The Quest

[Icerose20]

 21 May 3058
Capture of Terran System. 

 1 August 3060
Beginning of Star League assault.

How many warships has that shipyard in Mackolla at this time?

Titan Yard is that same yard.

Now just build Aerospace fighters, and Anti-warship nuclear missiles.   No fleet would ever make it.   Very similar to the idea Soviet Union on how to handle the NATO fleets.   Long Range Bombers and long range fast missiles assault the NATO fleet.  Lots of them. 

[2ndAcr]

 None of the ships involved are ex-Clan ships. There are 3 AFFC Fleets active at this time. This is only 2 of them, the 3rd Fleet is currently on the Wolf Border making sure the puppies don't piddle on the carpet.

[cawest]

21 May 3058
Capture of Terran System. 

 1 August 3060
Beginning of Star League assault.

How many warships has that shipyard in Mackolla at this time?

Titan Yard is that same yard.

Now just build Aerospace fighters, and Anti-warship nuclear missiles.   No fleet would ever make it.   Very similar to the idea Soviet Union on how to handle the NATO fleets.   Long Range Bombers and long range fast missiles assault the NATO fleet.  Lots of them.

WOB was looking Building three new FFs.  they also were using there limited assets to rebuild found ships.  along with standing up two or three divs.  I think that they were thinking that no one would try to take them on... at least not while the Clans held so many worlds.  they put there time, money, and building ability on things that gave them a lot of bang.  Mechs, warships, and allies.   

[2ndAcr]

 4 August 3060
          Terra

  The Comstar Second Fleet approached the Titan Yards carefully. The 2 WoB Essex destroyers caught them by surprise as had remained on the back side of the shipyard. They came in at high speed and managed to savage the CSV Determination, Vincent Corvette but one WoBS Enlightened Spark took serious damage from return fire. The other, WoBS Hidden Meaning took light damage in the high speed pass and departed the area at high speed.

 Comstar Marines began boarding operations on the Titan Yards.

 Comstar's First Fleet headed for Mars. At the Zenith and Nadir Jump Point, hundreds of Jumpships began emerging. Bearing AFFC and Comstar markings, and some even displayed Jade Falcon and Steel Viper markings, having been captured during the recent campaign. Aboard these transport were:

 Comstar
 
 9th Division
 11th Division
 31st Division
 34th Division
 39th Division
 79th Division
 85th Division
 91st Division
 116th Division
 198th Division
 208th Division
 278th Division
 321st Division
 403rd Division

 AFFC and Star League
 
 Davion Assault Guards RCT
 2nd Davion Guards RCT
 3rd Davion Guards RCT
 4th Davion Guards RCT
 5th Davion Guards RCT
 2nd Donegal Guards RCT
 3rd Donegal Guards RCT
 3rd Royal Guards RCT
 1st Genyosha
 2nd Genyosha
 1st St. Ives Lancers

 Tortuga Prime

 1st Battle Squadron came in at the Zenith Jump Point while 2nd Battle Squadron came in at the Nadir Jump Point. They had spent the previous week at a uncharted system recharging their drives to enter the system with a full load. At the Zenith Jump Point, 1st Battle Squadron encountered WoBS Sword of Promise, Carson Destroyer and WoBS Light of Hope, Baron Destroyer along with several WoB jumpships.

 Admiral Jonathon Winnslow gave the order for 1st Battle Squadron to engage the enemy warships as they came in range while calling in the 2nd Battle Squadron from the Nadir Jump Point. He also sent a fax to the Carrier Strike Group to bring the transports in at the Nadir Jump Point, which were all waiting at the uncharted system. Both WoB warships kicked in the gas and the opposing fleets quickly reached extreme range on each other. Both WoB ships launched capitol missiles while the 1st Battle Squadron had launched a cloud of Aerospace Fighters. 2 White Shark missiles made it thru the point defenses of the MDF ships but luckily none of these were nuclear tipped. The WoB Carson shuddered under the impact of 11 Heavy Naval Gauss while the Baron was swarmed by Aerospace fighters and taking hits from multiple Heavy NPPC.

 MDF Kincaid, Halsey II Destroyer took several solid hits which knocked out one of it's Gauss Bays but had angled just enough that it no longer mattered as it gave the Carson it's LBS and 5 of the 6 NAC/20 slammed home.

 MDF Jones, Halsey II Destroyer performed the same maneuver and let the Carson have it's RBS of 6 NAC/20's which proved to be the killing shot as the Carson went adrift.

 MDF Halsey, Halsey II Destroyer along with MDF Hampton and Cooke, Buford II Corvettes ripped the Baron to shreds along with 1st Battle Squadrons Aerospace fighters. The WoBS Light of Hope began breaking apart.

 2nd Battle Squadron had in system jumped and rapidly secured the WoB jumpships destroying one that tried to initiate a jump. The MDF Carrier Strike Group and MDF transports came in at the Zenith Jump Point. The Carrier Strike Group and MDF Dropships began burning for the planet while 1st Battle Squadron calculated a in system jump to a pirate point near the planet. Fleet Supply jumped into the Nadir Jump Point after being called in and took over responsibility for the captured jumpships and launched Tugs to bring the Carson under control. 2nd Battle would remain to recharge their cores fully before moving to support.

[Daryk]

Interesting... no nukes in defense of their local base... hmmm...  ???

[2ndAcr]

 Didn't have them loaded. Ain't over yet.

[Daryk]

Ah, ok... Surprise worked in this case...  :thumbsup:

[2ndAcr]

 13 August 3060
      Tortuga Prime

  The MDF landed under a swarming cloud of Aerospace Fighters near the small town of Varshoot. Brigadier General Honos deployed the 5th and 6th Infantry Regiments from the 3rd MDF RCT to secure the city. He moved his 2nd MDF RCT to secure the small city of Miccosukee not far away. Colonel Helmer and Colonel Tutuola moved their Clusters to secure the southern most city Endoline.

 MDF Aerospace Fighters got into a short fight with several flights of WoB fighters that tried to get near the landing zone and quickly shot down 6 WoB fighters. On the ground Colonel Helmer's 1st Assault Cluster came under fire first from a lance of pirate mechs that were quickly dealt with in Clan fashion. Recon flights detected what appeared to be a full Battalion guarding the city of Endoline. Colonel Helmer just grunted at the intel. Good, it is time they pay.

 15 August 3060

 It was not WoB that defended the city of Endoline but pirates. In true Clan fashion, the pirates were shown no mercy and both Clusters quickly overran the defending pirates. Colonel Tutuola's Elementals accounted for 6 of the pirate Mechs. The few pirate mechs that tried to flee were quickly run down by Ice Ferrets and shot to pieces.

 6th Infantry Regiment was flown down to maintain control over Endoline and free up Colonel Helmer's Clusters.

 Precentor Alex Winningham kept careful track of the invading forces ground troops. He had deployed his 3 Level III's to defend the capitol Raiders Roost, but allowed the adhoc Regiment of pirates on planet to initiate the first fights with the invading troops. He had sent a HPG message bouncing off relays to 9th Division informing them of the invasion. But with enemy warships in system, he was not counting on help arriving. He had 3 Padilla artillery vehicles and 6 nuclear armed Arrow IV. If the invading forces bunched up too much, he would damn sure use them.

  Terra

 Massive Aerospace dogfights in orbit of Terra signaled the arrival of the invasion force. 5 Comstar Divisions had been detailed to take Mars. The WoB fighters were horribly outnumbered and suffered horrible losses trying to stem the tide. The destruction of FCS Scorpion, Buford II Corvette announced that some SDS systems were active on Terra itself. Radio traffic had picked up several resistance forces on Australia and the 1st and 2nd Genyosha and 1st St. Ives Lancers were detailed to Australia to help them.

 Comstar would take North America, the AFFC would land in Asia. Fighting would be horrible and take 6 months, but the Terra System would be retaken.

 17 August 3060
      Tortuga Prime

 The first attack on the WoB lines by the 3rd MDF RCT was thrown back. 2nd MDF was in a fight with a pirate Battalion but repeated airstrikes meant the fight would not last long. Colonel Helmers Clusters were closing on the 3rd MDF's location. The first nuclear weapon detonated on the 3rd MDF's forward operating base at 1800 hours local time and killed most of the support for the Regiment.

 In response, Brigadier General Honos ordered massive air strikes on the WoB positions. He could not bring himself to order orbital fire on the positions due to civilian casualties. For the next 3 days, airstrikes would pummel the WoB positions. With over 200 fighters in each attack wave.

[Daryk]

That there's the red line... they used a nuke on planet.  Please tell me there's a fax reporting that...

[ckosacranoid]

things got real ugly fast and mean after killing harry you bastards. and then kiiling everyone on the planet and then tossing nukes around.

[DOC_Agren]

WOB you just keep crossing the line

[2ndAcr]

 21 August 3060
      Tortuga Prime

  Brigadier General Honos had pulled the 3rd MDF RCT off the front lines to recover from the nuke strike. He had sent off the fax informing higher of a nuclear detonation on a planets surface as advised by one of his Battalion commanders who spent 20 years in the AFFC. One of the WoB units had actually tried a limited counter attack on the 3rd's position but the arrival of Colonel Helmer's Clusters had dashed that attempt and the WoB had fallen back after losing almost a company of Mechs.

 He had attempted one further assault but it was tossed back. Now he had his units conducting probing attacks. He had ordered his 3rd Infantry Regiment to station a Battalion at each city to free up the 4th Infantry Regiment. Their built in ECM allowed them to get in fairly close to the enemy lines while looking for a weak spot in the lines.

 If they did not find a weak spot soon, he would be forced to use a more extreme tactic to break the enemy lines. Dropping 300 Elementals on the enemy from high altitude. If timed right, they should be able to break the enemy lines. Yesterday he had advanced his Alacorn VI Battalion and done some long range sniping on the WoB positions. He had lost 4 Tanks for an estimated 3 Mechs with several more damaged. Today, every Mech with CERLL was playing the long range sniping game on the WoB positions. Since those outranged all return fire except the occasional artillery barrage from the WoB. Airstrikes continued on the WoB lines but most, except for sentries had fallen back to the edge of the city itself and General Honos worried about civilian casualties.

 He had already had to detail his Zephyr and Patton Tank Battalions to rear security as they had already been hit by an estimated Battalion of Mechs, and these were advanced designs but not in WoB colors. He planned to sally the 3rd after them once the 3rd got it's act back together. Currently Aerospace forces were hunting for that Battalion.

 Dicallus

 Precentor XII Alice Phuong, commander of the 9th Division (WoB) had received the HPG message from Tortuga Prime. She only had 2 Level III in her division at the moment. But she also had notice that another 2 Level III's were on their way to her to bring her unit to full strength. With the Star League currently assaulting Terra, it seemed, to her anyway, that WoB was increasing their presence on this front. The 2nd Division (WoB) ETA Oct 3060 was on it's way, having left Terra 4 months ago. Also, 4 Mercenary Regiments under WoB contract were on their way, Dragon's Breath Nov 3060, Bronson's Horde Sept 3060, Hsien Hotheads Oct 3060, Redfield Renegades Sept 3060.

 If the 8th Division could hold out, she could easily overwhelm anything on Tortuga Prime. But the report of warships worried her. She had requested additional warship assets be made available. She currently had WoBS Red Angel, Riga Frigate in her operation area. 2nd Division was being escorted by WoBS Vigilant Guardian and WoBS Stalwart Defender, both Sovetskii Soyuz Cruisers.

 She had contacted higher for orders.

 Gibson

 With Terra under direct attack, the Master was not in a good mood. This was a major setback, he almost ordered his entire fleet in to assist Terra but was advised that they stood little chance against the massive fleet assembled. Instead, acting on advice from his new Precentor Martial Cameron St. Jamais, he decided to refocus WoB major attention at developing their activities in the Periphery. All of this trouble because that fool Precentor Alex Winningham had to go and massacre a bunch of FedCom civilians and got caught in the act.

 The reports of warships in the Periphery had caused him some concern but he decided it must be the AFFC with no more than a squadron in the area. Now that the major Periphery realms had their very own shipyards coming online, he planned to co-opt them and maybe build his own warships with them. Even though he had many ships recovered and being repaired, without Terra and her shipyards, the task was that much harder to get them battle ready. Plus he had already ordered the WoBS Erinyes, Newgrange Yardship to be maintained as a Yardship and moved towards the Taurian Concordat along with her sister ships WoBS Blake's Mercy. Without Terra, his plans were going to be much more difficult. He would have to redouble his efforts in the FWL.

  Togura

  Scott had finally met saKhan Carns, now Khan Carns of Clan Nova Cat. He had expected some difficulty from the man but found him to be not as Clan-like as most. He seemed fascinated with the MDF patch that Scott refused to quit wearing. The orders had come in to move Clan Nova Cat to Mayetta and Junior for a temporary stay. Khan Carns accepted the news well. The 7 Tarawa would await more Clan Nova Cat personnel while the main fleet offloaded their current cargo.

 It was a huge fleet.

 AFFC/Star League

 FCS American Legion- Tarawa LF
 FCS Ancon- Tarawa LF
 FCS Cape Johnson- Tarawa LF
 FCS Chaumont- Tarawa LF
 FCS Admiral W.S. Benson- Tarawa
 FCS Admiral W.L. Capps- Tarawa
 FCS Admiral R.E. Coontz- Tarawa
 FCS Admiral E.W. Eberle- Tarawa
 FCS Admiral C.F. Hughes- Tarawa
 FCS Admiral H.T. Mayo- Tarawa
 MDF Charlemagne- Buford II Corvette
 MDF Richthofen- Buford II Corvette
 MDF Blumenthal- Buford II Corvette
 MDF Hohenzollern- Buford II Corvette
 MDF von Hesberg- Buford II Corvette
 MDF von Massow- Buford II Corvette

 Clan Nova Cat

 NCS Severen Leroux - Black Lion
 NCS True Vision- Congress
 NCS Anna Rosse- York
 NCS Faithful- Lola III
 NCS Growler- Lola III
 NCS Ranger- Lola III
 NCS Hunter- Lola III
 NCS Blood Oath- Aegis
 NCS Bond- Aegis
 NCS Promise- Aegis
 NCS Blade- Aegis
 NCS Remembrance- Aegis
 NCS Principle- Aegis
 NCS Chronicle- Aegis
 NCS Spirit Vision- Vincent
 NCS Far Vision- Vincent
 NCS Righteous Return- Vincent
 NCS Spirit Sigh- Fredesa
 NCS Future Triumph- Fredesa
 NCS Far Star - Carrack
 NCS Enlightened Path - Carrack
 NCS Nebula - Carrack
 NCS Glory Road - Carrack
 NCS Blessed Vision - Carrack
 NCS Pathfinder - Carrack
 NCS Guiding Vision - Carrack
 NCS Bright Star - Carrack
 NCS Faithful Rite - Carrack
 NCS Void- Carrack
 NCS Perilous Vision- Carrack
 NCS True Path- Carrack

 8 Monolith Jumpships
 14 Star Lord Jumpships
 34 Invader Jumpships
 12 Odyssey Jumpships
 5 Hunter Jumpships

 29 Clusters of troops, 9 still on way from Home Worlds
 3.9 million lower caste, 17.1 million still on way from Home Worlds

[2ndAcr]

  26 August 3060
       Tortuga Prime

  Brigadier General Honos had no choice, to reduce the risk of civilian casualties he would have to order the Elemental drop. Once they began raising hell inside the WoB lines, he would launch a full scale assault on the WoB lines from the outside. Cobra VTOL's had already ferried the Elementals back to their Intruder BA dropships. It was going to be a risky pre-dawn assault.

   New Avalon

  First Lord Mitchell Avellar looked over the fax handed to him by Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion. He could not believe what he read, the WoB had detonated a nuclear device on AFFC troops conducting an operation on Tortuga Prime. This was a clear violation of the Ares Convention, even though the Ares Convention had been formally renounced during the 1st SW. He brought this to the Victor's attention.

 "Though horrible Archon Prince Davion, the Ares Convention is technically no longer binding. Yes, it has been a guiding principle for centuries, it was formally renounced by all parties during the 1st SW." He said

 "So, in that respect, there will be no outcry when I break open my nations nuclear arsenal and deploy them at will JUST IN CASE someone decides to use one against my forces again? This is a very slippery slope First Lord. The WoB has proven themselves to have no honor in warfare. First they massacre civilians enmass. Now they use a nuclear weapon against my forces? Pray tell, exactly when is it going to be enough? We need to call an emergency meeting of the Star League Council." Victor protested

 "It would be, but I have also recieved this meesage from WoB Precentor Martial Cameron St. Jamais, who even though there is fighting on Terra against the WoB, he has condemned the actions of a rogue commander. He says the commander acted without any consultations with his superiors before the action was taken. So, it seems we cannot hold the WoB responsible for this matter. No more so than I would hold any one of your commanders that acted on his own without orders." First Lord Avellar argued

 Victor fought to contain his temper. Avellar had been pretty easy to sway up to this point, but now he seems to have found some spine and he did make a good argument. That argument could easily persuade others to vote down any official action by the Star League against the WoB. He took a deep breath "Your right First Lord Avellar, it must have been the actions of a rogue commander. But I am curious why they had nuclear weapons deployed in the first place. And enabled for local release. I know damn sure my forces have no deployed nuclear weapons and even if they did, they would not have local release authority."

 "A very good question Prince Davion. One that I will be sure to ask the Precentor Martial the moment this meeting is over. Now, how goes the Terra operation?" First Lord Avellar asked

 "Australia is under our control, as is most of Asia and Africa. Mars is 90% under our control. Heavy fighting is occuring on North America, Europe and South America. Comstar is moving another 3 Divisions to the Terran system. I have another 6 RCT's ready if they are needed." Victor said

 "And Clan Nova Cat? The operation to move them?" First Lord Avellar asked

 "Last word I have, is they are in transit to Mayetta and Junior temporarily. I have not yet decided on a permenant location for them. But, I do have an idea. If they are to be made probationary members of the Star League, they should have a nation of their own. If I cede them worlds, some could accuse their votes down the road as being puppets to the Federated Commonwealth. We have already had that accusation thrown out just last meeting anytime the Capellan Confederation agreed with the Federated Commonwealth." Victor said

 "And where do you propose we settle them?" First Lord Avellar asked, a little worried as he did so, he knew he had angered Prince Davion earlier, he might just suggest the Outworlds Alliance. Mayetta was not that far from there.

 "Well, the Tortuga Dominions have been a major pirate haven for many years. The population is not great, but there are decent quantities of resources there. Anywhere I place them inside my realm, any neighboring realm will feel a bit of a threat. I am loathe to place them anywhere near the Periphery on the Clan side of my realm. The Tortuga Dominion is perfect for them. A long ways from other Clans, decent resources to rebuild and it removes a major pirate kingdom on my border." Victor said

 "And what of the fighting there? Between the WoB and your forces?" First Lord Avellar asked

 "Oh, the fighting will be long over by the time they arrive. I will not tolerate a threat from the Tortuga Dominions ever again, once my forces secure the Dominions, they will remain under AFFC control. Either that or I hand them over to Clan Nova Cat." Victor said

 "Well, I see no need to bother the other members about this. They all agreed to your retaliation in response to the WoB attack on your citizens. What happens to the Tortuga Dominions is up to you as far as I am concerned. I just hope you know what your doing, your will have a full Clan on your border." First Lord Avellar said

 "I am very well aware of that First Lord, but I think I can trust the Nova Cats. I am also going to announce soon the creation of a new March, incorporating several newly discovered worlds in that very region of space. Just thought you should know." Victor responded

 "That is your right Prince Davion. Expansion thru peaceful means is preferrable to war. Now, I personnaly would like to thank you for making those shipyards available at a reasonable price to the Periphery nations. I know the Outworlds Allaince already has a Merchant Jumpships under construction. Plus the technical expertise is allowing us to attempt repairs on the Quatre Belle Shipyards." First Lord Avellar said

 "It was the Federated Commonwealths pleasure First Lord. It is long past time that the Periphery nations had the ability to produce their own interstellar transport." Victor said

 27 August 3060
 Tortuga Prime

 0515am local time

  The massive drop of 300 Elementals landed within the WoB defensive lines and immediately caused massive chaos to the defenders. In many areas it was battle armor versus battle armor. But the MDF forces outnumbered the WoB BA by a large margin. Over a Level II of Mechwarriors never made it to their mechs before being gunned down by MG armed Elementals.

 0545am local time

 Brigadier General Honos ordered the assault as the fighting within the WoB defensive lines intensified. 1st Striker Cluster was the first to breach the WoB lines pushing hard to assist their fellow Striker's. The 60 Omni Mechs breaching the lines caused the WoB defenders to almost rout. But they found some spine and reformed their lines but as they did, 1st Assault Cluster broke thru and really caused chaos as the accurate fire from the much heavier Omni Mechs began striking the defenders in the flank.

 It was when the 2nd MDF RCT broke the lines that the WoB began to rout. As they attempted to clear the Capitol, they began coming under fire from the 2nd RCT's armored regiment. Several Level II's of Infantry breathed a sigh of relief when they reach a forested area that soon turned to horror as Nighthawk armored infantry from the 4th Infantry opened fire on them within the forest.

 0637am daybreak

 A steady stream of WoB tanks and mechs fled the Capitol only to come under intense air attack from over 200 MDF Aerospace Fighters. A few WoB tanks and mech attempted to signal surrender but the MDF forces on the ground or in the air were not in a mood to play nice, not after having a nuke detonated amongst them, but all had seen or heard of the gruesome mass graves on Valois.

[Daryk]

WoB reaping the whirlwind... I wonder what happened to their other nukes...  ::)

[DOC_Agren]

I hope for WOB sake that anymore nukes are locked down...

because if not,  I doubt even First Lord Mitchell Avellar is going to believe that there was another Rogue Commander who just happened to have enabled his codes.

But Victor, ship them to forward sites, you might have to use them on Terra and Tortuga

[2ndAcr]

 1 September 3060
        Tortuga Prime

  The fighting had finally ended once the Pirate Battalion had been caught by the 1st Assault Cluster and destroyed. Tortuga Prime was now fully in MDF control. Unfortunately the WoB HPG center had been damaged during the fighting. The fighting had cost the MDF much more than Brigadier General Honos had wanted to pay.

 Casualties

 31 Mechs destroyed
 17 Omni Mechs destroyed
 91 Tanks Destroyed
 13 Aerospace Fighters destroyed
 91 Elementals KIA
 632 Infantry KIA
 347 Support KIA
 1343 Assorted WIA

 Most of the casualties had come from the nuclear strike on the 3rd MDF RCT's forward base camp. Brigadier General Honos had sent the fax yesterday to Bamburgh informing them that they had secured Tortuga Prime and were awaiting further orders. Careful searching had located several more nuclear Arrow IV missiles, luckily, air strikes had knocked out the Padilla Artillery tracks before they could be used again. These were secured under heavy guard. Techs were picking thru the assorted battle sites and calculating what could be salvaged from the WoB forces.

 Bamburgh

 Craig and his people were in full swing. They had managed to complete all 10 lines and had also managed to work out a few kinks that allowed them to increase production by 25% more. Added to the workers getting better at their job every week, production was getting to the point that they could soon offer Mechs for sale on the market reliably. The Tank Factory was steadily cranking out the tanks and had been enlarged to add in the Bandit and Badger lines. Overall, production was now at:

 Mech Factory

 2 Lines producing Thunderbolt TDR-5Sb (48 per year)
 2 Lines Producing Warhammer WHM-7A (48 per year)
 1 Line producing Thug 11EC (18 per year)
 1 Line producing Highlander IIC (14 per year)
 1 Line producing Fenris/Ice Ferret (24 per year)
 1 Line producing Ryoken/Stormcrow (18 per year)
 1 Line producing Volar VLR-3C (18 per year)
 1 Line producing Volar VLR-2C (18 per year)

  Tank Factory

 2 Lines producing Manticore (72 per year)
 2 Lines producing Alacorn VI (48 per year)
 2 Lines producing Bandit (72 per year)
 1 Line producing Badger (48 per year)
 1 Line producing Zephyr (36 per year)
 1 Line producing Turhan (48 per year)
 1 Line producing Goblin (48 per year)

 Mackolla

 Boss had the new AFFC order in his hands finally, it was a pretty decent sized one and would keep his yards busy for quite a bit.

 16 Buford II Corvettes      128,415,840,000
 12 Arrow Missile Destroyers      104,550,288,000
 10 Tarawa Transports   151,245,260,000
 20 Carrack Transports   133,223,920,000
 6 Rescue Yardships      58,987,260,000
 
 It looked to Boss that the AFFC was building up it's logistical side of the house now. Plus he knew he was losing some "business" to the Demeter site.

 Demeter

 Luval had the newest production request from the AFFC. Only this one was actually authorized by the AFFC, it was actually for the Capellan Confederation. It was not massive, but decent.

 2 Salvage Yardships
 12 Invader Q-ships
 6 Patrol II Corvettes
 4 Carrack Transports

  Canopus

  The Canopus shipyard had taken a page from MAS and was using it's first shipyard to build another shipyard which would then build 2 more shipyards. All 4 would then produce the needed orbital factories to support the shipyards. WoB technicians were assisting the MoC techs in the construction as they learned the trade.

 Taurus

 Concordat Aerospace Limited had seen better days, but now they were reborn with a new purpose with the shipyard given to them by the Star League already building another shipyard. WoB technicians were assisting the Taurian techs in the construction process. Several engineers of CAL were actually trying to decide if they could actually build small warships using these shipyards. 2 huge hurdles would have to be gotten over, compact jump cores and the massive transit drives needed.

 

[cawest]

nice order from the Caps.  kind of surprised that they did not put a order in for one DD.  she could act as a flagship for 3 or 4 cov.  that would give her a small fleet to act as a bigger hammer than a single corvette.   then again, this is the first warships.  if they keep two near schools they would be a very good training asset. 

[Daryk]

Glad to see airstrikes did the trick on the nuke launching Padillas.  Rock, paper, scissors indeed!

[2ndAcr]

 Cappies also have their 3 cruisers and their 3 Impravadio destroyers

[cawest]

Cappies also have their 3 cruisers and their 3 Impravadio destroyers

crap...…. forgot about those.  that makes this order seem right in line. 

[2ndAcr]

 1 November 3060
       State of Nations

 Federated Commonwealth

  The Federated Commonwealth is riding fairly high overall. Massive shipyard construction using advanced shipyards have greatly increased overall Jumpship and Dropship construction. The introduction of the Gremlin and Lee dropships has allowed 60% of the AFFC's RCT's to be retrofitted to using these ships. The resulting Jumpships being freed up has greatly increased overall mobility for the AFFC and vastly improved logistics during offensive operations and even has allowed long term Command Circuits to be maintained to critical areas.

 Clan technology is now available but not yet in widespread use across the AFFC. The one area that is making use of the ability to build and maintain Clan spec weapons in in the Aerospace Fighter dept. The Stuka K5b2C is seeing widespread use across the AFFC. Lycomb-Davion has even expanded their production facility to handle the increased demand. Wangker Aerospace has been looking at possible inclusion of Clan spec weapons on their Corsair. Jalastar Aerospace has also been reported to be experimenting with possibly mounting 3 CMPL on their Sabre for the increased range and accuracy, if this pans out, it will be offered to Lockheed Martin in the Lyran half of the FC.

 The recapture of the worlds in the former Clan Occupation Zone has also added extensively to the AFFC. Sudeten benefited from partial rebuilding of it's industry to Clan standards. Not enough to build Clan spec equipment but their production lines have increased efficiency. Twycross also had it's industry partially rebuilt to Clan specs, also increasing the efficiency of it's industry. In addition, most planets in the former occupation zone has seen a boost in their overall medical care since most planets have had their medical facilities upgraded to once lost technologies.

 Most units damaged in Operation Reclamation have been fully repaired to full strength. Final numbers of the salvage had finally come in, not counting salvage kept by the Eridani Light Horse, Wolf's Dragoons and Wolf in Exile.

 Omni Mechs salvaged- 529
 Clan Mechs salvaged- 141
 Omni Fighters salvaged- 101
 Standard Aero salvaged- 88
 Elemental suits captured- 660
 Overlord C captured- 11
 Union C captured- 28
 Lion captured- 19
 Sassanid captured- 10
 Broadsword captured- 26
 Odyssey Jumpship- 15
 Invader Jumpship- 21
 Star Lord Jumpship- 22
 Monolith Jumpship- 11
 Tramp Jumpship- 19

 Since most nations were operating under an exchange salvage condition or lack the ability to maintain Clan salvage, the AFFC took possession of most Clan spec equipment and provided units with equipment and Mechs from AFFC supply stores. The Northwind Highlanders for example lost 281 Mechs, the AFFC and Star League provided them with 300 brand new Mechs from AFFC stores or new builds from production runs. Plans for the captured Clan salvage was still in the air.

 Capellan Confederation

 Recovery from the Federated Commonwealth war was fairly swift as little actual damage was done to the nations industry. The addition of advanced shipyards from the Federated Commonwealth had been a boon to the nations interstellar Jumpship construction and to the economy overall. The new tax revenue from increased trade made possible by the increased Jumpship and Dropship construction had allowed the CCAF to modernize it's forces quickly and also rebuild several long lost Regiments. Those being:

 6th Confederation Reserve Cavalry
 7th Confederation Reserve Cavalry
 8th Confederation Reserve Cavalry

 In addition, all Warrior Houses were expanded to full Regiments fielding 2 Mech Battalions and 2 Infantry Battalions. Though still skeptical, the CCAF and it's members as a whole slowly began to see the AFFC as more friend than enemy. There was even talk of joint training exercises between the 2 militaries.

 The loosening of restrictions on the people of the Capellan Confederation and enhanced freedoms once enjoyed by just the St. Ives Compact had brought in a new era of innovation and business growth.

 Draconis Combine

  Though still under heavy threat by the Clans, the sudden departure of Clan Nova Cat and introduction of Combine forces onto worlds vacated by the Nova Cats had caused increased fighting with Clan Smoke Jaguar. But it had stalled or postponed the suspected Jaguar offensive.

  The "advanced" shipyard provided by the Federated Commonwealth had enabled the DCMS to "vastly" speed up warship production saving on average 2 months off construction time. Once, and only once had they managed to save 4 months off the construction time of a Kyushu Frigate. This has not been duplicated since. The "advanced" shipyards have been designated warship production only. Older yards have been transferred to the civilian sector as they are swapped for the "advanced" yards.

 Free Worlds League

 With the Warship, Jumpship and Dropship renaissance taking place across the Inner Sphere, several FWL builders have seen their sales suffer. Where once the AFFC was one of the biggest buyers, now the Magistracy of Canopus and Taurian Concordat were the biggest buyers other than the Word of Blake who purchased a vast amount of shipping. The Federated Commonwealth overall accounted for only 14% of sales from the FWL where jumpships and dropships were concerned and this was falling every year.

 The AFFC had even cut back on the amount of equipment and refit kits they purchased from FWL manufacturers. Where once they bought in huge numbers, the AFFC now purchased enormous amounts from the Capellan Confederation. This hurt overall tax revenue which did put a strain on the FWL militaries budget.

 Word of Blake

 The WoB had been hurt by the loss of revenue from the Capellan Confederation. Not to mention the ongoing fight for Terra. Combined, this had slowed dramatically the growth of the WoB military. Especially the refitting of recovered warships. The loss of the Titan Shipyards in Terra had forced the WoB to focus more on the Periphery for now. In addition, they tripled their attempts at penetrating the FWL government and military. Special emphasis was placed on ship building and weapons manufacturers and the planets they occupied.

  The inevitable loss of the 6 Divisions in the Terra system both angered and forced the leadership of the WoB to reexamine their plans and goals. The decision was made to make use of the Hidden Worlds to rebuild and enhance their abilities.

 Star League

 Though still in it's infancy, the new Star League was growing rapidly. Several leaders of the council had broached the idea of folding Comstar into the Star League in it's entirety. But as separate entities, part would administer the HPG network while the Com Guard would form the basis of the new Star League Defense Force. This would give the growing Star League a strong foundation and revenue stream outside the small taxes the council had agreed to pay to the Star League. These issues had been postponed until the new Election though.

 Clan Home Worlds

 The departure of Clan Nova Cat had kicked off several small but serious wars between the Clans over former Clan Nova Cat holdings, Clan Diamond Shark had been hard pressed to maintain control over all the worlds turned over to them by Clan Nova Cat. The return of Clan Jade Falcon and Clan Steel Viper after being forced from the Inner Sphere had caused much argument in the Grand Council. Several calls for absorption had been voted down. To regain strength, both Clan Jade Falcon and Clan Steel Viper had gone on another Harvest Trials among the Home Clans. Clan Coyote had lost all of their Rho Galaxy to Clan Jade Falcon, 4 Clusters. Clan Burrock lost 2 Clusters to Clan Steel Viper, but this loss had a major downside for Clan Burrock as Clan Star Adder won the right to a Trial of Absorption for Clan Burrock.

 Khan McKenna of Clan Snow Raven tried hard to keep her Clan from the infighting, but also cast a long look at the Inner Sphere. Maybe it was time to leave.

 Clan Hell's Horses lost a Cluster to Clan Jade Falcon, but gained a Cluster from Clan Steel Viper. They too cast a longing look towards the Inner Sphere.

 Clan Ice Hellion, attempted to take a Clan Jade Falcon Cluster but lost 2 Clusters in the process.

 Clan Ghost Bear

 Clan Ghost Bear had accomplished the move of it's entire Clan to the Inner Sphere. The biggest news other than that was the capture of Ragnar Magnusson from Clan Wolf in Exile in a Trial of Possession. This return of the rightful leader of the people of Rasalhague calmed many problems for the Ghost Bears in their occupation zone. Clan Ghost Bear focused on getting their industry up and running again after the move from the Home Worlds.

  Clan Wolf

 Khan Vlad Ward watched all that was happening and focused his attentions on rebuilding Clan Wolf. Though angered by the "taking" of the 11th Battle Cluster by the Exiles, he refrained from retaliation. Deep down he knew, strong as Clan Wolf was, they would not stand a chance of the Federated Commonwealth turned it's eyes upon the worlds Clan Wolf held that were former Federated Commonwealth.

[Daryk]

Don't forget the Division the WoB lost on Tortuga.  That had to hurt on top of the six lost on Terra.

As far as shipping being freed up, I can only imagine that even after setting up the Command Circuits, goodly numbers of JumpShips are back to doing straight trade, boosting the economy.

[cawest]

you have to wonder what the clan learned or did not learn from this invasion. 

[2ndAcr]

 WoB don't know about their loss yet...…. far as they know, they are still fighting the good fight. But stuff about to get real bad in that area.

[2ndAcr]

 15 December 3060
           Mayetta

  Scott had received a fax from New Avalon ordering him to connect with a Command Circuit in place at Pattonsburg. He was also directed to bring Khan Lucien Carns with him. They were to be on New Avalon no later than 20 December 3060. He had showed the message to Khan Carns who, though not used to being ordered around, seemed to take it in stride. Khan Carns and Scott had talked at length during the long voyage. He had been fascinated by Scott and the MDF's ability to "convert" former Clan warriors and personnel into such loyal people. Already he had chastised a few Nova Cat warriors who spoke the word Freebirth when Scott was aboard the NCS Severn Leroux for talks.

  Tortuga Prime

 After no hostilities for over a month on Tortuga Prime, Brigadier General Honos had released the 3rd MDF RCT to return to Mackolla for refit and recovery escorted by the 1st and 2nd Battle Squadrons. The Carrier Strike Force would remain. Also departing was the captured WoB warship and the Fleet Support Squadron, minus 1 Carrack filled with supplies. The reply from New Avalon had ordered him to maintain a garrison on Tortuga Prime until relieved and that the 6th Davion Guards RCT had been ordered from Mackolla to assist in securing the remainder of the Dominion.

 NC6340

  Precentor Daphne Chrysler, commander of the 2nd Division (WoB) was in overall command of the relief for the 8th Division on Tortuga Prime. Along with her 2nd Division, she also had the 9th Division (WoB) and 3 Regiments of mercenaries, Bronson's Horde, Hsien Hotheads, Redfield Renegades. Escorted by WoBS Red Angel, Riga Frigate, WoBS Vigilant Guardian and WoBS Stalwart Defender, both Sovetskii Soyuz Cruisers. Repeated attempts to raise the 8th Division had failed, along with the warships that were stationed at Tortuga Prime itself.

 It mattered not to her, the forces under her command should be more than enough to handle whatever was on the planet. Her forces ETA was 2 January, 3061.

[Daryk]

Yikes!  I hope the 6th RCT (and most importantly, their escorts) get to Tortuga before January 2nd!  :o

[wolfcannon]

i see more salvage is on the way

[DOC_Agren]

Precentor Daphne Chrysler you are coming in, I hope you know what you are doing

[Hairbear541]

now this should probally go in the aerospace thread , but my big gripe about the battlespace design aspect of bt is the nearly none existant magazine depth of all ws designs . being ex-navy all us naval vessels of the ww2 era all had nearly 3hrs of constant firing rate before having to go to an ae to replinish their magazines .
lets look at the std ww2 dd , 3 turrets w/twin 5in38cal ; firing rate per gun tube averaged 12 to 15 rounds per min , so thats one heck of a lot of rounds stored in 3 seperate magazines
now lets look at the big boys , the cls , cas & bbs , 3 triple turrets each w/triple 6in ,8in or 16in , firing rate for 6in was 8 to 12 rounds per min per tube , 8in was 6 to 10 rounds per min per tube , and 16in was 3 rounds per min per tube .
so do the simple math , all these vessels had very deep magazines for their ammo dependent armament , and i haven't even counted in the secondary batteries  that had to have just as deep of magazines or deeper since most secondary batteries were
dual purpose.
in bt i believe the most number of ready rounds i've seen sofar is around 200 on any canon or fan design in all magazines on a ws . lets be real about this , but then bt  has never had much real insight in its design process , i guess smoking to many of those funny little cigerettes or one to many tabs of blotter taken .

[2ndAcr]

 19 December 3060
         New Avalon

  To say that the garrison on New Avalon was on alert was an understatement when the AFFC Invader Jumpship emerged only a day from New Avalon and released the Clan Overlord C to begin it's burn for the planet. In close orbit of New Avalon was the FCS Hawkeye, the newest Avalon Cruiser in the AFFC navy. It kept a close eye and several weapons ready to go on the Overlord C. In addition, the Overlord C had a escort of 2 wings of AFFC fighters, all the way to touchdown on the surface.

  20 December 3060

  Khan Lucien Carns and Leftenant General Scott Mitchell descended the ramp of the Overlord C and Scott's eye immediately spotted Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion, Katherine Steiner Davion, Marshal of the Armies Morgan Hasek Davion, Arden Sortek and Quintus Allard. He started to smile as he spotted Quintus but it slowly faded as he noticed something wrong in the way Quintus returned his look. Something bad has happened, he thought.

 As both he and Khan Carns walked to meet the assembled royalty, Scott could hear Mechs moving in the Overlord C's hanger bays. He inwardly flinched as his eyes slowly scanned around and allowed his gaze to cross the assembled 1st Davion Guards RCT, it looked like the entire Regimental Combat Team was here and he was willing to bet all the weapons were hot and ready too. I sure hope the Khans Honor Guard keeps their cool or this is going to be a really bad place to be. He halted and drew himself to attention as they reached the VIP's.

 "Leftenant General Scott Mitchell of the Mackolla Defense Force reporting as ordered." He said

 Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion returned the salute and then smiled "Welcome home Scott. Let us dispense with the formalities." He shifted to Khan Carns "saKhan, I am sorry, Khan Carns, it is a pleasure to see you again. Allow me to introduce you around." He then introduced Khan Carns to each member of the VIP assembly. Victor's gaze shifted to the Overlord C "Khan Carns, your safe here, your escort can rest easy. But if it makes them feel a little better, I will allow a Star of Mechs and a Point of Elementals to travel with us to Mount Davion. The rest I am afraid will have to remain in the space port. You may post security within 100 meters of your dropship but no further."

 "That will not be needed Prince Davion, I trust you." Khan Carns raised his wrist communicator and ordered his escort to stand down and relax. "They are a little anxious, it has been a long journey. Too many months cooped up in space. I am ready when you are Prince Davion."

 Victor nodded in response and waved the delegation to awaiting ground cars. Scott caught a look being tossed between Quintus, Victor and Katherine. What is this all about, he wondered. He started to drift towards Quintus' car when Victor snagged his sleeve, "Not yet Scott. Later."

 The ride to Mount Davion was quick. Khan Carns spent the entire ride staring out the window at the bustle of Avalon City and it's people. He only turned his attention back forward as they entered Mount Davion itself. After everyone was hustled to Victor's private office and everyone seated did Victor speak. "First, Khan Carns, I have decided to cede Clan Nova Cat 6 worlds that we have recently captured. They are called the Tortuga Dominions, or were called that. Total population of the 6 worlds is roughly 7 million people. The industry level is low but there is ample resources for your Clan. The Federated Commonwealth thru the Outer March will assist your Clan in getting your industry in place and going. Also, the Federated Commonwealth is gifting Clan Nova Cat 2 Salvage Yardships to assist your Clan in maintaining your fleet."

 Scott was still trying to figure out where the Outer March was when he heard the gifting of 2 Savage Yardships mentioned. That would be coming from MAS of course. Victor continued.

 "The Tortuga Dominion is a ways away still from Mayetta, and it is or was in a pretty rough neighborhood. But I feel this is better all around for both the Federated Commonwealth and Clan Nova Cat. If I gifted you worlds inside the current borders of the Federated Commonwealth, some could claim Clan Nova Cat are puppets of the Commonwealth. This way, your Clan will stand on it's own. As a equal to the Federated Commonwealth and other nations. The Federated Commonwealth would welcome a true alliance with Clan Nova Cat and would stand ready to assist your Clan however it can." Victor ended

 Khan Carns was still in some shock at what he heard, he had expected a single world and having to bow to the Federated Commonwealth. Instead his Clan would actually have their own nation, apart from the Federated Commonwealth. "Clan Nova Cat accepts this fine offer Prince Davion. I must confess it is much more than I expected. As to an alliance, Clan Nova Cat will stand with the Federated Commonwealth against all who challenge."

 "Good, now, Scott. The MDF has suffered some serious damage over the last months. It was your forces that secured Tortuga Prime itself in response to a WoB attack on the mining operation on Valois. The 3rd MDF RCT suffered a nuclear attack and took some serious losses. The mining operation was wiped out. Completely. Now, I ask you to go with Quintus and Katherine. There is more, but it needs to be in a different setting than this." Victor said

 Scott was absorbing the news of his unit suffering a nuclear attack and the loss of thousands of people under his protection. He nodded and stood, walking over to the door where Quintus and Katherine stood waiting. When the door was close again, Victor turned his attention to Khan Carns who had watched with curiosity. "I am sorry Khan Carns, but Scott is about to find out that his Uncle was also killed in the attack on Valois. It is better hear it somewhere other than here."

 Khan Carns nodded "This would be the Harry Mitchell that Scott has told me about on our journey?"

 "Yes, the one and only. He was quite a man. I really liked him. His sudden rise to power sort of humbled and scared him, but he never let it go to his head." Victor answered

 "And this 3rd MDF RCT, this was one of Scott's units? It suffered a nuclear attack? What unworthy foe used a nuclear weapon?" Khan Carns said

 "The same ones that killed Harry Mitchell, the Word of Blake." Victor said

 "Then the Word of Blake is an enemy of the Federated Commonwealth?" Khan Carns asked

 "In a manner of speaking they are, we have not come to open warfare yet, but I feel it is coming soon. The Star League is removing the Word of Blake from Terra as we speak in retaliation. Terra will once again be the Capitol of the Star League when they are removed." Victor answered

 "Then this Word of Blake is an enemy of Clan Nova Cat. We will stand with the Federated Commonwealth when the time comes. Though I long for battle with this Word of Blake, I have much rebuilding to do. I have many units not fully equipped nor with frontline equipment. It may take several years to get our industry producing. I must wish for a delay so Clan Nova Cat is ready." Khan Carns stated

 "I would not worry about your units Khan Carns. I believe the Federated Commonwealth can certainly help bring your Touman up to 100% strength in less than a year. It seems the Federated Commonwealth has recently taken possession of quite a few Clan Omni Mechs. In addition, how about a Trial of Possession for roughly 3 Clusters of troops and quite a few lower caste we recently took? A game of high card wins?" Victor said with a smile

 "I do not know this game of high card. What would you like Clan Nova Cat to bid opposite your offer?" Khan Carns asked

 "The game is easy, we each draw a card, the highest card wins. I expect nothing, I win, I turn the people over to someone who has shown an ability to turn former Clan into extremely loyal citizens and soldiers. You win, I turn them over to you." Victor said as Arden Sortek handed him a deck of cards

 "Bargained well and done Prince Davion." Khan Carns said as Victor held out the deck "Take any card you want Khan Carns."

 Khan Carns eyed the deck cautiously and then took the card on the very top. Victor already knew the deck was rigged, he drew the bottom card. Both showed their cards, Khan Carns had drawn the King of Hearts, Victor had drawn the 3 of Clubs. "You win Khan Carns, Clan Nova Cat has won all our prisoners from Clan Steel Viper." Victor handed over a list of the prisoners.

 Mechwarriors captured- 198
 Elementals captured- 382
 Infantry captured- 3,741
 Aerospace Pilots captured- 102
 Space Crew captured- 1,931
 Lower Caste captured- 31,175

 "I will have your new people delivered to your Clan as soon as possible Khan Carns. I hope you put them to good use." A loud bang sounded thru the walls of Victors office, followed by a loud "THOSE LOUSY SONS OF BITCHES!!!!" followed by an even louder thump. "I am sorry to cut this short Khan Carns, I will have Arden Sortek here escort you back to your dropship. If you will give him a list of your immediate material needs to bring your Touman up to full strength, we will endeavor to fulfill those needs. Now I must go see to this matter."

 Down the hall, Victor saw a small crowd had gathered, in the closed door, protruded the legs of a office chair which had penetrated the door itself. The crowd dispersed as Prince Victor reached the door, he paused for a second and listened carefully, no sense rushing thru the door and catching another chair in the lips. Hearing only murmurs, he opened the door and slipped inside closing it behind him. On the sofa was Scott with his face buried in his hands, Katherine was beside him trying to console his anguish. Quintus was standing off to the side watching. Victor pulled a chair over and sat across from Scott and waited.

 For ten long minutes, Scott sobbed softly. When he finally pulled himself together and looked up, Victor winced slightly. Scott seemed to have aged 5 years in the short time since he left with Katherine and Quintus, but worse, there was a look of pure vengeful wrath in his eyes. "Scott, I have been where you are. I need you to keep it together. I felt the same way you do right now when my mother was killed. I was ready to tear the Inner Sphere apart and lay waste to everyone that had anything to do with her death."

 Scott slowly tried to compose himself before he answered, but he failed "I promise, the Word of Blake will pay. If it takes until my dying day, I will hunt them down and kill them all. They took my last immediate family and dumped him in a hole. They killed over 15,000 people I was responsible for, people who trusted me to protect them. They launched a nuclear attack on people I knew, people who were under my command. From this day forward, the Mackolla Defense Force is at war with the Word of Blake. This I swear before god and everyone."

 Victor knew he had to try and put a lid of sorts on this. "Scott, I cannot allow you to just run amok. There is a much bigger picture going on across the entire Inner Sphere. The Word of Blake is going to pay dearly for their crimes. I promise you that. But, I need you to focus. I mean like right now. As your friend, I need you to tamp that down tight. For now. Now, I need you to listen closely, very closely to me. Your responsibilities are about to get much bigger. On January 1st, 3061 I am announcing the creation of the Outer March, the new Duke was going to be Harry, now the new Duke is going to be you. I have here the wishes of your Uncle Harry passed on to me thru Quintus that he gave to my father First Prince Hanse Davion. Everything is now yours. Everything. YOU are now Duke of the Outer March, Marquis of Mackolla, Baron of Bamburgh. Owner of Mitchell Interstellar, Mitchell Aerospace and Shipyards and all their subsidiaries. Your responsible now for 27 systems and over 2 billion people. I need you to focus on that right now. The Word of Blake's day is coming. I promise you, they will pay."

 This revelation slapped Scott harder than a bucket of Ice water being thrown in his face. He was speechless, it was too much too fast. Victor continued.

 "In addition, I need you to assist Clan Nova Cat in losing some of their Clan hard edges. You have experience in molding the former Clan into something less Clan like as we know it. If you go back home, gather your army and navy, and set off after the Word of Blake on a mission of vengeance, your dooming Clan Nova Cat to failure, your going to be responsible for the loss of untold millions of people because you will be dragging the Federated Commonwealth in with you. The Star League will more than likely die before it's 4th birthday. I need you Scott, your a very valuable piece of this grand idea I am trying to build. I promise, when the day comes, you will get your vengeance, as will I. Harry was family to me to. This I swear to you." Victor said

 Scott straightened his back some "Okay Victor. I will fight the urge. I will do as you ask. But, if the Word of Blake come threatening anything or anyone in the Outer March or the Federated Commonwealth, I will take action. I will not even promise to inform you before I do take action. I will not go looking for a fight, though every ounce of me right now wants to call in everything I have and go make Gibson disappear from the maps. But if they come calling near me, I will destroy them. Completely and totally. And I fully expect you to live up to your promise, when the day comes for the Word of Blake to pay, I better get my ten pounds of flesh."

 Victor silently breathed a sigh of relief, he had managed to put the devil back in it's cage, for now anyway. "I promise you Scott, when that day comes, you will get all the vengeance you seek."

 1 January 3061
        New Avalon

 The preceding 12 days had been a blur for Scott. He had taken his oath of fealty to Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion. He was 30 years old and now a Duke of the Federated Commonwealth. Now he stood on the dais behind Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion along with Khan Lucien Carns, Katherine Steiner Davion, most of the royalty of the Federated Commonwealth as Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion began his speech to be broadcast across the HPG network.

 "Greetings, I have the following announcement to make. Today, I, Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion, ruler of the Federated Commonwealth am announcing the creation of a new March. The Outer March. The new ruler of this March is Duke Scott Mitchell, standing behind me. This new March will encompass the following systems:

 Mackolla- March Capitol       Ulvskollen                   Frankson
 Giverny                              Merowinger                 Cephei
 Gamelstolen                        Fugeres                      Pegasi
 Arundel                               Carcri                         Kenilworth
 Bamburgh                           Bartrock                      Valois
 
 In addition the following systems are being transferred to the new Outer March:

 Okefenokee                        Anjin Muerto                Rentz
 Sherwood                           Ebro                           Memphis
 Morven                               Lackland                     Broken Wheel
 Marielund                           Skepptana                   Mararn

 Duke Mitchell has proven himself time and again loyal to the Federated Commonwealth. I have utmost trust in his ability to both govern and develop the Outer March. Most of these systems are uninhabited at this time. As such, I am offering free transport to settlers to these new systems. But be warned, these are wild worlds and the beginning will be difficult. Priority will go to refugees from the Clan Invasion and for those looking for a new start.

 My second announcement is that the Federated Commonwealth has secured the Tortuga Dominions. The Dominions have long plagued the Federated Commonwealth and Periphery Realms with piracy. I have therefore, with consultation with First Lord Avellar, Chancellor Candace Liao and Coordinator Kurita decided to cede these worlds to Clan Nova Cat. Behind me is Khan Lucien Carns of Clan Nova Cat. They have recently requested asylum and have joined the Inner Sphere, renouncing the Invasion. They now join us as equals, they have their own nation now. I hope to one day see them welcomed into the Star League as full members. Thank you."

 2 January 3061
     Tortuga Prime   

 The 6th Davion Guards RCT had arrived on the planet on the 23rd of December 3060. After consultations of the commanders, they had planned to start sweeps of the remaining planets of the Dominions. The arrival of the massive WoB fleet had put a quick halt to those discussions. Everyone began planning for a hard fight.

 At the Zenith Jump Point, the WoB fleet detached their dropships and began the 9 day travel to orbit escorted by 3 warships. In close orbit, the Carrier Strike Group prepared for battle. Admiral Stacey Hamilton studied the incoming fleet of dropships. All of her ships had full charges on the jump drives, she ordered calculations for a in system jump to the Zenith Jump Point be readied on all ships. Her plan was for when the enemy fleet was 2 days from the jump point, to execute the jump, destroy the enemy transports and then jump back to close orbit in time to fight the main battle. She fired off faxes to Bamburgh, Mackolla, 1st and 2nd Battle Squadrons informing them of the WoB arrival and her intentions. She knew 1st and 2nd Battle Squadrons were a minimum of 3 weeks, possibly a month before they could make it back. She ordered the 2 Patrol II Corvettes that escorted the 6th Davion Guards RCT to maintain escort of the MDF and AFFC transports at the Nadir Jump Point. First sign of trouble they were to leave the system and return to Bamburgh direct.

 All she could do now was wait and hope.