Who said the Xmas spirit is gone.
Oh yeah, I just drank it. O0
Well the Christmas spirit may be gone but Boxing Day always brings treats
SLDF Peacekeeping action
Draconis Combine/Lyran Commonwealth border
8th June 3089 Without further warning or action SLDF forces are ordered into action to break up the fighting between the Draconis Combine and Isle of Skye. Under orders to interfere in battles between the two sides and place themselves directly in the way of attacks Commanding-General Archer Christifori gives his SLDF troops full authorization to use their weapons outwith civilian areas.
On Dieron the 151st Light Horse Regiment of the Eridani Light Horse Brigade spring into action from Castle Winston (Fortress Dieron) stopping a Isle of Skye attack near Kyoto DropPort while at the same time confusing a Combine counter attack near San Martin.
Returning from the Clan border the Twenty-eighth Hussar Regiment, Bolton's Rangers, were directed to Yorii breaking up fighting there while the Twenty-first Rim Worlds Brigade launched from Caph to Altair in an effort to cut Lyran supplies to Dieron. These moves by the SLDF are a clear move to break up the initial fighting between the Lyran Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine however it is also clear the SLDF wishes to remain on both worlds on a long basis. Neither the Draconis Combine or Lyran Commonwealth are paying attention to the SLDF's long term goals however instead they are more interested in battling each other. Although the SLDF do take damage during the fighting as the two Succession States are more interested in fighting themselves than the SLDF saving the Peacekeepers from the major fighting or being target of direct assaults.
Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga Territory
Atreus, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
14th June 3089 As the warm sun of Atreus bathed the world with a glorious summer Loremaster Cassandra Faraday, Kindraa Leader of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga and a member of Clan Fire Mandrill, ignored the heat as she walked quickly alongside of Star Captain Lysa Djerassi as the former Goliath Scorpion warrior informed her of what had happened. She had long ago learned to always walk, never run, in front of her subordinates as it shows confidence to those around her as well as reduced any panic. Only when the young warrior finished did the forty-four year old Loremaster begin asking her questions.
“Let me get this straight, Star Captain Djerassi. Khan Garret Sainze and Kindraa Leader Ariel Kreese, of the Fire Mandrills, have both given the dezgra Burrocks their support? Quiaff?” Seeing the younger woman nod her head, Cassandra continued,
“And no word from saKhan Eric Carrol?”
“Neg. With no communication from Shadow, we simply have no clue what is happening, Kindraa Leader,” replied Star Captain Lysa Djerassi. Both women paused as they reached the command center. Showing their respective codex to the awaiting elemental, the young star captain continued, “The only good thing is Khan Garret Sainze issued the announcement through Fire Mandrill encryption.” As she spoke the last words, they were allowed into the command center.
Cassandra Faraday paused at the entrance while she took in the chaos that was once the kindraa command center. “Enough!” she bellowed. As the room calmed down, she continued, “I need updates people.” Seeing the separate personnel inside the command center start to yell out reports at the same time, she held up her hand. “One at a time. I understand this caught us by surprise, but we cannot, will not, panic over this. Quiaff?” Seeing everyone start nodding to her, she too nodded. “Tech Matthew, any update on contacting Shadow and the 12th Support Cluster?” she asked to the elderly Technician manning the HPG.
“Aff Kindraa Leader. I managed to contact Star Commander Anthony of the Hunter-class JumpShip Leaping Mandrill. He reports Kindraa Sainze has somehow taken control of the CFM Rage and the 12th is fighting a holding action so the last of the civilians can reach the DropShips.”
Nodding to this, Cassandra asked the question that concerned her most. “Any word IlKhan Andrews or the other Khans know of what is happening?” Technician Matthew could only shrug at her in response. ‘Lovely’, she thought, but she understood only too well the problem with contacting via HPG could be. For the last two years, HPG communication in Clan Space had seemingly been brought to a stop. Only those on warships and specific worlds seemed to still work and even then, sporadically. Shadow, until now, was one of those worlds where its HPG still functioned.
Star Admiral Theodore Albiev was next. It was clear he was still adjusting to his new rank. “I ordered the Titan Monitors to full status Kindraa Leader. I must warn you. We still do not know if the Monitors can hold off warships.” Cassandra nodded. The Titan Monitors, based on the Titan DropShips, were effectively assault DropShips designed to fight enemy warships and escort JumpShips and warships. Unfortunately, they have yet to be tested in combat. “I will be leaving shortly to take command of the CFM Warsaw Kindraa Leader.”
“Not the Resolute, Star Admiral?”
“Neg. The Resolute still needs another week minimum to be brought up to strength Kindraa Leader, Warsaw has proven her abilities,” answered the star admiral. The CFM Resolute was a newly reactivated New Syrtis-class carrier from mothball. While in decent enough shape, its weaponry needed to be updated and upgraded and the crew needed time to become used to their new ship. Still even given his reservations of the ship, Cassandra thought the Resolute could still be brought to bear if needed, she respected Theodore’s decision, for he was the ranking officer of all naval forces belonging to Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga.
Cassandra Faraday then looked to Star Colonel Jerald Danforth, the oldest Fire Mandrill warrior still in uniform within Kindraaa Faraday-Tanaga. Unfortunately, the two of them were political enemies in the kindraa, she had only barely defeated him the last time they had met in political opposition. Still, the aging warrior had his uses and commanded respect, as shown with his continual command of the Third Battle Cluster and the fact he was one of only two in the command center not to take part in the earlier chaos. “I ordered elements of the Fourteenth activated,” he spoke quietly. The Fourteenth, on paper, was a Regular unit, but in reality its subordinate units were not used to working together and could be trusted to arrive to battle but little else.
Seeing he was done, Cassandra looked to the Oathmaster of her Kindraa. Technically a Star Captain, Peter Tanaga held great authority within the kindraa due in part to his command of the sibling training companies. “I alerted the older sibbies they may see combat before they reach Warrior status. They seemed a bit frazzled and eager Kindraa Leader,” he gave a somewhat feral smile at this. Cassandra Faraday could only shake her head at the elder warrior. It was well known many newly-made warriors straight out of their sibko demanded Trials of Grievances against the MechWarrior. To this day, only a handful could say they defeated the wily warrior, herself included.
She looked at Kindraa Loremaster Jacob Faraday next. The large Elemental was a sibkin of hers and like her and Star Colonel Danforth, he commanded respect. Upon his assumption as Loremaster of their Kindraa a year ago, he helped her reform the touman to include Specialist Trinaries, borrowing the idea from Clan Goliath Scorpion. As Kindraa Loremaster, he commanded both the Kindraa Watch and the Reserve forces belonging to the Kindraa. Seeing him smile and wink at her, Cassandra could only shake her head and sighed, exacerbated. Not only were they sibkin, they were also occasional lovers. “I alerted all Reserve forces to be ready if needed in eight hours, Cassandra.” And only he could get away with speaking her name in a time like this. She made a note to herself to deny him the next time he wanted her. Being lovers had its advantages after all.
She was brought out of her thoughts by Technician Matthew. “Seven JumpShips have arrived and a WarShip have arrived Kindraa Leader.”
“A warship, quiaff?” she asked. All warships belonging to Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga were accounted for over Atreus.
“Aff. The CFM Rook reports it can no longer follow Kindraa Sainze and is requesting permission to join us, Kindraa Leader.” At this, everyone in the command bunker looked to her. She glanced to Star Admiral Theodore Albiev and raised an eyebrow to him.
Theodore Albiev answered for her. “Tell the Rook we acknowledge and to come along the Firetender. Tell its commander I will debrief him onboard the Warsaw in seven hours.”
Cassandra Faraday could only nod, proud at having seen the newly-minted Star Admiral took command as his duties demanded him to. “What of the 12th Support Cluster?” she queried.
A few minutes passed. Then Technician Matthew answered her. “The 12th fought to their DropShips Kindraa Leader. Star Colonel Megan Angharobis reports the loss of three fourths of her warriors, however.”
“Alright people. I want a full Kindraa Command meeting in 8 hours. Route any on radio or satellite who absolutely cannot be there.” Turning to Star Captain Lysa Djerassi, she whispered to her, “Wake me up in seven hours. Unless all hell is coming down on us, I am not to be disturbed.”
Seeing the young warrior nod to her, Kindraa Leader Cassandra Faraday turned and walked out of the command center, hoping for six and a half hours of rest.
Kindraa Leader Cassandra Faraday collapsed into the couch and sighed. The last thirteen hours took a toll on her forty-four year old body. Star Captain Margaret Jannik, acting commander of the CFM Rook, a newly-activated Sylvester-class troopship Kindraa Sainze had activated and then fled from the dezgra Kindraa, had reported to Star Admiral Theodore Albiev of Kindraa Sainze and Mick-Kreese-Kline fought without zellbrigen against the two clusters belonging to Kindraa Mattila-Carrol on Shadow. A Sainze Watch operative leaked nerve gas into the CFM Rage, the last Lola-III destroyer controlled by Clan Fire Mandrill as well, allowing the Sainze to take command of the Rage without a shot fired. That thought still fueled fire in her veins. What was worse was the arrival of a Kumagari-class pursuit cruiser over Shadow just as the last of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga were about to jump to Atreus. The only things known about the pursuit cruiser was that Kindraa Sainze, nor Kindraa Mick-Kreese-Kline activated it, that it was named the Kerensky’s Truth, and it seemed to be in remarkable shape.
Fleeing Clan Sea Fox merchants had in turn informed Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga of Kindraa Mattila-Carrol’s destruction with nuclear weaponry. With this information in hand, she demanded a Grand Kurultai meeting. Now she waited while the necessary HPG stations connected with one another. She could only hope she could defend her Kindraa from calls of absorption or even annihilation in the Grand Kurultai. She thanked Kerensky her Kindraa had formed a backup plan in case of that after the laughable Ghost Bears Absorption. Her thoughts were again broken, this time by a communique from the command center.
“The necessary HPG grid for the Grand Kurultai has been established Kindraa Leader.”
“Aff,” she responded. Sighing, she dragged herself up, not looking forward to informing the Grand Kurultai of the dezgra Kindraa.
Grand Council Meeting
Strana Mechty, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
15th June 3089 Even attending the Grand Council via HPG link Cassandra Faraday could see the other Clans were tired of combat, she could also see all the empty seats from Clans that were vacant from this meeting, most notably Clans Wolf, Jade Falcon, Ghost Bear, Hell's Horse and Nova Cat all at one time or another had great influence in the Council Chambers. She listened to ilKhan Brett Andrews speak he spoke quietly in his eyes Cassandra could see the pain that had been inflicted on him by the losses. Each of the remaining Clans, Steel Viper, Star Adder, Cloud Cobra, Goliath Scorpion, Coyote and her own Fire Mandrill forces had taken great amounts of casualties fighting the reborn Burrock forces and their support.
"From what we can tell two months ago the Garrison of Huntress has completely retreated from the Clan Homeworlds without communication with our Clan surrendering control of the world to Burrock forces. Despite an extensive search we have not been able to track their movements beyond the Kerensky Cluster. They have been declared Dezgra by our Clan." Colin Yeh said sitting down.
"Yet another world, my fellow Khans we must show our resolve against the weak and against our enemies and prevail against all threats." ilKhan Brett Andrews said passionately turning towards the Fire Mandrill table "and the reason the Fire Mandrill Clan has not attended in person is what Loremaster Cassandra Faraday."
"ilKhan, it appears Kindraas Sainze and Mick-Kreese-Kline have both aligned their forces with Burrock forces." Cassandra said quietly around her other members of the Kindraa did their best to remain quiet, allowing them to watch these proceedings were a violation of Clan law but Cassandra had a feeling things were about to go very badly.
"WHAT!!" Brett Andrews screamed "TWO THIRDS OF YOUR CLAN HAVE BETRAYED OUR CLANS!!" He continued "this is a violation of everything the Founder stood for!"
"I could not agree more, ilKhan, I move for all Fire Mandrill forces beyond my own on Atreus are declared Dezgra..." Cassandra began before Brett Andrews broke in.
"Neg!" He shouted silencing her "Cassandra Faraday your broken Clan has taken one final step I am the ilKhan using wartime powers I declare your ENTIRE Clan as Dezgra. You can save your forces on Atreus from Annihilation by aligning them with Clan Steel Viper and submitting to my command, do you agree?"
"Neg!" Cassandra said immediately "Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga have done nothing to wrong the Clans, we are loyal and have enough forces to constitute a Clan by ourselves."
"Your forces are as pitiful as the Blood Spirits once were, insignificant" the Star Adder Khan said dismissively.
"You will submit your forces..." Brett Andrew began before Cassandra cut the link bowing her head for several moments composing her own thoughts before turning to the other officers.
"Members of Faraday-Tanaga, you heard the ilKhan, what say you?" She asked everyone stood or sat in stunned silence "WELL!" She shouted making several jump in surprise as the Loremaster lost her temper rarely did Cassandra Faraday show her anger in public.
"Loremaster" Star Admiral Theodore Albiev said from his display screen, the Admiral was at this very moment on the bridge of the WarShip Warsaw "I speak for every member of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga that we are with you and will not submit to Clan Steel Viper or any of the Serpent Clans ovKhan." He said using the honourary rank to symbolize his words. "What say you Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga!" He called out
Almost in unison every member in the command room and via several communication circuits the members of Clan Fire Mandrill spoke, for the first time in years, as one each uttering a single word "Seyla!" Cassandra Faraday stood in the command room looking around at each member of the Kindraa in turn none showed any doubt with their decision.
"Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga - you honour me" she said quietly her voice slowly gaining strength as she spoke once more "it is decided, we will initiate Operation Exodus Three" she said "take all you can carry to your designated Ships we are leaving the Homeworlds."
HPG Broadcast
Skye, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
27th June 3089 Duke Robert Ryan Kelswa-Steiner stood again in front of the HPG Transmitter on the screen Archon Peter Steiner-Davion again filled half of the screen however on the other half Vincent Kurita, Coordinator of the Draconis Combine, fill the other.
“Then it is agreed” Vincent Kurita began “the Draconis Combine will retain control over Dieron as is our right. We also claim continued control over La Blon and renewed stewardship over two worlds of Ko and Alkalurops. We also will accept the presence of SLDF Peacekeepers on the world of Yorii.”
“It is so agreed Vincent Kurita-san” Peter Steiner-Davion said using the Japanese Honourific “we will aso welcome the worlds Unukalhal and Alphecca back into the Lyran fold. And we welcome the SLDF Peacekeeprs to the world of Altair and congratulate the Draconis Combine on their decision to release Formalhault to the Star League Protectorate.” He said with a small smirk the concessions the Combine had made had been in the Lyran's favour on this occasion. Robert watched the screen and tried not to become angry. The “concessions” made had been in both nations interest but Skye had lost the First Skye Jaegers in battle as well as the WarShip Katrina Steiner. Robert Ryan Kelswa Steiner had already made plans for the First Skye Training Battalion to take control over the mantel of the First Skye Jaegers. The recording ended and the image was replaced by that of Peter Steiner-Davion this time the Archon looked directly at Robert “Archon...” he began.
“Silence” Peter snapped “Robert you cost us any inroad we had at Dieron, the WarShip Katrina Steiner and the deaths of many Lyran citizens. Deaths that did not have to happen.”
“We all die” Robert replied angrily.
“We do but not at your choosing.” Peter said calmly “I understand your desires Robert, you may not think I understand Skye's desires but I do. I also understand what is in the best interest to the people of the Lyran Commonwealth so I will issue this warning once.” The Archon said formally “if you ever endanger the security of this realm again with independent action I will ensure that your family is removed from Skye and that they NEVER return to a position of power in the Lyran nation.” Peter warned “tread very carefully Robert” the Archon finally said before the screen went blank Robert turned to his wife Duchess Hermonie Aten who did not look impressed with the Archon's words.
“More Star League troops on our worlds and the Archon thinks it is an acceptable compromise!” She snapped “how exactly does that spawn of Davion consider this to be worthy of the people of Skye!” She said her anger flaring Robert could not disagree with her but the Archon had far more power than Skye. Even with the Gladius Shipyard progressing nicely Skye would have to bide her time once more.
Approaching Nadir Point, CFF Warsaw (Whirlwind-class Destroyer)
Atreus, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
28th June 3089 It had taken the remaining Fire Mandrills nearly a week to remove everything of worth from their command facilities on Atreus then several more days to travel to the Nadir point. The newly added CFF Rook, the recently captured Jade Falcon vessel Ironhold Provider, a Carrack-class transport, and the CFF Firetender, the Fire Mandrill's last remaining Lola III-class Destroyer had already jumped into deep space to an uninhabited system maintaining radio silence. Now the CFF Warsaw and CFF Resolute escorted nearly three dozen DropShips to the remaining Fire Mandrill JumpShips which Cassandra Faraday had ordered to jump as soon as their complement was aboard, so far her Kindraa had been too lucky.
"Radiation spike Star Admiral!" one officer called out Theodore Albiev looked at his screen and watched as two Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruisers and a Dart-class Light Cruiser jumped into the system. "The Steel Vipers have arrived." Albiev looked at Cassandra Faraday, who had remained in her seat, the Loremaster just nodded.
"Battlestations!" He called our "All Titan Monitors and aerospace fighters form on the Warsaw. Resolute, direct your fighters to join us. You are to screen all JumpShips from fire, do not let them close on our civilians and ground forces understood?" He ordered there was a series of acknowledgments "good, I want the King Viper's back broken" he said designating the recently arrived Sovetskii Soyuz as his target. The Whirlwind-class Destroyer began to close on the three Viper WarShips taking multiple capital missile hits as the Steel Vipers tried to capitalize on their distance from the Fire Mandrills. Unfortunately for them the Titan Monitors were covered in capital missile launchers and anti-missile systems and were doing a very good job at screening the charging Whirlwind.
"As soon as we are in range all guns are to engage the enemy, have all Monitors and fighters change from defensive screen to assault profiles once we are in range have them target all enemy vessels except for the King Viper it's mine." He ordered such an order would make the Warsaw vulnerable to enemy fire but would hopefully bring enough fire on the Steel Vipers.
"Naval Laser bank three not responding" one of the crew called out as they closed into weapons range of the enemy releasing all the Whirlwind-class Destroyer's weapons on the single target at once Naval Autocannon, laser, gauss rifle and particle cannon fire rippled from the Warsaw's weapon banks all targeted on the the King Viper. From along the Warsaw's flanks aerospace fighters and Titan Monitors volley fired their naval and conventional weapons at the other Star Adder vessels opening fire into the flanks of the Crazy Horse and the Viper's Legacy opening the sides of the two vessels as they tried to close on the Resolute. Unfortunately the Steel Viper counter fire was equally devastating with the Titan Monitors and aerospace fighters now being targeted by everything the Viper's had left, the Warsaw now not protected by the fighters and DropShips was taking many more hits. The fire from the Warsaw tore into the King Viper shredding the Sovetskii Soyuz's armour while weapon systems aboard the Warsaw were nearly continuously being called out as damaged in the command centre. The two WarShips slid past each other in space exchanging broadside fire as they passed.
"Bring us around" Theodore Albiev called out as Loremaster Cassandra Faraday tried to apply a bandage to his head, she knew little about naval combat and was staying out of the command decisions instead she tried to help keep her Star Admiral standing after a console had exploded near him. "Helm keep our damned broadside on that stavag!" He called out as the Whirlwind began a sloppy turn, with Theodore's insistence the Warsaw turned more crisply.
"The last DropShip is away!" Another crewman called out, there was a cheer from the Warsaw's bridge as they realized they had succeeded in their goal and the Kindraa would survive beyond the Homeworlds.
"Order Resolute to jump!" Theodore Albiev called out looking at Cassandra Faraday who nodded she understood, the Warsaw could not survive against the three enemy WarShips that remained even though the King Viper was battered beyond recoignition.
"Sir, Resolute's commander respectfully declines, they have engaged the Vipers and say they will maintain position at the Nadir point until we are in position."
"That crazy bastard Malcolm Lynn is going to get his entire crew killed" Theodore Albiev said quietly
"Can we make it?" Cassandra Faraday whispered not showing her doubt in front of the crew.
"Maybe" Theodore Albiev admitted raising his voice "Helm full burn towards the jump point, ignore all enemy targets all fire to defence. "Communications tell Resolute we are on our way they are to remain at the jump point, we will jump as soon as we can." The Whirlwind-class Destroyer Warsaw seemed to become a sprinter at its last as everything was pushed to acceleration. Ahead the nine hundred-and-twenty thousand ton Resolute marked the finish line as it held off two Steel Viper WarShips. Coming up passed the two vessels the Warsaw exchanged fire with the two Star Adder WarShips taking multiple hits as it passed.
"Main engines are hit!" One of the crew reported "main acceleration down by one third."
"We may as well be coasting" Theodore Albiev said slamming his fist against the panel as the Warsaw took several more hits as the destroyer moved into the Jump point "communications tell the Resolute well done" he said impressed with what the new crew and ship had done, their actions had saved what was left of the Warsaw and her crew. "And order them to go now, we are the last ones out." He ordered, moments later the New Syrtis-class Cruiser jumped clearing the system. "Engineering prepare to get us out of here, Loremaster."
"Jump" Cassandra Faraday ordered it was her last order in the Clan Homeworlds but it was hers to give the battered Whirlwind barely resembled the ship it was at the begining of this fight but the Warsaw and her crew had done their duty and Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga would survive for another day. With a flash of light the Warsaw disappeared from the Atreus system for the last time joining the rest of the Kindraa in deep space beyond the Kerensky Cluster.
Sea Fox Watch
Twycross, Sea Fox Occupation Zone
31st June 3089 The monitoring of deep space HPG transmissions was not the most glamorous within Clan Sea Fox's Watch. Elsewhere members of the Watch gathered information on the other Clans and on the Inner Sphere states around them while others finished negotiations with the Federated Suns which would allow that nation to purchase Pelican Small Craft for their own uses.
On Twycross however the technicians of the Watch were tasked with watching for any words seeking out of the Clan Homeworlds. As fragments from the Homeworlds slowly came in the techs looked over the information seeing that the fighting that had engulfed the Homeworlds still continued with a massive naval battle being noted within the Atreus system. The Sea Fox Clan had lost many people in the place the Clans had originated unlike many of the other Clans they would not forget where they came from.
