flow more logically
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Ntoe one problem--tony is very, VERY hostile to the idea of giving his tech out and making weapons. He was hostile on earth and... Earth didn't depopulate entire worlds. I doubt Tony is interested at all in giving the successor lords any new toys to kill entire populations with.
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Ntoe one problem--tony is very, VERY hostile to the idea of giving his tech out and making weapons. He was hostile on earth and... Earth didn't depopulate entire worlds. I doubt Tony is interested at all in giving the successor lords any new toys to kill entire populations with.
He was that, in the Avengers timeline.
ITTL, I view Stark as doing his best to calm things down. After all, he's got absolute technological superiority over the entire Inner Sphere
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More information please
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Ntoe one problem--tony is very, VERY hostile to the idea of giving his tech out and making weapons. He was hostile on earth and... Earth didn't depopulate entire worlds. I doubt Tony is interested at all in giving the successor lords any new toys to kill entire populations with.
Was his weapons business still running while he was off playing superhero? That's what I thought anyway. Then he can keep the suit to himself. He'll just have to fight all the intel organizations of the Inner Sphere to keep it to himself. And he's going to have to do that from the ground up because his home, though blown up, is a thousand years in the past... Unless he still has a portion of his buried complex still intact on Terra... But what are the chances of Comstar already having ransacked the place? Maybe they forgot about it and his compound is effectively lostech.
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Was his weapons business still running while he was off playing superhero? That's what I thought anyway. Then he can keep the suit to himself. He'll just have to fight all the intel organizations of the Inner Sphere to keep it to himself. And he's going to have to do that from the ground up because his home, though blown up, is a thousand years in the past... Unless he still has a portion of his buried complex still intact on Terra... But what are the chances of Comstar already having ransacked the place? Maybe they forgot about it and his compound is effectively lostech.
Remember in the mcu the first thing he does after getting home is call a press conference to stop his companies weapons production.
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Remember in the mcu the first thing he does after getting home is call a press conference to stop his companies weapons production.
I forgot about that - thanks :)
With that in mind I can see him getting a history of the BTU - from Hanse's point of view, and being suspicious as he learns more. Then he'd probably go out and find people to make Avengers 3025 or something and basically try to stop all the wars.
He'll also be dealing with some internal stuff like where his family ended up after he was warped a thousand years into the future. Maybe he has living relatives? Maybe they were killed in the Amaris Coup? Perhaps they ended up with the SLDF-In-Exile and are actually with the Clans. Now THAT would be an interesting story :D
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I forgot about that - thanks :)
With that in mind I can see him getting a history of the BTU - from Hanse's point of view, and being suspicious as he learns more. Then he'd probably go out and find people to make Avengers 3025 or something and basically try to stop all the wars.
He'll also be dealing with some internal stuff like where his family ended up after he was warped a thousand years into the future. Maybe he has living relatives? Maybe they were killed in the Amaris Coup? Perhaps they ended up with the SLDF-In-Exile and are actually with the Clans. Now THAT would be an interesting story :D
The Earth that Tony Stark Came from and the Earth of the Battletech Universe are two entirely different things. Marvel Earth is assumed to be our Earth, but where certainly areas of technology are vastly advanced of our own. One of the major PODs is that Gordon Moore was never born; another is that on BT-Earth, superheroes were the stuff of fiction.
By authorial fiat, I'll state that the Battletech game existed on Marvel Earth; in which case FRIDAY would have knowledge of it.
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The Earth that Tony Stark Came from and the Earth of the Battletech Universe are two entirely different things. Marvel Earth is assumed to be our Earth, but where certainly areas of technology are vastly advanced of our own. One of the major PODs is that Gordon Moore was never born; another is that on BT-Earth, superheroes were the stuff of fiction.
By authorial fiat, I'll state that the Battletech game existed on Marvel Earth; in which case FRIDAY would have knowledge of it.
Thanks for clarifying! Though I liked the idea of Stark starting the Scientist Rebellion in the Clan Homeworlds before the Clan Invasion in the OTL ;D
I look forward to seeing more of your story :)
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Thanks for clarifying! Though I liked the idea of Stark starting the Scientist Rebellion in the Clan Homeworlds before the Clan Invasion in the OTL ;D
I look forward to seeing more of your story :)
I'm glad you liked it and i will endeavor to persevere.
The idea of a Hulkbuster suit tearing through Clan Elementals bringeth a smile to my face, as does an IM exosuit the size of an AS7-D Atlas.
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The other fun is using Friday to help build up an AGI-controlled construction facility. Developing Water Filtration tech, Dropship and Jumpship production lines, early Star League Fusion plant tech for planets that need aid, all sorts of compact schooling setups, etc. All non-military items, but the sorts of items that will jump-start a nation's economy. Instead of Liz & Kowloon having to take time to train people to do the jobs needed to bootstrap, Friday just has to build the tools to let her build the stuff that is wanted. Hope Hanse has a spare planet handy that Friday can turn into an Industrial World (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/IndustrialWorld).
And if Tony feels the need for a weapons industry, Hanse will find that the Valkyrie plant on New Avalon producing 130 Valkyries (https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Valkyrie) per year will be small compared to Tony building a Willow Run (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow_Run) style factory that produces a Mech every hour and has already had all the bugs worked out of the design.
I'm glad you liked it and i will endeavor to persevere.
The idea of a Hulkbuster suit tearing through Clan Elementals bringeth a smile to my face, as does an IM exosuit the size of an AS7-D Atlas.
Even better, a Veronica setup so if part of the armor is damaged then fresh armor/equipment is deployed to replace. Or if a different setup would be needed then Tony can toss back the less effective weaponry/gear and Veronica will replace it within a matter of seconds.
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Tag!
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Wait ... oh ... I've not seen the other Avengers movies so ... at the point where he snaps Thanos's gauntlet, he's got FRIDAY as his personal AI Assistant as opposed to JARVIS who is now Mr. Vision at that point?
OK, still, even with FRIDAY he's got way more tech knowledge in his mind than even ComStar and the StarLeague at it's highest peak.
Looking forwards to the next steps.
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Wait ... oh ... I've not seen the other Avengers movies so ... at the point where he snaps Thanos's gauntlet, he's got FRIDAY as his personal AI Assistant as opposed to JARVIS who is now Mr. Vision at that point?
OK, still, even with FRIDAY he's got way more tech knowledge in his mind than even ComStar and the StarLeague at it's highest peak.
Looking forwards to the next steps.
He may not have the tech knowledge, but through FRIDAY Tony will have the advantage of being able to rapidly expand his R&D capability if he has access to sufficient computer power. From there, build a few autolabs (https://www.theverge.com/21317052/mobile-autonomous-robot-lab-assistant-research-speed) and begin with the science.
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1 ping only. 8)
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The thing is that as of "Avengers" he still has Jarvis as his AI, Jarvis doesn't become Vision until during Age of Ultron
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Yeah, but this is Endgame Tony Stark with an Infinity Gauntlet.
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Yeah, but this is Endgame Tony Stark with an Infinity Gauntlet.
I forgot about that detail :))
If that's the case, he still has the gems. But it's not like he'd be able to use them without killing himself, unless he tries to attempt a smaller feat than wiping out an entire alien army and their hardware? Maybe he could just teleport to Terra, make a new compound to live in and family...
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The Infinity Gauntlet didn't come along for the ride; it got left behind.
If it did come, this would be a VERY short TL...
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The Infinity Gauntlet didn't come along for the ride; it got left behind.
If it did come, this would be a VERY short TL...
Can you imagine if Comstar got a hold of that? Hook it up to one of the Manei Domini later on and see everyone get turned into flying toasters...
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Can you imagine if Comstar got a hold of that? Hook it up to one of the Manei Domini later on and see everyone get turned into flying toasters...
Now that's a horrifying thought, if I ever heard one....
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Getting to know you, getting to know all about you
Stark Industries Compound
New Avalon
July 15th, 3028
After Tony Stark made his ‘abrupt’ appearance, Hanse Davion granted him the use of a small complex of buildings attached to the main campus of NAIS; the better to facilitate Stark’s R & D efforts. The centerpiece of the complex is a cluster of three office buildings; the main tower is 93 stories tall, while the others (the North Tower and the South Tower) are 35 stories and 55 stories respectively. In remembrance of Tony’s previous life as CEO of Stark Industries, the entire complex now bears the SI name, while each of the three towers has the Stark name at the top of the structure; the main tower has been refitted to resemble Avengers Tower as it existed back on Earth in Midtown Manhattan, at 200 Park Avenue.
Among the modifications made to the main tower are a re-modeling of the upper 18 floors to include a landing pad for use in operating the Iron Man armor, plus several floors of research laboratories, facilities for production of prototypes and their components, plus an armory, recreation facilities and living quarters.
Even before the SI complex was fully operational, Stark produced his first design; an ARC reactor (in game terms, a compact version of an XXL fusion reactor that requires no extra weight or space). As soon as this prototype was declared safe to use, copies were manufactured and installed in each building of the SI complex; immediately thereafter, other projects were begun. These projects include (but aren’t limited to) improving the performance of myomer muscle fibers, increasing the heat dissipation capacity of heat sinks while not increasing their size, better armor plus an inertial dampener. To aid in these projects and others, a copy of JARVIS (created by using a mind seed provided by the Iron Man armor’s FRIDAY operating system) was installed in the main tower, with peripherals in every other building of the SI complex; this version of JARVIS combines 21st-century computer processing power with the data storage capacity and durability of Battletech-era computers.
On July 15th, 3028, Dr. Benjamin Banzai comes by to pay a visit. Upon enquiring where Tony Stark is at the moment, JARVIS responds “Mr. Stark is in the 83rd-floor laboratory, sir. Shall I inform him of your arrival?”
“Thank you, Jarvis; I’d be much-obliged”.
A quick trip via a high-speed elevator has Dr. Banzai arriving on the building’s 83rd floor; upon entering the lab, he sees Stark bent over a laboratory table; a small rectangular piece of odd-looking metal clamped in the scanner before him.
Greetings are exchanged and Stark says “well Ben, what brings you here?”
“Tony, the First Prince asked me to stop by and see how you’re doing.” With Stark’s characteristic snark, he replies “rather well, actually; especially considering that I lost my girlfriend Pepper, my friends in the Avengers as well as my world.”
“Indeed; I’m glad to see you’ve hit the ground running. Might I ask what you’ve got there?”
“Oh, it’s a little something that my father Howard cooked up back in 1940. Sample was in one of the utility compartments of my suit; found it when I was inventorying what came along with me when I made my, ahh, appearance.””
“What is it?”
“It’s the material from which my father forged Captain America’s shield; the piece you see in the scanner is all that there is. It’s a composite piece, weighing just eight ounces and having two layers. The outer layer is composed of an alloy with 60% adamantium and 40% vibranium; the inner layer is composed of 7% adamantium and 25% vibranium.”
“I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of those two metals?”
“I’m not surprised to hear you say that, Ben. It’s because they don’t exist in this universe; if they did, the durability of what passes for armor would rise VERY considerably.”
“What do you mean, Tony?”
“Doc, Vibranium has the property of being able to absorb and diffuse kinetic energy as well as all forms of radiant energy. As for Adamantium, it’s insanely durable by any standard; I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that a sufficiently-large mass of the metal could resist a direct hit from a high-order thermonuclear weapon. What makes this sample special is that the alloy is synergistic; meaning that the properties of both metals amplify their properties to a very considerable degree.”
“Do you think that it might be possible to produce more of this material?”
“I don’t know; that’s why I’ve got this piece clamped in the scanner.”
“I’d appreciate it if you were to keep me apprised of any developments.”
“You got it, Ben. By the way, can you tell the First Prince that bunch of assclowns in COMSTAR has been trying to break through JARVIS’ firewalls? He and I aren’t so much offended by the attempts as we are by the amateurish way that they’re being carried out. JARVIS tells me that he’s seen more opposition from a grade-school hacker using off-the-shelf code.”
“I’ll report the incidents to His Highness immediately.”
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Glad to see this one back! :thumbsup:
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Glad to see this one back! :thumbsup:
I'm glad you liked it.
I'm not seriously proposing putting adamantium/vibranium armor on battlemechs; rather, the sample is a device that will serve as a source for further innovation.
The same with Stark's Iron Man armor.
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All the better! :thumbsup:
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All the better! :thumbsup:
Indeed.
When the Fourth Succession War breaks out, the FedCom will come off even better than they did the first time around
When the Clans come calling a few years after that, they won't know what hit them.
By now, the ******-Up Phone Company has an idea of what's going on; hence their repeated attempts to breach SI's firewalls
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If Tony Stark has access to JARVIS, then one stunt might be seeing which projects could be made industrialized and running simulations to see which one gives the most benefit.
For example if you are improving a Marauder (https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Marauder), then you would test the following designs:
- Changing the engine to XL and increasing the speed
- Changing the engine to XL and using the freed-up tonnage for more armor/weapons/standard heat sinks
- Changing the Internal Structure to Endo-Steel
- Changing the armor to Ferro-Fibrous
- Changing the PPCs to ERPPCs
- Changing the AC/5 to Ultra
- Changing the AC/5 to LB-5X
- Changing the Medium Lasers to ERML
- Changing the Medium Lasers to ISMPL
- Changing the Heat Sinks to ISDHS (and removing some to add more armor/weapons)
Off-hand the DHS upgrade would be a good idea as that is only a single item that can be used to benefit every 'Mech in the Federated Suns' service, and is protected by the existing armor. Get a factory or few producing those and send them to every loyal Mech force in the Federated Suns (government, merc, and local). The removed Standard Heat Sinks can be sent to the militia and semi-loyal mercenary units to replace destroyed Standard Heat Sinks.
One way to simulate this might be using Megamek with Princess controlling both sides of a company-vs-company battle of Marauder variants. All 12 Marauders on each side will be the same design, so #1 vs #2 might be a force of 5/8 Marauders fighting a force of 4/6 Marauders that have more toys.
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DHS have been the biggest game changer since the '80s.
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DHS have been the biggest game changer since the '80s.
Agreed. This would be Tony using JARVIS to show that fact, and even better provide the floor plan for an expandable factory that can make them. Using the Industrial Rules (https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-designs-rules/the-industrial-tycoons-handbook-(industrial-rules)/), a purely manual factory that can make 10 of them per day would take up 1 hex and cost ~86 million C-Bills. The storage, security, and administrative areas would take up extra space and cost more. If they wanted to expand production without needing more floor space, a 1-hex factory could produce up to 18 per day for a total cost of ~158 million C-Bills.
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Since Stark is starting from a vastly-higher technological base, imagine the following:
DHS without the extra bulk
Triple-Strength myomers that don't require elevated heat levels to work or any extra bulk
Hardened armor (without the extra weight or the movement penalty)
Reinforced structure (without the extra weight)
Armored Components: 0.25 tons per critical space of the item so protected
Actuator Enhancement System: gives -1 bonuses to hit for arm-mounted weapons, and -1 for punching attacks; gives a -2 bonus for piloting skill when mounted in both legs and a -1 bonus for kicking attacks. This version IS compatible with TSM
Neural Induction Field: all the pilot has to do is sit in the mech's command chair and he's interfaced; gives a -3 bonus to piloting and gunnery skill rolls
A mech equipped with all these systems will be absolute death on roller skates, at lest until the systems are in general use
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“You got it, Ben. By the way, can you tell the First Prince that bunch of assclowns in COMSTAR has been trying to break through JARVIS’ firewalls? He and I aren’t so much offended by the attempts as we are by the amateurish way that they’re being carried out. JARVIS tells me that he’s seen more opposition from a grade-school hacker using off-the-shelf code.”
Well this sounds like the CBT universe we all know and love vrs the world we live and Earth 616 of the Marvel universe... Computer Tech/Hacking is rare skill set here.
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When Star turns his attention towards Comstar, it won't end well for them...
Re: Jericho missiles
These would be Arrow-IVs with a warhead comprised of 15 separate guided sub-munitions (like a Rocket Launcher Pod). Each of these submunitions is equal to an ELRM and is armed with a HESH warhead. When targeted on a single mech or other vehicle, there is a +2 to determine how many missiles hit; unlike LRMs, the hit location for each individual submunition is determined separately.
A single Jericho missile can target 15 vehicles, and will automatically hit each one of them (like a Streak SRM).
"It's the first missile system to incorporate our proprietary repulsor technology. They say the best weapon is one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree. I prefer the weapon you only have to fire once."
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“You got it, Ben. By the way, can you tell the First Prince that bunch of assclowns in COMSTAR has been trying to break through JARVIS’ firewalls? He and I aren’t so much offended by the attempts as we are by the amateurish way that they’re being carried out. JARVIS tells me that he’s seen more opposition from a grade-school hacker using off-the-shelf code.”
“I’ll report the incidents to His Highness immediately.”
Considering Tony Stark`s impulsiveness, e.g. acting first, thinking second and that he is very protective of his tech I am surprised he or JARVIS didn`t counterhack at once.
Consider this:
Tony Stark: Ben, last night Comstar tried again to hack us and I think that the nice formulated messages from the First Prince really don`t go through the thick skull of Comstar.
Ben: What did you do??? (very alarmed!!!)
Tony Stark, We, ahem, counterhacked. Nothing special. Here is the access data for the HPG. Wait about 6 months, then JARVIS little programme will have spread to every other HPG in the Inner Sphere and if you send a message to the local HPG with the Header "I obey Tony Stark" then the message will not appear in the inventory of messages and of course it will be without cost. And by the way, did you know that in the firmware of the HPG were coordinates of 5 worlds that Comstar disappeared from the maps. They call them the Hidden Five and their names are Ruins of Gabriel in the Lyran Commonwealth aka Odessa, Jardine in the Free Worlds League aka Herakleion, Mayadi in the Draconis Combine aka Tangerz, Taussen in the Federated Suns aka xxx, and Obeedah in the Capellan Confederation aka xxxx. Really, their computer security is really abysmal. I have seen five year old kids write better security programmes.
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I remember this from back in April and was disappointed it seemed like a one off.
for the record, unless Marvel changed it in the last 10 years in the 616/primary reality, Captain America's shield was made from an alloy produced by accident when iron mixed with Wakandian vibranium and some unknown radiation. Adamantium was made in a FAILED attempt to duplicate the material.
Even movie Iron Man tech is an OOCP for most of Battletech. Hanse wins.
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I remember this from back in April and was disappointed it seemed like a one off.
for the record, unless Marvel changed it in the last 10 years in the 616/primary reality, Captain America's shield was made from an alloy produced by accident when iron mixed with Wakandian vibranium and some unknown radiation. Adamantium was made in a FAILED attempt to duplicate the material.
I chose to go with the original comic-book description of the shield's composition, which states that it is an adamantium/vibranium alloy in the proportions I described.
Even movie Iron Man tech is an OOCP for most of Battletech. Hanse wins.
Indeed
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Considering Tony Stark`s impulsiveness, e.g. acting first, thinking second and that he is very protective of his tech I am surprised he or JARVIS didn`t counterhack at once.
Consider this:
Tony Stark: Ben, last night Comstar tried again to hack us and I think that the nice formulated messages from the First Prince really don`t go through the thick skull of Comstar.
Ben: What did you do??? (very alarmed!!!)
Tony Stark, We, ahem, counterhacked. Nothing special. Here is the access data for the HPG. Wait about 6 months, then JARVIS little programme will have spread to every other HPG in the Inner Sphere and if you send a message to the local HPG with the Header "I obey Tony Stark" then the message will not appear in the inventory of messages and of course it will be without cost. And by the way, did you know that in the firmware of the HPG were coordinates of 5 worlds that Comstar disappeared from the maps. They call them the Hidden Five and their names are Ruins of Gabriel in the Lyran Commonwealth aka Odessa, Jardine in the Free Worlds League aka Herakleion, Mayadi in the Draconis Combine aka Tangerz, Taussen in the Federated Suns aka xxx, and Obeedah in the Capellan Confederation aka xxxx. Really, their computer security is really abysmal. I have seen five year old kids write better security programmes.
Ohh, I like this.
It's canon and will go into the next update, credited to you, of course.
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Taussen is Versailles, isn't it? ???
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According to sarna
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/The_Five
in the notes it is said: "Herbert A. Beas II revealed The Five as Odessa (Ruins of Gabriel), Herakleion (Jardine), Sharpe (Obeedah), Versailles (Taussen), and Tangerz (Mayadi). However, he also pointed out his role as BattleTech Line Developer was no longer effective, and that this therefore was not an official (canonical) ruling or verdict; new leadership might change the list in future published material."
But it is also said
" Versailles vanished from maps during the First Succession War, which suggests that the system had been abandoned or depopulated, there is evidence that the system was removed from maps by ComStar and was in fact the location of one of the infamous five Hidden Worlds, though an expedition from IE in 3090 lead by Jiminez turned out that Versailles was devoid of habitable planets."
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Versailles
And Obeedah aka Sharpe was not found.
"While suffering a number of false leads and dead ends, by 3095 IE and the Confederation assumed Obeedah would be located within the next decade or so, more a matter of when than if."
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Sharpe
So, I entered xxxx for those two planets that were not found. Maybe Dreadpool goes with the information of Mr Beas or makes his own choices.
And Dreadpool, thank you for integrating my suggestion in your story.
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Thanks for the extra detail! :thumbsup:
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And Dreadpool, thank you for integrating my suggestion in your story.
You're quite welcome.
As I see it, such an action would be perfectly in keeping with Stark's character; I'm reminded of the sequence in 'The Avengers', when Stark hacked into SHIELD's database with a gadget about the size of a quarter...
In other matters, I moved the date of the second update back so that Stark can attend the wedding on Terra as part of the First Prince's wedding party
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Sizing up the Opposition
in High Orbit over the Comstar Compound, Hilton Head Island
South Carolina, Terra
August 15th, 3028
In the several weeks before the time comes to accompany the First Prince to Terra as his guest for the upcoming wedding ceremony between Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner, Tony Stark finalizes the designs for several projects that he’s been working on alongside Dr. Banzai; these include improved myomer muscle fibers, rangefinders, stabilization systems, improved targeting computers, improved heat sinks, an inertial dampener, an enhanced actuator control system and more durable armor.
As Stark has Hanse Davion’s complete confidence, he gets read into the plans for Operation: Rat. By his recommendation, the First Prince orders Stark’s creations into immediate production, and that certain specially-selected units are to be refitted at the earliest possible opportunity. Because of the shortage of time before the offensive against the Capellan Confederation kicks off, only the Davion Heavy Guards RCT, the First Prince’s bodyguard unit and his personal ‘mech will have their refits completed before it’s go-time.
Having arrived in the Sol system at the same time, Hanse Davion arranges for a meeting with Katrina and Melissa Steiner aboard his dropship after it detaches from the Jumpship. During this meeting, the First Prince introduces Stark to his bride to be and his future mother-in-law (along with explaining how he came to arrive on New Avalon. Already having developed an intense dislike of Comstar base do what he’s been told of the order’s activities since the First Succession War, Tony Stark pronounces “your highness, it’s plain to me that the Phone Company is going to do everything they can to interfere with Operation Rat. Once we make planetfall, how about you let me pay a visit to one of Comstar’s computers? I’ll put FRIDAY on the job and, within a half-hour, I’ll know all of the order’s dirty little secrets. I also didn’t like the way they tried to hack into my mainframe, so this would be an opportunity for a little payback. What do you say?”
Archon Katrina Steiner raises and eyebrow and says “Mr. Stark, how can you possibly get access to Comstar’s computer systems? They are very heavily-guarded, and you can be sure that ROM will be watching the wedding party like a hawk...”
“Archon, how about I give you a demonstration of my armor’s capabilities?” With this, Stark taps his chest pieces, and almost instantly, it seems like Stark’s suit is starting to cover itself with what seems to be flowing liquid metal. Within a few seconds, the metal stops flowing and Stark is covered head-to-toe in gleaming crimson and silver.”
Hanse Davion’s eyes widen with amazement as he says “Stark, how did you do that? I had assumed that your armor had to be put on and taken off piece-by-piece. Yet, here we see you conjuring up seemingly out of nothing...”
“Highness, if you were referring to one of my earlier suits, that’s just what would have happened. However, the suit I’m wearing is the Mark 85; it employs nanotechnology. Do you like it?”
“Where that material come from?”
“The nanoparticles are stored in my chest piece; the glowing circle you see in the middle of my chest is actually the front panel of my personal ARC reactor. The reactor originally powered an electromagnet that kept a cluster of shrapnel from crawling its’ way into my heart and killing me; now, the reactor serves as the power source for my armor. All I have to do to deploy the armor is to tap the chest pieces and FRIDAY does the rest.”
“Very impressive. That still doesn’t explain how you’re going to get to where you can access Comstar’s computers.”
A slight grin crosses Tony Stark’s face (as if he knows something that no one else does). The, he gestures to both arms as if he were a stage magician.
“Ladies and gentleman, there’s nothing up here (pointing to his right arm) and nothing up here (pointing to his left arm). Now, watch me pull a disappearing act.” Stark calls out, FRIDAY, activate the armor’s stealth systems.”
“Yes, boss.”
To the utter and complete amazement of the First Prince, the Archon and the Archon-designate, Tony Stark fades from view, as if he had never been there. Maintaining his silence, Stark walks around behind where Hanse Davion is standing and taps him on the shoulder. The armor’s faceplate opens up and Stark wisecracks “how’s that for pulling a rabbit out of my hat?”
“Stark, that’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen”
“I thought you might react that way. Not only do my stealth systems render me invisible to the naked eye, I also can’t be observed on radar (no matter how good the system is); as for thermographs, as long as I’m not using my jets, they won’t be able to see me either....”
The next question comes from Katrina Steiner, who asks “Mr. Stark, all the stealth in the world isn’t worth much if you can’t protect yourself from attacks...”
“Indeed, Madam. Let’s just say that my armor is invulnerable to small arms, and only the heaviest of ‘mech-grade weapons are a real threat to me; this assume that they can even hit me, a difficult proposition at best. You see, I can outfly the fastest and most agile aerospace fighters; shooting at me would be just as useless as using turbo-lasers to shoot at Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing during his run against the Death Star...”
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Nice to see Stark totally sticking to character... ;D
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Nice to see Stark totally sticking to character... ;D
But of course.
The idea of Tony Stark grabbing Comstar by the short & curlies and giving them a good squeeze bringeth a smile to my face
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Do they even know Star Wars in the BT universe? I mean otherwise this comment right there would be Out of Context Knowledge :D
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Do they even know Star Wars in the BT universe? I mean otherwise this comment right there would be Out of Context Knowledge :D
I'll address that in the next update...
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The following update incorporates ideas from Lone Wolf
Aboard the dropship Davion-One
‘Star Wars?” asks the First Prince...
Immediately, Melissa Steiner speaks up and says “Hanse, Mother, one of my hobbies is late 20th century Terran science fiction movies. Star Wars was produced in 1977 and premiered on May 25th of that year. It dealt with the struggle of a band of rebels against an evil galactic empire. The Empire’s greatest weapon was a moon-sized space station called the Death Star, capable of destroying an entire planet with just one shot. Near the end of the movie, the hero of the piece joined with his fellow starfighter pilots to attack the station; during the attack run, the gunners aboard the station found it very difficult to target the incoming starfighters with their turbolasers.” As Melissa finishes speaking, Tony Stark grins widely and applauds...
“Very well done, young lady.”
Hanse Davion responds “so that’s what you meant, Stark.” A pause, then “we’ll be making planetfall shortly. Is there anything else you’d like to say?”
“Only this, your highness. Back on July 15th, I was talking with Dr. Banzai at NAIS and I mentioned that Comstar had repeatedly tried to hack my systems and get past JARVIS’ firewalls. I wasn’t so much offended by the attempts as I was by their amateurish nature; my five year-old daughter Morgan could write better code than what I saw. I really, REALLY don’t like it when idiots try to crap in my sandbox, so I sent a little calling card of my own.” With a look of concern on his face, the First Prince responds “what did you do, Stark? That look on your face is rather like the cat that got the canary...”
“Ohh, nothing more than having JARVIS hack into Comstar’s systems and plant a little surprise package in the source code, By now, the package is well on its way towards every HPG station in the Inner Sphere; I estimate that, after six months, it will be everywhere.”
“What would be the purpose of this ‘surprise package’, as you call it?”
Looking for all the world like a naughty schoolboy, Stark responds “your highness, when the time is right, I’ll send a transmission to the nearest local HPG station; the transmission will contain a hidden piece of code that will activate JARVIS’ little number. Three days after that, my picture will appear on the screens of every HPG station in the Inner Sphere, along with the caption ‘I obey Tony Stark’. So, if Comstar tries to do something stupid (like cutting off communications), I’ll go ‘oh no you don’t’ and take control of the system. The funniest thing is that there will be precisely nothing that they can do about it.”
“WHAT?? Are you saying that you’ll have control of the HPG system?”
“That’s about the size of it. You’ll also be interested to know that when JARVIS was digging around, he came across Comstar’s plans to stage a false-flag attack on Sarna’s HPG station; the First Circuit will then use this as an excuse to place the Federated Suns under an interdict. I’ll know more when I hack into their systems after we land...”
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Fear not, fellows.
The next update is in progress as we speak.
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Glad to hear it! :thumbsup:
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At last, ye next update followeth hereafter:
Arriving ’pon the swelling scene
Hilton Head Spaceport
South Carolina, Terra
August 15th, 3028
The dropship ‘Sword-One’ makes planetfall at the spaceport on the mainland opposite Hilton Head Island, whereupon the wedding party is met by a delegation of representatives from Comstar’s First Circuit. After the necessary formalities, they’re conducted to the guest quarters in the Hilton Head Island compound. The rest of the day is spent in settling in and making preparations for the wedding in five days.
The following day on August 16th, Tony Stark prevails upon the First Prince to arrange a meeting with Julian Tiepolo, Primus of Comstar; before the meeting, Stark tasks JARVIS with finishing the hack begun back on New Avalon in July.
The meeting takes place in Tiepolo’s office, and the meeting begin with “good afternoon, Mr. Stark. When First Prince Hanse Davion personally requested that I meet with you, I confessed to no small amount of curiosity; I and the members of the First Circuit have heard reports about you from our Precentor on New Avalon and it seems that, for one who so recently entered service with the First Prince, you have been very successful.”
“Indeed I have, Julian; do you mind if I call you Julian? It’s amazing what can be accomplished when someone’s not encumbered by the trappings of religious dogma and no one’s getting murdered because they’re trying to advance the scientific and technical state of the art; does Operation Holy Shroud and Holy Shroud II ring a bell?”
“What??”
“You heard me right, you self-righteous, sanctimonious old dinosaur! As to how I’m aware of Holy Shroud, that’s for me to know and you to find out. Let’s just say that I took notice of ROM’s decidedly-amateurish attempts at hacking into my system and responded accordingly; I don’t know what I found more offensive, the attempts themselves or the truly amateurish way in which they were carried out; I swear that my daughter Morgan can do better code than your so-called professionals…”
Fuming in self-righteous fury, the Primus spits out “get to the point, Stark.”
Tony Stark gestures theatrically with the back of his hand to his forehead and cries out dramatically “oh, dear; here I am, alone in the tiger’s lair. I wonder what ever is to become of me?” Then, with a look on his face that would start a broken clock, he says “alrighty, then. Let’s get down to brass tacks, you Torquemada-wannabe. In countering ROM’s attacks on my IT infrastructure, I became aware of Comstar’s plan’s to stage a false-flag attack on Sarna’s HPG station; the idea being to frame the Federated Suns for the attack and, in so doing, provide justification for a communications interdict. I made the First Prince aware of this, and he very strongly advises you against that course of action.”
“You damnable heretic; you’ll regret involving yourself in the affairs of the Blessed Order!”
“What are you going to do, sentence me to sit in the Comfy Chair? Do try to comprehend how singularly-unimpressed I am by your threat; I’ve beaten opponents far more dangerous than your bunch of Ma Bell rejects. Just when you and the First Circus think it can’t get any worse, it does. Aside from learning about your plans for the false-flag attack on Sarna’s HPG station, I became aware of Comstar’s secret stash of Star League-era battlemechs and equipment here on Terra (some 50 regiments or so, unless I’m much-mistaken) and the warships you’ve got stashed in the Ross 248 and Luyten 68-28 systems.”
“Damn you to the lowest, hottest pits of hell, Stark. Were you not protected by guest-right, I’d have you killed where you stand. Still, you’ll regret your insults to the Word of Blake; If I were you, I’d enjoy the coming days as you don’t have many left. NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY OFFICE!!”
As Stark turns on his heel, he casts a look back at the Primus over his shoulder and makes two simultaneous gestures; the first (a ‘thumb’s up’) with his left hand and the second (biting the thumb) with his right hand; the former communicating a desire for the recipient to go ****** himself and the latter equivalent to raising the middle finger while challenging the recipient to a fight. At the same time, the expression on Stark’s face conveys his unspoken response to the Primus’ threat: “Bring it, loser!!” Once Stark’s back is towards the Primus and the First Circuit, he simultaneously flashes the ‘OK’ sign back over both shoulders; thus implying that the entire group is a bunch of ******.
After the meeting with Comstar, Stark heads back to the residential compound; there to meet with the First Prince, Archon Katrina, Melissa Steiner and Minister Quintus Allard, and to deliver a verbal contact report.
“Your highness, Archon, Archon-designate, I’m just back from bearding the lion in his den and, let me tell you, I never saw such a bunch of jumped-up, self-righteous stuffed shirts as the Primus and the First Circus. It began politely-enough, but when I indicated that I knew that ROM was behind the hacking attempts on my systems, and that Comstar is planning a false-flag attack on Sarna’s HPG station, things got decidedly frosty rather quickly.”
“The expression on Julian Tiepolo's face must have resembled a fusion reactor about to undergo a core breach.”
“You’ve got that right, H; he and the First Circus want to kill me so bad they can taste it. Among the information I obtained when I completed my hack while we were still in orbit over Terra are the specifics regarding the fifty full regiments of Star League-era battlemechs that the Phone Company has got stashed all over the planet, plus the 31 warships that Comstar has hidden in the Ross 248 and Luyten 68-28 systems…”
“What?? Do you mean to say that Comstar has an active warship fleet?”
“I certainly do; it now falls to you to decide what to do with the information. At a minimum, I’d recommend that you disclose what I discovered to the heads of the other great houses; you see, this also concerns them. There’s one more little thing; I’ve developed a complete list of where all the equipment caches that Kerensky and his crew left behind when they buggered off in 2784, as well as what each and every one of them contains.”
“WHAT?? Are you telling me that you know where all of the materiel is that was left behind when the SLDF departed the Inner Sphere?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying, your highness. I do have a suggestion on how to handle this development; as a good number of those supply depots are in the Draconis Combine and the Free Worlds League, how about you make nice with Janos Marik and Takashi Kurita and tell them what their respective realms have been sitting on top of all this time? It couldn’t help but earn the Federated Suns a considerable amount of goodwill.”
“Agreed; I’ll have you communicate the knowledge of what Comstar has been up to with the other house lords; take care of that before the wedding commences a few days from now. As far as those equipment caches are concerned, I’ll take that matter under advisement. In other matters, I’ve decided that it is high time that you were rewarded for your services to the Federated Suns. By my authority as First Prince, I hereby award you a planet as your landhold; to be located in whichever district of the realm you find agreeable. What say you?”
“Thank you, your highness. Who would have thought it, that I’d go from being a billionaire, genius, playboy and philanthropist to being lord and master of my very own planet? If my old pal Nick Fury could see me now, he’d probably have conniption fits, that’s for damned sure.”
“Just so, Mr. Stark. Dou you have any advice for me in regards to the coming operation against House Liao?”
“I believe I do. You should have no hesitation in offering your intended a nice fat chunk of the Capellan Confederation as a wedding gift. My read of Comstar’s character is that they won’t like you raining on their parade; the false flag attack on Sarna isn’t going to happen, so they’ll use the action on the Capellan front as an excuse to place the Federated Suns under a communications interdict. My little surprise package won’t have completely infected Comstar’s systems for another five months so, until that time, you’ll have to resort to those little back box thingies to keep your communications up and running.”
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Still voicing Stark perfectly! ;D
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Still voicing Stark perfectly! ;D
I'm glad you liked it.
As an aside, I modeled the scene in the Primus' office after the scene in IM2 where Stark is testifying before Congress; I also imagined the dialog in my scene in RDJ's voice, too...
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How does that baking show put it? NAILED IT! :D
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How does that baking show put it? NAILED IT! :D
Comstar became so cross at the ferocity of Stark's french taunting that they made a mistake.... ;D
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Leveling the playing field
Comstar Residential Compound
Hilton Head Island
August 17th, 3028
While the other guests are preparing to attend the wedding in just three days, Stark proceeds on the authorization given to him by the First Prince and visits each of the house lords in turn. First is Takashi Kurita, Coordinator of the Draconis Combine. At the appointed time, Stark requests an audience with the Coordinator; the request is speedily granted. A respectful bow is made, and Stark makes a formal greeting.
“Komban-wa, Kurita-sama; watashi-wa Tony Stark. Watashi to au koto ni doi shite kurete arigato.”
The Coodinator acknowledges Stark’s presence and replies “How could I refuse such a request from Hanse Davion in the days before his wedding?” Takashi gestures openly with both hands and says “your command of the Japanese language is most impressive, especially your Shikoku dialect; you speak it as if you were born there, Stark-san. When did you learn it?”
“Last week, Kurita-sama”
“Indeed. So, tell me why you’re here?’
“Kurita-sama, I am here at the behest of the First Prince, who wishes to convey certain information of which he has only recently become aware.”
“What might that information be, Stark-san?”
“The prince wishes me to inform your august self that Comstar hasn’t been at all straight with the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere; the specifics are that they have a secret military branch called the Com Guards, that they have a stockpile of fifty full regiments of Star League-era battlemechs here on Terra, plus a hidden fleet of warships in the Ross 248 and Luyten 68-28 systems.”
“WHATT?? Is Hanse-sama’s information accurate?”
“Kurita-sama, you may regard the information as holy writ (as does the First Prince), because it was I who hacked Comstar’s computer security and stole the information in the first place. You’ll also want to know that the deaths and disappearances of certain of your scientists and researchers in years gone by weren’t the work of any of the other great houses; instead, that was Comstar’s doing…”
The only outward indication of the titanic rage that Talashi Kurita is beginning to feel is the twitching of one of his eyebrows. Calmly, he responds “hmm; there’s much more to you than meets the eye, Stark-san. Tell me, what does Hanse-sama seek to gain from such revelations as these?”
“This is nothing more than a friendly gesture, intended to make up (at least in part) for certain past difficulties between you and him; also, to level the playing field between the great houses of the Inner Sphere and those toaster-worshipping assclowns in Comstar.”
“Indeed, Stark-san. Please convey my respects to Hanse-sama for this information; he (like you) has acted with honor in this situation. As for your part, you have done the Combine a great service and you’ll find me suitably grateful.”
“Domo arigato, Kurita-sama.”
The two men exchange respectful bows, and Stark heads off to his next meeting; this with Captain-General Janos Marik. He (like Takashi Kurita) expresses both surprise and outrage at Comstar’s duplicity. Next to be visited is Chancellor Maximilian Liao, where Stark’s information is politely (if somewhat indifferently) received. Afterwards, there are visits to Imperator Marius O’Reilly from the Marian Hegemony and Magestrix Kyalla Centrellla from the Magistracy of Canopus; the Magestrix receives the information with much interest. She responds with an invitation to visit to Canopus-IV; which invitation being delivered with something of a ‘come hither’ look…
The game is afoot
August 20th, 3028
Three days later, the wedding party and the other guests are transported to the Cathedral-Basilica of St. John the Baptist in downtown Savannah, Georgia where the ceremony will take place; the invited guests including a selection of the great and the good from all across the inner sphere. As the First Prince’s newest adviser, Tony Stark is the subject of a good deal of discussion amongst those in attendance; especially after he paid each of the house lords a visit and revealed the existence of Comstar’s stockpile of Star League-era battlemechs (plus their hidden fleet of warships).
The ceremony is jointly concelebrated by Francis Cardinal Flynn from New Avalon and John Cardinal Maraschal from Tharkad, at the conclusion of which Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner say their vows. Thereafter, the wedding party and their guests are driven back to Hilton Head Island, where the reception will take place in the main conference hall. Upon arrival, the wedding party takes their seats at the head table, and the guests are seated at the other tables in order of precedence; as it happens, Stark is seated next to Quintus Allard. The two observe the other guests being seated and Stark says sotto voce “let the games begin”. From a nearby table where the Capellan delegation is seated, Stark can’t help but notice the sidelong glances he’s getting from Romano Liao; it’s as if she’s sizing him up as a potential liason/conquest; Quintus Allard takes notice of this and softly replies “Tony, Romano is practically undressing you with her eyes; I’d be careful of that one if I were you, she’s got a brain like a bag full of cats and you can smell the crazy coming off of her.”
“Yeah, Q; I sort of noticed that. I haven’t seen such a blatant come-on since the last tech conference I attended. I got chased down the corridors by a bunch of female groupies who were all yelling and screaming for a piece of me; rather an interesting time, that was. Fortunately, my man Happy Hogan was there to cover my escape from the, aah, ‘peril’. For the moment, I wanted to go back and face the peril (as there were only 150 of them); however, Hogan wouldn’t let me. Since he isn’t here, I’d so hate to disappoint Romano; she probably thinks that, once we’re between the sheets, she’ll turn me into some kind of intelligence source”. A derisive snort, then “as if I could ever fall for such cheap blandishments.”
Just then, the Master of Ceremonies raps his staff on the floor’s polished marble and announces loudly “my lords, ladies and gentlemen; the bride and groom will now have their first dance together. Thereafter, I pray you take your places for the second dance…” Taking this as a signal, Stark begins to tap the rim of his champagne glass with his fork; almost instantly, the other guests begin to do likewise. Hearing this, Hanse and Melissa share an enthusiastic kiss, then head out onto the dance floor. After they have their first dance together, the band sets up for the next piece.
As the guests begin to move out onto the floor, Stark notices Romano Liao and her husband Tsen Shang coming out onto the floor; he makes his way over to them taps Shang on the shoulder and asks “mind if I cut in?” Roman dismisses her husband with an imperious gesture and replies (with a voice that is dripping with all sorts of hidden promises) “I don’t mind if you do, Mr, Stark; I was beginning to wonder if you had noticed me.”
“Please call me Tony. As a matter of fact, I couldn’t help but notice how you had your shingle out and how you were practically jumping up and down while waving it at me. How about we head out onto the dance floor and trip the light fantastic? That way, you can say your piece to me uninterrupted…”
A sly grin crosses Romano’s face as the two of them step out onto the floor with their arms linked. As the first number begins to play, she leans close and whispers softly into Stark’s ear (as if her words are meant for him alone).
“Tony, I saw the look in your face when you asked to dance with me. So, why don’t we cut to the chase? To tell the truth, my personal situation is one that I find ‘unsatisfying’. Given my position in my father's court, I’m quite able to ‘entertain’ anyone I please.” The expression on Stark’s face is both polite and non-committal; he silently remarks to himself “whatever else that the people of the 31st century lack, unsubtlety isn’t one of them. They only way this nutcase could be more obvious is if she said that she wanted to drag me over to some secluded corner and have at it right then and there.” He clears his throat and replies “somehow, I don’t think that the First Prince is going to need me for the next day or two. So, why don’t you come up and see me sometime, like later tonight?” Romano’s only reply is a sly, almost lascivious grin.
The reception continues for the next several hours. Shortly before the presentation of the gifts, Stark draws Quintus Allard aside and says “I’ve got something set up with Romano Liao later tonight; I’ll keep you apprised to the developments. She’s probably thinking that she’s going to end up with me wrapped around her little finger, and that she’s going to play the old ‘honey trap’ game with me and turn me into an intelligence asset.”
“Do be careful, Stark. Romano is crazy, and she has a reputation for being all kinds of spiteful and vindictive if things don’t go her way.” Stark chuckles, as if he knows just what he’s getting into. He replies “I’ve been doing all kinds of crazy things my whole life; this one will just be another mark on my scorecard.”
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This time tony might be in over his head that that much crazy in one bag.
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This time tony might be in over his head that that much crazy in one bag.
Rather, Rommie is in over her head with Stark.
Remember the sequence in IM where Stark and that TV reporter were doing like they do on the Discovery Channel? She woke up the next morning, and Stark was gone.
That's sorta what's going to happen here; Rommie will take offense to getting pounded like a cheap steak, and she'll conceive a deep and abiding hatred of Tony for this...
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Or Candace and St Ives will finally get to overthrow the crazies and be ascendant. What, one can hope?
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Or Candace and St Ives will finally get to overthrow the crazies and be ascendant. What, one can hope?
You can rest assured that Tony Stark is fully-cognizant of the political situation all throughout the Inner Sphere; he knows who's who, what's what and who is doing what to whom...
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When he said he was gonna screw with the Liao's he meant it
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When he said he was gonna screw with the Liao's he meant it
First, Stark gets to ****** a Liao, and then he gets to ****** their whole country...
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The Opening Bid
August 20th, 3028
As the penultimate act in the reception, it is now time for the presentation of the wedding gifts; those given by the other house lords are commensurate with their rank and status. Next to last is the one from Tony Stark, who says "your highness, I completed this just before we left on the trip to Terra." Stark now opens the package he had with him; after removing the leather cover, he holds up what appears to be a circular shield and presents it to Hanse Davion and his wife.
"Your highness, Archon-Designate, my father created this shield and gave it to my good friend Steve Rogers many years ago. In my research at NAIS, I managed to create enough of the original alloy to forge this duplicate; it has all the properties of the original." Stark holds up the shield and describes it, saying "this measures 30" in diameter and weighs 12 lbs; the design recalls the flag of the old United States of America, with circular red and white stripes surrounding a field of blue with a large white star in the center.. Among the shield's properties are its extreme durability and the ability to retain 99.975% of its angular momentum; so if you were to throw it at a target, it would bounce back to you."
"Mr. Stark, on behalf of my wife Melissa, I thank you for your generous gift."
Melissa Steiner-Davion now presents her own gift by saying "my husband, in honor of our wedding, I give to you a full regiment of battlemechs, along with the means to support them in perpetuity." What follows next strikes with all the force of the proverbial bolt from the blue."
"My wife, in honor of our marriage, I give you the Capellan Confederation."
This pronounciation causes much excited discussion to run throughout the room, which discussion becomign more animated as messengers come up to the other house lords and inform them of the opening stages of Operation Rat (what future military historians will call the Fourth Succession War (which actually began just 48 hours before). Not surprisingly, the reception very quickly draws to a close. The attendees return to the quarters in Comstar's residential compound and make preparations to return to their respective realms beginning tomorrow. Once Tony Stark gets back to his suite, he readies himself for the contest to come.
8:00 PM
True to her word, Romano Liao arrives at 8:00 pm and knocks on Stark's door. When Tony opens the door, she sees Romano standing before him wearing a floor length gray cloak lined with crimson.
"Well, well, well; what do we have here?"
Romano pushes past him into the suite and closes the door behind her. Once inside, she unfastens the clasp at her throat and drops the cloak to reveal all that she's wearing is a pair of high-strapped sandals and a hungry, lascivious smile. Stark grins widely and replies "that's a very nice little nothing that you're almost wearing, Romano; I'm glad to see that you're a woman of your word. Now, to paraphrase the Immortal Bard, lay on Macduff and damned be she who first cries 'hold, enough.'"
Romano's first act when she gets Stark between the sheets is to artfully (or so she thinks) try and pump him for information. Knowing that this was Romano's intent from the very start, he skillfully fills her ears with information about projects that are under developemnt at NAIS; these non-existent projects are hyperdrive, deflector fields, artificial gravity and a new form of communications that will allow for instantaneous two-way communications in real time (no matter the distance). Half an hour later, Romano raises her finger to Stark's lips and says "enough talk; time for some action"
The several instances of nocturnal gymnastics which follow are of such vigor and intensity that Romano Liao finds herself losing consciousness by 4:00 am the next morning. Carefully disengaging himself, Stark gets dressed and says "now, exit our hero from the door, Stage Right."
August 21st, 3028
4:30 am
Tony Stark visits Justin Allard's to tell him what transpired with Romano Liao. Upon arrival, he finds Minister Allard meetin with his son Justin.
"Hiya, Q. I just wanted to stop by and let you know what transpired between me and Romano Liao"
"How did it go?"
"Rommie considers herself quite the devotee of the arts of the bedchamber but. compared to me in that regard, I had her outgunned six ways to Sunday. Just as I expected, she tried prying all kinds of information out of me regarding what's being worked on at NAIS. So, I filled her ears with a half-hour's worth of utterly inconsequential and completely false information. Rommie's sleeping now; when she wakes up and sees that I'm gone, she's going to be madder than a wet hen."
"Just what did you do, Stark"
Just then. FRIDAY speaks up through Star's earpiece and says "sir, please excuse this interruption.There are a half-dozen armed men approaching this room and they'll be here in less than one minute."
"Who are they?"
"Their equipment profile doesn't match that of Comstar's ROM security element; instead, their profile matches House Liao's SF group, the Death Commandos."
"Thank you, FRIDAY." To Quintus and his son, Stark announces "guys, we've got a problem. There are six Liao Death Commandos approaching this room, and I don't think they're coming for tea. Q, you and Justin should conceal yourselves in the back room: I'll handle this..."
"What do you mean?"
Stark's only response is to tap his glowing chest piece. Before Quintus and Justin's amazed eyes, their visitor is quickly covered from head to toe in gleaming crimson and silver armor. As the two of them retreat to the back room, Stark deploys a small holographic emitter on the table and activates it; the image thus generated is of Quintus and his son sitting there and having a discussion. Just then, the door bursts open and two men charge into the room and spray the table area with fire from their suppressed carbines. Stark's only response is a grim "my turn, ******."
The first man through the door is backhanded across the room, where he hits the wall and falls unconscious. Stark's gauntlet-mounted repulsors charge themsleves with a high-pitched whine and splatter the second man all over the wall. Of the four men remaining, two are pulled through the wall separating the room from the hallway outside; these men are tossed through the window. As Quntus Allard's room is on the fourth floor of the building, Stark has no illusions about what happened to these two. Seeing what just happened to their comrades, the remaining two Death Commandos take to their heels and attempt to escape. This is unsuccessful, as Stark smashes through the wall and kills them both with fire from his shoulder-mounted micromissile launchers. Once the attackers have bene neutralized, Stark again taps his chest piece and the armor begins to disappear from where it came.
"Alright gentlemen. You can come out now; the tangos have been neutralized."
Quintus Allard speaks up and says "Stark, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed what just happened. I read the reports on what your armor is capable of; words are one thing, seeing it in action is something else entirely..."
Just then, the lead man of a ROM security team cautyiously approaches what remains of the door and says "I am Security Adept Marcus. What happened here?" Stark snarks "better late than never; we could have used you five minutes ago, you no-good rent-a-cop.."
Quintus motions for quiet, then responds "Adept Marcus, my son and I were talking with mr. Stark when the six individuals you see lying all over the place burst through the door and opened fire on us; it was only by the intervention of Mr. Stark's bodyguard Iron Man that the three of us weren't killed. These men were armed and equipped as Liao Death Commandos, so I'd take a long hard look at the Liao delegation if I were you. I no longer have confidence in your so-called security arrangements, so I am counseling that Davion and Steiner delegations leave immediately."
The members of the First Circuit are immediately informed of what happened, and to say they they're buzzing like a kicked-over beehive would be an understatement. At the same time, the appearance of this 'Iron Man' is a topic of much discussion and interest; especially since ROM security footage from outside Minister Allard's suite clearly shows this individual in action.
Primus Julian Tiepolo announces "esteemed members of the First Circuit, I propose that we require that the Capellan Confederation be 'requested' to fund the upgrade of two dozen of the HPG 'B' stations in that realm to full 'A' status. Additionally, the Chancellor will alllow the Blessed Order to proceed with additonal recruitment efforts within the Confederation. Should Maximillian Liao refuse, then a communications interdict would be in order."
Not suprisingly, the Capellan Confederation accedes to Comstar's 'request.' On the Davion side of the equation, the Primus places the Federated Suns under a communications interdict; the justification for this action being (in his opinion) House Davion's unwarranted and unjustified attack on the territory of House Liao.
At the front
August 20th-October 7th, 3028
All across the Capellan front, the forces of the Federated Suns are experiencing unprecedented levels of success; some worlds fall in mere hours, while others require a few days to a couple of weeks. As after-action reports make their way back to Sian, Maximillian Liao becomes more unstable with each revelation of bad news; the worst news of all is Candace Liao's defection (along with the entuire St. Ives Commonality) to the side of the Federated Commonwealth; thus, at a single stroke, a full 20% of the Capellan Confederation is taken out of the war.
In the Chancellor's office, Maximillian Liao is meeting with the members of his command council, along with other principal advisers (among whom is his wife Elizabeth, President of the Council of Scions); the purpose of the meeting is to determine how best to respond to the Davion juggernaut. After listening to the discussion thus far, Dame Liao responds "my husband, it is indeed fortunate that Comstar didn't place the Confederation under a communications interdict after that regrettable incident on Terra. If they had, it would have severely compromised operations against those damnable Davion invaders. As it stands, the House of Scions stands ready to help defray the costs imposed on the Confederation by the First Circuit."
At this, Elizabeth and Romano Liao exchange poisonous looks with each other; she knows that Romano was complicit in the attack on Justin Allard back on Terra (and not being able to prove it). As for Romano Liao, she already hates Elizabeth (her stepmother) with a mad passion; she knows that Elizabeth carrying on an affair with with Colonel Pavel Ridzik from the Tikonov Commonality, and she can't prove it.
Across the room, Romano's facial expression is one of outward calm; inside her mind, however, she's fuming over the way Tony Stark so cavalierly cast her aside after she gave herself to him. She remarks silently to herself 'that miserable, self-righteous no-good playboy bastard!! How dare he abandon me like some starport hussy?? I swear to Kali that I'll make him pay for his insult to me.' In considering the role she played in the attack on Justin Allard, Romano is relieved that her complicity wasn't discovered; she's also further-angered at Tony Stark for his interference, which action causing the attack to fail spectacularly.
Romano Liao now bends the chancellor's ear and says "most-respected father, I feel it worth mentioning that a good deal of the success that the Davion invaders are having on the battlefield can be attributed to the First Prince's principal adviser Tony Stark; perhaps he should be proceeded against, if for no other reason than to show that the Confederation is not to be troubled with." The Chancellor leans forward in his chair and says "wise words, daughter; let it be as you say. In fact, it is our express wish that you take personal charge of the operation." A frosty smile crosses Romano's face as she thinks to herself 'I've got you now Stark, you arrogant two-faced bastard. You're dead; you just don't know it yet.'
"Father, I'm honored by your trust in me. Believe me when I say that Stark is as good as dead. Now that this course of action has been decided, we should look into the appearance of Iron Man. From the copies of ROM security footage, whoever this individual is, he displayed technological capabilities that the Star League (even at its height) never dreamed of."
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Why do I see Tony showing up on the sappy homework to shoot the witch in person after her next stupid thing she does.
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Why do I see Tony showing up on the sappy homework to shoot the witch in person after her next stupid thing she does.
of a certainty, Rommie is going to make a play for Stark sooner or later; she hates him with a mad passion bordering on insanity.
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of a certainty, Rommie is going to make a play for Stark sooner or later; she hates him with a mad passion bordering on insanity.
To be fair, that´s how she feels towards most people. It´s either that for her, or "I own this person by divine right of Because I Said So, I must have them now".
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To be fair, that´s how she feels towards most people. It´s either that for her, or "I own this person by divine right of Because I Said So, I must have them now".
The majority of the hate that Romano has for Tony Stark comes from the fact that he screwed her silly, then dropped her like a live grenade.
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The majority of the hate that Romano has for Tony Stark comes from the fact that he screwed her silly, then dropped her like a live grenade.
Which to be completely honest, is probably the smartest thing Tony has ever done, as its the only correct thing to do with Romano Liao
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Which to be completely honest, is probably the smartest thing Tony has ever done, as its the only correct thing to do with Romano Liao
Eh... I´d rather be in a room with a live grenade than with Romano. At least with the grenade I know I have three seconds before it blows up.
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Eh... I´d rather be in a room with a live grenade than with Romano. At least with the grenade I know I have three seconds before it blows up.
Things will be more than interesting when Mad Max gets 'retired' and the Crazy Cat Lady takes over...
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Things will be more than interesting when Mad Max gets 'retired' and the Crazy Cat Lady takes over...
Hey, don't disparage Crazy Cat Ladies like that, they are much more tolerable than Romano
less likely to kill you as well
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Their cats on the other hand... ::)
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Eh... I´d rather be in a room with a live grenade than with Romano. At least with the grenade I know I have three seconds before it blows up.
So you trust the fuse that much huh...
being someone whose dated crazy before, Stark handled this badly... crazy finds a way..
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tony might need to remember that it is all fun and games....until someone crashes a dropship on your head.
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So you trust the fuse that much huh...
Not all that much. Just much more than I´d trust Romano. She is the incarnation of crazy, and not in a fun way.
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Not all that much. Just much more than I´d trust Romano. She is the incarnation of crazy, and not in a fun way.
Remember what Dr. Banner said about Loki?
"that guy has a mind like a bagful of cats. Yoy can smell the crazy coming off of him"
The same can be said about Rommie, except that her brand of crazy is like the overpowering stench of the sidewalks in Brooklyn after a six-week strike by the garbagemen...
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Remember what Dr. Banner said about Loki?
"that guy has a mind like a bagful of cats. Yoy can smell the crazy coming off of him"
The same can be said about Rommie, except that her brand of crazy is like the overpowering stench of the sidewalks in Brooklyn after a six-week strike by the garbagemen...
Now I have this mental image of Iron Man slamming Romano into the ground a couple of times, then walking off while muttering "Puny Chancellor"...
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Now I have this mental image of Iron Man slamming Romano into the ground a couple of times, then walking off while muttering "Puny Chancellor"...
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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As time goes by, Stark will be building other suits; War Machine and the Hulkbuster among them...
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It'd be interesting to see him build his New Iron Legion to be deployed as battle armor troops to secure planetary invasion landing spots or to deploy from Jumpships as a way to destroy enemy aerospace assets.
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It'd be interesting to see him build his New Iron Legion to be deployed as battle armor troops to secure planetary invasion landing spots or to deploy from Jumpships as a way to destroy enemy aerospace assets.
Indeed it will.
The Iron Man armor provides protection equivalent to 20 points of capital-grade armor; it is therefore impervious to small arms and light support weapons, and only the heaviest of mech-grade weapons can damage it; basically, AC-20s, ER PPCs and the like. It can also out-fly and out-fight all but the swiftest and most agile of aerospace fighters
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I wonder what would happen if Stark got hold of Caspar systems... >:D
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Who said he hasn't???
I wonder what would happen if Stark got hold of Caspar systems... >:D
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Who said he hasn't???
I wonder what would happen if Stark got hold of Caspar systems... >:D
Compared to JARVIS and FRIDAY, the Caspar system is an abacus...
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I foresee Stark being a target when New Avalon gets raided, for all the good it will do the Cappies and the ******-up phone company....
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The question is really when does Hanse let Stark play with WarShip hulls... ^-^
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The question is really when does Hanse let Stark play with WarShip hulls... ^-^
Probably as soon as they're available/have been recovered, etc...
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One could hope... :D
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So other then crude attempts to imitate Stark's Ironman suits (and in a backhanded way flatter Tony), What would Tony's opinion of Clan proto-mechs(or those Battletech items that none speak...)?
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Probably as soon as they're available/have been recovered, etc...
Hell. Stark probably has several AI powered scout units probi g multiple star systems already
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So other then crude attempts to imitate Stark's Ironman suits (and in a backhanded way flatter Tony),
ITTL, this is where Inner Sphere battle armor will come from
What would Tony's opinion of Clan proto-mechs(or those Battletech items that none speak...)?
He'd probably consider them to have been come up with by Justin Hammer; not a very favorable opinion at all...
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Hell. Stark probably has several AI powered scout units probi g multiple star systems already
No comment... >:D
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Just had another speculation...Stark's nanites might be able to be programed to fix Davion's potential heart problem. Not to mention, artificial limb technology.
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Just had another speculation...Stark's nanites might be able to be programed to fix Davion's potential heart problem. Not to mention, artificial limb technology.
Indeed.
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Action-Reaction
December 7th, 3028
New Avalon and elsewhere
Owing to intelligence previously provided by Tony Stark regading the location and contents of certain Star League-era supply depots, Hanse Davion decides that the risk is worth it and orders the AFFS to recover the Helm and New Dallas memory cores, as well as everything else that the depots contain. In order to distract the other houses from the true purpose of the AFFS' activities, a number of diversionary raids are mounted along the frontier with the Free Worlds League.
As a further means of disguising what happened, the First Prince orders that copies of the New Dallas memory core be made (suitably scrubbed of any and all information relating to weapons of mass destruction) and distributed to the Free Worlds League, the Draconis Combine and the Capellan Confederation; of course, NAIS and the University of Tharkad receive unedited copies. For his assistance in recovering these precious technological resources, Star receives his own copies of both memory cores; thereafter, they are incorporated into JARVIS' database. Upon returning to New Avalon after leading the raid on Helm in person, Hanse Davion calls Tony Stark to a meeting in his office at the Fox' Den.
"Hello there, H. I presume that your 'shopping trip' was successful..."
"It most certainly was, Tony. When I read a list of what was found on Helm and New Dallas, my mind fairly boggled at the possibilities..."
"True enough, your highness. By their lights, what those Star League people accomplished was certainly impressive. All thigns considered, however, I can and will do better." Stark reflexively scratches his chin and then says "from my own personal experience, I've learned that there's no such thing as a perfect security system. Though you diverted the attention of the other houses by giving them copies of the New Dallas memory core, word will eventually get out about what you pulled off on Helm. Comstar is already annoyed at me for taking control of the HPG system in the Federated Commonwealth; when they hear about the Helm core and the contents of the storage facility, they'll be positively apoplectic. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they went and did something drastic..."
"Indeed. Now, as additional compensation for your assistance in the Helm and New Dallas operations, Archon Katrina and I have decided that you can have your pick of the materiel recovered from both locations."
"Thank you, your highness; that was very generous of you and the Archon. As for what I'd like, one of those Cameron-grade Marauders will do nicely, plus those triple heat sinks, one set of those improved myomer fibers and one of those Star League neurohelmets; I'll also be refitting it with some of the goodies I've been working on..."
"That's it? Out of everything that was recovered, that's all you want? That's extremely generous of you, if I do say so myself. What kind of other refits do you have in mind?"
"Well, I'm going to swap out that 375XL reactor and replace it with a similarly-rated ARC reactor. I'll also pull all of the double heat sinks and replace them with the triples you're giving me. After that, the myomer fiber will be replaced, the weapons array and fire-control system will be upgraded and the armor will be swapped out with Dr. Stark's patented 'You can't kill me' material."
"I look forward to seeing the results."
Stark's words in his meeting with Hanse Davion are, if anything, prophetic. After Primus Julian Tiepolo died from a combination of a stress-induced massive stroke and heart attack after Stark's partial takeover of the HPG system, Myndo Waterly quickly moved to take over the office of the Primus. Once Waterly's hold on power was secure, she called Romano Liao to a secret meeting on Terra; in the aftermath of the thrashing that the Capellan Confederation took in the Fourth Succession War (where the Capellans lost a full 40% of their territory and a third of their industrial capacity), Chancellor Maximilian Liao 'died' and Romano schemed and manuvered to take over leadership of what remained of the Confederation.
The two women meet in the Primus' office, and Waterly begins with "the peace of the Word of Blake be upon you and your house, Chancellor. It seems as if we both have a common enemy in Tony Stark."
"Primus, I'll thank you not to remind me of that pathetic, egomaniacal popinjay; I still haven't forgotten Stark's insult to me."
"Just so, Chancellor, just so. Not only has Stark sorely affronted the Blessed Order, his takeover of the HPG system in the Federated Commonwealth poses an existential threat to Comstar's future. What I propose is that you proceed against Stark and the First Prince by sending a suitably-sized element of your Death Commandos to New Avalon. Their objectives would be to first kill Tony Stark and then do as much damage to NAIS in the time available; if you agree, Comstar will support your efforts to the maximum extent possible."
After hearing Myndo Waterly's proposal, Romano Liao considers her options for the next several minutes. Thereafter, the two women shake hands and Waterly says "we have an accord".
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Tony's planned upgrades to that Cameron-grade Marauder comprise the following:
Armor: equal to Hardened Armor, with no additional weight; this doubles the mech's protection
Myomer fibers: improved; gives +1 MP, with no extra bulk and no elevated heat required
Heat Sinks: 15 triples, gives the mech a heat dissipation capacity of 45.
Power Plant: 375-rated ARC reactor, 1/4 normal weight, no extra space
Jump Jets: 1/2 normal weight
Deflector Shield: gives a +4 targeting penalty to incoming fire
Fire Control
improved targeting computer (1 ton, 1 critical space), gives a targeting bonus of -1
Star League neurohelmet: targeting and piloting bonuses of -1
Combat Computer: reduces heat generation by -4
Weapons
accurization: all weapons have a -1 targeting bonuses
Improved Cooling Jackets: -1 heat per weapon
Dedicated heat sinks for all weapons; increases heat dissipation capacity by 1 for each weapon
Weapon Stabilization: gives a -2 bonus for reducing the movement penalties by the firing platform and the speed of the target
Rangefinder: adds an extreme range category (1.5X maximum range) reduces range categories by one (thus, extreme range is reduced to long range, long range goes to medium, etc), gives a -2 bonus at point-blank range and a -1 bonus at all other ranges
AC/5 Ultra: caseless electrothermal chemical; double-range in all categories, 2x ammunition capacity, base damage is +5 points
Ammunition
HESH: automatic critical hit, +6 on the roll to determine effects
APFSDSDU; base damage is doubled (before the addition of +5 points)
Tracer: -1 targeting bonus after the first shot
Structure
Reinforced Chassis
Protected Actuators
Spall Liner: prevents the automatic critical hit of HESH ammunition
Rugged Design
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Surprised he didn't go with a black knight to spite Comstar, not to mention it looks like his pattern type suits.
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Surprised he didn't go with a black knight to spite Comstar, not to mention it looks like his pattern type suits.
Had I thought of it, that would have been my first choice.
Of course, if Stark's mech was a Black Knight, he would have snarked off about being invincible.... ;D
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It's not too late for that... :D
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To borrow an idea from BlackTigerActual, a linear frame for the pilot. With that control, a mechwarrior doesn't pilot the mech, he wears it. Should increase reaction times and agility.
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To borrow an idea from BlackTigerActual, a linear frame for the pilot. With that control, a mechwarrior doesn't pilot the mech, he wears it. Should increase reaction times and agility.
You mean like a cockpit interface?
Basically, a neural induction field. All the pilot has to do is sit in the command seat and he's in...
An NIF would give a -3 bonus to piloting and gunnery; best of all, there are no side effects (as with the Prometheus socket interface),
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But has Tony managed to replicate the MASC myomer system, yet?
I mean, I can see how he could make a improved myomer or even TSM.
But what about a improved Hybrid Myomer layout?
I also would have expected him to go for a Nightstar, you know, if only for the extra amor.
Basically a bigger Marauder.
Same reason I could have seen him wanting to have a Mercury and a Dragoon mech, if at all possible, for their modular component setup.
Now how did Tony know about Helm & New Dallas?
Did he still have a Mechwarrior/Battletech info database as part of his entertainment database, that's housed in his Iron Man suite?
VRPP, is something I can see Tony wanting, that way he can armor up the cockpit.
Apply Chameleon on the outside of this armor and everybody will think you are using standaard cockpit glass.
He just needs a SLDF ASF pilot suit for this, since it's part of the helmet.
Then the camera's of the chameleon, everywhere on the mech, connected to a Beagle Active Probe & the VRPP.
Heh, has Tony just stolen Comstar it's Prometheus Database?
O and is he suggesting to Hanse, that he takes Victoria CC as well?
I would have thought that Tony would go for a Nova CEWS kinda computer setup, the moment he can.
On the other, if he just stole Comstar's Prometheus Database...
Then I hope he can also restore what General Kerensky ordered deleted from it, like say all SDS info.
I can see Stark turning M5's into Bolo's, using parts from say the Explorer class jumpship, like it's grav-deck.
No, the real question is, does Stark still have MCU it's FTL technology, to play with, in some way, shape or form.
Then there is the artificial gravity and so on, as well.
Yeah, Tony could potentially, derail quite a bit.
What I can see Tony do, is improving a Behemoth, quite a bit.
Afteral, he would want it being able to park on a planet, like any other dropship.
Add in Snowden elements and several small factory stations, plus a medium/large one and...
FTL capable, plus a private Scout class jumpship with artificial gravity and M5 like automation, are things I could see Tony do, just because he can.
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But has Tony managed to replicate the MASC myomer system, yet?
I mean, I can see how he could make a improved myomer or even TSM.
But what about a improved Hybrid Myomer layout?
Stark's improved myomers are a version of TSM that don't require extre heta to work or occupy extra space
I also would have expected him to go for a Nightstar, you know, if only for the extra amor.
Basically a bigger Marauder.
Same reason I could have seen him wanting to have a Mercury and a Dragoon mech, if at all possible, for their modular component setup.
Stark's new mech armor is equivalent to hardened armor, but without the extra weight; basically, any mech with it has twice the normal protection
Now how did Tony know about Helm & New Dallas?
Did he still have a Mechwarrior/Battletech info database as part of his entertainment database, that's housed in his Iron Man suite?
The BT-verse doesn't exist in the MCU
he came across mentions of Helm and New Dallas when he hacked Comstar's IT infrastructure; JARVIS did the work in finding the details
VRPP, is something I can see Tony wanting, that way he can armor up the cockpit.
Apply Chameleon on the outside of this armor and everybody will think you are using standaard cockpit glass.
He just needs a SLDF ASF pilot suit for this, since it's part of the helmet.
Then the camera's of the chameleon, everywhere on the mech, connected to a Beagle Active Probe & the VRPP.
The stealth abilities of the Iron Man armor far exceed even the best that the Star League ever had.
Not a big fan of torso cockpits because they're more likely to get hit (even if they're better protected_
Heh, has Tony just stolen Comstar it's Prometheus Database?
I'll have to mention that in a future update
O and is he suggesting to Hanse, that he takes Victoria CC as well?
I would have thought that Tony would go for a Nova CEWS kinda computer setup, the moment he can.
Then I hope he can also restore what General Kerensky ordered deleted from it, like say all SDS info.
Victoria CC? Please elaborate
I can see Stark turning M5's into Bolo's, using parts from say the Explorer class jumpship, like it's grav-deck.
For the Honor of the Regiment.
Tony's BOLO version of the M5 will be a monitor, a Warship with half of it's weight devoted to armor
No, the real question is, does Stark still have MCU it's FTL technology, to play with, in some way, shape or form.
Then there is the artificial gravity and so on, as well.
yes and yes; hyperdrive, actually...
Yeah, Tony could potentially, derail quite a bit.
What I can see Tony do, is improving a Behemoth, quite a bit.
Afteral, he would want it being able to park on a planet, like any other dropship.
Add in Snowden elements and several small factory stations, plus a medium/large one and...
FTL capable, plus a private Scout class jumpship with artificial gravity and M5 like automation, are things I could see Tony do, just because he can.
Very true
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He means this world (https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Victoria_(CC)). Sarna cites the House Liao book:
In the mid-3020s, a Star League era BattleMech research center was found on Victoria. With the recovery of the Helm Memory Core, the advanced technologies found in this facility were put into production.
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He means this world (https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Victoria_(CC)). Sarna cites the House Liao book:
Victoria is now under the control of the Federated Commonwealth.
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Then I'm sure Vianca will be quite pleased! :)
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Fun think with artificial gravity, it will also unlock anti-grafity as well.
Why fun?
Endo-steel produced on a planet and other fun stuff.
I can see Tony trying to bring the local technology towards their logical end points, like how TSM & MASC Myomer, in a Primitive Myomer Layout, gives Hybrid Myomer.
Just because he's wondering how it would hold up.
We all know how he loves his classic sportcars.
So would he upgrade primitive mechs?
Or would others do so?
I believe the Omega superheavy mech, used a more primitive frame structure, using Endo-steel.
Same structual problem, you know.
And if they used Clan Endo-steel for this...
Still think they should have swapped the art of the Omega & Orca, though.
How would a Stark Superheavy look like?
Yeager Gipsy Danger? 😳😨😱 lol
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Omega_(BattleMech)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Orca_(BattleMech)
Will Stark pull a Lucretia, in terms of superjumping with local FTL technology?
And will he also have added the SLS Manassas her extended jump capability as well?
He's Tony Stark, I can see him driving folks nuts, bonus if he usese a Scout class jumpship for this.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Lucretia
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Super-Jump_Drive
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Manassas_Heavy_Cruiser
To be honest, I personally think the Argo & Scout, are the best combo, especially if you add in two Leopards, if tanking a hit to the max cargo capacity.
So how will Tony top that combo?
We know he will, because he is Tony freaking Stark.
Never really got why Hanse didn't restart his warship production with Scout sized warships.
If you state thaf the given jumpship weight is it's jumpcore & collar related stuff...
Just see what it does to the numbers, if civilian jumpships is 95% jumpcore and a warship is 40% (actual core rod being 30%, thus the M9's problem with constructing M5's from scrap, no core rod in inventory).
But if you use that angle, that the given numbers are for the K-F system of the jumpships, then your numbers are waaay different and it really explains why the Scout has that fast charging and the Nightwing does not.
So why did Hanse not go with a Scout weight warship?
No problem with components, since they could borrow from the dropships for the needed know-how.
Two Mammoth drive trains, alone, would be enough.
Cheaper to produce as well, letting him mass-produce them, thus he could have given the Clans a Death By A Thousend Cuts, via Patrol Warship Wolf-Packs.
Add in the Pentagon & Arondight typo assault/pocket warships, since this theoretical warship should still have a single collar...
A wolf-pack of ten, gives twenty combat units.
It's the best step in between dropships & jumpships, in terms economy, technology & training.
Never really got that one, to be honest, since such a patrol fleet would do wonders against pirates and the like.
Can even be used to create emergency two way pony-express jump corridors, for rapid responces, with enough of them, letting you bring in a jumpship a day.
And they should still have the Argo blueprints, as well, so they could re-use it's nose design, if heavily redone, while that splitter could let them potentially carry two dropships, that are together, below 100.000 tons, like say two Colossus class dropships.
Heck, might have let them put a splitter on the splitter, giving them four collars.
And yes, that's the bullshit Tony Stark would love, making a jumpship with a single collar, capable of docking four dropships of the same weight, that together, are 100.000 tons.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Scout_(JumpShip_class)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Nightwing
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Colossus_(DropShip_class)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Arondight
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Pentagon
Then I'm sure Vianca will be quite pleased! :)
Yeah, no stealth tech for Liao, nor three mech factory lines.
The FedSuns now having most of the fun stuff, Tony just needs to create his version of the Nova CEWS.
The stealth abilities of the Iron Man armor far exceed even the best that the Star League ever had.
It's local tech, that won't compromise his own stealth technology, nor hand it out, besides, full stealth ain't the goal, here.
Not a big fan of torso cockpits because they're more likely to get hit (even if they're better protected_)
VRPP can be used on ANY cockpit, but because it was only used in a DNI Torso cockpit....
Everybody seems to think that one needs the other two, for some weird reason.
Just like how the Full Head Ejection System was only ever used on a Mech, when it should also work for ASF's, just as well.
It basically, fuses a escape pod with a cockpit, you know, so retain the heat shielding and suddenly, death-rides, become the birds that keep you alive, during re-entry fights.
That it also gives you a limited extended & still working, live support, when having ejected in deep space.....
Back to the VRPP, if you have Beagle and Chameleon, you can plate over the cockpit windows and still let it look as if the windows are there, think the Cyberpunk 2077 Nomad cars, that are so armored up.
The Chameleon Holoprojectors are only to be used near the cockpit, they will replace the cockpit windows. (How was Hanse his girlfriend killed??? Was it not a cockpit kill???)
The Chameleon Camera Setup, is fully used, better cockpit view and gives you the option to run your Beagle in a more passive mode.
As for the problem it has, the SLDF already solved that one, just look at the SLDF ASF piloting uniforms.
Besides, you think Tony gives any shit if it would be possible, locally?
That it might give you some projects for NAIS, so it's not just Tony Stark, doing his thing...
Hell, you could still let the canon problem arrise and then Tony being a ass, by pointing out the SLDF already fixed that with their ASF uniforms. ::)
But yeah, basically, make the next generation of cockpits, become quite the leap upwards.
Really standardising the FedSuns and later Federated Commenwealth, cockpit designs.
Could even be usefull for armored cars & tanks, for one, so even if it's reinventing the wheel.....
Even dropships, when you think about it.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/VRPP
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Phantom_Mech
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Uniforms_of_the_SLDF
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Full_Head_Ejection_System
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Escape_Pod
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Beagle_active_probe
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Chameleon_Light_Polarization_Shield
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Nova_Combined_Electronic_Warfare_System
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VRPP says it can only be used in a torso cockpit in the rules, as its based off of it.
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VRPP says it can only be used in a torso cockpit in the rules, as its based off of it.
Because the mech prototypes it was fitted on, all had torso cockpita.
It's not as if it's incompatible with a normal cockpit setup.
Heck, use SLDF ASF uniforms, plug & play.
They wanted to prevent a Gundam copy licence rights problem from cropping up, I bet.
Nothing in the fluff is preventing this and even if it does, they have Stark around, shaking his head about ameteurs(?).
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Fun think with artificial gravity, it will also unlock anti-grafity as well.
Why fun?
Endo-steel produced on a planet and other fun stuff.
I can see Tony trying to bring the local technology towards their logical end points, like how TSM & MASC Myomer, in a Primitive Myomer Layout, gives Hybrid Myomer.
Just because he's wondering how it would hold up.
We all know how he loves his classic sportcars.
So would he upgrade primitive mechs?
How would a Stark Superheavy look like?
Something like this (but 60' tall):
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/cAsAAOSwtMBkZjej/s-l500.jpg)
or this:
(https://www.macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/destroid-monster/destroid-monster.gif)
Will Stark pull a Lucretia, in terms of superjumping with local FTL technology?
And will he also have added the SLS Manassas her extended jump capability as well?
He's Tony Stark, I can see him driving folks nuts, bonus if he usese a Scout class jumpship for this.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Lucretia
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Super-Jump_Drive
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Manassas_Heavy_Cruiser
With Hyperdrive, none of the above are really necessary
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The Battle of New Avalon, Part 1
March 2nd, 3029
Avalon City, New Avalon
Just as Tony Stark predicted, the assault on New Avalon was not long in coming. On March 2nd, 3029, a number of jumpships materialized at two of New Avalon's pirate jump points and discharged dropships carrying two full regiments of battlemechs; these vessels ignited their drives and immediately began burning hard for the planet's surface. As they approached, Avalon City's STC flashed out warnings of an incoming attack, and air-raid sirens began to sound in Avalon City and across the campus of NAIS.
As the enemy dropships descend through New Avalon's atmosphere, those aboard perform their final function checks before their drop pods are discharged. Though New Avalon was taken almost completely by surprise, AFFS aerospace fighters and ground-based missle batteries immediately begin to engage the enemy. Almost as soon as the drop pods are ejected, a number of them carrying a full battalion of mechs are destroyed (along with the dropship that carried them).
"Sword One Actual, Raptor 6"
"Raptor 6, Sword One; say your traffic".
"We've accounted for three dozen drop pods and the dropship that carried them. Be advised that there are no repeat no enemy aerospace assets in play."
"Raptor 6, Sword One copies that last. Out"
As the enaggement proceeds, two battallions worth of enemy mechs come down in the vicinity of Avalon City. Due to a navigational error, the three battalions attemting to come down directly over NAIS find themselves separated from their fellows; two battalions land on the other side of the Frotn Range, while one battalion lands between the Range and the NAIS campus. Having received warning of the attack from Avalon City's STC, Dr. Banzai and the Hong Kong Cavaliers move to defend NAIS; he grimly notes that his forces are outnumbered by a factor of three-to one.
Tony Stark is at work in his lab on the NAIS campus just as the air raid sirens begin to sound. JARVIS breaks in to the lab's comm channel and announces "Mr. Stark, Avalon City and NAIS are under attack." Stark replies "so that's the way that House Liao wants it. Alright then, it's time to show that two can play at the same game. JARVIS, execute the 'Kitchen Sink' protocol."
"Very good, sir."
At this, armored laser and PPC turrets rise from their places of concealment all over the SI complex. Then, storage compartments on the two floors immediately below Tony Stark's lab in SI's main tower open up; a total of 54 War Machine combat drones then fly outside and take up stations above the SI complex. Lastly, a full company of Hulkbuster-class assault mechs rise from their silos and stand by for further orders.
Stark's next act is to summon his armor from his chest piece and join the Iron Legion waiting outside. Just then, Dr. Banzai and the Cavaliers are being heavily pressed by the Liao attackers; he calls for assistance, and Tony Stark is pleased to answer.
"Hang on, Ben; I'm on the way." JARVIS?"
"Yes, Mr. Stark?"
"Inform the Fox' Den that I'm joining the fight here at NAIS; will advise as to the progress of the engagement."
"Very good, sir."
Stark and the War Machine drones assume an echelon formation and fly to the assistance of Banzai and the Cavaliers, while the Hulkbuster company moves in on the ground. Due to the adavanced technology used in their design (and despite their crushing weight of 100 tons each), the Hulkbusters are able to move at a top speed of 72 kph; just then, Tony Stark hears Dr. Banzai call out to the rest of his troops.
"Cavaliers, BB. Stay loose and check your six. I wouldn't put it past these Liao idiots to try something crazy. Forth and fear no darkness!!" Banzai's transmission is acknowleged by the other Cavaliers and battle is joined. 30 kilometers to the north on the outskirts of Avalon City, First Prince Hanse Davion and his personal unit (the 'Prince's Own') join Major General Edward Valos and two battalions of the Crucis March Militia in defense of the city.
Back at NAIS, Dr. Banzai and the Cavaliers are heavily engaged with the Liao attackers; just then, the song 'Shoot to Thrill' (by the ancient Terran rock band AC/DC) begins to sound over the comm channels.
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Woo! AC/DC FTW! ;D
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Woo! AC/DC FTW! ;D
But of course, good sir.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFgNyCItmcE
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That was an AWESOME video! Thanks for the link! :)
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That was an AWESOME video! Thanks for the link! :)
You're quite welcome.
By the way, those Hulkbuster assault mechs look just like the armor of the same name from the movie, but they're 12 meters tall and weigh 100 tons each...
As an aside, was my LOTR reference obvious enough?
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Heh... I read right over it the first time, but now that you point it out, it's VERY obvious... well done! :)
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Heh... I read right over it the first time, but now that you point it out, it's VERY obvious... well done! :)
I'm glad you picked up on it.
I'll have to be more obvious in the next update.
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It'll depend on how over the top Tony is... he tends to hog the spotlight... ;)
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It'll depend on how over the top Tony is... he tends to hog the spotlight... ;)
Of course he is
I think I've done a pretty good job of capturing the essence of Stark's character ITTL...
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100%! :)
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:smilie_happy_clapping:
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Hopefully the song is also being broadcast over the speaker system at NAIS, so the Liao forces know that something is about to happen.
The other fun would be using a modified NARC system delivered by artillery to let JARVIS hack into the Liao Dropships.
NARC pods are 166 kg each while Arrow IV missiles are 200 kg each, so there should be the tonnage available to remove the warhead and replace it with a clever computer system.
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Hopefully the song is also being broadcast over the speaker system at NAIS, so the Liao forces know that something is about to happen.
You may assume that it is...
The other fun would be using a modified NARC system delivered by artillery to let JARVIS hack into the Liao Dropships.
An interesting idea, to be sure
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I am a sick puppy... :smiley:
Tony Stark in a Command chair of an Ares Collosal Superheavy... :evil:
I now return you back to normalcy...
You're welcome,
truetanker
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I am a sick puppy... :smiley:
Tony Stark in a Command chair of an Ares Collosal Superheavy... :evil:
I now return you back to normalcy...
You're welcome,
truetanker
I like that idea
Stark's superheavies will work, unlike the others
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Get out of my head! :grin:
TT
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Get out of my head! :grin:
TT
Imagine a 200-tonner with a move rate of 5/8, armed with everything and protected by capital-grade armor....
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And IJJs! ;D
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Stark -> in powered armor -> in a superheavy Protomech -> in a Superheavy Mech
Basically a Matryoshka doll (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matryoshka_doll) of Stark technology.
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Well...
200 can still go 2/3 with XXL, you could give it, maybe fire once every other three turns, a SCL/1?
Minimum weapon, and a bunch of LAMS and Micro Pulse weaponry for close combat...
TT
Stark -> in powered armor -> in a superheavy Protomech -> in a Superheavy Mech
Basically a Matryoshka doll (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matryoshka_doll) of Stark technology.
Using a single Dropship that can carry it all, Mobile HPG, Naval C3 suite, 7/12 speedster, party room and personal cabin, Infantry Bay for War Machine Drones. Possibly a Squadron of Drone ASF.
TT
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Well...
200 can still go 2/3 with XXL, you could give it, maybe fire once every other three turns, a SCL/1?
the 2/3 movement figure assumes that Stark wouldn't figure out a way to up the capacity of a mech-sized ARC reactor
An SCL/1 weighs 150 tons by itself; there'd hardly be the weight left for things like armor, etc.
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Using a single Dropship that can carry it all, Mobile HPG, Naval C3 suite, 7/12 speedster, party room and personal cabin, Infantry Bay for War Machine Drones. Possibly a Squadron of Drone ASF.
Kinda like a larger version of the Grandmaster's party ship..
There would have to be a stripper pole, too....
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Using a single Dropship that can carry it all, Mobile HPG, Naval C3 suite, 7/12 speedster, party room and personal cabin, Infantry Bay for War Machine Drones. Possibly a Squadron of Drone ASF.
Waht size of dropship would be needed to carry a short company of battlesuits (54 units), 12 Hulkbuster assault drones, four 200-ton superheavies and a squadron of 24 drone ASF?
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You might be able to cram all that into a Fortress... failing that, an Overlord should do the trick... :)
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There exists a dropship big enough to hold all that and Tony's ego???
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There exists a dropship big enough to hold all that and Tony's ego???
ROTFLMIAO
I'm now thinking of an Overlord with the armor and weapons loadout of a Fortress
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What weapons your looking at?
TT
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What weapons your looking at?
TT
How about two Ultra AC/20s, six ERPPCs, four streak ELRM-20s, eight ER Large Pulse Lasers, five rAC/5s, six Streak SRM-6s, four Streak ELRM-10s, sixteen ER medium pulse lasers and six laser AMS; would this do?
Of course, the Long Tom would still be in the nose mount...
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Needs more AMS, but I say that about almost every ship! ;D
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You would need every McKenna produced, laid down, or dreamed about by the SDLF admiralty to even contain Tony's ID! (and all the Texas class as well) let alone the whole EGO and that's after stripping them of the compact core, the capital and anti-aerospace weaponry as well as all the armor and downloading Tony's ego (why won't it get past 9%.... :grin:)!
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So a couple of Enterprise class warships?
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Enterprise_(WarShip_class)
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You would need every McKenna produced, laid down, or dreamed about by the SDLF admiralty to even contain Tony's ID! (and all the Texas class as well) let alone the whole EGO and that's after stripping them of the compact core, the capital and anti-aerospace weaponry as well as all the armor and downloading Tony's ego (why won't it get past 9%.... :grin:)!
Also ever space station ever produced, including O'Neil Station
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Here follows the next update, wherein Comstar gets rode hard and put away wet.
The Battle of New Avalon, Part 2
March 2nd, 3029
New Avalon Institute of Science and elsewhere
The engagement at NAIS between Tony Stark's forces and those of the Liao attackers begins with a volley of long-range missile fire (consisting of a mix of AP and HEDP) from the Hulkbuster assault drones. Due to the superiority of Stark's fire control systems, 100% of the missiles find their targets; all told, 18 Liao battlemechs are destroyed due to multiple critical hits. Six more mechs are also heavily damaged. Thereafter, the Hulkbusters begin to fire their heavy repulsors and torso-mounted Uni-beams.
When it comes to physical combat, the Hulkbusters are horrifyingly-effective. In one case, a Hulkbuster closes with a Liao Cataphract and uses it immense physical strength to rip off one of the enemy machine's arms and crush the cockpit by using the arm as an improvised club. Other Liao heavies are eliminated when pairs of Hulkbusters come upon them and pull both of their arms off; lastly, three other Liao heavies are put out of action by a punch to the cockpit.
Elsewhere on the NAIS campus, Stark's War Machine drones make their presence known by flying between the enemy battlemechs and directly hitting such targets as gyros, hip actuators and hip actuators with their repulsor beams, Most fearsome of all is the sight of Tony Stark, clad in gleaming crimson and gold armor and streaking over the battlefield like an evil phantom bent on some malign purpose. As 'Shoot to Thrill' ends, it is followed by 'Thunderstruck' (also by AC/DC) and then 'I Wanna Rock' by the ancient Terran rock group Twisted Sister.
In very short order, the Liao attackers quickly find their numbers whittled down due to joint actions by Tony Stark, the Iron Brigade and the Hong Kong Cavaliers. The few survivors of the action decide to exercise the better part of valor and evacuate back to theirt landing zones; there to be picked up by the dropships that delivered them. Unfortunately for them, their efforts are wasted as JARVIS reached out from the SI mainframe in Stark Tower and hacked into their control systems; despite the best efforts of their flight crews, their ships are comepletly disabled.
Elsewhere outside the walls of Avalon City, the action is more hotly contested as the numbers are only slightly in favor of the city's defenders; the Prince's Own are heavily engaged, as are two battalions from the Crucis March Militia.
Action-Reaction
March 5th, 3029
The Fox' Den, Mount Davion
Three days after the Battle of New Avalon, First Prince Hanse Davion calls the principals to his office in the Fox' Den in order to receive an after-action report. The first to speak is Dr. Banzai, who says "your highness, if I hadn't witnessed the action with my own eyes, I never would have believed it. There we were on the wrong side of 3-1 odds, when Stark and his drones come charging in like an avatar of Mars, the God of War. In less time that it takes to describe the action, his company of assault drones smashed an entire LIao battalion like an angry child breaking his toys; these same machines then closed with other Liao mechs and literally pulled their arms off and used them as clubs to bash in their cockpits. As for Stark himself and his War Machine drones, they descended upon the battlefield like the hand of the Destroying Angel; if any of them were hit by enemy fire, it was a lucky shot from that enemy mech pilot."
"Indeed. Marshal Davion, I'll have your thoughts on this."
"Yes, your highness. If the truth be told, there was something rather chilling seeing the way that Mr. Stark went through the Liao like an assembly line running in reverse."
The First Prince considers what he just heard, then says "what do youi have to say to that, Tony?"
'A chuckle, then "H, I really, really don't like it when someone tries to rain on my parade and take my stuff. During the late action at NAIS, Dr. Banzai and I gave the attackers a proper New England-style curbstomping; however, it's not enough. There's still a lesson or three that Comstar and their fawning pack of Liao toadies have to learn..."
Upon hearing this, Hanse Davion replies "just what do you have in mind, Tony?"
"H, the only way those blathering idiots could have pulled off an operation as complex as this one is with Comstar's backing. For this and other reasons, I'm going to teach them to respect their betters." A pause, then "after the last of the Liao were down for the count, I had JARVIS go tapdancing through what Comstar laughingly calls their security protocols; now, I'm ready to lay down the law. JARVIS, begin Act One if you please."
Over the nexy half-hour or so, a series of transmissions goes out from New Avalon's HPG station; these are directed towards Terra and Sian (capitol of the Capellan Confederation) and consist of a number of ancient Terran rock tunes intended to convey the idea that something is terribly wrong. The first of these is a rendition of 'Ghost Riders in the Sky' by the group called 'Spider Bait'; following this is 'Big Balls' and 'Highway to Hell' (both by AC/DC. Lastly, there is 'One Vision' by Queen.
When the last song goes through, JARVIS breaks in on the comms channel and says "You're on, Mr. Stark; going live in 3...2...1...Mark !."
"Thank you, JARVIS." Stark pauses to clear his throat, then announces "the previous program of musical disenchantment was brought to you by the Stark Broadcasting Company. Rommie, you're nothing more than a jumped-up Fu Manchu wanna-be with pretentions of greatness. As far as our nocturnal rendezvous is concerned, you might think that your alleged skills in the arts of the bedchamber are something to brag about; they aren't, You aren't the worst lay I've ever had, but you certainly aren't the best either. Now, to the business at hand. I wasn't so much offended by your attempted hit onme as I was by the amateurish way that it was carried out. The Crapellan Confederation doesn't have the moxie to pull off an operation like this without help; this is where Comstar comes into the picture."
A derisive snort follows then "Tiepolo, I haven't forgotten about you and your fawning pack of self-righteous, toga-wearing, self-centered arrant ******; it's about time that someone slapped you down hard. To you and Rommie, I might come across as nothing more than a billionaire genius playboy. To this I'd add the fact that I'm a fiscal conservative who lives in a gated community and sleeps on a giant pile of money; I'm the original raider and I invented the hostile takeover; in short, I take your treasure and I drink your milkshakes....SLURRRPPPP." A pause, then Stark pronounces "as I will, so mote it be..." With this, the transmission ends. Quintus Allard looks at Stark and opines "Tony, I'd be prepared to swear on the Unfinished Book that you've got something up your armored sleeve."
"Several somethings, actually. I have seized control of the HPG systems in the Draconis Combine and the Free Worlds League and handed it over to their respective houses; all that now remains of Comstar is that pissant network they've got insaide the Capellan Confederation. Next, JARVIS hacked into the control systems of every Star League-era battlemech that Comstar has stashed on Terra; a full fifty regiments worth. As of now, all 5,400 of them are non-functional. If Comstar's techs try to reboot them or otherwise bypass what I did, their reactors will undergo simultaneous core breaches; every...single...one. But wait, there's more."
Hanse Davion leans forward with both hands on his desk and says "define more..."
A slight grin crosses Tony's face, of the type that would indicate self-satisfaction after the crushing of some bothersome insect under one's boot heel.
"H, I already told you about the Star League-era warships that Comstar has stashed in the Ross 248 and Luyten 68-28 systems. To refresh, there are 32 vessels in all. What the toaster-worshippers forgot was that in the days of the Star League, everyone of their warships had anti-hijacking protocols hardwired into their control systems. I had JARVIS hack into the control systems of these warships and activate the non-lethal AH protocols."
"What are those?"
"Each ship had a small caretaker crew; they were gassed unconcious and removed by the ship's service drones; don't worry, they weren't killed. If I had been so inclined, I would have had them all spaced. As of right now, all 32 ships are headed to New Avalon under JARVIS' control. When they get to the system's main jump point, they'll take up station and await further orders."
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Always the overachiever! ::)
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Always the overachiever! ::)
That's perfectly in keeping with Stark's character, as anything worth doing is worth overdoing....
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Love it! :D
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Love it! :D
You're quite welcome; I just couldn't resist throwing a couple more AC/DC tunes out there...
After Tony Stark's latest escapades, people are going to start thinking that he can do stuff like walking on water or ordering the tide to go out
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Should use the Imperial March...
And Soul Stripper.
TT
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Should use the Imperial March...
And Soul Stripper.
TT
It will be done in future updates.
ITTL, the Fourth Succession War will be MUCH shorter than it was.
Later on when the Clans come a-callin', they're going ot feel like they shoved their wedding tackle into a meat grinder set on War Emergency Power...
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Hope JARVIS also had a nice walk in the Terran databases, so all sorts of leftover tech in the Comstar databases is sent to New Avalon, for both the First Prince and Tony to make use of.
Still, I wonder if the First Prince is starting to realize how little control he really has over Tony.
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Hope JARVIS also had a nice walk in the Terran databases, so all sorts of leftover tech in the Comstar databases is sent to New Avalon, for both the First Prince and Tony to make use of.
You can assume that this was done
Still, I wonder if the First Prince is starting to realize how little control he really has over Tony.
I imagine that Quintus Allard will be having a conversation with Hanse Davion about that very thing.
They've got a legitimate concern, for what happens if the FedSuns finds itself at cross-purposes with Stark?
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Should have Dr. Strange show up... Like lin a reflection / out of body image...
Also, what happens if Ultron created a backdoor and started to help Word of Blake ROM?
Or maybe some of the Marvelverse, like Vision could show up.
TT
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Should have Dr. Strange show up... Like lin a reflection / out of body image...
Also, what happens if Ultron created a backdoor and started to help Word of Blake ROM?
Or maybe some of the Marvelverse, like Vision could show up.
TT
The MCU and the BTVerse are entirely separate; the only thing from film canon is Captain America's shield (a duplicate of the original)
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Which version of Shield?
Cap's OG, lost to sea.
Cap's replacement, Wakanda's gift.
Cap's steel U.S. Agent shield.
Cap's Variable S.H.I.E.L.D. shield, Stark Enterprise plasma.
Or the his third Vibranium Shield?
TT
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Which version of Shield?
Cap's OG, lost to sea.
Cap's replacement, Wakanda's gift.
Cap's steel U.S. Agent shield.
Cap's Variable S.H.I.E.L.D. shield, Stark Enterprise plasma.
Or the his third Vibranium Shield?
TT
A copy of the OG, made from an admantium/vibranium alloy; just as in the comics
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So Wakanda's gift...
Cool...
*popcorn eating emoji as their broken now
TT
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So Wakanda's gift...
Cool...
*popcorn eating emoji as their broken now
TT
Negative on that Ghost Rider.
I am referring to the original shield from the comics, not the 'Vibranium only' shield of the movies.
The comic shield is canonically stated to have two layers of admantium/vibraniumj alloy; one in the percentages of 75/25 and the other 60/40; this is from the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe
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You can assume that this was done
I imagine that Quintus Allard will be having a conversation with Hanse Davion about that very thing.
They've got a legitimate concern, for what happens if the FedSuns finds itself at cross-purposes with Stark?
I think Hanse Davion is smart enough to know that Tony is a cannon that can't be secured, he's also smart enough to realize that it is better to give that 'cannon' it's space and direct it toward things that will at least hurt his foes more then him (if Tony's wild hair up fourth point of contact just can't be accommodated)
Say Tony wants to remove all weapons of mass destruction and that the Federated Suns should lead the way... Hanse would nod and walk through the most destructive of wars, how the honors of war and Aries Convention managed to mitigate it 'when' the houses saw it to their benefit. Sure Tony could 'try' to have the Suns go first and sure Tony could 'try' to protect the Suns but what is Tony going to when a MASK or ISF fanatic detonates a 'suit case' size bit of canned sunshine? Is Tony going to allow his ego to absorb a 10,000 dead loss? 100,000? million? So sure in principle the WMD arsenals need to be truncated to the point of being ready for an 'alien' invasion and research being direct in defense and efficiency over yield and death. Since the Suns weren't 'first using' them in most cases Hanse could point out that if the other house were to be 'persuaded' by Tony then of course Hanse would be 'persuaded' as well!
Say Tony is feeling very democratic and thinks House Davion should go the way of House Windsor. Hanse would explain New Avalon's experiment in 'direct democracy' and it's 'issues' he would also point out that a representive republic say like Tony's old USA would require a much better communication network then say oh C* and that being a figure head House maybe acceptable to the old ruling house of Britain but Davions had ran before and won, Davions will run again and win! So if Tony could make little d democracy work well Hanse and other members of his house would of course do their civic duty and place themselves for judgement of the Suns populace to rule. He could also point out that no other house to include the Free Worlds League has it's ruling dynasty so devoted to protecting civil liberties (six liberties) then House Davion. So Tony has to research a whole new and better com with Hanse and his house being able to take credit 'sponsoring' it as well as the return to a 'united Hindu Republic' version of democracy all the while using House Davion's soft power to ensure it maybe even gains more power as 'presidents' again then princes. If Tony is insistent then Hanse uses that brand new com system to broadcast his thanks to Tony and to point out that 80%+ of Suns would be happy with House Davion either as First Princes or Presidents and perhaps if he is unhappy with that he can 'help' the FWL or topple a freedom and liberty loving House/populace since both are not perfect, oh by the way how did your experiment with AI, say Ultron work out...
Hanse, Morgan Hasek-Davion and particularly Melissa are way too smart to not to divert a flood like Stark if it's coming for them directly or their peoples. Tony could try to charm Melissa, but Tony is NOT her type. Mel can handle ego, she could handle delusions of demi-godhood, but there is no way that Melissa Steiner (likely Davion) could put up with all his idiosyncrasies and his wondering eyes. Yes House Davion has on occasion 'strayed' but outside of Pepper Potts no one could 'semi-tame' Tony. Also Tony is not subtle with his plans and has all the 'stealth' politically of a 'hulk buster ultra mech' set on maximum RAMPAGE!!!!!!! Basically if they (House Davion/Fed Suns vs Tony) fight Hanse and his team will direct Tony on to a 'productive' compromise (one that benefits the Suns/Suns and sphere as a whole with the Suns getting a bit more out of it). Failing that direct him to another much more repressive house, failing that put a mirror up to Tony and ensure he knows the costs of what he is doing and how HE almost destroyed his world in his certainty HE was right as well how much higher those losses will be if he messes up this time!!!!!!!!
Basically if they are at cross purposes Hanse should be able to suggest a minor highly responsible fix, adjustment or add-on that wouldn't 'completely' allow Hanse to live up to his 'Magnificent Bastard' trope (more like Masterfully live up to it) that puts Tony on the Path to making the Suns stronger, their foes weaker or in a 'neutral' vein the whole sphere better (which Hanse would just make sure he and his allies get the most benefit 'legitimately' of course). Tony is a genius, focused (some would say overly) and determined man (say would say obsessively), Hanse is a warrior but he is also a masterful polication if Tony wishes to 'pleasure himself' but removing tyrannical and/or corrupt elements in sphere or that are harming House Davion (and to a lesser extant to House Steiner), Hanse will ensure his path is lubricated and free of any obstructions to Stark's self-satisfaction all the while point him to the next area where he might find his next 'hit' of gratification. If to paraphrase Stark that "the defense of the six liberties has been 'privatized'" Hanse would nod shrug, provide Tony with the next MIIO/DMI packet while training the AFFS with Stark's 'hand-me-downs'. Hanse being the leader will ensure his troops are happy (including Stark) and will know/find ways to ensure no non-controlled cannon isn't at least influenced and kept generally pointed at HANSE'S/House Davion/House Steiner-Davion's targets.
Sorry this went a bit 'long', but enjoying the story, thank you!
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I think Hanse Davion is smart enough to know that Tony is a cannon that can't be secured, he's also smart enough to realize that it is better to give that 'cannon' it's space and direct it toward things that will at least hurt his foes more then him (if Tony's wild hair up fourth point of contact just can't be accommodated)
Say Tony wants to remove all weapons of mass destruction and that the Federated Suns should lead the way... Hanse would nod and walk through the most destructive of wars, how the honors of war and Aries Convention managed to mitigate it 'when' the houses saw it to their benefit. Sure Tony could 'try' to have the Suns go first and sure Tony could 'try' to protect the Suns but what is Tony going to when a MASK or ISF fanatic detonates a 'suit case' size bit of canned sunshine? Is Tony going to allow his ego to absorb a 10,000 dead loss? 100,000? million? So sure in principle the WMD arsenals need to be truncated to the point of being ready for an 'alien' invasion and research being direct in defense and efficiency over yield and death. Since the Suns weren't 'first using' them in most cases Hanse could point out that if the other house were to be 'persuaded' by Tony then of course Hanse would be 'persuaded' as well!
Say Tony is feeling very democratic and thinks House Davion should go the way of House Windsor. Hanse would explain New Avalon's experiment in 'direct democracy' and it's 'issues' he would also point out that a representive republic say like Tony's old USA would require a much better communication network then say oh C* and that being a figure head House maybe acceptable to the old ruling house of Britain but Davions had ran before and won, Davions will run again and win! So if Tony could make little d democracy work well Hanse and other members of his house would of course do their civic duty and place themselves for judgement of the Suns populace to rule. He could also point out that no other house to include the Free Worlds League has it's ruling dynasty so devoted to protecting civil liberties (six liberties) then House Davion. So Tony has to research a whole new and better com with Hanse and his house being able to take credit 'sponsoring' it as well as the return to a 'united Hindu Republic' version of democracy all the while using House Davion's soft power to ensure it maybe even gains more power as 'presidents' again then princes. If Tony is insistent then Hanse uses that brand new com system to broadcast his thanks to Tony and to point out that 80%+ of Suns would be happy with House Davion either as First Princes or Presidents and perhaps if he is unhappy with that he can 'help' the FWL or topple a freedom and liberty loving House/populace since both are not perfect, oh by the way how did your experiment with AI, say Ultron work out...
Hanse, Morgan Hasek-Davion and particularly Melissa are way too smart to not to divert a flood like Stark if it's coming for them directly or their peoples. Tony could try to charm Melissa, but Tony is NOT her type. Mel can handle ego, she could handle delusions of demi-godhood, but there is no way that Melissa Steiner (likely Davion) could put up with all his idiosyncrasies and his wondering eyes. Yes House Davion has on occasion 'strayed' but outside of Pepper Potts no one could 'semi-tame' Tony. Also Tony is not subtle with his plans and has all the 'stealth' politically of a 'hulk buster ultra mech' set on maximum RAMPAGE!!!!!!! Basically if they (House Davion/Fed Suns vs Tony) fight Hanse and his team will direct Tony on to a 'productive' compromise (one that benefits the Suns/Suns and sphere as a whole with the Suns getting a bit more out of it). Failing that direct him to another much more repressive house, failing that put a mirror up to Tony and ensure he knows the costs of what he is doing and how HE almost destroyed his world in his certainty HE was right as well how much higher those losses will be if he messes up this time!!!!!!!!
Basically if they are at cross purposes Hanse should be able to suggest a minor highly responsible fix, adjustment or add-on that wouldn't 'completely' allow Hanse to live up to his 'Magnificent Bastard' trope (more like Masterfully live up to it) that puts Tony on the Path to making the Suns stronger, their foes weaker or in a 'neutral' vein the whole sphere better (which Hanse would just make sure he and his allies get the most benefit 'legitimately' of course). Tony is a genius, focused (some would say overly) and determined man (say would say obsessively), Hanse is a warrior but he is also a masterful polication if Tony wishes to 'pleasure himself' but removing tyrannical and/or corrupt elements in sphere or that are harming House Davion (and to a lesser extant to House Steiner), Hanse will ensure his path is lubricated and free of any obstructions to Stark's self-satisfaction all the while point him to the next area where he might find his next 'hit' of gratification. If to paraphrase Stark that "the defense of the six liberties has been 'privatized'" Hanse would nod shrug, provide Tony with the next MIIO/DMI packet while training the AFFS with Stark's 'hand-me-downs'. Hanse being the leader will ensure his troops are happy (including Stark) and will know/find ways to ensure no non-controlled cannon isn't at least influenced and kept generally pointed at HANSE'S/House Davion/House Steiner-Davion's targets.
Sorry this went a bit 'long', but enjoying the story, thank you!
Your comments and kind words are gratefully received.
If this version of Stark were that of IM or IM2, I'd definitely agree with you about his wandering eye; I view that thing with Romano Liao as an engagement in a battle of wits (which Tony won decisively, of course). IMHO, he's still carrying a torch for Pepper and his daughter Morgan
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As for the WMD thing, I think Tony would be pragmatic enough to achieve his goal by way of a "use them once and I will end you forever" kind of doctrine. It would probably not be difficult for him to establish a kind of second strike capability that can survive any conceivable attempt to take him out.
Except, of course, unlike MAD doctrine, Tony would not wipe out a nation. He would wipe out governments and noble houses - the decision makers, not the poor sods who had to pick between pushing the button and getting a bullet between the eyes.
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is odessa and the final five still in play? the shipyard would be very helpful.
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is odessa and the final five still in play? the shipyard would be very helpful.
They are now under new management; Stark Interstellar (SI), to be precise....
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Talk about a "win condition"! :D
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Talk about a "win condition"! :D
Precisely.
Now imagine WarShips built with StarkTech.....
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I have...
And not scary enough...
TT
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I have...
And not scary enough...
TT
Would WarShips with ultra-compact drive cores and tank-level armor do (not that bullshit tinfoil stuff they've got)?
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Would WarShips with ultra-compact drive cores and tank-level armor do (not that bullshit tinfoil stuff they've got)?
With advanced computers that can easily plot pirate point to pirate point jumps in a matter of seconds?
Plus integrated Targeting Computers so all the direct-fire weapons get a 1-pt bonus to hit.
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At last, ye next update followeth, wherein Davion & Company get the goods, and Kurita & Marik react to these developements:
Getting the goods
The Fox’ Den, New Avalon
April 7th, 3029
At the station monitoring New Avalon’s Zenith jump point, it’s been another day of business as usual. Suddenly, the datascreens flash a warning to the technicians on duty that dozens of jump signatures have been detected. No sooner has the warning bene passed to the Fox’ Den than dozens of ex-Comstar warships appear at various locations all throughout that area of space. In total, there are 27 warships of varying classes; foremost among these is the SLS Lady Shandra, a Cameron-class battlecruiser. Following this vessel are the three ships of the Comstar-constructed Dante-class frigates (the Montpelier, the Narbonne and the Bordeaux). Next are five Lola III-class destroyers, four Essex-class destroyers, three Aegis-class heavy cruisers, a Black Lion-class battlecruiser, a Sovietskii Soyuz-class heavy cruiser, a Potemkin-class troop cruiser, a Volga-class transport, two Congress-class frigates and a Vincent-class corvette. Lastly (and most importantly), there are four Faslane-class yardships.
Once the 27 ships have finished materializing, JARVIS’ clear and measured voice comes over the station’s comm system and announces “I present the Federated Commonwealth these warships, with the compliments of Mr. Stark.” At the same time, Tony Stark is meeting with First Prince Hanse Davion and his top advisers. As the message from Traffic Control plays over the Den’s comm system, a self-satisfied grin crossed Stark’s face.”
“Well, H. What do you think of my little surprise?”
Among those present is Field Marshal Yvonne Davion, who responds “your highness, this is an unprecedented development, to say the least. To think that, after more than 250 years, there are once again warships in the Inner Sphere. The mind fairly boggles at the possibilities…”
“Indeed it does, Yvonne. I’ll venture to guess that, when Captain-General Janos Marik and Coordinator Takashi Kurita find out what happened, they’ll be having some rather-serious conniption fits. What do you say to this, Stark?”
“H, someone more hawkish than I would say that it’s time to tell the other Great Houses who’s who and what’s what; I disagree. When I was tap-dancing through Comstar’s files, I discovered the presence of other warships throughout their territories, as well as within that of the Federated Commonwealth; it’s only a matter of time before they are discovered. Unless you want to end up blind after another round of an ‘Eye for an Eye’ one-upmanship, I suggest that you reach out to Janos Marik and Takashi Kurita and make nice with them.”
“I’ll that under advisement, Mr. Stark. In the meantime, you have my deepest and most profound thanks for what you have done for the Federated Commonwealth; you’ll find me suitably grateful. You mentioned other warships out there; can you give me any specific examples?”
“Let me tell you a little story about Antares Base; it’s a former Star League-era depot on the third planet of the Antares system (near the Morges and Babaeski systems in the Lyran Commonwealth) established as a replenishment and supply base by the SLDF. In the chaos and disorder of the Succession Wars, knowledge of the base was lost and so it remained, until now.”
“It sounds like quite a considerable installation. Do you have any information about what’s there?”
“Yes I do, actually. There are five warships; SLS William Halsey, a Newgrange-class yardship, a Mercy-class hospital ship and two Bugeye-class surveillance ships (SLS Donovan and SLS Casey), something like 2,000 battlemechs of various sizes, plus thousands of vehicles, tanks, artillery pieces and battlesuits. Rounding out the cache are several million tons of munitions, supplies, equipment and spare parts. I’m pretty sure that Archon Katrina will be pleased to hear of it.”
“She most certainly will, Stark.” A momentary pause, then “ladies and gentlemen, as regards the battlemechs that Comstar stockpiled on Terra, I am minded that they’ll be divided equally among the two halves of the Federated Commonwealth. Mr. Stark, I’ll be obliged if you were to have the locks you placed on their control systems removed…”
“Alright, JARVIS; you heard the man.”
“Right away, sir.”
Correlation of Forces
April 17th, 3029
Elsewhere on the capitol worlds of the Free Worlds League and the Draconis Combine, there is no small amount of consternation when word reaches them about the developments in the Federated Commonwealth. First to receive the news is Coordinator Takashi Kurita, who immediately convenes a meeting of the DCMS High Command, as well as Subhash Indrahar (Director of the ISF) and representatives from the Department of External Relations.
The meeting is called to order and Kurita begins with “Servants of the Dragon, I must inform you that, through diligent work by Indrahar-san and the ISF, word has reached us that the Federated Commonwealth is now in possession of some 27 warships of various classes”; which announcement causes no small amount of consternation to run around the table.
First to respond is Gunji no-Kanrei Theodore Kurita, who says “most redoubted father, I doubt not the valor of the Soldiers of the Dragon. However, given the presence of warships in the Federated Commonwealth (and the 50 regiments of battlemechs which they took from Comstar) , the correlation of forces which now faces us is adverse in the extreme.”
“Well-spoken, my worthy son. What is your counsel in this matter?”
“Father, if the Federated Commonwealth were to come against us, I and the men & women of the DCMS would do our utmost to defend the realm. However, I don’t judge this to be a likely development.”
“How say you?”
“Kurita-sama, the primary reason for the Federated Commonwealth’s extraordinary success can be attributed to the First Prince’s adviser Tony Stark. Rather than being a typical gaijin, he behaved most honorably towards the Combine when he laid Comstar low and returned control of our portion of the HPG network to us. If Stark-san were hostile to us, he would not have done so. Perhaps an overture might be made to Hanse Davion; the better to maintain peace between the Commonwealth and us…”
“An excellent thought, my son. Indrahar-san., what say you?”
“Kurita-sama, centuries ago on Ancient Terra, the great Musashi once said in part ‘Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is.’; so too is our present situation. I am in agreement with Kurita-san’s idea to send a diplomatic mission to New Avalon; thus far, the Federated Commonwealth has only undertaken hostile action only against the Capellan Confederation (with justification, I might add). If the Combine secures peaceful relations with the Commonwealth, then we would be free to undertake the development of warships of our own design with neither let or hindrance. Of course, maintaining the Combine’s territorial integrity would be an important consideration…”
A minute or two of silent consideration by the Coordinator follows, then he speaks up “servants of the Dragon, I believe that the Gunji no-kanrei’s suggestion is the proper course of action. Therefore, it is my order that a diplomatic mission be sent to New Avalon at the earliest possible opportunity; Minister Kamikawa, your ministry will make the appropriate preparations.”
“Hai, Kurita-sama.”
April 19th, 3029
Two days later on Atreus, a very similar meeting takes place takes place in the Captain-General’s office. Aside from Janos Marik, those present include Jaime Cornejo (Director of SAFE), Erin McQuarrie (Minister of Defense), Harrison Kalma (Director of Military Intelligence) and Secretary of State John Forsyth. Never one to waste words, the Captain-General claps his hand loudly on his desk and says “alright; tell me what just happened in the Federated Commonwealth.”
Jamie Cornejo responds “Captain-General, all of us were pleased to hear it Tony Stark engineered the downfall of Comstar and returned control of the HPG network within the League to us. However, when news came out that the Federated Commonwealth now has control of all the battlemechs that Comstar had stashed on Terra (along with all of the warships that the Order has concealed at Ross 248 and Luyten 68-28), the question that immediately occurred to us is what does Hanse Davion want to do now? In terms of raw numbers, adding the regiments of battlemechs seized on Terra would increase the front-line strength of the Federated Suns by a full 50%; to say nothing of the warships, which no other state in the Inner Sphere or the Periphery has.”
“Director, do you think that the Federated Commonwealth means to attack us? With their vastly-increased strength, there wouldn’t be much that we could do to oppose them…”
”No, Captain-General. The assessment of SAFE is that Hanse Davion will be content to digest those portions of the Capellan Confederation that he’s gobbled up so far. Additionally, our confidence is high that those 50 regiments of former Comstar battlemechs will be divided equally between the two halves of the Federated Commonwealth; this is also the case with the warships.”
“So, there is no threat to us now or in the immediate future.”
“You are correct, sir; however, I can say nothing about what might happen when the throne of the Federated Commonwealth passes to someone else.”
“A cogent observation, Director. Esteemed members of the council, it is my judgement that we should send a diplomatic mission to New Avalon to further sound out the position of the Commonwealth. Additionally, we should take advantage of the peace between the League and the Commonwealth to begin a program to develop our own warships; unless I am much mistaken, the Draconis Combine is doing the very same thing.
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Glad to see it back! I suspect the League will eventually make peace, and the Combine will eventually trip someone's trigger... ;)
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What can I say but:
(https://media1.tenor.com/m/7pG9-hP2dvoAAAAC/oh-its-good-to-be-back-robert-downey-jr.gif)
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Perfect meme too! :)
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Indeed.
When the Clans come calling in about 20 years, they're gong to be even more f**ked than they were in my American Tanker TL...
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Dat meme ...
Very well chosen. Nicely done. ;-)
Welcome back dreadpool. Things will be interesting indeed in the meantime. I wonder what will happen when the first scouts and warship flottillas of the can-born are engaging the IS.
And oh, of course, the question of the Rasalhagese (is that the correct term? :sweat_drop:) remains unanswered too.
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My guess is they'll prefer semi-autonomy under the FedCom aegis... we'll see how it goes! :)
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My guess is they'll prefer semi-autonomy under the FedCom aegis... we'll see how it goes! :)
That's what I'm leaning towards.
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Dat meme ...
Very well chosen. Nicely done. ;-)
Glad you liked it.
Welcome back dreadpool.
Your good wishes are gratefully received
Things will be interesting indeed in the meantime. I wonder what will happen when the first scouts and warship flottillas of the can-born are engaging the IS.
The nipple-necks are going to be in for a world of hurt
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Glad to see it back! I suspect the League will eventually make peace, and the Combine will eventually trip someone's trigger... ;)
I will vote, both will.. DC because well DC, and the FWL because some segment goes Rogue and kick open a hornet nest.