Author Topic: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2  (Read 246143 times)

cawest

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2079
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #840 on: 03 August 2017, 21:26:55 »
so are the Raven's going to get rid of that class of ship?  if so would they trade them or scrap them?  if the could sell them, then to who?  the other Clans might not want them.... the Sea Fox's could use them, but what about trading the tainted ship the SLDF?  that would be one trial that would be crazy to work out. 

Vition2

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 856
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #841 on: 03 August 2017, 21:53:59 »
so are the Raven's going to get rid of that class of ship?  if so would they trade them or scrap them?  if the could sell them, then to who?  the other Clans might not want them.... the Sea Fox's could use them, but what about trading the tainted ship the SLDF?  that would be one trial that would be crazy to work out.

As far as the Ravens are concerned, the entire class of ship is considered tainted by the actions of Gerry Harper.  In this case its not particularly difficult as it, and the 3 sister classes, were experimental ships, thus only one was produced and as it never actually passed its pre-combat trials a second one was never started.  Then the way I wrote it [and DC did some minor changes] invoked the most horrific experience in Raven history - one that nearly caused the absorption of the entire clan and is integral to Raven identity.  Even if the Ravens lost a trial for the design, they would likely trial over the annihilation of every warship as its keel is laid, then again as it leaves the slip, then the slip itself is probably next, then... you probably get the idea.  ;)

To your last point, technically that would be trading a clan-tech design (even if done through what would normally be a legitimate trial), something expressly forbidden by the Clan Grand Council.

The odds of the design specs actually surviving the purge brought on by Vir infinitesimally small - though until the ship itself is brought low, there will always be potential in its revival.

One last thing to note, Vir knows his order to purge the design specs and, more importantly, the genebanks is overstepping his authority.  But the reasons behind it likely give him a very strong backing in the Raven Clan Council, the the point where his credibility and authority over the clan may even increase significantly.

Edit: The above are my words, not DC's he can choose whatever path he feels appropriate for his setting, this is just how I see it playing out.

Dragon Cat

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7827
  • Not Dead Until I Say So
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #842 on: 04 August 2017, 02:28:14 »
I do not disagree with that Vition2 said there was only one ship, it is now rogue, there won't be anymore built.  Vir will face issues with the Clan Council in the future over the threat to blood heritages.  And the Sceptre won't be going away either we'll see what trouble it gets into in the future.
My three main Alternate Timeline with Thanks fan-fiction threads are in the links below. I'm always open to suggestions or additions to be incorporated so if you feel you wish to add something feel free. There's non-canon units, equipment, people, events, erm... Solar Systems spread throughout so please enjoy

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,20515.0.html - Part 1

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,52013.0.html - Part 2

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,79196.0.html - Part 3

Wrangler

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 24875
  • Dang it!
    • Battletech Fanon Wiki
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #843 on: 04 August 2017, 11:43:35 »
The design can re-designed/redone so it won't be a Sceptre.  It takes years to design a ship, it would be wasteful to be rid of the core design that a considerable number of resources were poured into it and to just get rid of it because of the actions of few.

EDIT: I felt compelled to fix this. My computer wasn't behaving at the time I was typing this.
« Last Edit: 04 August 2017, 12:00:10 by Wrangler »
"Men, fetch the Urbanmechs.  We have an interrogation to attend to." - jklantern
"How do you defeat a Dragau? Shoot the damn thing. Lots." - Jellico 
"No, it's a "Most Awesome Blues Brothers scene Reenactment EVER" waiting to happen." VotW Destrier - Weirdo  
"It's 200 LY to Sian, we got a full load of shells, a half a platoon of Grenadiers, it's exploding outside, and we're wearing flak jackets." VoTW Destrier - Misterpants
-Editor on Battletech Fanon Wiki

Vition2

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 856
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #844 on: 04 August 2017, 11:52:22 »
The design can re-designed/redone so it won't be a Sceptre.  It takes years to design a ship, be wasteful to be rid of the core design that had resources poured into it and gotten rid of act of few.

In most cases, yes this would be true, but the Sceptre is very heavily based on the Splendid ship design - in fact, it is really just a major weapon upgrade and reorientation package over the original.  Compared to the other three designs, it keeps the most in common with the parent design.

GermanSumo

  • Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 188
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #845 on: 04 August 2017, 13:11:00 »
The design can re-designed/redone so it won't be a Sceptre.  It takes years to design a ship, it would be wasteful to be rid of the core design that a considerable number of resources were poured into it and to just get rid of it because of the actions of few.


we have a precedence in clan culture. the wolverine. a widely respected mech in the is and sldf (i personally dislike it, but hey...) was never re-visited by anybody after the wolverine annihilation. so... its quite logical that at least the snow ravens wont revamp the design or accept anybody to do so.

Wrangler

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 24875
  • Dang it!
    • Battletech Fanon Wiki
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #846 on: 04 August 2017, 13:16:02 »
we have a precedence in clan culture. the wolverine. a widely respected mech in the is and sldf (i personally dislike it, but hey...) was never re-visited by anybody after the wolverine annihilation. so... its quite logical that at least the snow ravens wont revamp the design or accept anybody to do so.
I believe it became the Conjurer (better known as the Hellhound) actually based on the Wolverine.
"Men, fetch the Urbanmechs.  We have an interrogation to attend to." - jklantern
"How do you defeat a Dragau? Shoot the damn thing. Lots." - Jellico 
"No, it's a "Most Awesome Blues Brothers scene Reenactment EVER" waiting to happen." VotW Destrier - Weirdo  
"It's 200 LY to Sian, we got a full load of shells, a half a platoon of Grenadiers, it's exploding outside, and we're wearing flak jackets." VoTW Destrier - Misterpants
-Editor on Battletech Fanon Wiki

truetanker

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9901
  • Clan Hells Horses 666th Mech. Assualt Cluster
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #847 on: 04 August 2017, 15:27:50 »
* Imagines the Whispers getting ahold of a Scorpion II, what fun! *

Really looking forward to seeing what your up to next DC...

TT
Khan, Clan Iron Dolphin
Azeroth Pocketverse
That is, if true tanker doesn't beat me to it. He makes truly evil units.Col.Hengist on 31 May 2013
TT, we know you are the master of nasty  O0 ~ Fletch on 22 June 2013
If I'm attacking you, conventional wisom says to bring 3x your force.  I want extra insurance, so I'll bring 4 for every 1 of what you have :D ~ Tai Dai Cultist on 21 April 2016
Me: Would you rather fight my Epithymía Thanátou from the Whispers of Blake?
Nav_Alpha: That THING... that is horrid
~ Nav_Alpha on 10 October 2016

snakespinner

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2688
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #848 on: 04 August 2017, 23:05:36 »
Funny thing, I was just thinking about how a nice addition the Sceptre would make to the Wobbie fleet. }:)
I wish I could get a good grip on reality, then I would choke it.
Growing old is inevitable,
Growing up is optional.
Watching TrueToaster create evil genius, priceless...everything else is just sub-par.

Blackhorse 6

  • Night Stalker Moderator
  • Global Moderator
  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1455
  • Uh huh...
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #849 on: 08 August 2017, 09:26:38 »
Funny thing, I was just thinking about how a nice addition the Sceptre would make to the Wobbie fleet. }:)

 :o sicko...  ;)

Dragon Cat

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7827
  • Not Dead Until I Say So
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #850 on: 14 August 2017, 03:22:41 »
My thanks to James Tanaga for the pirate part to start, and Vition for the Montbatton piece

LaGrange Point
Zeta Shimae V, Pirate Space
Periphery
1st April, 3110


Kaptain Michael Schwartz looked at his screen, watching as his fighter screen were about to reach the pirate’s own and their accompanying DropShips. He was buckled in his captain’s seat onboard the LCDS Train Wreck it one of two Overlord A3 DropShips assigned to the Seventh Lyran Regulars as close support escorts. He couldn’t shake the feeling something was not right, had felt it ever since he and the rest of the Seventh Lyran Regulars had jumped into the system, yet he couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause for this.

Perhaps it was just his nerves, he thought to himself, as he watched his fighters began to descend on the pirates. Then the fighting began.

“Tactical, target the enemy Overlord and began bracket fire with our AR-10’s,” he ordered out loud, just as his fighter’s met the enemy.

“Yes, Kaptain!” he heard the young Warrant officer yell out. Moments later, he saw the first salvo from the two AR-10 missile launchers launch from his dropship towards the pirate’s own and nodded. All so far according to plan, he thought.

Yet just as they were about to hit and likely destroy the enemy Overlord, they disappeared from the screen. “Tactical, confirm the first missile salvo did not, repeat not, hit target!” he yelled out brusquely.

“Confirmed Sir!” the Warrant Officer sounded out a moment later. “Squadron Leader Jason McCain reports enemy Overlord is armed with AMS!”

“I hate it when I’m right,” Michael commented. “Tactical, order our gunners to target the enemy Overlord with extreme prejudice. I want it dead yesterday, Verstanden?”

“Roger that!” the young woman growled out.

“Comms, order the LCDS Whiplash to move in for support,” Michael ordered out.

“Doing so now,” was the other Warrant Officer’s immediate reply.

“Sir!” the female Wrrant Officer manning Tactical yelled out anxiously. “Unidentified ship just entered the system!”

“What the hell!” Michael yelled out as he quickly tapped his screen to full Tactical and saw the threat. “Oh Scheiße!”

He watched in horror as the Seventh Lyran Regulars JumpShip icons began to disappear one after another.  “Sir!” he heard the female Warrant Officer manning Tactical yell out. “LCDS Whiplash reports enemy WarShip of unknown class in system and destroying our JumpShips!”

He paled. “Conn, turn us about! Order all dropships to rally to us immediately!” If they were indeed facing an enemy WarShip, only their combined efforts could fight the WarShip off. If they were lucky.

As the DropShip turned about and began its burn to the other dropships, his hopes were dashed. Where the Fighting Seventh’s JumpShips once were sat a large WarShip, at least a cruiser, he judged.

“Sir, Squadron Leader Jason McCain reports his fighters are completely ineffective against the enemy Overlord and has lost two of his squadron!”

He shook his head hopelessly as he saw the other dropship’s belonging to the Fighting Seventh began to be destroyed by accurate NPPC and missile fire coming from the enemy WarShip.  “Comms! Announce our surrender now!”

As he heard the warrant officer manning the comm station signal their surrender, he could only watch in horror as more and more Lyran DropShips were destroyed. Suddenly, he saw a bright light then blackness as the LCDS Train Wreck exploded.

Cargo Bay, Sceptre
Uninhabited System, Raven Alliance
Periphery
3rd April 3110


   With most of the crew present Star Captain Gerry Harper stood in front of the remaining crew of the Sceptre.  The vessel had taken minor damage in the New Samarkand system but it was damage they couldn’t replace, as would every loss from now on.  “The Raven Khan has declared us rogue for our actions in the New Samarkand system.”

   “Your actions in the system” Pilot warrior Richard stated angrily.

   “Yes, my actions and the actions of this crew, we failed to prepare Sceptre for battle, you all followed my orders and failed to challenge my leadership.” He said bluntly he knew his failings he had seen the damage wrought by Sceptre’s weapons on the surface of New Samarkand.

   “You surrender to the Ravens we could be accepted back into the Clan” another suggested.

   “Neg, the Raven Khan has cast us out, the Raven Khan!”  Security Chief Elemental Quinn Shu said looking around the room.  She was seated in a corner looking at the floor she was in her thirties like Harper and heading towards the end of her career but she knew Raven rules as well as anyone.  “They will fire first and ask questions a far second.”

   “So what are we supposed to do?”  Weapons officer Paige Cooper asked her bloodname now only a mark on an ended career and life something they were all now feeling.

   “Miraposa” Harper said looking around the room seeing the sense of loss among them turn into anger.

   “That’s a Dark Caste hole!” One shouted angrily

   “They are nothing better than pirates!”

   “Neither are we” another countered.

   “Hear out the Captain” another voice said.

   “Quieten the hell down!”  Quinn Shu shouted gaining their attention as she rose to her feet standing beside Harper because of his Elemental blood he stood just as tall and as broad shouldered as her.  “Choose your words carefully” she said glancing at him.

   “The people of Miraposa are former Clansmen” Harper explained “we are unfortunately former Clansmen.  We will invite people to trial for positions on this crew” he saw their disappointed faces “we will only take those who are capable of contributing.  We will trial or trade for the supplies and food we need to keep this ship and this crew operational.”  He said they didn’t look entirely convinced but none of them argued.  “Now get back to work!”  He said taking command.  As the crew Harper was aware of Shu had remained close to him.

   “I would keep a weapon near your person at all times, one that can penetrate Elemental armour.”

   “You do not think you can control your people quineg?”

   “Who said anything about my people?”  She said smirking looking at her Captain “we are old warriors Captain Harper.  This was my last mission as an Elemental commander on board a WarShip I would have been reduced to a JumpShip or a Solahma unit.  Now perhaps I can die as a Warrior on board a WarShip that could regain its pride and honour see us right, Captain, or watch your back.”  She said walking off leaving him in the cargo bay he would keep his crew together and ensure they all wanted to serve on the ship he would make this work and the Raven Khan could be damned.

Trial of Possession
Anjin Muerto, Crucis March
Federated Suns
9th April 3110


Following Nova Cat victories that had seen the Clan push as far into the Federated Suns as Brockton Marshal of Armies Sora Higginson along with the First Crucis Lancers RCT travelled to the region assaulting and capturing Wetumpka, Broken Wheel, Marielund, Lackland and Skeppetana before landing on Anjin Muerto.  From Anjin Muerto the Marshal of Armies broadcast a message into the Nova Cat’s Den which was simple.  “The Nova Cats are invited to a Trial of Possession for Anjin Muerto.  If victorious they may claim this system and continue operations.  If they fail they will retreat from Anjin Muerto and both sides will cease attacks for a minimum period of six months.”  It was a challenge the honour bound Clan could not refuse and it was a challenge that Khan Canin Rosse himself could not refuse.

Landing south of the capital two clusters of Nova Cats moved forward towards a defence line of the Crucis Lancers engaging first at long range and then in a close quarters brawl.  Running through the centre of the Crucis Lancers formation Khan Canin Rosse’s recently deployed Dragon Cat II OmniMech is a complete surprise for the Federated Suns lines as are several laser reflective and flame resistant Nova Cat designs allowing them to penetrate deeply into the Cruics Lancer formation and allowing Khan Rosse to personally down Marshal of Armies Sora Higginson’s Argus OmniMech.  Although Canin is successful in taking down the Marshal the Nova Cats are unable to turn the tide of the battle and after eight hours of heavy fighting the Clan retreats to its landing zone surrendering the trial.  Unwilling to challenge the firepower of the Nova Cats and their DropShips the remains of the Crucis Lancers allow the Nova Cats to leave the planet beginning the six month cease fire.

A month after the fall of Sora Higginson First Prince Burton Davion announces that his younger brother Fredrick would become the new Marshal of Armies.  Already the Prince’s Champion Fredrick immediately accepts the position and orders a reinforcement of the Nova Cat and Draconis Combine borders.

Public Announcement
Imperial Palace, New Samarkand
Military District of Midway, Draconis Combine
12th April 3110


In front of selected reporters and guests Gunji-no-Kanrei Hirohito Kurita took the stand in front of the tri-vid cameras a black band had been added to the left arm of his immaculate uniform.  “Fellow citizens of the Draconis Combine it is my duty to inform you that Warlord Minoru Kurita, my father, did not survive the wounds that were inflicted upon him in the Snow Raven attack on New Samarkand the Draconis Combine has been harmed by a deadly enemy…” he said pausing as if wishing to say something else “but we are not lost.”  He said glancing over his shoulder “my father served as Warlord of the Draconis Combine in the place of Vincent Kurita and in the stead of an heir who is now ready to assume his rightful position.  Allow me to introduce Coordinator of the Draconis Combine, Prince of New Samarkand and the head of the Kurita family Akira, son of Vincent Kurita.”  He said remaining on the podium for a moment before stepping aside allowing Akira Kurita to step forwards and take his place.

“People of the Draconis Combine, we have lost a great leader in my uncle Minoru Kurita and many of you do not know me.”  He said glancing at Hirohito Kurita who nodded his support “I protect the Draconis Combine to the best of my ability and I will do my uncle proudly.  With the people of the Draconis Combine we will do great things for our nation and see recent failures reversed and our enemies fear the armies of House Kurita.”  He said glancing at the podium again “to this end Draconis Combine forces have destroyed the Nova Cat WarShip Obilisk in the Kamarod along with two clusters of Nova Cat forces.  We will turn this Clan menace from our borders and return all the worlds that rightfully belong to this nation to the Combine’s flag.”  He didn’t mention the Nova Cat successes at Altona and Ad Duwayd which had both fallen to the Clan forces.  An attack on Lupine V was turned back by the Star League Defence Force who had held up against the Nova Cat attackers.

Market Place, Junction C Settlement
Mariposa, Independent World
Periphery
15th April 3110


A show of force flown by the aerospace fighter pilots of the Sceptre was all it had taken to get Star Captain Gerry Harper a place in the centre of Junction C the largest settlement on Mariposa.  Now he was surrounded by several hundred civilians “I am Star Captain Gerry Harper” he said identifying himself to the crowd surrounding his position was an entire star of Elemental warriors in full Battle Armour each with the Snow Raven insignia crossed out on their suits.  “I am the commander of the Strike Cruiser Sceptre we have broken from Clan Snow Raven and I invite you to join us.  I have positions for naval trained crewmen, aerospace pilots, Elementals and technicians.  This is a WarShip I will not be taking passengers everyone must pull their weight and prove they can join my crew.”  He said seeing many who looked interested and many others who looked angry.

“What happened to the Scopuli?”  One called out naming an Invader-class JumpShip which had been coming to the system.

“The Scopuli was intercepted by my aerospace fighters.  We are transferring food, fuel and supplies from the vessel.”
“WE NEED THAT FOOD HERE!”  Another shouted angrily raising his arm in anger this time the Elementals surrounding Harper raised their arm mounted weapons, they were moments from a bloodbath, Harper could see the trouble building.
“There will be more food; more supplies for you my WarShip needed those supplies now.”  Harper said firmly “listen to me carefully we do not wish to bring further harm to you but we will defend ourselves if necessary.”

“You’re acting like a Clansmen Harper too honourable for your own good.  That won’t last.”  A man said he stood off to the side at least forty years old he wore a leather jacket over a red shirt with dark jeans and very clearly wore two side arms.  He seemed to take pleasure in using contractions to irritate the Clansmen.  “You didn’t land in a DropShip which indicates to me you don’t have BattleMechs you won’t get far without BattleMechs.”

“I could level this settlement and every other on this planet without BattleMechs” Harper pointed out at the man.
“Aye, you could do just that but then you wouldn’t get the supplies or the people you want.  BattleMechs could get those for you.”  He said the crowd seemed to be looking back and fourth between the two men.

“I can only use what I have got” Harper said

“You could have so much more” he said “without harming these people.  In fact you could help them.”  He said making his way through the crowd.  One of the Elementals glanced in Harper’s direction and stepped aside allowing him to approach “I am Stefan Banacek I will attach my DropShip and my unit to your vessel if you will take us away from the Ravens.”  He said in front of the crowd before stepping forwards and continuing in a low voice “in exchange you will provide this settlement with two small craft which they can use to transfer food and supplies between settlements lessening the impact of your raid.”

“What do you owe these people?”

“They took us in when the Serpents fell we have fought with them and they have fought with us.”

“So why abandon them?”  Harper asked keeping his voice low.

“You offer a chance to move on and perhaps allow us to link up with other elements that moved through the atmosphere.  Also we’ve raided the Alliance recently and the Ravens do not give up on their debts.”

“The Ravens are after us as well” Harper pointed out thinking about what Banacek had said about other units out there that could also join them.  “I accept your offer Stefan Banacek” he said in a louder voice and I will not leave the people of this world high and dry.  I will leave two small craft which you can use to move supplies and people to make Mariposa a more effective colony world.”  He said several hours later Banacek’s Overlord C-class DropShip rose to orbit to join the Sceptre.

-------------------------------

As the Sceptre began to turn away from the planet of Mariposa there were several jump signatures registered as the Karl Devalis, an Anna Rosse-class Battle-cruiser and several JumpShips arrived in the star system.

“They didn’t take long” Harper noted looking at the screens the Anna Rosse-class vessel was bigger and carried a heavier armament than the Sceptre it also carried more secondary craft and DropShips with those carried by the JumpShips also factored in they were heavily outgunned.  “Have the Konstantin remain close to us and turn us deeper into the system.”

“Query from Konstantin we are heading into the system?”  Tech Lewis asked as the WarShip began to turn.

“Confirm it we will jump by a pirate point, if Konstantin maintains our pace we will collect them at the pirate point.”  He said watching as the Overlord maintained its acceleration moving with the WarShip the additional crew on the vessel, and from the ground forces, would be a drain on resources but they’d also hopefully provide his vessel with far more options with dealing with threats.  “Helm, the Ravens are days away we need to maintain course for that point we have to hope the Ravens are unable to complete an inter-system jump.”

“The Anna Rosse design is more than fifty years old she was not built with a Mark II LF Battery.”  Amanda Lankenau commented from the helm position of all the bridge officers she would probably be his biggest threat in the future experienced she was also very capable having also won her bloodname so far she had not said much about their current path but time would reveal all.

“Aff, we should be able to jump clear but the Ravens will not give up easily.”  He said nearly sixteen hours later the Sceptre took back on board the Konstantin and jumped clear from the star system.  They did not see the Ravens arrival at Mariposa where they brutally put down the Dark Caste there as they added the world to the Raven Alliance, days later the nearby independent world of Argo was also added to the Raven’s domain.

Wolf Trials
Star League Protectorate
22nd April 3110


In the first proper assault by Clan Wolf against the Star League Defence Forces of the Star League Protectorate the Wolves assault Brodon, Nathan and Alphard.  The Wolves are forced off all three worlds by a determined Star League Defence but it is clear that the Clan wishes to push into the Star Leauge Protectorate.

Conference Chamber
Mountbatton, Texas-class Battleship
Nexus Ri, Shared world Raven-Combine Border
23th April, 3110


With most of their resources going to rebuilding New Samarkand, the Combine had very few resources in the area to assist in canvassing Nexus Ri for settlement sites, the Ravens allowed a perfunctory trial for a pair of DropShips and their personnel to utilize a small portion of the Mountbatton as a base of operations.

“What is this?!  I was told we were going to share this world”  Ashida Matsumo exclaimed shortly after walking into the conference room and noting a number of sites on the planetary map bearing Raven Alliance iconography.

Holding out a tablet the head Raven scientist calmly states “Master Surveyor Matsumo, I suggest you look through this data before coming to any conclusions.”

“And use the trumped up information you Cla-”

“Ravens do not lie, Master Surveyor, the data on this device is accurate and complete.”  Scientist Sava stated, bristling slightly.

Ashida grabbed the tablet despite his shock at the bluntness of the Raven official and began looking over the data.  He was surprised by the parity between the sites the Ravens had already claimed and other sites that had been left open to the Combine.  “We will need to assay the sites ourselves to determine both the veracity of this data and quality of the sites themselves.”

“Of course, Master Surveyor, be warned, make your comings and goings explicit to the Star Commodore, he dislikes you Dragons and will use any excuse to remove you.”

“Thank you and you can call me Ashida.”

“Sava.”

Ashida turned and strode out of the conference room to meet with his teams and to start getting to work.  Over the next week, the dozen survey crews he brought with him have assayed nearly a score of promising sites.  He forwarded his findings and recommendations to New Samarkand hoping that the new rulership on the Combine capital was still content with sharing this world with the Ravens.

While Ashida was surveying sites diplomacy was being done in another part of the ship revolving around the areas which would be used for trials.  Quite a few locations are chosen with a large variety of both terrain and atmospheric conditions, but it is explicitly decided that no trials would take place within 50 km of any settlement to stop any collateral damage.

Towards the end of the month the Ravens bring in their first Carrack full of preliminary supplies and personnel. Meanwhile on Milligan’s World, the Ravens offer resettlement and specialized trainings for those wishing to emigrate to Nexus Ri - over the next few months, quite a few end up choosing this option taking up residence and begin trainings in the Eden Rose which continues to provide relief to the world’s suffering population.
« Last Edit: 14 August 2017, 04:08:59 by Dragon Cat »
My three main Alternate Timeline with Thanks fan-fiction threads are in the links below. I'm always open to suggestions or additions to be incorporated so if you feel you wish to add something feel free. There's non-canon units, equipment, people, events, erm... Solar Systems spread throughout so please enjoy

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,20515.0.html - Part 1

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,52013.0.html - Part 2

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,79196.0.html - Part 3

marauder648

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 8157
    • Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #851 on: 14 August 2017, 04:07:19 »
Excellent update and Long Live the Coordinator (Possibly throw a Banzai in there).  At least there's some peace along the Cats/Suns border and the peace between the Ravens and Combine appears to be holding.
Ghost Bears: Cute and cuddly. Until you remember its a BLOODY BEAR!

Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs - https://thezhukovau.wordpress.com/

Dragon Cat

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7827
  • Not Dead Until I Say So
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #852 on: 21 August 2017, 19:29:09 »
Grand Mistress of Lothario’s Office
Vatnajökull, Lothario
Lothian League, Periphery
3rd May 3110


The office of the Grand Mistress of Lothario did not look like one that belonged to a leader of a state instead it looked more like the office of a companies Chief Executive Officer and was placed on top of a eight story tower block in the capital city of Vatnajökull.  “Welcome to Vatnajökull I hope your trip was comfortable.” Grand Mistress Clarissa Logan said welcoming Senator-Duke Lionel Washington to her office.

“It was I see the new road works have far improved the transportation links” the Senator-Duke said commenting on the recent works that had been completed on Lothario.

“Yes they are a great improvement and we have much to thank you for Senator if it was not for Free Worlds League investment.”

“The Captain-General desires to have strong and peaceful borders with our neighbours.”   Washington said “which is why he did not oppose the Lothian League when you brought the border systems into your realm.”

“They also wished peace my nation offered peace the recent pirate activity in the Son Hou Theatre has indicated that the Lyrans are unable to protect them.  My deployment of the Hellraisers and other mercenary commands has brought stability to the region.”

“That stability and protection is something that the Free Worlds League could offer to this entire region.”  He said handing over a folder.  Clarissa took it in her hands and flicked the first page.

“You would divide my nation?”  She remarked angrily looking through the first page.

“Under the initial proposal sent to Captain-General Abraham Ledford that was what the Free Worlds League desired…”

“War” the Grand Mistress stated standing up placing the folder down Washington reached over and pointed at the bottom of the page to a single red line which read “REJECTED BY CAPTAIN-GENERAL.”

“Not war” she said as Washington flicked over the page to reveal a second proposal.  “Alliance?”  She whispered retaking her chair looking over the page.

“Not alliance” Washington said quietly “integration.  The Captain-General Abraham Ledford proposes that the Lothan League becomes the District of Lothario.  It maintains its present borders and worlds within the greater Free Worlds League with each of your worlds afforded a vote at the Free Worlds League Parliament and your vote equal to that held by the other District Leaders.”

“With no strings attached?”  She asked looking over the page

“You will have to let Free Worlds League units and WarShips cross your district’s borders and your worlds will owe taxes towards the running of the Free Worlds League.  You will also have to accept that each of your worlds now will have to adhere to the rules of the Free Worlds League, adopt our laws and accept democracy is part of the ruling of your planets.”  He explained “in exchange your people will benefit from the greater defence, more investment in infrastructure, communications, health and education.”  He said showing her the two sides of the coin.  As it stood the worlds answered to her ruler ship and each of the mercenary commands were personally hired by the money from her accounts under these plans that would not last, then again nor could her personal finances.

“How long do we have to decide?”

“As long as you require” Lionel Washington said standing leaving the documents on the table.  “Grand Mistress, this might appear to be a take over by a nation greater than yours but really this is making one great nation even better, join us become the seventh District of the Free Worlds League one sum of the greater whole.”  He said bowing his head slightly before turning to leave.  Nearly a week past before Grand Mistress Clarissa Logan put out the call for the other planetary leaders of the Lothian League to come together, the small nation lacked the HPG resources to discuss this while apart.  By the end of June the Lothian League agreed to the Free Worlds League’s offer becoming the District of Lothario and joining the larger nation.  Within a couple of weeks of the initial agreement being made between Lothario and the Free Worlds League several more independent worlds around the nation are also folded into the new district.

Nadir Point, WarShip Sceptre
Actium, Independent World
Periphery
12th May 3110


   Missiles, lasers and autocannon fire filed the space around the Sceptre as it emerged at the Nadir point of the Actium system they had expected an empty star system perhaps somewhere they could gain more food but not fight a battle.  “Detach the Konstantin, Lewis, have them head directly away from the fighting we will cover!”  Star Captain Gerry Harper commanded as the Sceptre was rocked by enemy fire “helm as soon as they are clear I want military thrust available immediately” he commanded Amanda Lankeneau as he looked at the sensors the Sceptre had jumped into the unclaimed system of Actium and found a Nova Cat supply convoy waiting at the jump point.  The five JumpShips were already fast charging their jump drives to escape while the two Carrack-class Military Tansport ships were turning to attack the far larger Sceptre her respected their dedication and bravery but the former-Raven Strike Cruiser was a more capable vessel than the two transport WarShips.  “Weapons target and destroy Chatham but disable Small Chance we need intelligence and hopefully some supplies.”  He ordered the Sceptre moved between the two Nova Cat WarShips and fired a pair of broadsides the salvo directed on Chatham did not hold back instead it ravaged the small transport vessel penetrating the armour from multiple actions shredding the vessel.  By comparison the assault on the Small Chance burned through the aft sections of the vessel destroying the engineering sections.

   “The last JumpShip has cleared the system” Kimi reported from the sensor station “Catham is dead in space.  Small Chance is showing heavy damage to its engineering section.”

   “Amanda bring us into their aft arc and have our Elementals prepare for boarding action.”

   “Konstantin, reports they are ready to earn their keep” Lewis reported from the other side of the bridge as Nova Cat and Sceptre aerospace fighters continued to duel between the two WarShips.

   “There are still active weapons arrays on that ship” Harper noted but even as he spoke the Konstantin was in motion rolling over the Carrack opening its main cargo bay door as it went deploying BattleMechs and Battle Armour units directly onto the hull.  The Konstantin took several laser and missile hits but none of the Small Chance’s capital guns struck the Overlord C as it dived away past the rear of the WarShip.

   On the hull of the Carrack the Star of BattleMechs went to work quickly targeting the active weapons arrays near them before Battle Armour troops breached the hull from two entry points.  “Pass to Stefan Banacek that we need survivors to interrogate.” Harper said glancing at Lewis as he watched the displays of the efficient boarding action Banacek’s personnel showing they were an asset to the Sceptre; a dangerous one.

----------------

   Nearly three hours later the thirty-two Nova Cat survivors from the two WarShips and their aerospace fighters had been interrogated by the Sceptre’s crew.  It was very clear that the Raven Khan had cast them completely out of Clan society and that even being captured by another Clan would not repair the damage.  The Nova Cats also had more than thirty active WarShips operating inside their territory not to mention space habitats and individual aerospace fighter units.

   “We cannot traverse the Nova Cat’s Den” Gerry Harper said looking over the data, he looked between Stefan Banacek and Quinn Shu neither seemed to disagree.  “Our only other options are we try to move through the periphery avoiding Clan Nova Cat’s claimed space and hope to find the supplies that will keep us operating.  Or we attempt to pass through the Federated Suns periphery region using uninhabited systems to avoid their navy.”

   “We cannot live in hope in the periphery this crew would turn against itself.”  Shu noted

   “We cannot hope to avoid the Federated Suns military for long it is extensive” Banakek noted “even using the battery we’ll encounter them eventually.”

   “Clansmen don’t run from a fight” Harper noted looking at the former Adder bloodnamed warrior he wondered how much of Banacek’s fight had been taken with the fall of the Adders and the Serpents.

   “Aff, but we are technically no longer Clansmen.  We cannot look at ourselves as such nor can we expect our enemies to treat us that way.  We are dark caste little more.”  He said glancing between the two Ravens “now my people can assist in gaining us supplies the Federated Suns periphery region but we need to pick our targets properly and we need to act like the pirates that they will see us as.”

   “We still don’t have a final target.  This crew deserve to know where they are going.” Shu noted Harper glanced at her for her use of contractions wondering how quickly this crew would succumb to the dark caste’s ways.

   “We need to supply the Sceptre with parts; fuel and food for this crew even with what we have taken here it will only go so far.  For now we allow the need to supply drive this crew.”

   “That will only go so far” Banacek said producing a small memory drive from within his jacket “this is a list of the former Clan units I know are operational.”  He said seeing Harper’s surprise at this new revelation and wondering where the information had come from.  Banacek it seemed had already picked up on Harper’s curiosity “there are back doors into the Sea Fox Chatterweb you just need to know how to access them.  The dark caste in the homeworlds used them for years it didn’t take long for that to pass to the OZs the same practices continue under the Clan’s noses everyday.  Even as the Watch gets more effective so do we.”  He explained handing over the drive to Harper “perhaps we can find a group this crew will be comfortable with joining.”

   “Why didn’t you DropShip attempt to make such an alliance?”  Shu asked looking from the drive back towards Banacek.   

   “Because I didn’t have a seven hundred thousand ton WarShip at my back” Banacek admitted “you do not place your trust in anyone but those on your own crew.”

   “Then why trust us?”  Harper asked

   “Sometimes you have to take a chance at making a better future.”

   “Aff” Harper agreed “then we are going to take a chance and pass through the Federated Suns we will rely on our guns and our skill to see us through to one of these groups and forge an alliance that will see us prosper.”  He said raising the drive up a little they were placing their future in the data it contained and trusting that they had enough firepower to overwhelm anyone who disagreed with them.

Clan Blood Spirit Command, Khan’s office
Haven, Deep Periphery
Clan Homeworlds
17th May 3110


   With the remaining Goliath Scorpions in tow it had taken longer than Alex Lassenum had expected to return to Haven.  On arrival in the system he had heard that Khan Katja Keller had been killed in a raid on the Society production world of Gatekeeper.  That alone had shocked him, the Old Khan, the leader of his Clan was dead he never expected that to happen in his lifetime instead that she’d outlive them all.  What shocked him more was when those who met him on Haven referred to him as ovKhan, honoured superior, most of them should barely have known him but instead wherever he stepped on Haven the people there made way for him right the way up until he reached the Khan’s office.  There he met Star Captain Wesley Sukhanov “Star Captain, I did not expect to see you here.”  He said his guard up around the old warrior he knew that the Khan had met with him before their ships departed but did not know the contents of the conversation.

   “I did not expect to be here, it has been many years, but when I head of Katja’s death I knew that I had to do my last duty for my Khan.”  He said reaching into his jacket’s pocket he drew out a small data pad which he placed on the white glass table which was probably the most advanced and modern item in the room “the Old Khan charged me with delivering this to you in the event of her death.”

   “She knew this would happen quineg?”

   “Neg, but she had been around long enough to know she needed to make a plan.  A plan that now lies to you to complete.”  He said crossing his arm across his chest in salute “ovKhan” he said before leaving Alex alone in the room.  He slowly crossed over to the table and sat in the old leather recliner chair looking at the old flat screen computer on the desk.  It took him a moment to find the courage to connect the data pad to the computer but when he did the program itself took over.

   “This message is for Star Colonel Alex Lassenum.”  Katja Keller said looking at the camera “Alex, I am dead and I am sorry I misled you, the Osis Pride was not my target in fact I do not know where the ship is.”  She admitted “instead I planned to eliminate the new Scientist General on Gatekeeper as well as damage their production there, it was perhaps a plan too far but my contingency plan was already in motion.  You” she said pausing “Alex you may not think that you are ready to be a Khan but you are, you are the one senior officer I know that is ready to embrace what the Blood Spirits could be.”  She said “others remember what the Blood Spirits were and are ready to see them return to that hidden at Colleen they could live their lives until the Society found them, which will happen Alex, instead our Clan needs to continue its attacks against our enemies keep them uneasy keep them away from Colleen.”  She said pausing looking away from the camera and then back again.

   “Do not be the Khan that I was, I lived for too long, and hidden away on Colleen I showed our people the wrong example.  I have attached to this message several warriors codex who I believe could serve you as saKhan of our Touman” she said looking down “lead our Clan, lead the remains of the Goliath Scorpions if you need to Alex destroy the Society.”  She said finally before straightening up For The Cause” she said proudly.

-------------------

   As his first decision as Khan Alex Lassenum officially ceded a quarter of the world of Honour to the Goliath Scorpions as he had promised them before his Spirits would not absorb the other Clan instead he would see them rebuilt and both Clan’s strengthened.  It still hadn’t sunk into the Scorpions that the Not-Named’s flag flew over Haven and Honour but so far they had no tried to challenge the Blood Spirits over it.

Instead over the next several days Khan Alex Lassenum visited several of those that the Khan had suggested for the position of saKhan but none of them appeared to be what he wanted.  As Khan it was his choice to make and one for the council to approve but if he was unable to make a choice then it would go to a grand melee which could mean he’d end up with anyone as saKhan.  Frustrated Alex took to the Mechbay to inspect his Oteon where he saw a young female Blood Spirit warrior attacking a wooden dummy with a thin bladed weapon striking it from various angles.  She couldn’t have been older than twenty-four years old she had dark skin and dark braded hail tied in a ponytail which ran part the way down her back.  He stood and watched her for several moments before deciding to approach “your technique is flawed warrior.”  He said as she watched she ignored him and continued to attack Alex acted quickly grabbing another of the training blades he moved between the training dummy and deflected her attack parrying her blade clear he stepped forwards pushing her back.  The warrior struck back driving him towards the dummy but Alex spun out of the way knocking her blade to the side and drawing it under her chin.  “One” he said this time she struck back moving quickly towards him knocking his blade to the side and knocking him back Alex ducked under one of her attacks and again brought the blade to the point of striking her.  “Two” he said but this time she smiled and glanced to the right he followed her sightline and saw a small blade pointed at his side.  “Now we’re talking” he said spinning away from her drawing a smaller blade of his own the two danced across the training mats their blades ‘clinking’ together as they moved fluidly.  Around them other warriors and techs stopped what they were doing to watch as the two ‘fought’ neither held back as they each tried to strike the other spinning and striking at each other.  Alex lost his training blade and a moment later he struck back knocking the dagger from his opponent’s hand rolling forward he brought his dagger up against her blade locking the two together and finally both were weaponless.  He moved forward his arms raised in defence while striking out against her to trip not harm catching her off guard however at the same time she struck him knocking him off balance leading to the two of them on the ground with Alex kneeling over his downed opponent.  “Well fought” he said “what is your name?”  He asked pulling her back to her feet.

“Mira Collesano” she said standing opposite him the gathered warriors seemed to understand that this was now a private conversation “you fought well, I do not recognize you?”

“You must be the only person in this system who does not.”  He said “Alex Lassenum” he said introducing him immediately he her surprised look one which she hid quickly.

“Nice form” she said which he nodded in reply “and an interesting OmniMech choice” she said looking over at the Osteon.

“It has served me well and your BattleMech?”

“A Kingfisher” she said “it was all they had available when I graduated but it has served me well.”  She said mirroring his answer the Kingfisher was a survivor in the assault class of OmniMech it featured a standard engine, endo steel and ferro fibrous armour making difficult to kill.

“And what do you thinki of our current path?”

“Our current path” she asked “we are not doing enough against the Society we need to harry them push them and strike where they do not expect.”

“Even if it means over-extending ourselves quiaff?”

“We are the Blood Spirits we stand through all adversity for the cause, my Khan” she said uttering one of the phrases all members of the Clan understood.

“Aff, saKhan” he said making his choice seeing the shock on her face “I need a saKhan that is on the same wave length as me” he said bending down to pick up one of the blades “and one that can keep up.”  He said handing her the weapon “report for duty tomorrow morning.”  He said collecting up his dagger before leaving the area returning to his OmniMech taking the Osteon out of the bay onto the firing range.

Situation Room, Kraken (Sea Fox-class ArcShip)
Burn-in system, Clipperton
District of Bowang, Free Worlds League
20th May 3110


   The modifications that Clan Sea Fox had made to the Kraken had turned it into something closer to a movable space station than the WarShip that it had originally been built as because of this the Kraken was only able to use its station keeping drive to move through a star system escorted by the Jade Lion-class Battle-cruiser Deathstrike.  Because of their slow pace representatives from the Clipperton Shipyards had travelled to the ArcShip joining them in deep space.  Entering the main Situation Room the guests were led to a large holotank where ovKhan Jessica Sennet stood waiting.  “Director Steele, welcome onboard the Kraken, you are just in time” she said greeting him.

   “Aff, ovKhan Sennet an impressive vessel you have here I have only seen them at a distance previously.”

   “And today heralds another new step forward both for my Clan and for your people the first domestically produced WarShips at Clipperton under the stewardship of Clan Sea Fox and Bowang.”  Sennet replied looking at the holo-tank images as the ArcShip finally began to move closer to the planet and the shipyards.  “Have you named the vessel that will be launched today Quiaff?”

   “Aff, ovKhan we have chosen to name the first Bowang Aumaku-class vessel after Alison Kaning who passed away just a fortnight ago.  She brought the people of Bowang to the worlds around them and expanded our influence until we were a founding member of the reborn Free Worlds League.  She will always be remembered.”  Director Steele said proudly

   “I heard that the Captain-General is on Bowang visiting Alison Kaning’s family home to mark her passing?”

   “That’s correct” Steele replied he didn’t mention that Captain-General Abraham Ledford did not want to be too closely associated with the Clan following Captain-General Joseph Marik’s image being tarred by his association with the Clan.

   “I wish him well” she said ovKhan Jessica Sennet knew as well as Director Steele that the Free Worlds League’s relationship with the Sea Fox balanced on a knife-edge.  “And along that line of thought we welcome the FWLS Alison Kaning and the destroyer Mano to the service of the District of Bowang and the sevice of Clan Sea Fox may they serve long and with honour.”  She said as the two five hundred-and-thirty thousand ton destroyers cleared the shipyard facility near Clipperton moving under their own power for the first time.  The Aumaku-class Destroyer was built like a massive hammerhead shark named and designed along the lines of a native shark to the Bowang system the vessel’s forward section was almost like the head of a hammerhead with two heavy particle cannons forming the basis of the forward firepower.  Backing up these were ranks of naval pulse lasers and naval autocannons backed up by a bevy of standard weapons and protected by a heavy array of laser-based anti-missile systems.  Twenty aerospace fighters, four small craft and two DropShips rounded out the vessel’s capabilities.

“Seyla” Jessica Sennet said as the two vessels accelerated and passed over the bow of the Kraken each vessel taking its own course beyond the ArcShip the parallel but different courses of the ships also symbolizing the different paths of the District of Bowang and of Clan Sea Fox.
My three main Alternate Timeline with Thanks fan-fiction threads are in the links below. I'm always open to suggestions or additions to be incorporated so if you feel you wish to add something feel free. There's non-canon units, equipment, people, events, erm... Solar Systems spread throughout so please enjoy

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,20515.0.html - Part 1

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,52013.0.html - Part 2

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,79196.0.html - Part 3

Shadow_Wraith

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1037
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #853 on: 21 August 2017, 21:25:40 »
Nice update

marauder648

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 8157
    • Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #854 on: 22 August 2017, 06:47:34 »
Damn good update, that destroyer sounds formidable and rest well Khan of Clan Blood Spirit, but long live the new Khan.  Excellent stuff as always!
Ghost Bears: Cute and cuddly. Until you remember its a BLOODY BEAR!

Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs - https://thezhukovau.wordpress.com/

Zureal

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1081
  • There are Mechs incoming? Bring up T-Rex!
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #855 on: 22 August 2017, 14:22:55 »
nice update for sure, I love how the fedsun compleatly understands how to keep things resonably with the clans at this point. Like there are actual thinking humans there.

Vition2

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 856
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #856 on: 22 August 2017, 15:09:52 »
First, great update, love seeing where the homeworlds are going - though I disagree with Alex's choice of a saKhan, though she was vetted via relatively clan-like traditions (ie. combat).

nice update for sure, I love how the fedsun compleatly understands how to keep things resonably with the clans at this point. Like there are actual thinking humans there.

The FedSuns has a lot going for them in this setting - much of which were design intentions that have now, at least somewhat, pigeon-holed what Dragon Cat can do with them in a negative fashion.  The premise of the setting included the Nova Cats moving to a periphery but entirely independent location and their interactions with the FedSuns - which were primarily reasonable after a couple of fairly small scuffles.  They learned much from direct coordination and contact with the clan - even having some small bit of integrated training facilitated through a Nova Cat embassy on New Avalon.  Things have slowly grown more tense, but are still at a fairly even-handed level, focusing Nova Cat aggression against a non-neighboring power helped this dramatically.  In addition, the Ravens have kept their dealings with the FedSuns minimal, focusing on a more aggressive enemy in the Combine - it doesn't hurt any that there may be some political reticence in attacking a perceived "friendly" power (it could be argued that they have an agent at the highest echelons of the FedSuns government - the wife of the first prince).  Lastly, the march lords are mostly controlled or their actions are directed in ways less disastrous than in the post-jihad era, allowing the leadership to thrive in their own areas.

The combination of things has led to them gaining a massive head start in warship production and other wartime industries, as well as being able to prop-up the Lyrans and occasionally blunt offenses from the Combine while managing to continue their crusade against the CapCon.  Most conflicts have been very limited, with the Combine usually striking out but being ground to a halt before being turned back within a fairly short time period, the Nova Cats keeping their conflicts with the Suns to being fairly honorable, while the CapCon took a major pounding at a couple points and the FedSuns have refused to let them get back up.

In the end the FedSuns are the current powerhouse of the setting, and something major would need to happen for them to be displaced from where they sit at the top of the dog pile.  (and really, I see a couple/few ways this could happen in the relatively near future of the setting, though if any of them end up happening, who knows?)

Dragon Cat

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7827
  • Not Dead Until I Say So
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #857 on: 22 August 2017, 16:24:00 »
Quote
In the end the FedSuns are the current powerhouse of the setting, and something major would need to happen for them to be displaced from where they sit at the top of the dog pile.  (and really, I see a couple/few ways this could happen in the relatively near future of the setting, though if any of them end up happening, who knows?)

Why did you have to use dog?

Dragons roast/eat dogs
Snakes strangle them
Bulls are probably scared of them
Cats hate them

That's one way of saying their surrounded by enemies

You're right in that they are currently quite well off at the moment but things can change...
My three main Alternate Timeline with Thanks fan-fiction threads are in the links below. I'm always open to suggestions or additions to be incorporated so if you feel you wish to add something feel free. There's non-canon units, equipment, people, events, erm... Solar Systems spread throughout so please enjoy

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,20515.0.html - Part 1

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,52013.0.html - Part 2

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,79196.0.html - Part 3

Vition2

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 856
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #858 on: 22 August 2017, 16:48:40 »
Why did you have to use dog?
In a way it's very fitting as far as the overall BattleTech setting is concerned, every one is attempting to get to the top, to become the alpha, the leader of the Inner Sphere.

Quote
That's one way of saying their surrounded by enemies
In this setting, if you aren't surrounded by enemies, you are doing something wrong.  :P

Edit:
Quote
You're right in that they are currently quite well off at the moment but things can change...
Just to be clear, the Sun's prominence is fully expected, and is very likely where they would have ended up had they not drank Stone's koolaid.  While I would love to see them seriously knocked back a few pegs, where they are right now makes a lot of sense to me.

Dragon Cat

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7827
  • Not Dead Until I Say So
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #859 on: 23 August 2017, 09:40:21 »
I'd say there are five or six factions that stand above the rest at the moment (in no particular order)

Federated Suns
Clan Nova Cat
Rasalhague Dominion
Clan Sea Fox
Star League Defence Force

(and the maybe)
Society - they see combat but are growing stronger all the time
My three main Alternate Timeline with Thanks fan-fiction threads are in the links below. I'm always open to suggestions or additions to be incorporated so if you feel you wish to add something feel free. There's non-canon units, equipment, people, events, erm... Solar Systems spread throughout so please enjoy

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,20515.0.html - Part 1

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,52013.0.html - Part 2

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,79196.0.html - Part 3

Dragon Cat

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7827
  • Not Dead Until I Say So
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #860 on: 24 August 2017, 00:03:47 »
Couldn't sleep and marauder send me something for the Rasalhague Dominion (which hasn't been on the cards for months honest)

Coordinator’s Planning Room
Imperial Palace, New Samarkand
Military District of Midway, Draconis Combine
4th June 3110


“What is with this insane drive towards Benjamin?”  Coordinator Akira Kurita demanded looking at the starmap a recent drive by the Federated Suns had seen them seize Marduk, Galtor III, Reisling’s Planet, Hagiwawa, Umijiri and Kitalpha all between the Federated Suns and the District capital of Benjamin.

“Unknown Coordinator” Gunji-no-Kanrei Hirohito Kurita admitted “but their focus has seen us finally secure Fellanin II and we have retaken McComb and Lima.

“That’s not good enough!”  He snapped looking back at Warlord “and this Warrior House Sortek are they a Capellan unit working for the Federated Suns?”

“We do not believe so, they appear to be a homegrown unit from House Sortek a strong supporting family of the Davion’s.”

“But the naming Warrior House?”  Akira said pacing across the room “it’s almost like they want to spark a conflict with the Capellans” he pondered.

“The Capellan border has been quiet”

“I know!”  He shouted again angrily putting down the older man “we wouldn’t be in this position if the Capellans could keep the Federated Suns busy without losing the rest of their realm.”

“We need to move more troops and naval support to the Benjamin District and reinforce Midway’s defences.”

“I agree.”

“Dieron has also requested aid the situation in the Vega Prefecture they say is getting out of hand they cannot funnel enough supplies into Vega to support the worlds.  Akira Tormark has again asked to dissolve the Vega Prefecture and allow other regional leaders take over.”

“And give those regional leaders more power?  No, tell Tormark to deal with the situation in Vega with the resources he has.”

“He is also trying to stop pirates that appear from nowhere and further Isle of Skye attacks!”  Hirohito Kurita said raising his own voice bringing an angry glance from the Coordinator.

“Vega is an internal matter which the Duke should be able to deal with he is a Warlord of the Draconis Combine the Rasalhague Dominion has done him a favour by taking those systems from the Lyrans the Isle will be distracted.  All Tormark has to do is reroute JumpShips into the region and have his troops crack down on dissidents.”  He explained briefly touching on the recent Dominion annexation of Eaglesham and Phalan from the Lyrans after an Isle of Skye JumpShip bound for the Vega Prefecture took a short-cut through Dominion space.

“That will lead to casualties.”  Hirohito cautioned

“They speak out against their Coordinator and their nation” Akira Kurita said coldly “have the troops use non-lethal weapons where they can Dieron needs to deal with this situation by their selves for now we need to cut off the Davions.”

“We have a plan to use McComb and Lima as a launching point, to drive through New Ivaarsen and to launch attacks on Robinson but the plan will not be ready until next month.”  He said the Coordinator shot him another look “ships only travel so fast.”

“We need to do more” he said looking at the Combine/Suns/Raven border “like here” he said pointing at the backwater border world of Capra it should be important a meeting point between three nations but all three tended to ignore it.  “This area of the Draconis March is under defended.  We strike and drive towards the Crucis March.  We threaten the Davion’s heartland and they will pull back.”

“The years have been good to the Federated Suns they have reserves we have faced the Ravens, Bears and Lyrans.  We cannot launch a twin offensive it is one plan or the other.”

“Then we drive through Capra ignore the meat grinder that will be Robinson and aim for the Crucis March.”  He said “redeploy our Robinson offensive troops to Capra.”

“Yes Coordinator” Hirohito replied looking at the map the Combine were half a dozen worlds from striking at Robinson but they were more than a dozen from the Crucis March.  He knew that they needed to increase recruitment and raise more Regular units, they also needed to move their focus from the Ravens and onto the bigger threats of the Federated Suns and Rasalhague Dominion.

Thirty-seventh Star League Games, Star League Stadium
Solaris City, Solaris VII
Independent World
14th June 3110


   As fighting envelops the Succession States and several of the Clans the Star League Games continue on Solaris with the Thirty-seventh Star League Games at the Star League Stadium.  As with every year competitors from across the Inner Sphere representing nations, Clans and independents entered desiring to become the newest Star League champion.  From nearly the beginning to the end of the fighting there was only one real competitor in the battle.  As others fought grudge matches representing nations Star Colonel Lesley Helmer a ristar of Clan Jade Falcon piloting a Gryfalcon BattleMech fought for one thing, victory, despite receiving several warnings from the competitions judges for targeting enemy BattleMech’s cockpits there was no other that could match the speed or ferocity of the Jade Falcon warrior and a Thirty-fifth champion of the Star League Games was crowned (the eighteenth and twentieth games both lacked champions due to external forces).

Macy’s Bar, Kopara
Badlands, Twin Sons
District of Lesnovo, Free Worlds League
20th June 3110


After months being laid up following the fighting on Twin Sons Petra Furey was ready to return to duty and serve the Twin Sons and the Free Worlds League but she didn’t know exactly what she wanted after being injured on her own homeworld.  Instead she found herself at Macy’s Bar in the town of Kopara in an area of the Badlands her parents had always advised her to avoid and an area that if her CO knew she was in he’d probably drum her out of service.
Sitting at what looked like an ancient table she sat staring at the drained drink tankard thinking about getting another when a good looking male patron sat down opposite her placing down another two drinks.  “I’m not interested.”

“How is that a way to greet a visitor bringing drinks?”  He asked from his accent and tone she realized he was another descendant of the small dark caste population based on Twin Suns.

“I am now interested” she repeated

“You do not even know what I was going to say.”  He said as a young female sat down at the table “good evening Jessica” he said she nodded and looked at Petra.

“Is she in?”

“I am not interested” Petra said for a third time as a third member of the party sat at the table he was older and very obviously of Elemental stock “really guys what is this?”  She demanded getting annoyed at the interruption but at the same time a little concerned.  She moved to pick up the offered drink with one hand and undid the safety on her sidearm with her other hand.

“You think we will hurt you Petra Furey?”  The first male asked obviously picking up on her movement she almost cursed but remained silent.  “I would have thought you would have found us kindred spirits” he said “we want the same thing as you.”

“Which is?”

“Protection for our people, peace on Twin Sons and a strong District of Lesnovo” he said immediately.

“Our people?”

“The Smoke Jaguars” he said the other two nodded “dark caste isn’t exactly something people can rally behind.”

“Keep your voice down” Petra said looking around the bar the Smoke Jaguar tag was hardly a popular one on Twin Sons beyond the Port Arthur settlement and hated within the Inner Sphere.  Instead of being intimidated by the potential problems it might cause he stood up wiping his brown hair to one side.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of Macy’s Bar I am Flintoff Weaver and I am a Smoke Jaguar!”  He said loudly so everyone in the bar could hear him.

“HAIL!” The bar responded once before going back to there own business as Flintoff sat down.

“We are all Jaguars here, or at least our parents were, not many trueborns left other and Massa here” he said indicating to his Elemental companion.  Looking around the bar Petra saw similar bodylines and behaviour from most of the patrons not all of them were of Jaguar blood but they obviously had nothing against those who did she didn’t know why they were not all at Port Arthur but she guessed she’d get an answer here.

“What do you want with me?”  She asked looking back at them.

“Join us” Flintoff said “embrace your inner Smoke Jaguar and help us fix the wrongs on Twin Suns and beyond.”  He said finally making his plans clear a plan which would ultimately lead to the rebirth of Clan Smoke Jaguar.

Rasalhague Dominion Raid
Vega, Vega Prefecture
Miliary District of Dieron, Draconis Combine
24th June 3110


After the bombing of the Rasalhauge Bloodchapel that had killed the Khan and many of the Bloodnamed, with no obvious culprit, the tensions on the Dominion and Combine border were high.  To keep their troops from striking out on their own, the newly promoted and minted Commanders hurriedly put in place to replace those killed had their troops carrying out large numbers of exercises.  In well documented and broadcast events, Exercise POLAR STAR involved several WarShips and one full Galaxy’s worth of troops simulating an attack against a world as the Bears attempted to keep their population's confidence in their military.  There was also a spate of tit for tat Trials with the Coyotes. Although no worlds changed hands, it kept the Warriors of both Clan’s sharp and netted both sides some valuable salvage.

Still there was a series of Trials and reprisal raids against the Combine.  The Dominion’s military was angry, and the lack of any lead about who had caused the bombing, along with the flow of refugees over the border from the Vega Prefecture was just making things worse. 

Elements of the Fifth Bear Guards launched a raid on Outer Volta, not to claim it but just to attack the Combine defenders. Despite heavy losses the Bear’s left half of the Fifteenth Ghost Regiment in terrible shape with entire Companies wrecked.

On Luzerne the Combine retaliated when two Battalions of the Fourteenth Ghost Regiment launched a reprisal raid, aiming at taking supplies and Clan equipment. They were resisted by forces from the Thirtieth Provisional Garrison Cluster as well as large numbers of volunteers who helped dig trenches and supply extra infantry, freeing up the Thirtieth to fully counter the Combine attackers.  Here honours were roughly even but the Combine unit did not get as much salvage as they were after.

There were a few short but sharp skirmishes in space as well on the border of the Vega Province.  A Combine Tramp-class JumpShip jumped in above Port Moseby as a civilian registered vessel it launched three DropShips full of refugees whom burned towards the planet declaring their surrender and requesting humanitarian aid.  Behind them a Combine Achillies detached from the JumpShip demanding that the refugees return to the JumpShip and broadcasting an apology to the Rasalhague defenders for their error in jumping into the system.

At the Rasalhague Dominion jump point picket the commander and crew of the Vanir-class DropShip Thunder at Night had a split second decision to make allow the Achilles to track down the civilians and possibly end up shooting them down or stop the DCMS vessel.  Their choice made the Thunder of Night acted interposing herself between the Combine Achillies and the civilian DropShips demanding the Achilles immediate and unconditional surrender.

Refusing the Thunder of Night's orders to stand down the Achilles opened fire, initiating a duel between the two that saw the Thunder at Night badly damaged but the Achilles was crippled and boarded.  Several days later the three civilian vessels landed on Port Moseby and were surrounded by the elite troops of the First Polar Bear Assault Cluster who didn't completely trust that the civilian ships were what they said they were.  As the ships doors opened the Bears found a wave of civilians crammed into the vessel and in need of immediate medical attention. 

Above the operational mess diplomatically the Combine and Dominion were barely talking with one another.  Demands to return refugees were met with cold silence as were demands to stop them coming.

So the tit for tat raids had gone on for months.  At some of the refugee camps the Workers and Merchants trying to organise the camps were overwhelmed and when a food shipment was delayed due to a technical problem with a JumpShip’s drive, there was a riot by hungry, tired and just exhausted Combine civilians who had run to the Dominion for help and found a situation developing which was as bad as the Combine.

  The additional strain the re-routing of JumpShips and DropShips was slowing the Rasalhague Dominion economy and this was not helped by the redeployment of so many JumpShips to help with military manoeuvres. 

The elevation of Michael Hawkins to Khan didn’t help matters either. Something of a traditionalist, he resented the power that people he viewed as Civilians had amongst the Dominion and his relationship with the Royal Family and Council were cold but cordial at best.  The elevation of Delta Galaxy’s Angela Bekker to the post of saKhan was seen as a move to balance the leadership of the Clan by many.  But his attitude towards the situation on the Combine border was that of a Clan Warrior, he met force with force. 

------------------------------

Upon receiving the simple signal ‘Maul’ that, was broadcast via HPG, Vega fell.  Not the world, but the entire Prefecture thirteen Combine worlds targeted by the Bears in one move.

A Dominion task group centred around the Rasalhague as well as the Conqueror Tseng and their escorting destroyers the Bergen and Norge made the jump into the Vega system, appearing at the Pirate Point near Vega herself, DropShips detaching minutes after appearing.

In these craft were Mechs from Epsilon Galaxy including several Watch Detachments and their ‘Special Service’ Mech’s drawn from the Dominions Strategic reserves.  By far Epsilon Galaxy was the strongest in all of the Rasalhague Dominion’s forces commanded by the newly minted saKhan Angela Bekker and supplemented by the saKhan’s own cluster the Eighth Bear Cuirassiers the unit moved swiftly and hit with an unprecedented force.

As the lead elements of Epsilon hit Vega, other Clusters were hitting Aubisson, Shinoha, Alnasl and Tsukude.  On all five worlds with a lacked of military control from Dieron and the coordination needed from Vega following the bombings there months before, fighting had broken out over who was in command, with some officers refusing commands from those of senior rank but junior service or in one case over a matter of one Officer being promoted a mere two weeks ahead of a rival who refused to accept his seniority.

On Vega though Chu-sa Naomi Tiberias still commanded the loyalty of her units after some rather brutal displays of discipline enacted upon units and civilians who, in her view, were disloyal to the Draconis Combine and counter-productive to the solution on the world.

And it was onto his HQ complex that Epson's Eighth Bear Cuirassiers and the Second Polar Bear Assault Cluster dropped whilst fighters from the clusters and WarShips bombed and strafed any target of opportunity.

The Dominion broadcast to the worlds that they were bringing order to the chaos, that they would bring food, water and protection to civilians from those who would abuse them.  With the new Coordinator distracted by fighting with the Ravens, Federated Suns and Lyrans and unable, or unwilling, to respond to the troubles on Vega what little organised military forces that were not fighting amongst themselves fell quickly. Head hunter strikes and heavy air and artillery attacks preceded Epsilon’s assaults and many of the local 'warlords' who claimed overall command over the Prefecture, in the Coordinators name of course, were killed at the onset of the Dominions assault.

Despite the chaos that had consumed the Prefecture, some units fought exceptionally hard. The Third Dieron Regulars Regiment was reduced to 10% operational Mech’s by the time its Commander, a young Sho’sa accepted an offer of Surrender, in doing so his forces had gutted the as well as elements of the First Polar Bear Battle Cluster with his defiance.  Granted Safcon the survivors were allowed to board dropships and depart the Prefecture with honour intact but the fighting for Vega was over and the world, along with several others were already secured by the Rasalhague Dominion troops.

The Ares Might was scuttled by her crew during the initial attack on New Wassen.  Part of the orbital defences included a pair of Nekohono’o Assault DropShips and although both DropShips were destroyed, both had launched a swarm of assault shuttles loaded with Raiden clad Battle armour.  With the primary magazines lost to them the Captain of the Ares Might ordered the reactor’s safeties to be disabled even as the Combine assault forces stormed the bridge.  The massive explosion as the fusion reaction consumed the ship was visible from the surface, but it was just part of the backdrop for many as Dominion and Combine forces fought tooth and nail over the world’s Space Ports and communication centres as New Wassen also joined the Rasalhague Dominion.

Road to New Egypt
Forsair, Vega
Military District of Dieron, Draconis Combine
24th June 3110


Convoy escort had not been where Major Morgan Christofori had wanted to be during the Invasion of Vega by Rasalhague Dominion forces but that was where he was and the people of New Egypt were relying on his unit to get the supplies to their destination.  It had been part of a bigger plan to gain the trust of the locals and possibly find out who started the mess on the planet that was until the Bears had arrived.

Hit from multiple directions his company had lost three BattleMechs in less than two minutes four of their convoy vehicles destroyed.  Morgan closed his eyes for a moment and remembered turning on a charging Karhu blasting it with his Clan made lasers but the sixty-five ton OmniMech would not be stopped and moments later it slammed into him with its retractable blade slicing away the right arm.  Morgan had povited and fired his Medium Pulse Lasers burning the Karhu at point blank range but the OmniMech would not be stopped a particle projection cannon blast burned his right torso destroying two of the pulse lasers while another attack with the blade had smashed armour.  He’d tried to move away using his Penetrator’s jump jets but the Karhu hadn’t stopped its attack with another particle cannon blast bursting through his Pentrator’s rear armour smashing directly into the fusion engine.  Knocked off balance by the strike and falling forward Morgan had no choice but to punch out of the BattleMech his ejection seat throwing him across the battlefield before the parachutes deployed slowing his descent.  As he fell towards the ground he saw what was left of his company be overrun the Bears he hoped the other elements of the Ninety-fifth Special Operations Battalion had done better.  Landing hard in the undergrowth he’d tried to wriggle from the command chair and grab his sidearm but before he could an Elemental stepped up to him and swung its Battle Claw down disarming him and probably breaking his right hand.  As he was dragged along the ground Morgan remembered seeing his shattered command couch remembering that it was his father’s seat, his father’s BattleMech, and he’d let him down as he drifted into unconsciousness.

Tomad’s Burrow
Baxter, Vega Prefecture
Military District of Dieron, Draconis Combine
28th June 3110 2247 local time


“Chu-sa, a message from Tai-I Genda, he’s got the ammunition convoy moving, he had to commandeer a Kiso to clear a route and is requesting that we send forces to help escort him in.”

“Tell Genda we’ve none to spare, those Bear bastards are hitting us hard, the Akagi river has been breached and there’s at least two Supernova’s moving out from Zeon Starport.”

Chu-sa Sayami looked at his perimeter. The holo-display gave cold, hard numbers and force dispositions but it wasn’t a match for eyes on the ground.  The Epsilon Galaxy forces had been fighting very un-Clanlike but then again their attacks had been very effective.

“Damn it…we need that ammo, get Sho-ko Nordh’s armour to support Genda, and tell Gunsho Shin to deploy her battle armour with them and provide close support for the tanks.

“Hai Chu-sa!”  The Lieutenant, one of Sayami’s original cadre before this mess had started saluted before running out of the command bunker that was buried under what had been a shopping centre.  The Dominion were bombing and strafing command posts and with their warships overhead they were looking for command posts and strong EM signatures so his command post was in a shopping centre’s basement and all messages were delivered by runners or by wired telephones, crude as all hell but effective and it had kept him alive when the Bears dropped on his world and neighbouring units had gone off the air.

His surviving troops were a mixture of his forces from the Sixteenth Legion of Vega as well as stragglers from the local Baxter militia that had snapped back to reason and stopped fighting one another.  With the world at risk there was more at stake than personal honour.

“Sir, the Black Bear’s have been sighted at grid 14 by 29, moving north east.”

“Understood, raise Chu-i Matsuda and order her out of that area, they could be hunting or they could be on patrol, we can’t lose her lances in the confines of the Industrial district.”

“Hai!”

The Colonel bit back a curse before taking a swig from his water bottle, the so called ‘Black Bears’ were a group of five Mech’s, all some type of Kodiak and they’d been instrumental in gutting several positions in the battle for the Starport before going on a rampage through an assault lance belonging to the Sixteenth.  They’d even broadcast them pulling an Atlas apart before Tai-i Morgen’s Battlemaster fell at their hands as well. 

No, these troops were not like normal Clanners at all like Vega before it Baxter quickly succumb to the Bear onslaught as the Rasalhague Dominion extended its control over the Combine Prefecture.

Defence Lines
Gram, Military District of Dieron
Draconis Combine
28th June 3110 1742 local time


The air was alive with gunfire, heavy roars of autocannons, the buzz saw snarl of HAGs and scream of missiles contested with the electronic ripping sound of lasers and the thunderous pulse of particle cannons and all Hojuhei Tanna wanted to do was dig her way deeper into her trench, cradling her Type 2001 rifle as close as she could, teeth clenched tight in terror.

Like the rest of her unit she was a ‘volunteer’ that had been drafted up at gun point to fight but now she couldn’t even run.  The military Police had set up behind the volunteer’s trench lines and the bastards had made it clear that their first targets were not any attacker, but them.  Cursing the injustice of everything, she managed to pick herself up as the firestorm swept overhead, managing to peek over the lip of the trench.

A few kilometres away, as Hill 203 flattened out into plains she could see Combine Mech’s engaging the Dominion attackers, but it was a forlorn hope, a few dozen against scores.  Still she, like everyone else cheered when a Dominion Vulture vanished in a fireball as its ammo cooked off but that was only at that part of the line.  A group of Clan Mech’s was making its ascent, stomping up the muddy hill that had once been a park, but now the only ‘flowers’ there were of the anti-personnel and anti-vehicle type and the only ‘bushes’ were tangles of barbed wire.

There was a loud BOOM as a dug in Tokugawa opened fire.  The tank had been dug in and half buried under rubble to camouflage it and now its autocannon opened fire, sending streams of shot down the hill.   It was an old vehicle, powered by an unreliable ICE engine and had been discovered in some old war stocks and hurriedly refuelled and re-armed to take part in the fighting. 

It got three shots out before a volley of laser light smashed into its turret, boiling away the mud that had been thrown over it to hide it before punching into the armour.  Engine revving the tank started to move back to another fire position but a particle bolt ripped through the turret and ended the tank and its crews service to the Combine in a massive explosion.

Tanna cursed ‘Warlord’ Mayamoto for refusing to move his command post; she cursed the wet mud sucking at her boots, and the Dominion for attacking her world. 

“Stand up and fight! Ignore the Mechs, target the battle armour!”

There were a few cracks and then more as the platoon let rip with their bolt action rifles, fear of the dark armoured shapes running up the muddy hill, fear of the men behind them with machine guns should they break adding to their ‘encouragement’ as they fired round after round at their attackers.

The Dominion Rogue Bear’s returned fire, snarling machine guns sending plumes of mud and water into the air as they tore up the ground around the trenches trying to suppress the Combine defenders.  The leading elements of the Second Tyr Assault Cluster were moving behind them, ignoring the infantry fight at their feet, their guns flattening bunkers or heat sources that indicated a tank or gun position.  The five Kingfishers chosen for their durability were working their way up the hill whilst the rest of the Cluster slowly dismantled the Combine position.

Hojuhei Tanna snapped off a shot at a blue and white painted battle suit, the round sparking harmlessly off its thick plate and she could only watch in horror as it jumped into the Trench ahead of hers, its brutal vibro-claws making quick and messy work of the four troops in the firing pit.  The machine guns were firing now, fortunately not at her or he squad, pouring lead into the Bear Elementals and one collapsed on its face, its pilot either injured or dead but there was a LOT more coming up behind it. 

Tanna screamed as one of the Dominion suits thundered towards her, emptying her magazine before scrambling down the trench as its booted feet thudded down behind her.  Her rifle didn’t have a bayonetted and she had no more ammo and as the suit turned towards her she knew that this was her time to die, but she was determined to die on her feet, brandishing her rifle like a club.  The Bear suit raised its arm, its clawed hand opening before Tanna’s world went white as she fell into the mud of the trenches.

She awoke two hours later, her ears still ringing from the effects of the stunner.  Woozy and dazed she was with other prisoners taken during the assault. Up on the top of Hill 203 the flag of the Dominion had replaced the Combine one that flew there and the ‘Warlords’ Hatomoto-Chi was a smoking wreck, its gold and blue armour blackened and rent by gun fire.

Dominion Elementals kept a sharp eye on their prisoners whilst medics from both sides moved amongst the wounded, helping those who they could, giving comfort to those they could not.

“Hey, drink this, the ringing will stop eventually, give it an hour or so.”

The speakers voice was rather heavily accented and his Japanese was atrocious but his meaning clear as the somewhat vague shape swimming before Tanna’s eyes came into focus as he bent down and passed her a water bottle.  High in the sky there was a ball of fire and smoke falling towards the ground, shedding parts of itself as it burned up in the atmosphere.  Tanna Nagai didn’t know that it was the Ursa Minor, rammed by a Combine DropShip, finally giving up her battle with the gravity well of the planet, her engines dead.  Her crew had managed to evacuate and the largest chunks of her hull were predicted to come down in the Southern Ocean.

“Did…did we win?”

“No, but you did win your freedom from your oppressors."

It had cost the Rasalhague Dominion more than they had expected but Gram like Baxter, New Wassen, Eltanin and the rest of the Vega Prefecture had fallen.
My three main Alternate Timeline with Thanks fan-fiction threads are in the links below. I'm always open to suggestions or additions to be incorporated so if you feel you wish to add something feel free. There's non-canon units, equipment, people, events, erm... Solar Systems spread throughout so please enjoy

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,20515.0.html - Part 1

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,52013.0.html - Part 2

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,79196.0.html - Part 3

snakespinner

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2688
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #861 on: 24 August 2017, 00:34:28 »
The Dominion lost an Aegis and a York from my reading of the battle for Vega.
How many did the DC lose.
I think the DC should forget about the FS and make peace, the Dominion are angry. O0
I wish I could get a good grip on reality, then I would choke it.
Growing old is inevitable,
Growing up is optional.
Watching TrueToaster create evil genius, priceless...everything else is just sub-par.

marauder648

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 8157
    • Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #862 on: 24 August 2017, 03:25:46 »
I'll just say that the Dominion has got what it wanted.  And reminded everyone that you do not poke the bear less you want this to happen.

Ghost Bears: Cute and cuddly. Until you remember its a BLOODY BEAR!

Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs - https://thezhukovau.wordpress.com/

snakespinner

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2688
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #863 on: 24 August 2017, 05:02:07 »
It's raining bears. >:D
I wish I could get a good grip on reality, then I would choke it.
Growing old is inevitable,
Growing up is optional.
Watching TrueToaster create evil genius, priceless...everything else is just sub-par.

JA Baker

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1848
  • Dreamer Of Dreams
Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #864 on: 24 August 2017, 05:11:17 »
"That's the thing about invading the Capellan Confederation: half a decade later, you want to invade it again"
-Attributed to First-Prince Hanse Davion, 3030


Wrangler

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 24875
  • Dang it!
    • Battletech Fanon Wiki
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #865 on: 24 August 2017, 06:08:34 »
Looks like the Protectorate's days maybe numbered.  Clans are streaming towards the candy filled center of the Inner Sphere.
"Men, fetch the Urbanmechs.  We have an interrogation to attend to." - jklantern
"How do you defeat a Dragau? Shoot the damn thing. Lots." - Jellico 
"No, it's a "Most Awesome Blues Brothers scene Reenactment EVER" waiting to happen." VotW Destrier - Weirdo  
"It's 200 LY to Sian, we got a full load of shells, a half a platoon of Grenadiers, it's exploding outside, and we're wearing flak jackets." VoTW Destrier - Misterpants
-Editor on Battletech Fanon Wiki

Vition2

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 856
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #866 on: 24 August 2017, 10:59:01 »
Great update, I was wondering how the Bears would end up with their "Vega Protectorate" or even if they would in this timeline.  It's also a fairly characteristic example of the Bears - limited conflict but overwhelming firepower.

One thing I notice is that there wasn't a large number of units in the area so overall losses to the Combine weren't particularly horrible, though between the Ravens and Bears, they are probably down around 5% of their beginning of the year ground forces - naval-wise things aren't so okay, with somewhere around 10%.  The loss of territory may or may not be a good thing, while Vega itself was decently industrialized, most of the other worlds weren't large contributors to the nation's industry - and Vega's had been marginalized over the last year or two as stuff's been going down there.

marauder648

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 8157
    • Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #867 on: 24 August 2017, 11:15:34 »
Great update, I was wondering how the Bears would end up with their "Vega Protectorate" or even if they would in this timeline.  It's also a fairly characteristic example of the Bears - limited conflict but overwhelming firepower.

/quote]

I'm sure Dragon Cat will back me up here, basically this was a naked land grab disguised as humanitarian relief.
Ghost Bears: Cute and cuddly. Until you remember its a BLOODY BEAR!

Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs - https://thezhukovau.wordpress.com/

Vition2

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 856
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #868 on: 24 August 2017, 23:40:25 »
I'd say there are five or six factions that stand above the rest at the moment (in no particular order)

Federated Suns
Clan Nova Cat
Rasalhague Dominion
Clan Sea Fox
Star League Defence Force

(and the maybe)
Society - they see combat but are growing stronger all the time

I was going to go into huge detail in a reply about this but realized it was mostly a waste of time.  So I'll basically sum up my thoughts here.  In a head-to-head battle with no need to worry about what happens afterwards or what has happened before, the FedSuns will, absolutely, come out on top in any one-on-one battle with any of these forces at this point in time.  With any of the clans, in a head-to-head battle there are only a few which would be able to come out on top in space against the Lyrans, likely the weakest of the void navies of the major states (which I no longer count the Capellans among at the moment).  On the ground if any of the major successor states were to focus completely against a single clan, the clan would die - that they can't do that prevents this from happening.

The Nova Cats have the benefit of now being the pre-eminent naval clan, having just barely surpassed the Ravens due to the losses suffered during the second Raven-Combine war.  This is really just barely beating the Ravens out though.  The only clan which could reasonably take them on would be the Ghost Bears, which would be able to cause enough damage in space that the ragged remains would unlikely to be able to contribute significantly to the ground battle, where the Dominion would reign supreme.

There's not much left to tell for the Dominion, they are very likely dominant among the clans at the moment, but still wouldn't be able to halt a concerted effort by any of the major Inner Sphere powers.

The Foxes have the largest industrial capacity among the clans, being able to support themselves as well as prop up fully two additional clans - small though their current forces are (Falcons and Mandrills).  They have massive potential and them being spread out all over the place both benefits and hinders them in conflict - they would be difficult to annihilate, but each individual force is comparatively weak and easy pickings for a real opponent.

The SLDF on the other hand is a massive defensively focused state - a huge portion (~30%) of their combat fleet is stuck over certain worlds, but they still have a very capable army.  Overall, they currently stand second fiddle to the FedSuns, but with Fenwick they may be able to overcome that issue with a bit of time.

Lastly, the Society, while their actual strength is unknown, probably couldn't stand up to any of the Inner Sphere clans in a straight fight.  Their strengths lie is their ability to make specific but massively destructive war in using genetic germ warfare - they would have a much much harder time focusing on any of the spheroid powers (and given a bit more time, the Dominion, Empire, and Alliance as they integrate more of their Inner Sphere populations into their militaries).

PS. Yes, this is my short version.  :-[

Dragon Cat

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7827
  • Not Dead Until I Say So
Re: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) Part 2
« Reply #869 on: 25 August 2017, 03:40:19 »
It'll be a couple of days before I have anything ready so I'll answer a comment or two

snakespinner - the Rasalhague Dominion lost two WarShips - the Combine none

snakespinner & JA Baker - lol (I'd say you win the thread but then the story would be over and can't have that)

Wrangler - well...

Vition/marauder - the Bear reaction was 100% Bear they are pissed at what happened to their Council and they have chaos on their border.  So yes it was a land grab but also a necessary one they needed to bring some sense of peace to their border and make someone pay for what happened.  If it was the right or wrong target who knows...

Vition - great analysis (as usual) and thanks for investing in the story enough to think that through and share it.  I agree individually the Suns could probably steamroll most at the moment.  The problem is one of BattleTech's great points.  The piranha and the shark.  One state might be bigger and badder than their neighbour but all those around will feed on their bones.

If the Federated Suns finished off the Capellans (a bit like end of fourth Succession War here) the FWL, Taurians, Nova Cats, Combine and Ravens would benefit from a weaker Suns.

If the Ravens turned on the Suns they'd face the Combine wanting territory back.

If the Capellans tried to get territory back... they'd probably get slapped
My three main Alternate Timeline with Thanks fan-fiction threads are in the links below. I'm always open to suggestions or additions to be incorporated so if you feel you wish to add something feel free. There's non-canon units, equipment, people, events, erm... Solar Systems spread throughout so please enjoy

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,20515.0.html - Part 1

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,52013.0.html - Part 2

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,79196.0.html - Part 3

 

Register