This is the Way the World Ends - Wolf Skinners [3024]

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
1854 Local Time
16 August, 3024

"Ladies and gentlemen, the perimeter doesn't guard itself.  Double watches until we get this thing emplaced, and we need the Jaegermech and Rifleman on watch while all the 'mechs with hands are helping with that in the morning," Captain Harris said over the unit push.

[DOC_Agren]

Roger that Capt says Smoke.

to himself "if it did then you would not need me..  I wonder how sensitive I can turn these ground sensors..  because I would hate someone to pull a me, and well do a finders keepers."
Smoke will try turning Kat sensors so maybe he could spot Infantry..  and then snipe them if they get to close

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
0547 Local Time
17 August, 3024

The pre-dawn darkness was alive with the Wolf Skinners preparing for the big day.  The Jaegermech and Rifleman were stamping off toward the perimeter to relieve Lieutenant Stevenson and Staff Sergeant Bianchi.  Neither of their 'mechs had hands either, so they'd be able to get some rest while the remainder of the unit pitched in with getting the Landing Craft secured in its new home.

**********

The wreck of the Ex-FWLDS Condottieri
0547 Local Time
17 August, 3024

Captain Renzi was up to see off his recon team.  "All right Ginevra, see what you can see, but DON'T be seen.  I'd like to know if there's any more wreckage to pick over where ever our new neighbors acquired their landing craft, but I don't want them to know we know.  I like having friendly neighbors, but if there's any chance of getting parts that will help get us off this rock, I HAVE to know."

"Got it, Capo.  We'll take it nice and slow, and back track their trail.  It wasn't that windy last night, so I'm sure we'll be able to follow it from a ridge line or two away," Sergeant Mancini replied.  "We'll go as far as we can, and if we see them, we'll back out quick and quiet.  Lombardi did just fine at it yesterday."

"All right.  Good hunting, team!" Renzi said, returning their salutes as they piled into the Swiftwind.

**********

Outlying Landing Field Skinner
The Bridge
0547 Local Time
17 August, 3024

"Morning, Laura!  Slow mid-watch, I hope?" Lieutenant Summers asked as she entered the Bridge.

"Yes, Ma'am.  I'm still uneasy about the Major ordering the door closed, but we'll see if it'll open again," Warrant Officer Bowman replied grumpily.

"I'm sure it'll be fine, and I think the Major was right about needing all the 'mechs at the crash site until the Landing Craft is safely buried."

The Warrant nodded, but the frown didn't leave her face while she turned over the status of the various sub-systems.

Turnover complete, Summers said, "Get some rest, Laura.  I'm sure some decent sleep will help."

"Aye aye, Ma'am.  I'll try," Laura said, stumping through the hatch.

Alone on the Bridge, Lieutenant Summers zoomed in on the horizon with the eastern cameras.  What good were all these Star League optics if you couldn't enjoy the sunrise?

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
1236 Local Time
17 August, 3024

The Landing Craft was securely on its jackstands again.  The unit was enjoying a lunch break, or at least as much as they could enjoy it at high noon on Astrokaszy.  The plans for the afternoon involved beginning to fill in the ramp, erecting the frame for the roof, and connecting the ship to the water system, such as it was.  It was expected to take at least a week to finish the roof, but air-conditioned sleeping arrangements would be possible tonight if everything went according to plan...

**********

A ridgeline overlooking a certain salt pan
1236 Local Time
17 August, 3024

"Sarge!  Sarge!  You gotta see this!" Blaney insisted over the tactical frequency.

Sighing, Sergeant Mancini keyed her mic and said, "Coming Blaney... Just calm down, all right?"

"But Sarge, really..."

"Shut it, Blaney... I'm right behind you."

Crawling up the military crest, Mancini was not prepared for the sight she was about to behold.

_{Image credit: By Ben Stubbs - https://www.flickr.com/photos/96935551@N02/8943035709/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26477484}

"Holy crap, Blaney!  All right, you were right.  That's just amazing.  Now, where did they pull that wreck from?"

"The tire tracks end at the edge of the salt.  It could really be anywhere.  I'm doing a full sweep, but I don't see any sign of them on the pan itself."

**********

Outlying Landing Field Skinner
The Bridge
1236 Local Time
17 August, 3024

Alone on the Bridge, Lieutenant Summers was occupying herself with paperwork and system statuses when a low tone sounded.  Looking up, she cast about for the source of the sound.  The security panel sounded again, and she saw a flashing light.  Pressing the button under the light caused the video screen to the west to zoom in on a glint of sunlight.  Zooming in further, she could see two helmets at a ridgeline three kilometers away.  Slapping the General Alarm, she ensured the system was recording, and began scanning the rest of the ridge for any other sign of observation.

Within minutes, the rest of the crew was on the Bridge, manning up the various consoles.

Warrant Officer Bowman came up next to Summers and said, "OK, I'm officially glad the boss had us close the door now."

Nail biting minutes passed by, with the pair of helmets apparently sweeping the length of the salt pan with whatever optics they had.  Fortunately, they never dwelled on the mountain for long.  It didn't seem likely that the Star League's camouflaged sensors were spotted.

**********

A ridgeline overlooking a certain salt pan
1311 Local Time
17 August, 3024

"All right Blaney, you got enough for analysis?"

"Yeah, Sarge.  But it's still amazing!"

"Stow it, and let's get back to the ship.  It's pretty clear they pulled that wreck off the salt somewhere, and the weather isn't sharing.  Maybe the Condottieri's computers can pull something, but I won't bet on it."

[DOC_Agren]

"So wrestling a broken downed Landing Craft, and turning it into our new shelter/camp is a new one for me" said Smoke, how about for you Lt. Ranjeet?

Now that this is done, I'm going to do a slow scan of the area looking for any claim jumpers that the 2 long gunners might have missed sneaking in, Smoke thought.  Then eat my Lunch. 

[SANSd20]

The unit's personnel were a buzz with the possibility that they might have air conditioning by tonight, and if not, then on the morrow. Ranjeet, however, seemed to be oblivious to it all. Something wasn't right, he kept telling himself. So far, the business with the landing craft had gone practically flawlessly: no issues getting it back to camp nor any signs of unwanted observers. Maybe it's the lack of a good night's rest that's causing it. Here within the next day or so, that should change.

"How about for you, Lt. Ranjeet?" Smoke's mention of his name caught his attention.

"Uh, yeah." Shaking his head back into focus, "I'm sorry, I seem I wasn't paying attention. What were you saying?"

[DOC_Agren]

"I was just asking when the last time you wrestled a Landing Craft, Lt" said Smoke.  "Ya got something that caught your eye?"

Think the Lt as concerned as I am about claim jumpers.  Maybe he got one in his sights now.  Smoke thinks

[SANSd20]

"Sorry, yeah, landing craft. Back during the war. But that is a very boring story. That was before I got Yama," Ranjeet gestures towards his Centurian. "Now, get me drunk enough, I might tell you that story. Emphasis on the might."

[DOC_Agren]

Smoke Laughs "sure Lt.."

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
2113 Local Time
17 August, 3024

A motivated work force ensured air-conditioned sleeping arrangements were available.  The cramped four rack bunkroom for the crew of the Landing Craft went to the senior officers and Sergeant Major.  The 36 racks in the troop compartment were populated with the junior officers and NCOs.  The tiny sick bay, such as it was, was given over to Lieutenant Commander Fury and her daughter.  At least one of the MechWarriors discovered how far the crew positions in the cockpit could recline and opted for that, after clearing it with the Major.  A handful of troopers who'd be relieving the watch talked Sergeant Major into letting them use the long benches on the "mess deck" by pointing out they'd be clear before breakfast.  Everyone else pitched their sleeping pad and bag in the cargo bay.

**********

Outlying Landing Field Skinner
The Bridge
2113 Local Time
17 August, 3024

Warrant Officer Bowman was back on watch, and not alone.  Lieutenant Summers had tripled the watches and was holding off on transmitting the contact report until 0300.  No one had disagreed on using a burst transmission when any potential bandits would be at their least vigilant.

**********

The wreck of the Ex-FWLDS Condottieri
2113 Local Time
17 August, 3024

Captain Renzi was making one last round of the ship before bedding down for the night.  On the bridge, he spoke to the technician on watch, "Any luck?"

"No sir.  Not yet.  The old girl's chewing on the video Mancini brought back, but I'm not sure we'll see anything."

"Rog, no worries.  Maybe we'll drive out there for a closer look one of these days, but not until we're on much better terms with the neighbors."

"Aye, sir.  Have a good night."

**********

Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
Doc Ozora's Drillson
0300 Local Time
18 August, 3024

The burst transmission from the OLF almost made the on-watch crew spill her coffee.  Quickly firing off a similarly compressed and encrypted acknowledgement, she downloaded the report to a datapad, and banged on the hatch.

"What's up, Mandy?" the trooper on watch outside said, poking his head in.

"Contact report from the OLF!  Give this to the Major!" Corporal Strobel said, shoving the datapad into the Private's hands.

"Holy shit!  On my way!"

**********

CONTACT REPORT
UNIT: OLF SKINNER
TIME: 1236-1315 17 August, 3024
LOCATION: Ridgeline 3 km SW of OLF Skinner, grid coordinates 0809 (5,3)
DESCRIPTION: 2 infantry with handheld optics, no apparent detection
RESPONSE: Sounded General Quarters, tripled watches, held transmission until 0300

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
0330 Local Time
18 August, 3024

The Major's "office" was packed with officers.  The datapad with the contact report was being passed around.

"All right, what do we make of this?"  the Major asked, tiredly looking around the cramped escape pod.

Captain Pappas, the unit's XO spoke first: "We'll need to investigate at first light.  Try to get a vector on where they came from, and where they went.  I'll take the APC out there with a platoon.  I'd like Bianchi for cover."

Next to Pappas, Lieutenant Novak just nodded, knowing her platoon would be the one selected.

Captain Harris replied, "Easy enough.  I recommend moving out an hour before sunrise to get you THERE at first light."

Using the datapad to pull up a map of the coordinates, Warrant Officer Cantrell, the S-2, frowned.  "I'm worried they approached from the West.  If they're the bandits, that means they had to pass by here.  If they're our friends to the East, their base must be further south than we thought, AND they're poking around.  And of course, it could be literally anybody else.  I'll be going with the team this morning."

"That sounds like we need to increase patrols," Lieutenant Stevenson said, passing the datapad to Lieutenant Ranjeet.

[SANSd20]

"Sir, the techs could rig up some audio sensors." Pointing out a few spots on the map, "By placing mics in these spots, and filtering out normal nature sounds, that could give us a leg up on anyone coming this way. If we do the filtering out in the field, the transmission back wouldn't have to be that powerful, or that long. We could set up a set of repeaters here, here, and here. To pick up the transmissions, you would have to know what you're looking for."

[Daryk]

"If we had the sensors, sure.  We had to leave a bunch on Ghorepani when we pulled chocks, and Doc brought 60 along.  We were able to talk an extra radar sensor out of Renzi's crew, so that enables us to have 360 coverage out to 20 klicks from the crash site.  We've got a middle ring of motion sensors that see out to 10 klicks, and an inner of seismic sensors that cover us inside 5.  Another 30 trip line sensors give us the immediate camp perimeter.  That leaves us 13 spares: 1 radar, 2 seismic, 4 motion and 6 trip lines.  Fortunately, the OLF is well endowed with a full sensor grid, which is how Lieutenant Summers picked up the snoopers in the first place," the Major said.

[SANSd20]

"Well, then sir, the question we must answer is when do we want to tip our hat? Do we give the appearance that we don't know and continue as before? Anything other than that is going to send up red flares that something is going on and that will bring more scrutiny."

[Daryk]

"Mostly, I'm with XO right now... I want to know who's poking around the OLF.  I don't want to tip our hand, which is why the OLF will remain in lockdown until we figure it out.  And since we don't know who it is, I want TWO 'mechs on overwatch.  That's you, Stevenson," the Major said gesturing to the man.

"Roger, sir.  I'll brief Bianchi as soon as we're done here," the junior officer replied.

"And your idea for increased patrols is a good one.  Captain Harris, I think it's time Lieutenant Haitao was worked into the rotation.  I know we have construction work to finish, so it won't be easy.  But the extra hand should let you dog the watches at least to give everyone a bit more rest.
 All right, anything not clear?" Skinner finished.

[truetanker]

Blu cursed softly as his knuckles scrapped against the sides of the engine block he was tinkering with. While the diesel was housed inside a large but compact compartment, room was at a premium vand his body frame was squeezed into it already.

Damn this shit! he thought, mentally frustrated.

The grease covered the bloody scrape as he continued to work...

TT

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
0400-0430 Local Time
18 August, 3024

The half hour after the meeting broke up turned the camp into a beehive of activity in the pre-dawn darkness.  Lieutenant Stevenson and Staff Sergeant Bianchi were the first to muster at the northern edge of the camp, followed shortly by Sergeant Smithson behind the wheel of the APC.  Captain Pappas and Lieutenant Novak were still sorting out the platoon while Warrant Cantrell bundled his gear into the seat behind the driver.  That gear included the spare radar sensor, and three of the four motion sensors.  They'd be emplaced along the route on the way back to the crash site.

**********

A ridgeline overlooking a certain salt pan
0553-0700 Local Time
18 August, 3024

The drive had been nail-biting, but dull.  Lieutenant Stevenson had established a laser link to the OLF and was providing terminal guidance to the two squads hiking up the ridge.  Lieutenant Novak gave a thumbs up when she halted at the point the OLF had spotted the snoops.  Two sets of footprints hadn't yet been obscured by the blowing dust, and she spread her troops out to avoid disturbing them.  Warrant Cantrell was taking video and still images of the site, noting the pattern of the boot prints matched their own Marik-issue.  Of course, the pirates used the same boots too, probably sold on from Campoleone.

With confirmation of a track to follow, Captain Pappas led a third squad up the ridge to investigate personally.  By the time he arrived, Novak's squads had traced the boot prints back to a flat area where a vehicle had obviously been.  The tires were wide, and there were more than four of them.  That ruled out the jeeps the pirates used, and both Pappas and Novak agreed it could have been the neighbor's Swiftwind.

While the two infantry officers were discussing the vehicle in question, Warrant Cantrell was noting the directions it had come from and went to.  Disturbingly, it had come from the west.  It's departure to the south was merely interesting compared to that fact.

**********

Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
0600-1200 Local Time
18 August, 3024

While the scouting expedition was away, work continued on the "hangar".  Ice aboard Snowflake and Lieutenant Haitao, currently piloting the Stinger, were holding a drop chute between them to provide shade to the work crews filling in the ramp that had enabled parking the landing craft below grade.  It wasn't much relief from Astrokaszy's harsh sun, but it was better than nothing.  Other 'mechs with hands were placing the roof beams and salvaged hull plating to form the roof.  The ultimate plan would have earth placed over both to hide the structure.  Techs were at work welding the beams and plates together.  A detail from the Mondez's crew had already folded the craft's vertical stabilizer, leaving two meters of clearance between the top of the craft and the roof.  Another work crew was covering the trench holding the feed and discharge pipes between the craft and the "well" in the impact crater proper.  The craft's life support equipment was going to make water treatment vastly easier, but it was only designed for less than a third the number of people in the unit.  That meant additional engineering and fabrication work, but less than having to build the whole thing from scratch.

**********

The wreck of the Ex-FWLDS Condottieri
0813 Local Time
18 August, 3024

Sergeant Mancini had a cup of coffee in her hand as she entered the bridge of the Condottierri.  Nodding to the morning watch, she asked, "Anything out of what we brought back yesterday?"

"Nada, Sarge.  If there's anything there, the old girl can't see it.  I'd bet my firstborn child there IS something there though.  I mean, just LOOK at that thing!"

"Yeah, I know what you mean.  But I think the Captain's right.  No more poking around over that way until we're on much better terms with the neighbors.  They have more 'mechs than us, even after tangling with the pirates."

EDIT: Just a couple of minor grammar tweaks that were bugging me...

[DOC_Agren]

So during some downtime during "construction", Smoke shares his grand Idea with both Sam Horn his personal tech and Lt Ranjeet, on how to make Kat more deadly and less chance to go BOOM from ammo.

drawn on scraps of paper in a notebook... think back to how we old timers used to mod our mech.. 
So you see if we pull the SRM4 we can slap in 2 ML and maybe a 3 or like a flamer or maybe a heat sink, then there no chance an unlucky shot cause the ammo bin to go BOOM.  So what do you think?

Also so if we disengage those Field Inhibitor, I think I could use the PPC in knife fight if I had too, thoughts?

And any thoughts on how we could rig Kat sensors to give me better long range ability?
what he looking at is swapping Improved Targeting (Short) for (Long) and if these genius have any idea tweak the sensor system to decrease the chance of him stumbing into an Ambush [Improved Sensors]

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
1230-1330 Local Time
18 August, 3024

The first shift had managed to get the frames and salvaged hull plating up in record time, mostly due to the metal having been bent and pre-fit as much as possible while the digging had been going on the previous week.  That left the majority of the earth moving to the second shift, and however many further shifts it would take.  The lack of earth moving equipment reminded Lieutenant Haitao of employment projects he had seen growing up in the Confederation.  Even without commissars to motivate them, the Wolf Skinners seemed to have their backs into the work. 

**********

Ridge Line 2 km SE of some Previously Used Coordinates
1230 Local Time
18 August, 3024

Captain Pappas had decided it was more important to see where the snoops had come from than went to.  With the 'mechs to help, it had been fairly easy to determine the route was parallel to the (by now) well-worn path between the crash site and the OLF.  By lunchtime, they'd installed two sensors and found the other observation post that just happened to overlook where the convoy had broken for lunch two days ago.  The track that that led to the OP thankfully trended southeast.  Warrant Cantrell heaved a sigh of relief with that revelation.

"Sir, looks like it was likely the neighbors both times," the Warrant reported.

"That's good news, if true.  Thanks, Max," the Captain replied.  With site exploitation complete, Pappas gave the order to mount back up and head back to the OLF before heading "home".

**********

Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
2000 Local Time
18 August, 3024

Lieutenant Stevenson was impressed at the progress as the bivouac came into view.  A start had been made on backfilling the ramp, and a thin layer of dirt had been spread over the roof.  Bianchi was more interested in her parking space now that they were back inside a guarded perimeter.  The APC pulled up near the Major's "office", and Pappas, Novak and Cantrell piled out to report while the troops headed to chow.

The Major was only somewhat relieved to hear the snoops were likely the neighbors.  Shaking his head, he said, "I concur with Erica's recommendation to continue with doubled watches at the OLF, and I'm glad those old Star League field maintenance vehicles worked.  Once we're set here, I want another squad detailed to the mountain to keep shifts reasonable.  That will also help with Harry's idea of relocating the Marauder to the Landing Craft's old hangar until we can get it properly repaired.  SOP from here on is the door stays open the minimum amount of time necessary to move things in and out, but that includes erasing the tracks from the edge of the lakebed."

**********

Over dinner
18 August, 3024

Sam Horn listened to his MechWarrior while choking down yet another Star League omelet.  "Well, I think we could pull the missile launcher for a laser or two, but the targeting system is beyond me.  Even if we had the parts, the Marauder would have priority.  As far as the Field Inhibitor, I don't know if we'll be able to fix it if it goes wrong on you.  Either way, it's going to be a bit until we have enough time to try anything."

[DOC_Agren]

"So Sam, yes we can when we have time pull that SRM and Ammo bomb for more short range energy weapon.  What I'm hearing that my "design" work is good" he says looking at the scrap of paper Smoke mod out his idea on and smiling.
"So tweaking the sensors are currently above what you are comfortable with even if we had the parts?"

Turning to Lt Ranjeet, "So what do you think about the Sensors Idea any thoughts on how we can do it and my idea to disengage the PPC Field Inhibitor for knife fighting?"

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
Over Dinner (continued)
18 August, 3024

'Yes, sir... I'm honestly not sure how you get the extra performance out of it.  The manuals don't explain it at all," Sam Horn replied.  "And I'll need some engineering diagrams from the Lieutenant before swapping those lasers in."

[SANSd20]

"Give me a day or two, Sam, and I will pull up those schematics and annotate how to get the lasers to work correctly." RanJeet turns to Smoke, "You can keep asking, but the answer is 'No'. I know you are willing to pull the trigger on your own death, but I will not '****** the gun'." He lets out a heavy sigh and raises his hand to forestall Smoke's incoming argument. "What I will do, is try to find a way to do give you your 'knife fight' without the danger.

"As for the sensors, back in university, we had a professor who claimed to have to be one of the first researchers at the New Avalon Institute of Science, College of Engineering. Most didn't believe him, but some of the things he said... Well, let's just say they were just the right about of "out there" for me to take him seriously. For that, he took me under his wing. His specialty? LostTech nanosensors. So, is it doable? Of that I have no doubt. Can we do it? Well, that depends on what we find out here."

[DOC_Agren]

"Well if I can knife fight without risking blowing up that works," says Smoke, "but I've seen battleroms where people were able to fire safely a PPC at point black range." 

"So nanasensors, so what do we need to find to get them to work?  Any idea how much it will add to Kat in mass?" Now Smoke got to figure out how to find stuff that may or may not exist.
 

[DOC_Agren]

"So Lt, I know we have a salvaged Flamer, what if we slip that into the Belly of Kat and give her some close in protection and utility weapon system,"  Smoke ask?
"You know so that the 1 medium laser is in the center and 1 into the left side as well, see this drawing right here.
drawing is kinda of a bad drawing of a panther with the flamer and a ML kinda drawn in CT, and then a ML in LT

[SANSd20]

"Yeah, the medium lasahs shouldn't be an issue." Ranjeet closes his eyes and takes a long, deep breath and slowly exhales. When he opens them back up, an anger and pain Smoke has never seen before replaces what was once there.


"I will only do the Flamah if, and only if, Major ordahs it. Until then, I do not want to hear annie more about installing Flamahs. Do I make mahself clear, Sergeant?" Before Smoke can reply, Ranjeet turns and leaves the room.

[DOC_Agren]

Well Sam what do you think" ask Smoke.
Damm the LT has had a bad fire experience...

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
Over Dinner (continued)
18 August, 3024

'Well, I think the L-T is touchy about flamers, and maybe it IS a little soon for that one in particular," Sam Horn replied.  "Aside from that, I think we can get the Laser work done pretty quickly if it's approved by the Major..."

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
18-25 August, 3024

The following week was pure progress for the unit.  The "hangar" for the landing craft was completed, the unit's 'mechs and vehicles were repaired, and the Marauder was prepared for transfer to the OLF and loaded aboard the Recovery Vehicle.  The first crops also began to sprout with the help of carefully husbanded water from the crater.  The Landing Craft's water purification gear was put toward wastewater treatment and recycling.  Overall, the bivouac was taking on the appearance of a village, much to the Major's chagrin.

In between watches and overseeing the work, Lieutenant Ranjeet was able to squeeze in the design work for Smoke's Panther.  He knew getting permission from the Major would go much better if a complete plan was presented instead of just an idea.  As an officer, he had access to the Landing Craft's computing power.  This was further facilitated by securing one of the cockpit's fully reclining seats as his sleeping quarters.  The work was annoying, but less arduous than it would have been with pencil and paper, or even one of the unit's few noteputers.

In total, the Panther could be refitted in three days.  After the first day, the ammunition storage would be replaced by an additional heatsink.  The second day would see the SRM-4 replaced by a Medium Laser, and the second would be installed on the third day.  This, of course, assumed the work could be done in one of the maintenance cubicles at the OLF.  Trying to do all that work with the makeshift arrangements at the bivouac would at least double, if not triple, the time required.  It would make the most sense to send Smoke with the Marauder to the OLF.  Door openings and closings would be minimized, and the Panther could assist with unloading the Marauder.  The argument practically made itself...

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
26 August, 3024

Lieutenant Ranjeet and Smoke hadn't presented their idea to the Major yet, and the radio call that morning from the neighbors about a joint expedition to Rabigh was dominating conversation around the camp.  The Major seemed favorably inclined, and the S-2 saw it as an opportunity to be rid of Aliyah Ar-Rabigh once and for all.  The nosy local had been a thorn in his side since she'd been rescued.  It was clear she'd developed some idea of the OLF, but at least hadn't managed to stow away for a ride there like a certain someone else.  Given the trip would involve Renzi and his crew, the Furys were NOT invited.  The Major explained it away as simply not trusting the neighbors with a child as young as Athena.  Lieutenant Jackson was in the middle of training the unit how to farm, and thus wasn't considered available for the trip either.

Warrant Cushman pointed out the left arm of the pirate Hermes was intact and might be worth more in trade that way.  The S-2 put the question to Aliyah separately and received an enthusiastic "YES".  Apparently that particular pirate Hermes was known to Rabigh, and a piece of it would be worth some satisfaction on their side.  Another benefit was that it would remove the temptation to install the cursed Flamer in any of the unit's machines.  Given Aliyah's non-plussed reaction to the Star League rations, it was also decided to take six cases for trade purposes.  Renzi's crew would likely simply assume they'd been in the Landing Craft and might even trade something for them before arriving in Rabigh.

The date was set for the 28th, conveniently keeping Renzi to his word for a joint expedition "this" month.

[DOC_Agren]

I see...  there a plan a foot