I wondered when you were going to put the UD-4L Cheyenne into your story. Please, continue on.
Had to be used
A rogue super weapon.
Sounds like a Dragon Cat special to me. ::) }:) ;D
well...
Marik Palace, Marik
Marik-Stewart Commonwealth
Former Free Worlds League
7th March 3084 Rarely wining awards for its beauty the windswept Marik Ancestral Palace was a hive of activity although much of the politics had moved from Marik to Atreus since the formation of the Free Worlds League the world still wielded much influence. Even today when the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth stood alone from its other member states the world was still influential throughout the Free Worlds.
Today the Palace was a hive of activity not because of a great visitor instead for a departure today nine year old Duke Joseph Marik was heading for his first true trip off the world. Heading out alone into the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth on orders of his mother he would travel to the world of Washburn little more than a rest stop for the rest of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth it was also home to the greatest concentration of Mormons in the entire Free Worlds League and Joseph’s mother had enrolled him in school there intent on allowing him to learn wisdom and enlightenment from the religious order the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints a small but influential part of the Christian Faith within the Free Worlds League.
“I still do not understand…” Joseph protested looking at his mother at the entry gantry to his DropShip “I will learn nothing from them that I cannot learn from you.”
“Unfortunately as much as I would love that to be the case, I have our nation to teach as well as you and I will not sacrifice your education and youth just because my duties call me in opposite directions.” She said kneeling down in front of him “I love you my son however this is a better path for you than the one with me” she said wiping away a tear from her son’s face “you are my son, I expect you to behave yourself and listen to your teachers. Come back to me and your sister and prove my decision correct.” She said wiping her own face clear of tears, unfortunately there was little choice than what she was doing today with her Joseph would be a target from within and outwith the Commonwealth. Giselle had already been targeted twice in her short life, Corrine hoped that sending Joseph to little known Washburn with his bodyguard would hide him from eyes wanting to harm him or her and perhaps give him an education he could use in the future to help Giselle and the greater Commonwealth. She hated herself for sending him away however in the long run it would be for the best. “Now be the man I need you to be, that our nation needs, be a Duke of the Free Worlds League and show all these people you are a Marik and proud of this duty.”
“I will mother, I will make you proud” he said bringing himself to attention he mimicked a military salute before giving his mother a kiss on the cheek “I love you mother, I will do you proud.” He said stepping back nodding towards his mother before turning heading down the gantry entering his DropShip. Captain-General Corrine Marik remained at the spaceport until the DropShip was ready for take off and watched the vessel fly through the atmosphere and away from her homeworld, she silently hoped her choice was the right one for her young son.
Archer Christifori’s Officer
The Fort, Thorin
Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
14th March 3084 “Sir, have you seen this?” Major Katya Christifori said entering her husbands officer within the Fort on Thorin, her official start immediately alerted the Star League Defence Force’s Commanding-General to trouble he glanced over the order.
“It looks like the Department of Communications is expanding its influence.”
“By rights sir the money spent on that should be spend on the SLDF. The SLDF was reformed as a deterrent against the Clans now they want us to become a construction firm?”
“Broadening their influence and standing within the Inner Sphere, my presence here is a testament to that as well.” He said Thorin was still officially a Lyran world however day by day more of it was taken over by the SLDF, Archer had already been sounded out by several local officials who were waiting for the day that the world became a Protectorate world. “Gavin Dow was ComStar he no doubt holds education higher than most things, information and knowledge are just as powerful as a gun.”
“Even if it means less resources for your military.”
“Yes, I cannot really complain, with the inclusion of the Second Royal Armoured Division, the Second Black Watch coming to full strength and the Second Knights forming.” He paused and smiled briefly "and Katya, it's not my military, I purely serve as it's General."
“Of course sir, but what happened to you can never have enough resources?”
“Well quality is better than quantity and I think our people are very well trained and equipped. And that I won’t complain about. When the Prefect is complete we will have a heavy Cavalry unit as well.”
“How far along is its testing?”
“First prototype is complete so we shall soon see.” Archer said the SLDF was hedging much of its resources on the success of the design and as soon he’d seen the prototype he was confident on its strength. “Let Dow have his schools we have all that we need for now.”
LCS Yggdrasil (Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser)
Gillifillian’s Gold, Rim Collection
Periphery
21st March 3084 Within the main meeting room of the LCS Yggdrasil Archon Peter Steiner-Davion stood in front of the gathered press. “Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Lyrans, today I have agreed with President Flack Hunter that the Rim Collection will return to be an independent Periphery state. This decision I have not taken to lightly however after speaking to the people of the Rim Collection I can understand where this choice has come from and in many ways I can support it. The Rim Collection will remain a close ally of the Lyran people however change comes in many forms and sometimes making a change is an important time for many people. If the Collection ever sees the need to return to the Lyran fold they will be more than welcome.” Peter said stepping back from the waiting press he hated to lose the worlds of the Rim Collection however he also hated the idea of holding and insignificant territory against their will.
Mission: Revenge
Norfolk, Regulan Fiefs
Former Free Worlds League
24th March 3084 As their DropShip approached the planet of Norfolk Brigadier-General Alisande Faulkner entered the Mechbay around her the other eleven MechWarriors, twelve vehicle crews and the assorted infantry that had accompanied her. “We are on final approach to the planet of Norfolk and our target, we believe they are a subsidiary of Free Worlds Industries working under an assumed name and their entire reason for hiring the Wild Geese was to undermine Federated Suns companies and assets which would allow them to buy shares at rock bottom prices.” She explained briefly they had all looked at the information provided and knew the data “they used the Wild Geese to forward there plans now we will use them for target practice. We will land one kilometre inside the Park of Mechs the FWL Militia defending the planet do not patrol inside the park because of cultural and tourism bills.”
“Can we waste it too?” One of the Mechwarriors asked
“No, the Park of Mechs is of historical and cultural significance to the world of Norfolk and to the general Free Worlds League it still brings millions of visitors each year. We are not here to start another Succession War, if it makes you feel any better it has a couple of famous Federated Suns battles…”
“But none of ours” one of the infantry said “although I admit the idea of Mechs being as small as us is an appealing concept” he said the Park of Mechs had stone statues of Mechs 1/8th their normal size making them approximately the size of most adults, they were highly detailed and attracted much interest.
“Join the Clans their ProtoMechs are not much bigger than PBIs” Bondsman Tamara said she’d volunteered for this mission despite her non-warrior status, her Mech was in the bay as well, probably Faulkner requiring the Wild Geese’s best equipment.
“They will have a battle of ours” Alisande said cutting the discussion short “after today.” she added with a smile. “Once on the ground we will proceed to the Whyme Weapons Plant, we believe our employers reside in a bunker under the north eastern quarter of the plant. Once our Mechs and armour have secured the outside the DropShip will land and drop off our infantry who will proceed into the facility. Any resistance gets put down, anyone who surrenders we capture and all papers we can recover we do so. We owe the Federated Suns for trusting in us and allowing us to try and make good on our mistakes no mess ups and we all go home.” She said looking at the couple of dozen faces they all knew the stakes “lets get to it. Tamara stay a moment.” She said allowing the others to leave “raise your wrist.” She said Tamara did so. “You have come a long way since Corporal Cooper brought you to us from Clan Nova Cat, now you have another step to take” Alisande said severing the cord “become a Wild Geese and honour Cooper’s memory.” Tamara nodded a tear running down the former Nova Cat’s face Corporal Jasper Cooper had died in a raid on Victoria since his death Tamara’s time with the Wild Geese had been more difficult until Alisande had accepted her as her own Bondsman.
“I will” Tamara vowed “was this always the plan? Why my Mech is here?”
“There’s no-one else here that can pilot it.” Alisande said smiling looking at the Sphinx “she is a beauty though, now go get ready.” The General said heading for her own Highlander BattleMech.
An hour later the DropShip was burning through the atmosphere turning as it came down towards the surface “Bridge to Wild One.”
“Go ahead” Alisande said trust something to go wrong already
“We are receiving a call from the planet Priority One, their authentication clears.”
“Put them through.” She said wondering who even knew the Wild Geese were enroute.
“I repeat this is Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha, Priority One Comm. for Wild One. Authorization 672-Foxtrot-Delta.”
“Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha from Wild One. Authentication authorized. State business.”
“We want to join the party orders of Foxtrot-Sierra-Victor-Sierra-Delta.” The voice said naming the initials of the First Prince of the Federated Suns, this mission had just become an official one of the Federated Suns. “You are late, we have been here a week.”
“JumpShip trouble. Your mission?” Alisande asked checking the comm. was a secure one.
“Support you anyway we can, if you chose to do nothing we stand down, we will not prosecute business your show Wild One.” The trooper confirmed Alisande smiled, the Federated Suns were still supporting them despite recent events.
“Location”
“We’re at two positions alpha team eight thousand metres high aboard a Poseidon Mobile Engineering Platform bravo team heading east past the Park of Mechs aboard a Hector Road Train, twelve souls.” Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha replied although twelve did not sound like much the authorization code that had been given told Alisande that those twelve were members of the AFFS Elite Rabid Fox teams no doubt equipped with the best Battle Armour suit’s the Federated Suns could produce.
“Understood we are broadcasting coordinates for our area of operations do what you can and must. We are going in.”
“Understood General, we’ll be there.” The voice said signing off
“Six minutes from landing, no contacts at landing zone.” The DropShip commander announced throughout the Fortress-class DropShip.
Nearly ten minutes later the Wild Geese Mechs and Vehicles were on the ground heading for the Whyme Weapons Plant as their DropShip ascended back into the atmosphere staying out of reach by ground forces, it could "hop" around quicker than them by moving into orbit and landing again it would hopefully limit the fire directed at the ship. As the ground forces moved towards their objective they were joined by a Hector Road Train with two trailers attached, this eighty ton vehicle could travel huge distances across rugged terrain, this particular vehicle carried a six man Rabid Fox team each equipped with an Infiltrator III Heavy Battle Armour suit a not so insignificant asset for the Wild Geese's raid.
Thirty minutes later they engaged the defenders at the Thyme Weapons Plant a mixed company of Mech and armour supported by nearly fifty infantry troops. The Wild Geese Mechs quickly overpowered the local defenders allowing the DropShip to come in for a second landing.
"Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha to Wild One, we're inbound." The Rabid Fox commander said Alisande sat in her Mech looking at the screen as six further Infiltrator III Heavy Suits paragliding through the air towards their position firing magshot gauss fire into the back of a twenty-ton Marik Stinger as they glided under black para-foils. The light Mech suddenly losing nearly a ton of armour from its back and legs toppled forward and fell as the Rabid Fox team fired at its front armour and head.
"Nice to have you guys on our side."
"We will go in first create a beachhead - Wild PBI follow us." Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha replied still completely calm as his team detached their para-foils "Sierra-Zero-One-Bravo sit-rep."
"All accounted for." The female leader of the second replied like her counterpart the Rabid Fox commander seemed unfazed by the combat.
"Wild One to Romeo and Sierra Callsigns, We have the perimeter, remember we want leaders of this little group and any information you can capture. We were set up, we want to know who pulls the strings."
"Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha, Wild One, this is why we are here ma'am." The Rabid Fox commander acknowledged as his six man team led the Wild Geese infantry into the bunker. The complex was more extensive than it appeared even from the sophisticated BattleMech sensors of the Wild Geese ground units. Alisande knew this was not her area of expertise and she couldn't do much about what was going on underground despite how confused it sounded she knew the people she had in place were professionals.
"Wild One, Wild Twelve" Tamara called "I have incoming group of Mechs at long range, possibly a cluster I mean Battalion, they appear to have Regulan colours."
"Not militia?"
"Negative, my Mech has the speed and weapons to keep them on edge." Tamara suggested her Sphinx was a Clan built machine and was faster than most Inner Sphere heavy Mechs and far faster than Alisande's own Highlander.
"No risks Tamara, Heavy lance follow Wild Twelve's lead she has the firepower and speed for the encounter." She said she knew Leftenant Nicholas Lockhart was the commander of the lance but she also knew that he'd understand Alisande's reasoning it also gave Tamara a chance to show her worth for the Wild Geese. The four Mechs accelerated forward Tamara's Sphinx and the lance's Falconer powering ahead of the others Alisande could do little more than martial her troops and prepare for the incoming Regulan forces. She moved the Rabid Fox's Hector in front of the Fortress turning it towards the Wild Geese forces at each end making a makeshift wall a not particularly strong one but perhaps it would bring them a salvo or two from the incoming Regulans. All Alisande could do was listen and wait.
"...turn left ninety degrees"
"Watch behind you."
"Tamara, we need to retreat"
"Neg, one moment, Heavy lance fall back by numbers I have rearguard, Wild One confirmed single Battalion BattleMech. Older designs. Regulan colours. We are falling back, light damage two Mechs." She said over the comm.
"That's the final room cleared... Sierra-Zero-One-Bravo All clear repeat all clear. We are evacuating." Another voice announced from the facility.
"Wild One all callsigns PBI and support pulling back to DropShip, Mechs and armour cover fire. Heavy Lance retreat directly to DropShip. Main gun, fire at will full cover fire." Alisande ordered in rapid succession the four Mechs of heavy lance were nearing their location with long range sensors rapidly filling with contacts. Alisande braced herself for heavier combat behind and above her the massive Long Tom III Artillery Cannon housed in the Fortress' nose thundered into action firing several rounds in rapid succession. About a minute later behind the retreating heavy lance the Regulan forces were hit by the first salvo of weapons fire several contacts fell under the fire buying the heavy lance some more room Tamara's Sphinx continued to walk backwards firing its lasers taking damage at most turns but dealing out three times as much in return. Alisande added her own Gauss rifle and Long Range Missiles to Tamara's fire leveling another Regulan Mech.
"Wild One, Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha, infantry and packages secure, my people will hold the entrance." The Rabid Fox commander said Alisande glanced at her sensor display noticing the twelve Infiltrator III Battle Armour suits standing at the entrance of the Fortress.
"Understood heavy lance first, then armour, command will load next."
"Got you covered Ma'am"
"Stop calling me that" she complained with a small smile firing her weapons at another Regulan Mech, Tamara and the other four Mechs of heavy lance were approaching the Hector just as the Fortress' Long Tom fired again keeping the Regulans further back. "Tamara get your Mech inside." Alisande ordered stepping up to the Hector the Clan Mech was badly damaged but Tamara continued to fire her weapons.
"Moving, sir" she said her seventy-five ton Mech seemed to skip over the Hector placing Mech's humanoid hands on the rear trailer and skipping over the low area it was an amazingly fluid movement that almost looked like a human skipping a wall. Moments later an autocannon tore through the rear of the Hector tearing open the rear of the Road Train "surat!" Tamara shouted raising her left arm just ahead of her Mech's arm mounted laser the hand actuator was completely missing torn clear of the BattleMech.
"Forget it Tamara, we need to go, that's an order get inside!" Alisande said returning fire from the Regulans was intensifying. Tamara fired her weapons into the incoming enemy forces reversing her Mech into the Fortress-class DropShip as she continued to fire. "Armour next our job's done we need to get out of here, people no go slow today. Bridge begin launch prep T-minus three minutes." She ordered as Regulan fire tore into the forward section of the Hector, the vehicle exploded in a ball of fire showering Alisande's Mechs with shrapnel.
"Command lance continue firing, hold them back, Long Tom control are you empty?" She asked the Main Gun hadn't fired for a while. "Perimeter guns defensive fire."
"Bridge, Wild One, we could hit you with accidental fire."
"Understood if you don't fire we could be overrun" she said seeing one of her Mechs an Albatross explode from internal missile detonations. "Command lance continuous fire, all call signs retreat Rabids get inside nothing else you can do." She said seeing a Challenger MBT disappear into the DropShip. Overhead the main Long Tom Artillery piece fired again and again.
"Main Gun, Wild One, we're clean and empty." The DropShip's Long Tom gunners replied after firing several more salvos keeping the Regulan force busy.
"Understood store the gun." She said looking around only her Highlander, a Shootist and a Shadow Hawk BattleMech remained "Command Lance inside, I'm last Corporal Thomas you're first, Hernandez you're next."
"General, my Mech is a bodyguard Mech I should be last."
"Negative I'm the heaviest and this hail-mary was my idea, I pay for it." She said firing all her weapons at four targets. The Fortress' own guns were now also firing Thomas' Shadow Hawk disappeared into the DropShip followed by the Shootist leaving only Alisande's Mech. She turned her back on the DropShip and walked backwards slowly taking hits from four direction. "Control, boost off planet as-soon-as-possible."
"Get on board General" a distorted voice said Alisande however was struck by more fire tearing what was left of her Gauss rifle off.
"Not much chance of that..." Alisande whispered as something else hit her forward torso armour the Highlander staggered turning it to the left by the blow. "Control, this is an Omega order leave." She said the Highlander was stuck again this time on the torso destroying her main missile launcher. Behind her there was a rumble, the bridge had followed orders the Omega order as the Fortress began to take off "Go..." She whispered looking at her aft screens the back blast of the engines began to force her Mech forward but Alisande didn't care she typed her personal ID code into the keypad on her left hand side followed by 000X. Alisande didn't even bother to try and control her Mech or fire its weapons she only looked at the rapidly escaping DropShip and smiled "...with my blessing soar." she whispered before the Highlander exploded from its heart, the ninety ton Mech's 270 rated fusion engine let go all containment by her order and exploded in a huge fireball that engulfed almost the entire Regulan force around it. Most of the remains of the Battalion were surrounded in fire, some would survive, some wouldn't, the Wild Geese had their revenge... but was it worth it? Only time would tell, time gained by this mission.
