Fate Can Be Cruel (Part One)

[2ndAcr]

7 July 2786
New Samarkand (Draconis Combine)

 Vice Admiral Barbara Coltrain brought most of her warships in at the Nadir Jump Point along with 2 full Marine Battalions to secure the shipyard complex and recharge station. SLS Dragonfly, Riga Frigate, SLS Kathy Hamile and SLS Sam Kingston, Vincent Destroyers escorted the invasion force which arrived at a stable point 3 days from the planet itself. She did not concern herself with the Zenith Jump Point, not at this time any way, because in another 2 days, the commands that hit Multan would be arriving there after executing a double jump to arrive. They were currently in the Soul system recharging.

 The panic her Task Force caused on arrival was almost comical to behold. Only the Zenith traffic was left alone, she broadcast surrender calls at the Nadir Jump Point. Of the 15 Jumpships located at the Nadir Jump Point, only 1 Invader was destroyed when it activated it's jump drive. Another Merchant Jumpship was badly damaged when a Mammoth Dropship, in it's panic, missed it's docking and bounced off the Jumpships hull. The biggest surprise was the lack of any DCMS warships in system. This made her a litle nervous, but she continued on with the mission, escorting the main Marine Dropships to the shipyard complex and recharge stations while shuttles ferried Marines to the gaggle of Jumpships and Dropships that surrendered.

10 July 2786

 Major General Colin McGregor led his invasion force down to the planets surface. The DCMS Aerospace forces were swept aside by the escorting SLDF/HAF Aerospace fighters. This was the ultimate target for Operation Black Eye and as such, he planned to make the most of it. That was why he had Admiral Coltrain capture the Jumpships and Dropships instead of destroying them. He planned to rip the factories apart and haul everything he could back home.

 He felt the thump as his Lee Dropship made contact with the Ferrocrete located at the Luthien Armor Works factory. As he piloted his Battlemaster BLR-1Gb down the ramp, he could clearly see Infantry carriers racing across the Ferrocrete and into the factory complex. Battlemechs of the 126th Mechanized Infantry Division were pushing out and forming a secure perimeter around the massive factory complex. He had changed the main targets some, the 173rd Mechanized Infantry Division was landing atop the Wakazashi Enterprises complex and would also take the Osaka Heavy Metrics complex which was not far away. The mission of the 29th Mechanized Infantry Division was to take the DeHuego & Freshet WarShip Design ground facilities. The conventional forces were tasked with securing and looting the complex's while the Battlemech Brigades of each Division moved to take out the planet's garrison forces. The 3 Regiments that formed the raiding parties would act as a reserve force.

 Reports began coming in of contact with the planet's garrison forces, identified as the 11th Galedon Regulars and 5th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre from the 173rd Mechanized Infantry Division. Checking the enemy location on his onboard map, he order the 29th MID and 126th MID to detail 2 Battlemech Regiments each to move on the enemy commands, if everything worked out right, maybe they could cut them off and destroy both DCMS commands quickly, which would make the removal of anything of value that much easier.

 In orbit, the Marines had secured the Nadir Recharge Station and had secured 3/4 of the shipyard complex. Fighting was still ongoing aboard the 3 incomplete DCMS warships that had been in the slips. Additional Marines from the Recharge Station were being shuttled to the shipyard complex to aid in it's capture. Once secured, Admiral Coltrain would allow the 30 engineers that specialized in ship construction and repair that she had brought to board the complex and get a firm read on everything. Though she wanted to strip down the shipyards, she was not sure they had time.

11 July 2786

 The conventional forces from the 173rd MID had secured their objectives after a few hours of fighting. The Battlemechs of the 173rd MID had blunted the 1st attack from the 11th Galedon Regulars with moderate losses during the meeting engagement. The Battlemech's from the 29th MID had slammed into the right flank of the 11th Galedon Regulars while they were regrouping for their next attack throwing them into chaos, combined, the 5 Battlemech Regiments from the 173rd and 29th MID pushed the 11th Galedon Regulars away from the factory complex.

 The Battlemechs from the 126th MID never reached the 173rd MID having slammed into the 5th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre. Though the 5th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre fought hard, they were no where as skilled as the pilots of the 126th MID and by nightfall, they had been beaten back with heavy losses.

12 July 2786

 By midday, the shipyard complex and warships were secured. The experts had boarded the complex and begun the task of evaluating both the shipyards and captured warships. A Dropship was detailed to transport the captured DCMS personnel and shipyard workers to the planet's surface.

 On the ground, the 11th Galedon Regulars had been beaten back from the factory complex's by the combined Battlemechs of the 173rd and 29th MID's. Equipped with mainly medium Battlemechs, the 11th Galedon Regulars just did not have the staying power of the SLDF/HAF. Their conventional forces finally made their appearance, but were quickly beaten back by Artillery and Aerospace attacks, but it was the attached Battlemech Battalions of the Infantry Brigades that made the largest impact on pushing the conventional forces back.

 Work had already begun by the commands Engineer's on removing as much of the equipment as possible from the factory complex's. But estimates put the time needed to completely strip the complex's at 2 months time. Major General Colin McGregor did not think he had that much time, but really wanted as much as he could get.

[idea weenie]

Whatever he can't get, that is what demolition charges are for.  I'm sure there are several components that are fragile but have a multi-month lead time to produce

Or just use their energy weaponry to destroy stuff

Or just hover the Dropship over the factory and use its fusion engine to destroy the whole location

[Daryk]

They're at the point now where whatever they do is a win... Certainly take as much as possible, but absolutely destroy the rest...

[Kyryst]

The Draconis Combine is certainly going to feel this attack. The loss of the warship yards and surface factories is going to really hurt, especially if the Succession Wars happen as with canon. the future light mech construction of Panthers and Jenners are in doubt (EDIT: In the DC, I mean, cause they will certainly be available in the Hidden Hegemony). And considering the DC attacked Inglesmond for the Jumpship yards and the chance of gaining slips for warship repairs... Ow.

So, how well will Minoru and Jinjiro react to this? Will their rage sabotage the peace treaty? We will have to wait. And considering that HPG stations are down, nobody knows about the New Samarkand attack until whatever ships escaped from the Zenith Point report in. At which point orders have to be sent to which fleet is closest. Seeing as most fleets are positioned to invade the Federated Suns, it might take a while for any warship response to get there, unless a patrol squadron is near by.  Coltrain and McGregor might get that time. And with 13-14 jumpships from the Nadir Point captured and however many captured at the Zenith point, as well as the storage space of all the HH ships in the attack- there is plenty of space to transport any loot away. Operation Black  Eye is going to be in everyone's history books.

[Daryk]

The real question now is will the FedSuns be able to last through the initial onslaught... Because the DCMS can't possibly sustain it for long...

[cawest]

someone's logistics tail just got a bite taken out of it. 

[2ndAcr]

16 July 2786
New Samarkand (Draconis Combine)

 Vice Admiral Barbara Coltrain read the report from the experts aboard the shipyard complex. It was better than she hoped. Much better actually. She pulled up her roster of extra personnel to find out what she had available. Doing a mental count and estimate, she figured she had just enough for the job.

 Shipyard Evaluation Report

 On boarding, we conducted a complex wide computer damage estimate. Of the shipyard facilities, light damage was inflicted to several systems, but estimate we can repair said damage within the week with onboard spares. Actual shipyards are of an older type from 2350, far from our current standard at Linden. Estimated cargo space needed for complete dismantling of complex and all supporting orbital factories is 530,000 tons and estimated time to dismantle and load as cargo is 6 months.

 Narukami Block II Destroyer #1

 Light damage during the capture. Damage easily repaired but does not affect operations. 1/2 the weapons are installed, ship is jump capable. Transit drive has not been activated nor have the onboard reactors. Estimated time to complete full activation as is, is 3 weeks.

 Narukami Block II Destroyer #2

 No damage inflicted except some scorching of hull plates. 3/4 of weapons have been installed, ship is jump capable. Transit drive is complete, but not activated or fueled. Ship's reactors have not been activated. Estimate to complete full activation as is, is 2 weeks.

 Samarkand Block II Carrier

 Light damage inflicted during capture. Easily repaired and does not affect operations. 100% of weapons installed, but fire control is not complete. Ship is jump capable but neither tranist drive nor reactors have been activated. No onboard fighters. Estimate to full activation as is, is 2 weeks.

 As much as she would like to strip the shipyard complex and haul it off, she knew she had neither the time nor the cargo space to do so. Of greater importance was the factory complex's on the surface and they had first dibs on every inch of cargo space. She barely had enough spare spacers to provide prize crews for the captured warships and just enough people to man the captured Jumpships and Dropships. She figured she would have to grab some extra crew from the ground forces transports to make this work. Or she would have to press gang the crews and operate them under Marine guard.

 Captured Shipping

 Narukami Block II Destroyer
 Narukami Block II Destroyer
 Samarkand Block II Carrier
 4 Merchant Jumpships
 6 Invader Jumpships
 2 Tramp Jumpships
 3 Star Lord Jumpships
 18 Mammoth Dropships
 12 Mule Dropships
 20 Jumbo Dropships
 
 On the ground, Major General Colin McGregor looked over the estimated times to dismantle the factories and get them loaded up. There just would not be time to fully dismantle and load everything. Even though they had managed to disperse the remaining DCMS garrison forces and aggressive patrolling kept them at bay since their initial fighting, it was only a matter of time before the DCMS got word and came a calling.

 Of the Wakazashi Enterprises factory, the engineers estimated it would take 3 months to fully dismantle the complex and get it loaded. It would take 480,000 tons of cargo space to fully load the complex. The Luthien Armor Works complex was larger, estimates placed a 4 month time frame to dismantle and load. It owuld take an estimated 628,000 tons to fully load the complex.

 After a few hours studying the problem, he made a choice. He ordered the engineers from the 29th MID to be brought to the Luthien Armor Works complex to join the engineers from the 126th MID. He would also use the Infantry Brigades of the 173rd and 126th MID to assist the engineers. He then ordered the raiding commands to the surface. They would also assist in ripping the factories apart. The 29th MID would destroy the DeHuego & Freshet WarShip Design ground facilities and Osaka Heavy Metrics complex along with as much supporting heavy industry on the planet as they could reach. Anything not loaded by mid September would be destroyed in place.

Terra (Terran Hegemony)

 "What do you make of this Aunt Rita?" Director General Amanda Cameron asked handing over the message that had been relayed from a Combine jumpship via the HPG on Oyevaina in the Lyran Commonwealth.

 Taking the message, General Rita Mitchell read the message. With a smile, she looked up "I think it means Coordinator Kurita has finally gotten it thru his head that he bit off more than he could chew."

 To: Director General Amanda Cameron, Terran Hegemony
 From: Coordinator Minuro Kurita, Draconis Combine

 Would like to ask for safe passage to Terra to discuss terms of ending this conflict in person. Have command circuit in place and could enter Hegemony space via Lambrecht. Jumpship awaiting at Oyevaina to relay answer.

 "You think he really means it?" Amanda asked

 "For now he does. Pretty sure the HPG blackout caught him by surprise. He will be looking to restore the HPG network to operation. Figure he is hoping to buy 2-3 years before he tries anything again. His navy took a horrific beating. He will need that time to rebuild and every year we gain, we only get stronger. But damned if I am going to let him enter Terra aboard a DCMS warship. He wants to come here, he can ride aboard a Dropship that is attached to one of our transports, after it has been inspected completely." Rita said

 "You don't trust him do you?" Amanda replied

 "About as far as I can throw him. Not going to give him the chance to bring a load of nukes into the Terra system and blast us. Oh, I can imagine he would love to try it, but I bet money he expects just this kind of reply and demand from us. Bet you dinner that he does not even balk at our demand, that means either we have hurt him much worse than we think or he has something up his sleeve for further down the road." Rita said

 "That is a bet. I think he is going to scream so loud about this demand that we will not need a HPG to hear it." Amanda said with a giggle

 To: Coordinator Minuro Kurita, Draconis Combine
 From: Director General Amanda Cameron, Terran Hegemony

 Request is granted. But, only you and a escort will be allowed to enter Hegemony space aboard a single Dropship which will be carried on a HAF transport after a detailed inspection. Await your response.

[Daryk]

Damn... Rita bought it...  :-\

[cawest]

Damn... Rita bought it...  :-\

no i think she is playing for time.  the DC made a mistake.  they did not ask for a cease fire to conduct the talks.  That means they are still shooting at each other until the cease fire can take effect.  With the lack of HPG in the DC that is going to be a while, so the TH navy can still raid and take his toys away until the date of the cease fire.  what would happen if the TH stopped operation, but a unit in the DC did not get the message and launches an attack on a TH unit that thinks the war has stopped?  that would be ugly... very ugly. 

[Kyryst]

Well, doing the math:
narukami- 53,600 tons x 2 =  107,200
samarkand II - 36,029 tons = 36029
merchant - 4 x 667 tons = 2668
invader - 6 x 552 tons = 3312
tramp - 2 x 2834 = 5668
star lord - 3 x 661 =1983
mammoth- 40,000 x 18 = 720,000
mule- 12 x 8,500 = 102,000
jumbo- 20 x10,131 = 202,620
Total = 1,346,480 tons
Shipyards = 530,00 tons
Wakazashi = 480,000 tons
Luthien Armor = 628,000 tons
total = 1,638,000 tons

Vincent destroyer- 58,432 tons x 5 (5 total vincent destroyers) = 292,160 tons
Riga Frigate -124,492.5 - 25,000 tons for modifications = 99,492.5 tons
 total cargo = 1,738,132.5 tons- 1,638,000 tons = 100,132.5 tons for consumables
If they had the time, they could take it all.
in order to take it all, without using space aboard army transport jumpships or dropships, and using naval warship storage space. If they use all transports, and shuffle things around, it is extremely doable. The remaining crunch factor would only be time.

The Kuritas are going to have to replan the operation, unless they decide the shipyards are now a strategic objective and attack anyway. If they do attack, I think everybody is going to to attack others as well. And there starts the 1st Succession War. Rita and Amanda definitely would not like getting hit again, though.

[2ndAcr]

5 August 2786
Terra (Terran Hegemony)

 All eyes watched the Princess Luxury Dropship bearing Draconis Combine colors as it settled onto the tarmac. It had been almost 5 years since Coordinator Minuro Kurita had been on Terra. Of all the previous visists, this was the first time he actually dreaded. It took all his will power to not throw up at the thought of actually surrendering or admiting fault. As he disembarked, he noticed there was no one to greet him. Instead he found a line of ground cars awaiting his arrival with instructions that he could use his old compound on Terra and that the official meeting would be tomorrow. He willed his anger at the slight to stay deep down and silently vowed that they would pay dearly for this insult, not now, but soon.

6 August 2786

 He walked outside to find 2 ground cars waiting. The HAF/SLDF drivers explained that only he and 12 aides or bodyguards could attend the meetings. He never did learn what the HAF/SLDF troops actually called themselves, so he had to ask on the drive to the meeting. His driver explained that they answered to either since they had so many former SLDF in their ranks. Offcially they were the Hegemony Armed Forces, but most just called themselves the SLDF.

 Once they arrived, he was led up the steps and down several winding hallways until they reached a large set of doors with guards dressed in Royal Black Watch colors standing guard. A uniformed aide opened the doors to admit him and his small party of aides, his bodyguards were pointed to seats by the Royal Black Watch. It took a single look from Coordinator Kurita for them to obey as he walked thru the doors. Inside were only 3 people, Director General Amanda Cameron, General Rita Mitchell and Jerome Blake. Without a word, he and his party were pointed to chairs opposite themselves. Once again he felt his anger begin to boil as he took the offered seat.

 "Coordinator Kurita, it is good to finally meet you in person. I wish it was under more favorable conditions. I hope your compound was to your liking, I have made sure that all the House compounds were maintained in case of visitors to Terra." Director General Amanda Cameron said

 "They were suitable and familiar. Shall we get down to business and not the idle chit chat." Coordinator Minuro Kurita replied

 "Of course. I understand that the Draconis Combine wishes to sue for peace and end the fighting. That can be easily accomplished. All Combine forces withdraw from every Hegemony world they invaded. But only the personnel, all equipment will be left behind as partial payment for the unprovoked attack upon the Hegemony. The Draconis Combine is responsible for paying for the rebuilding of all damaged and destroyed HPG stations within their borders. In addition, a sum of 200 Billion dollars per year for the next 10 years will be paid to the Hegemony as reparations to repair the damage caused by the Combine and to imdemnify the families of those killed or injured by the Combines unprovoked attack on the Hegemony. Captured warships we will keep." Director General Amanda Cameron paused as Coordinator Minuro Kurita's face seemed to turn an evil red

 "Girl, are you out of your mind? Do you really expect me to agree to these terms? You have got to be kidding." Coordinator Kurita nearly yelled

 Unflustered, Director General Cameron replied "Then this meeting is a waste of time and you may depart Terra immediately. Your safe passage lasts until you reach Lambrecht, once there, your on your own. There is the door."

 But Coordinator Minuro Kurita did not move to get up, he took several deep breaths before speaking again "The Combine will pay no more than 50 Billion per year in reparations for the next 5 years. But I want my equipment back along with my units. Along with safe passage for my transports to collect them."

 "I can agree to those terms Coordinator Kurita. I am not unreasonable. Since it will take time for both yourself and us to inform all of our commands of the Cease Fire and soon to be signed Peace Treaty, I propose 1 November as the date that official hostilities end." Director General Amanda Cameron said

 "Yes, that would be agreeable. I assume the delay is to get word to your troops raiding my periphery border?" Coordinator Kurita replied

 "Yes, it will take some time to relay the news to them. I assume they will be granted safe passage from Combine space? They have quite a journey since Midway and Chatham are deep in Combine space." Director General Cameron said watching closely

 Again Coordinator Minuro Kurita's face turned a dark red, and he sucked in a lung full of air "They can not be that deep without our knowledge."

 "I assure you Coordinator, they can be. It is amazing what total war looks like with no HPG network to sound the alarm." Director General Cameron said

 "I request ypu issue your recall to them immediately. If either Midway or Chatham are attacked before we sign the papers, this deal is off and the war continues." Coordinator Kurita demanded

 Director General Amanda Cameron looked at Jerome Blake who made a big deal of picking up the phone and issung immediate recall orders for the strike forces. "There, neither Midway nor Chatham will be struck, orders should reach them in a week and I believe they are 2 weeks away from either system. I will have the documents drawn up. I believe I have been informed that it will take 2 weeks to reactivate the HPG network inside the Combine, but that is AFTER the 1 November date."

 "I demand the HPG network be turned on immediately!!" Coordinator Kurita said loudly

 "Demand all you want Coordinator Kurita, but the HPG network will only be turned on AFTER 1 November. I am not the fool you take me for. The proper documents will be ready for signatures and witnessing on the 10th. You may return to your compound. Your not restricted to it, but any trip outside your compound will be under armed escort. I assume if the tables were reversed, those would be the restrictions I would be placed under." Director General Cameron said

 Coordinator Minuro Kurita did not respond, he just nodded his head, stood and headed for the door. No child, I would have your head on a platter, he thought silently.

 Once Coordinator Kurita and his party had exited the building, Director General Amanda Cameron looked at her still silent Aunt Rita, who had said nothing the entire meeting. "How did I do Aunt Rita?"

 "Pretty good, I think you should have held out for 125 Billion in reparations. With him on Terra, he will not know that New Samarkand has been hit and we are stripping as much as we can from it. I will make sure Barbara and Colin are aware that they need to be gone by 1 November. Once he finds out, he will pull out all the stops to catch them. Nor am I sure about letting have all his equipment back for his ground troops, but it buys us some time." General Rita Mitchell replied

 "How do you think he will react when he finds out who the witness' will be?" Amanda asked

 "Probably have a damned heart attack, heck I thought he was going to have one right here." Rita responded

 "Serves him right. I owe you a steak dinner Aunt Rita, I think he is up to no good. He caved too easily on the terms." Amanda said and only got a grunt in reply

[Kyryst]

I really feel Amanda didn't negotiate well at all here. Usually there is a lot more back and forth. I realize it was to set up the November 1st timeline and the New Samarkand raid into free transit thing, but I think there is going to be a backfire. I doubt the Kuritas will let it slide, as Minoru already wants to kill her. Glad she screwed the DC over, though.

The problem is that Amanda is the only thing tying the Terran Hegemony together. There is no heir and she is a major target. She gets assassinated, and that is the end of the Terran Hegemony.

[Shadow_Wraith]

So has she and General Rita Mitchell have plans to establish the Hegemony civilian government and beaurocracy ?

[2ndAcr]

 Hegemony Gov never fully collapsed per canon. It is functioning but behind the scenes. Her return staved off the worst of the canon problems with massive system defections. There are a few systems wanting to leave, those with an ax to grind against the SLDF and such.

 Periphery Govt is still operating under emergency powers, but that will change soon.

[Artifex]

Hoo boy, those are some nice time constraints for the HAF / HH forces.

Interesting to see that Blake has yet to become active with his "HPG Neutrality Act"... but considering that DC Coordinator is still on Terra I guess we'll see some moves in that direction soon. Just hope that Amanda and Rita are on top of this, because losing the control over the HPGs will be ... painful.

[Daryk]

Both sides agreed to terms WAY too quickly for the other not to suspect something...

[2ndAcr]

7 August 2786
Terra (Terran Hegemony)

 Coordinator Minuro Kurita walked along a winding path on the small estate "owned" by the Draconis Combine here on Terra. He had spent a few hours catching up on news from around the Inner Sphere, but now he just needed to clear his head. Time to think, alone, or as alone as he could be. He allowed his mind to wander over the previous days meeting. Why did she settle in such a low amount when she started so high? Is the Hegemony hurting that bad for cash? Or are they much weaker than they appear to be? Where and how did they get their forces all the way to my periphery border so quickly? Were they based at Antallos? It soon became clear that he had way more questions than answers. He stopped at a small bench and sat down, staring our across the lush lawn. He began to take them one at a time.

 It was possible that the Hegemony was low on cash, they had suffered a tremendous amount of damage during Amaris rule and the SLDF liberation. But everything he had seen was that they were bouncing back very quickly. Plus they got a massive amount of cash from the HPG network, which only they could maintain.

 If they were weak, then they were sure making excellent use of their resources. They had stopped the DCMS cold and even done what he thought could not be done and that was invade the Combine and emerge victorious. They had inflicted lop sided losses on his forces. Plundered and destroyed industries, savaged every command they faced. If they are weal, I do not want them strong.

 They had appeared on his periphery border and struck 4 worlds and then vanished. They had savaged the units garrisoning those 4 worlds. They had to come from Antallos, but how had they remained hidden. The DCMS and intel services ran frequent missions to keep tabs on the system. Once he was done here, he would order the DCMS to take care of this issue once and for all.

 I think they are stalling for time. Time to rebuild. Well, they will not get that time. Come May 2787, I am going to make you pay for everything, Director General Amanda Cameron. I might even move the capital of the Draconis Combine to Terra when it is all over. It is such a pleasant place after all.

 At a restricted space port on the other side of Unity City, Director General Amanda Cameron stood watching the Dropship settle onto the Ferrocrete. She watched a man she had never personally met, yet had spoken to many times approach. "First Prince John Davion, it is a pleasure to meet you in person at last. Welcome to Terra, though I suspect your much more familiar with it than I am."

 "Director General Amanda Cameron, your as beautiful as your mother was. It is my pleasure to be here. Though I expect Coordinator Minuro Kurita will not be pleased at my being here. So he really did it? He actually sued for peace?"

 "Yes, he agreed rather quickly too. But the main thing is for the fighting to end, for the dying to end." Amanda said

 "Make sure you stand way back when he signs the document, he might try to plant that pen in your back." John Davion replied

 Amanda patted her hip and brushed back the short jacket she wore revealing a small laser pistol "Let him try, if I don't get him, Aunt Rita will."

 First Prince John Davion let out a small laugh "Then I will make sure I am not in the line of fire. Shall we go have a look at the old Federated Suns compound together, or are we awaiting others?" He asked counting the number of waiting cars.

 "Others are arriving. Chancellor Barbara Liao, Archon Jennifer Steiner and even Captain General Kenyon Marik will be here soon. Most were invited awhile back by Jerome Blake to discuss the HPG network. I have had people tracking every Jumpship they could so as to form command circuits like the one that brought you. Cost quite a bit to make it work, but we managed to make it happen." Amanda Cameron said

 "Your not planning on trying to reform the Star League are you? Because even though the Federated Suns would say yes, maybe Chancellor Liao. But the others? No way, they will not do that again." John Davion replied

 "No. I feel no one is ready for that again, not at this time. Not even me." Amanda Cameron said "But, I am here to greet you. The others are being met by others. Let's go see how well kept your compound is."

[Daryk]

I hope the paparazzi were kept out of line of sight of that meeting... If word gets out she met him and NO ONE else personally...  :o

[Kyryst]

May 2787.... is not as bad as it could be.

Battlemechs per month in Hegemony= 3587 battlemechs built a month
LAMs per month= 76 LAMs a month
Fighters a month= 1256 fighters a month
Tanks and APCs a month= a lot
and say 40% of these are Royal Grade and can't be exported. That means HAF and Militia. 27 months at 40% is just under 294 regiments at 132 Mechs. That is about 3 regiments of Mechs a world and enough supporting elements to put a (MI) Division on every world beyond the already existing formations.
combat dropships = 124 to say 500 (if they push all factories open and to full) a year.
Warships by May 2787 (if Vincent destroyers built at 3 months a batch and including fedsuns squadron)= 116 warships not including HH warships.
Jumpship production= plenty, whether they can afford to use them as army transports instead of trade ships is another question.

Give the Terran Hegemony breathing room and it would be a very tough nut to crack. I think that Minoru and Kenyon will do everyting in their power to disrupt that. Plus, there is the rogue factor of ComStar and their connection with the soldiers that had been left behind the Exodus (Which reminds me, we could be seeing the Black Warriors or other SLDF remnants trickle in). So there is much to be overcome in the time ahead for Amanda. Let us see what happens.

EDIT: It is funny, it is the second time in the last few years that the SLDF has occupied New Samarkand. The Exodus Fleet left from there. LOL.

[Kiko70]

May 2787.... is not as bad as it could be.

Battlemechs per month in Hegemony= 3587 battlemechs built a month
LAMs per month= 76 LAMs a month
Fighters a month= 1256 fighters a month
Tanks and APCs a month= a lot
and say 40% of these are Royal Grade and can't be exported. That means HAF and Militia. 27 months at 40% is just under 294 regiments at 132 Mechs. That is about 3 regiments of Mechs a world and enough supporting elements to put a (MI) Division on every world beyond the already existing formations.
combat dropships = 124 to say 500 (if they push all factories open and to full) a year.
Warships by May 2787 (if Vincent destroyers built at 3 months a batch and including fedsuns squadron)= 116 warships not including HH warships.
Jumpship production= plenty, whether they can afford to use them as army transports instead of trade ships is another question.

Give the Terran Hegemony breathing room and it would be a very tough nut to crack. I think that Minoru and Kenyon will do everyting in their power to disrupt that. Plus, there is the rogue factor of ComStar and their connection with the soldiers that had been left behind the Exodus (Which reminds me, we could be seeing the Black Warriors or other SLDF remnants trickle in). So there is much to be overcome in the time ahead for Amanda. Let us see what happens.

EDIT: It is funny, it is the second time in the last few years that the SLDF has occupied New Samarkand. The Exodus Fleet left from there. LOL.

..not funny signed Minoro K.
PS if you persist I'm gonna send Jinjiro over to do a K-party at your house..

[2ndAcr]

8 August 2786
Terra (Terran Hegemony)

 General Rita Mitchell, Commanding General Hegemony Armed Forces, had appointed herself to meet Captain General Kenyon Marik of the Free Worlds League. Jerome Blake had met Archon Jennifer Steiner the previous evening, explaining that Director General Amanda Cameron was unfortunately detained by working on the proper wording of the Peace Accords with the Draconis Combine. This was accepted at face value by Archon Jennifer Steiner, much to the surprise of Jerome Blake.

 Chancellor Barbara Liao would be arriving tomorrow, but she was going to be met by Director General Amanda Cameron on the advice of First Prince John Davion. This had surprised everyone when it was announced, but First Prince John Davion had explained that, though the Capellan Confederation was a historic enemy of the Federated Suns, they had, unlike the other Houses except the Federated Suns, provided the most financial aid to the Terran Hegemony while continuing to help fund the repair and maintenance of the HPG network.

 General Rita Mitchell watched Captain General Kenyon Marik disembark from his Dropship and walked to greet him. She had made sure that his Dropship would have an unobstructed view of SLS Thunderer, Monsoon Battleship and several other warships on his flight. She hoped that would give him pause in his obvious thirst for Hegemony worlds, but she doubted it. She drew to a halt and allowed him to close the remaining distance. Drawing herself to attention, she saluted Captain General Kenyon Marik.

 "Captain General Marik, General Rita Mitchell. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Terra, I hope the flight was comfortable." Rita said

 He did not return the salute but looked around before answering "The flight was what I am accustomed to. So, Director General Cameron sends her pit bull to greet me? I had expected better manners from her, but I guess her upbringing was lacking."

 A wave of anger flared within General Rita Mitchell, but she fought back the urge to just shoot him on the spot. "No sir, I nominated myself the task of greeting you Captain General. With the Government of the Terran Hegemony still in some cases a shambles, the Director General is extremely busy. Besides, I was hoping we could discuss the continued troop buildup on our borders. I find them troubling and I would hope to avoid an accident." Not only that, but it is a good way to get a good feel for a potential enemy, she thought silently.

 "Just harmless maneuvers General Mitchell. As you know, I am here mainly for the conference for this HPG Neutrality that Jerome Blake has been pandering. I have read the articles he has put forward in detail and think it might be worth while to hear more about it. It has been a long trip and if you will excuse me, I would like to see my former estate and relax some." Captain General Kenyon Marik said

 "As you wish sir, the vehicles will take you where ever you desire sir." General Rita Mitchell replied

9 August 2786

 Chancellor Barbara Liao met Director General Amanda Cameron for the first time after disembarking from her Dropship. She allowed herself a moment to appraise the very young ruler of the Terran Hegemony, her skilled eyes quickly took note that she was quite obviously her deceased mothers child. The resemblence was sort of uncanny, but it was her bright eyes that told all who looked into them that she was extremely intelligent and alert.

 "Director General Cameron, it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person." Chancellor Barbara Liao said

 "The pleasure is all mine Chancellor. Welcome to Terra. I would like to thank you and your nation for the continued assistance during these trying times. The damage done by Amaris is extensive and your aid has allowed us to see to the needs of my people while we rebuild all that was lost." Amanda said

 "It is the right thing to do. I regret not seeing the traitor Amaris for the threat he was." Chancellor Liao replied while silently thinking, if the Hegemony falls, hopefully all the money and aid will sway worlds to the Capellan Confederation.

 "I am told he was very skilled at manipulation and deception. He fooled everyone, so you bear no blame for what happened." Amanda said her eyes sparkling brightly

 "That is kind of you to say my dear. Though my visit was to hear more about this HPG Neutrality, your invite said that I would be attending something else of interest, may I ask what that is?" Chancellor Liao asked

 "Tomorrow, the Draconis Combine and Terran Hegemony will be signing a Peace Accord ending the fighting between us. I need witness' and could think of no better witness' than the leaders of every Great House." Amanda said

 Chancellor Barbara Liao's eyes flared at this revelation "Coordinator Minuro Kurita is actually admitting defeat? This must be a very bitter pill for him to swallow."

 "I am sure it is, but he has seen the folly in this war. I only hope that it lasts and the Hegemony will not see war ever again." Amanda said but deep inside of her, she knew that her statement was false hope and that war was already looming on the horizon.

 While Director General Amanda Cameron was greeting Chancellor Barbara Liao, General Rita Mitchell was having a private talk with Jerome Blake in her office. She wanted to make sure that he understood exactly what he was supposed to do.

 "I want this conference to last as long as you can drag it out Mr Blake. Even if every one of the House rulers stand on their chairs and say YES to everything on day one. Drag this out for as long as you can. I have read the proposal and though I have some seious reservations about some aspects of it, Director General Cameron authorized it, so I will stand behind her decision." Rita said

 "May I ask why I am to drag this out?" Jerome Blake asked

 "It is simple, there are Hegemony forces in a dangerous position and I need time to get them to safety before we reactivate the Combine HPG grid. Plus I would prefer that during that time, Coordinator Kurita be here on Terra and basically out of communication as long as possible. In addition, we need the time to redeploy our forces to meet the possible threat from the Free Worlds League. Marik is not foolish enough to start anything while he is within the borders of the Hegemony itself." Rita explained

 "I see. I can possbly drag it out for a week or two. Not sure I can drag it much further." Jerome Blake said

 "Sure you can. I have seen your reports on the HPG networks within every realm. They are monsterous, spend a few days reviewing those with the House Lords. Planned expansions, upgrades, new construction, proposed costs, additional funding needed, review each nations contributions to maintaining the HPG netowrk etc. You don't need to kick Kurita too hard, but I am sure that Marik will get all pissy when you point out that his realm is contributing 30% less than every other realm to maintain his portion of the HPG grid. Especially if you point out that upgrades and such in other realms are delayed due to funding issues since extra money must be diverted to make up the shortfall from Marik to maintain the HPG grid. That should be good for several days of the House Lords beating on Marik while you sit back and watch." Rita explained further

 "The Free Worlds League is axctually closer to 40% less than everyone else. I would prefer to not put the Accords into danger of failing, but I will help buy time to get Hegemony force to safety." Jerome Blake promised

 "Excellent Mr Blake. I knew I could count on you." Rita said, looking forward to reading the transcripts of the conference.

Boulsi (Terran Hegemony)

 General Heinrich Rommel watched as the extremely heavily guarded convoy entered the mountain base carved out by the SLDF. Aboard this convoy were exact duplicate data cores from Terra. They would be carefully installed within the mountain base. A full Brigade of Infantry was assigned to guard this base at all times. The damage caused during the taking years ago had long been repaired and the base had actually been expanded in size and depth. Weapons emplacements had been installed and even ground based Capitol Weapons were emplaced to make orbital bombardment a dangerous tactic to attempt. Additional reactors had been installed to provide the massive amounts of power these emplacements required.

 The mountain itself was solid granite. The data cores were being taken to the lowest level for installation, nearly a mile of solid granite would help shield these precious items from damage. Massive shock absorbers had been installed in the massive cavern to shield them from any sort of shock damage. It was the safest place they had available to them.

[richard3116]

It was the safest place they had available to them.

So this is the known backup, where's the hidden one?

[Artifex]

Well, considering that Boulsi is supposed to be on the fringe spinwards to the core of the IS in the Outworlds Backyard ... that's one measure of security this data dump has going for itself...

Guess Amanda actually allowed Blake to set up his near-traitorous accord ... I really hope she was smart enough to extremely limit the scope of what the company that's supposed to handle the HPG network going from there will be allowed to do.

[Daryk]

So this is the known backup, where's the hidden one?

My money is on "aboard a WarShip"...  ^-^

[warhammer74]

Are there any seperate stats for the ship upgrades ?

[2ndAcr]

 I have the stats from MekLab which I use to design them. I might create a new thread in the Design Forum for all the ship, Battlemech, Aerospace, Tank designs. Sort of like I did for the Quest story.

 That keeps the story here mainly clear from any heavy discussions over the designs. I was planning to do one anyway, but really about 3 years of story telling down the road.

[warhammer74]

OK ,   Cant wait til next chapter.

[2ndAcr]

10 August 2786
Linden (Terran Hegemony)

 Admiral Tanisha Tanaka was nearly drooling as she listened to the engineers from Mitchell Vehicles as they spoke of putting the Luxor Heavy Cruiser into production as soon as possible at Linden. Even though the shipyards here were not the hyper advanced yards located at Graham IV, she was assured that they would be able to do the job, but instead of a 1 year construction time, it would take 18 months to build each ship. At least until some of the shipyards from Graham IV arrived along with the more advanced supporting facilities. It was when they started talking about adding the Essex II Destroyer that they started to lose her.

 "Look, we have the Vincent Destroyer. It is better armored and in my opinion better armed than the Essex II Destroyer. Not to mention it is faster and more maneuverable. If I have any say in the matter, and I have all the say on this issue, which is to what ships my Fleet will be equipped with, it will be the Vincent Destroyer. Not unless you can design an upgrade for the Essex II Destroyer that matches or exceeds what the Vincent Destroyer can do." Admiral Tanaka said

 Several of the Mitchell Vehicle engineers shared some looks before Cynthia Howell, lead engineer present, replied "We can sure make an attempt at it. We have nothing else to do right now anyway. We do not have official word that we have control over these shipyards yet, nor a firm order to place anything into production yet. We were sent out here to get a feel for what was actually available and what would be needed to actually resume production. It will be a design only and until we have one to work with, we will not know the feasibility of whether an existing can be upgraded easily or will it require a complete new build."

 "That would be excellent. It will need to be equipped with LF Batteries but not a HPG. I want point defense systems installed and anti fighter weaponry. This will be used to escort the main battle line squadrons, not independent operations. I would prefer it to be as ammunition independent as possible, but it must have enough cargo space and fuel for extended operations away from it's Home Port. Let's see what you can work up. If it is good enough, I will begin fighting for a production contract." Admiral Tanaka said

 Now with a "mission" Cynthia Howell told her engineers to pull all the information they had on the Essex Destroyer and to begin work on coming up with a suitable replacement that fit with the specifications set forth by Admiral Tanaka.

Terra (Terran Hegemony)

 Coordinator Minuro Kurita was not surprised when he was led into the large room where the Peace Accords would be signed, for his few spies on Terra had alerted him to the arrival of the other House Lords. Though it angered him that his "peers" would witness the Draconis Combine sue for peace with the Terran Hegemony, he forced himself to play the part, for soon he would have his vengeance for this outrage. As he walked towards the raised dias, he nodded at the other House Lords, noticing that First Prince John Davion was talking with General Rita Mitchell, while Director General Amanda Cameron was talking with Chancellor Barbara Liao. Captain General Kenyon Marik was seated but not talking to anyone and Archon Jennifer Steiner was talking with Jerome Blake.

 Once he took his seat, the various conversations halted and everyone took their seats. Throughout the small speech given by Director General Amanda Cameron, Coordinator Minuro Kurita forced himself to remain impassive outwardly, even though inside, his blood was boiling as she detailed to all present the terms of the Peace Accord. The Terran Hegemony was giving up nothing while the Draconis Combine was being forced to give up much, it was obvious that the Combine had been the losers.

 When the Peace Accords were placed in front of him, he quickly read them and then picked up the ornate pen. With barely contained rage, he quickly signed his name and affixed his personal seal where an aide to Director General Cameron indicated. Just as quickly, Director General Amanda Cameron signed the document and then all the other House Lords as witness. He was not in the mood for any small talk, so once everything was over, he marched straight for the door and was whisked back to his compound. Though he wanted to leave for Luthien immediately, he had to complete the final part of his son's plan and sit thru the HPG Neutrality Conference scheduled to start on the 15th. He prayed that it would be over quickly.

 Back in the conference room, General Rita Mitchell spoke to Jerome Blake. "Mr Blake, you may begin to bring on the HPG Netowrk inside the Draconis Combine. On this data disc if the order in which they are to be turned on and the dates they are to be acitvated. You are not to deviate from this list or time schedule. Understood?"

 "Yes General Mitchell, I understand." Jerome Blake said as he accepted the data disc from General Mitchell.

Junior (Federated Suns)

 At the Nadir Jump Point, 10 Monolith Jumpships and 12 Star Lord Jumpships sat recharging. Not far away, their escorts were also recharging their drives. SLS Borneo, Volga Transport and SLS Contraband, League II Destroyer. They were returning to the Terran Hegemony, but not empty. Loaded aboard the many modified Passenger Mammoth's were the troops of the 52nd Infantry Division, their equipment stored aboard the SLS Borneo.

Thazi (Terran Hegemony)

 General Heinrich Rommel watched the activation ceremony with some pride, another former shattered SLDF command was once again on active duty and at full strength, the 428th Battlemech Division. It had several years to get the needed Mechwarriors trained and then he let Major General Ingrid Sherman have a full year to drill them into a combat ready command before full activation.

 The full year of battle drills had allowed the 428th Battlemech Division activate with a decent readiness level. He rated the command at Regular experience level instead of Green. This time, he could not afford to shift large numbers of Veterans into the new command.

[Daryk]

The 52nd will definitely help as things evolve...

[Kyryst]

Looks like both of the Hegemonies are slowly increasing their combat arms. That is good, as they will be needed.

And that convoy, it will be moving a over a million people at a time. Which sounds huge until you compare it to the amount of people who left Earth and the Terran Hegemony already.