BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat
BattleTech Player Boards => Fan Fiction => Topic started by: mchapman1970 on 17 January 2022, 15:53:15
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I have redone some of this story. I am almost done with the second book...My idea was to do nine books spanning from 2786 to 3050. books 1-3 is about the beginning of a legacy, books 4-6 will be about the conception of my new faction and the war of 3039. The last three books will be about the clan invasion and how my faction will handle that. Think about re-introducing this story with the new version since it was originally conceived in 2016.
I am in the process of correcting some of my errors so a chapter every few days until I am caught up with the new writings.
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So where's the story? ???
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Disclaimer
This story is based on my imagination, what happens in MegaMek and MekHQ, and input from others. Any names are based on fiction, and I do use some of the canon names, and any location is based on MegaMek, and BattleTech universe. The timeline takes place right before and after the SLDF exodus. The mercenary group is complete fiction some names from BattleTech Lore have been used in this book. This is the start of my alternate Universe that is in 3030 of how one man and one merc unit can change the face of the universe.
Prologue
Niles
Capital Planet
Freedom Federation
Steps of Museum of Military History
June 1, 3033
General Matthew Chapman looked across the tens of thousands of citizens, hundreds of reporters and his command regiment in full colors, that had gathered for his speech and the grand opening of the museum. Chapman was 53 years old; his dress blues was all decked out with all his medals and awards; his hair and beard was completely white, but his blue eyes still shown bright. He cleared his throat and continued with the speech.
“So, as we gather to this great hall and partake of its wonders, artifacts, both written and visual history of how it all began from the Great Exodus till the end of the fourth/fifth Succession Wars and all the time in between. Remember that today, 1 June 2033 is the first day that the treaty between us and the Draconis Combine begins. This will mark the first time in three years that this nation is at peace. Make no mistake either, though this nation was forged by blood and destruction, it will not continue down that path. If no other nation attacks us, we will stay peaceful. If a nation attacks the Federated Suns and they call on our defense treaty to help we will be honored bound to help our closest ally. But now is the time to build our planets, bring total prosperity to every citizen within the borders of this nation. Build each planet militia so that they can sustain against an invasion or pirate activity until one of the Federation units can come. We will rebuild trade, interstellar commerce, HPG Communication. We also will explore, there are stellar maps indicating hundreds of planets that were known and at one time inhabited during the early years, we have teams out there now looking for those planets. We will be strong, we will be brave, we will succeed, and most important we will be free and govern our own lives by keeping the government honest and keeping this nation as a republic.”
The crowds cheered as General Chapman walked off the stage and into the background.
20 minutes later
General Chapman was walking around the hall and randomly went into the Chappy Howling Siegers wing. This is where it all began, he thought. He was named after the first commander, basically the forefather of all. The original memoirs were displayed under glass and locked, but a digital copy could be transferred to anyone’s pad if so desired. The General open the first page on his pad and began reading.
Chapter One
Unity City, Earth
SLDF Base
Strait of Juan de Fuca
Officers lounge
11 October 2780
07:00GST
Major Matthew Chapman looked out of the panoramic view overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. He had always been a history buff, so he knew that this area used to be part of the United States before the Terran Alliance. He was drinking his beer while recalling what happen the day before, the High Council and their petty difference could not agree on making Kerensky the First Lord of the Terran Alliance even after all he did to help save it. Matthew was one of the few surviving company officers of the 151st Royal BattleMech Division, the civil war had taken its toll and even though it was over, every night when he closed his eyes all he had was nightmares about the war. Most of his friends were dead, most of the members of the battalion were dead, but his side had won the battle and the war, so what was left of the151st was on some well-deserved R/R around the world. Ordering another beer, he heard a person walk up to him, the sound was familiar and the air in the lounge went cold. It could only mean one thing; his pompous father had entered the room. Basil Chapman the Vice Admiral, Commander of the 171st Reconnaissance Squadron of the 17th Fleet was in Matthew’s opinion arrogant, self-righteous, and out of touch with the real war man.
“Father, what brings you to the lounge of MechWarrior scum?” Matthew said without turning around.
“Major Chapman, I would have appreciated it if you call me by my rank while on-duty”
Matthew then slowly turned around, “Admiral…sorry, but I am not on-duty. So, say what you have come to say and then leave me alone…Admiral.”
“Major…. Um son the 151st is dead I am going to transfer you to a proper position with me at the 171st. There are things in play in the background and I need to make sure you are with me when it comes to pass.”
“No, Admiral if you gave such order I will resign, I have seen the way you operate, and I don’t want to be part of it.” With that Matthew walked away, the unfinished beer sitting on the table.
Matthew left the lounge angry at the world upset at his father but more than anything angry at the truth his father had said about the 151st. Matthew decided to take a walk to clear his head, but he started to remember again the next to last battle he was involved in, the one in which he lost most of his unit all because of his father.
July 2779 Colombia River
It was the hardest fought battle to date. At the time he was a Captain in charge of the 101st Company, but after the last failed attempt at a direct assault against the fortified position on the other side of the river he had lost two of his lance commanders, and his battalion commander was also dead, the Archer was still face down in the water just meters away from the enemy’s banks. Matthew’s mech, a Nightstar-9J, was beat the hell up, the techs currently were retrofitting armor from a destroyed Longbow on both his arms in attempt to give the inner systems some protection. As Matthew walked through the crumpled and destroyed town in which his unit was resting, he notices yet another horror from this war. The scene was gruesome, a Civilian wife holding the head of her half burnt and destroyed body of her husband. Simply, because missiles had missed their mark and destroyed their home. A child that looked just like him sat on the ground in front of them sobbing because his dad was dead, as the child looked into the eyes of the soldier that was walking by, he broke out in a scream and ran toward the burning house. Matthew right then had a moment of worry; his family had moved to New Earth last year but still he worried about his children and wife and wondered what they were doing. His communicator went off, “Chapman here”
“Sir, this is HQ, General Hayes wants all commanders at the briefing room for details on the next push”
“Roger HQ, I am on my way.”
Running to the makeshift command tent Matthew started to question the sanity of command. He understood that the enemy needed to be defeated, but there must be a better way than just run up to them only to get destroyed because they are fortified.
Captain Chapman was the first one to the brief room and took his seat so that he could cool down from the five-mile run he just performed. Slowly the commanders that were still alive arrived. Out of the three regiments in this AOR (Area of Responsibility) only 4 out of 9 Battalion commanders showed up, out of the 27 company commanders only 15 showed up for this brief meaning, the others were dead. Everyone stood up when the call for commander on deck was announced, Major General Lauren Hayes walked in the room, while everyone in the audience were dirty-up, messy, and sweaty she was in pristine military blues.
“Have a seat, we have a lot to go over.” Hayes said.
30 minutes later
As the General finished her plan, which was really the same plan 6 times over, Captain Chapman raised his hand when she asked if there were any questions.
“Yes Captain”
“Ma’am, Captain Chapman here we have tried this plan six other times with no success, is there any other possibility? Could we have the fleet bombard the area for a while to soften them up?”
“Mmm Captain Chapman, you are the son of Vice Admiral Chapman, aren’t you? It is amazing that your father had the same suggestion. He is moving into position, but we are attacking before he does, is that final?”
“Yes Ma’am!!!!” said all her commanders.
“Oh, and by the way, Captain I am in need of Battalion leaders stand up and let me pin Major on you.”
20 minutes later
“101st and Alpha Battalion, saddle up we are attacking again” Matthew said to his company, and his battalion.
Ten minutes later his forces along with the rest of the regiment was pushing into the river firing at the fortified bunkers, a mech next to Matthew just went down with a PPC to the head, his own mech has already lost the use of the left arm, things were not looking good. Then out of the sky the bombardment started, but whoever was up there did not care who was down here in the water since the weapon fire was all over the place.
“Actual, actual this is the Alpha Battalion the bombardment is hitting friendlies I repeat friendly fire!!” Major Chapman said over the command net.
“Roger that Alpha Battalion, be advise bombardment has started we informed them of friendlies in the bombardment area and they did not care, now there is a radio silence in affect with the fleet” the General announced.
“Damn it” Matthew said to himself out loud. Right then two more of his troops were destroyed in their mechs.
“Back up back up!!” Matthew yelled into the com net. As a laser from space hit right in front of his mech knocking him over and causing a blackout, when Matthew came-to a few moments later he righted his mech and took stock of the battlefield. He was down another 4 mechs that gave him a total of 5 mechs but of those only two besides himself was functional. His communication system was down though and there was a hole in his canopy so that could be dangerous. Even with this Matthew started forward to see what the bombardment did to the enemy, sure enough as he approached the other side of the riverbank everything was destroyed. Arms, legs, heads of both mechs and humans laid scatter across the banks of Columbia so much so that the blue color of the river was turning a rusty red due to blood, and hydraulic fluid.
Present time
Matthew shivered as he remembered that scene, he shook himself out of the memory and realized he was walking in the water on the beach, “Man” he thought, “these shoes are destroyed with salt water.”
****
August 12, 2781
Buenos Aires
151st Royal BattleMech Division home base
News was spreading like wildfire, the Council Lords after stripping General Kerensky of all titles 10 months earlier, just announced that the Star League and the Council Lords were dissolved due to differences in picking a new First Lord.
It has been 10 months of rebuilding and still the 151st was only 70% strength Major Chapman thought, now this, wondering what was going to happen to the Army made him lose sleep that night.
****
October 2783
Hilton Head Island
South Carolina, Terra
COMSTAR Headquarters
Major Matthew Chapman was at the grand opening gala to commemorate the completion of the Hilton Head HPG complex, as he was sipping on the Champaign Matthew noticed the COMSTAR leader Jerome Blake and General Kerensky go into a room and then security securing the door. Odd thought Matthew very odd what would those two be doing meeting all secret like, he then turned back to his wife and asked her to dance with him.
****
February 25, 2784
The defection of the 91st Heavy Assault Regiment to the Federated Suns was disturbing to Matthew, but he could understand, the Army was falling apart, gone was the Star League, now they were now part of the Terran Hegemony even though they still went by SLDF but even that was shaky with the five great houses ever increasing hostilities. Then the message came, one hour after his commanding officer returned from a meeting with Kerensky on Terra, it was a message calling for all members of the SLDF to abandon the inner sphere and join Kerensky on a quest to find better worlds and build a better life. In a public message his commanding officer General Hayes sent out a message to Kerensky and to her troops stating that the 151st was staying on Terra. Shortly after that he received a call from his father begging him to come with him to the unknown. Gladly, Matthew told his father that his unit was staying on Earth and so was he and his family, sadden Vice Admiral Basil Chapman left for the unknown with the rest of the SLDF without most of his family only Matthew’s younger brother went with him.
A few months later Major Matthew Chapman resigned his commission due to his commander General Hayes making the unit into the military arm of COMSTAR. His mother also died due to the heartbreak of her husband, his father leaving without taking her.
Dallas, Terra
Two weeks after the funeral
14 Dec 2784
In a rare snowstorm Matthew looked out of a window in his now past mom’s house, things never happen the way you plan. He was a rising star in the SLDF due to his skills and not his name, and then it fell apart with the civil war. When General Kerensky left with 80 percent of the SLDF, and his old commander decided to make his unit a COMSTAR unit his career was over. Losing focus, thinking about past decisions and whether or not they will end up as regrets the snow started to kick up then Matthew regains focus when he heard the familiar chop chop chop of a VTOL. Matthew looked up into the dusk sky to see what was flying so low, then he caught a glance, it was a Cobra Transport command version by the look of the antennas protruding out of it. Once it landed. a three-person contingent un-boarded, Matthew took his laser rifle out of the front closet, checked the power level, and open the door.
“Is that anyway to treat your three best friends?” ask the tall man in the middle.
“Gee I know you kept saying no to my advances but really? A rifle? Can’t you forgive me” said the now identify as a woman to the right.
The man on the left was silent but reached up pulled the covering off his head and the snow googles to which then Matthew recognized as Dalton Tournier, with that blast from the past Matthew then recognized the other two since they never went anywhere without Dalton.
“Haleigh, Ethan, Dalton it’s been a few months how have you been? Please come inside.” As Matthew lowered his rifle
“Thanks” said Ethan “it's cold out here and we have a lot to talk about.”
As Matthew closed the door the three guests took off their coats and he could not help but notice the uniform on them, which was not a uniform he recognized, and a suitcase that Haleigh was carrying.
“What’s up with the digs? What unit is that?” Matthew said.
Haleigh spoke up first as she sat down the suitcase, “well it’s our own uniform one we hope that you will wear also” right then she opens the case, and it was one of those uniforms in Matthew’s size.
“Like I said Chappy we have a lot to talk about” Ethan said.
“Man, I have not heard my callsign in months, sounds kind of weird” Matthew said
“The universe is falling apart with the General’s abandonment every little and big ass is fighting over everything.” Dalton said, “in fact there have been cases of the great houses slaughtering those who were in the SLDF that stayed behind if they would not join them. We each have a lance willing to form a group and there are three other past subordinates that want to work with you in your command lance if you want.”
Matthew thought for a second to process what was just said, “Wait, what? Command lance? You have a company size unit ready to go and be what? Mercenaries. A Command lance that would follow… you want me in charge? I don’t know.”
Haleigh just looked at Matthew with her long brown/reddish hair and her deep blue eyes and said “yes Matthew at one time or another you have been in charge or over every single person that is ready to start this merc unit. We even have a name Chappy’s Howling Siegers.”
Matthew was shocked a command of his own, but he knew there was a lot more to a unit than just MechWarriors. “What about support personnel and transport?”
“We got that all cover, or should I say the Chief does” Ethan said with a smile.
“The Chief? He left the 151st also? And he wants to be part of us? Well, I guess I cannot say no. When do we start?”
Ethan got up and said “well right now of course”
***
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In the disclaimer i would have thought that the story is based on your nightmares.
Good start. :thumbsup:
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one Ping only
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Oh! A 3033 timestamp will definitely get a read when it isn't after bed time. More snowstorm reading to do this weekend... :thumbsup:
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Chapter Two
Dallas, Terra
Metro Star Port
DropShip Lounge
1 Jan 2785
Matthew just disconnected the COMSTAR link with his wife in the private booth at the drinking hole when his three best friends in the universe popped in with shots of tequila and beers as chasers.
“Hey boss time to drink now that all the kissy mushy is done with your Diana” Captain Haleigh Pople said. “Heck, once we get home, I will kiss your wife to, and u can only watch” she continued.
“Ha-ha, I think you had too much to drink already Captain” Matthew replied.
“She sat down with bottom lip out and mumbled “party pooper.” Matthew just shook his head and said, “Anyway, I have filed all the documents with all the recommended government and non-government agencies. We are now officially a Merc unit with the name that you guys picked out Chappy’s Howling Siegers. My wife was not happy about it but understood, it is in my blood, and luckily, she has a family friend with office space right near the Capital on New Earth that he will let us use for recruitment, contracts, and a main office. We already had an inquiry for our services and Diana told them I am here; a rep will be here shortly.”
As the drinking settle down so that the other guys in Matthew’s command group looked sober, he stayed vigilant looking for this unknown representative. Matthew thought that he had to get used to this unknown, something he never had to do in the SLDF. This not knowing where the next paycheck was coming from was already doing a number to his stomach when he spotted the one person that he did not want to see, the one person that he hoped was not the representative, and that was their old commander General Hayes in civilian gear making a bee line right to their table.
“Chapman” Hayes said as she slides her way into the booth. “I must say I am still disappointed in you” then she glanced at everyone, “all of you, for leaving the 151st.”
“Well, I was not ready to be COMSTAR, ma’am” Matthew said, and she saw that everyone was shaking their heads in agreement.
“Chapman, that has not happened yet, I am here under orders by the Terran Hegemony and COMSTAR. There is a very sensitive matter that we need your group to take care of, up until now we had no way of dealing with it, since we could not go officially, and we had no merc unit that we could trust.” She paused to let that sink in. “With the collapse of the SLDF and the eventual demise of the Terran Hegemony we at COMSTAR need to gather as much information and tech as possible without others knowing it, this is where you come in. On the planet Helm there was a SLDF weapons depot under the Castle Brian complex, we need you to get there find the Castle Brain and clean all the weapons and research material then leave. Word is that several factions are gearing up to look for it.” As she was saying this a look of shock fell between all the MechWarriors she then slid an old paper topography map over to Matthew. “This is the area that we believe the site is, it is still about a 75 kilometer area but at least you won’t have to search the whole planet like everyone else will when they get there you have three months, you can keep what salvage you want from any battles, we will let you have 20 percent of the mothball mechs in the depot, and your payment will be around 800 thousand a month.”
Matthew sat back and tried to look cool, this was his first negotiating for a job ever and he felt like his cherry was about to pop. “Wait, why are you here for us? I mean we just became official. It’s interesting, but I think we need more, considering we are starting from scratch I have yet got all my support units and personnel bought.”
The General looked at Matthew and rapped her fingers on the table over and over. “Ok, fine I have two lances at the HPG site they are not running colors nor are they wearing any patches, I will send orders to for them to help you guys out when needed and I will give you an extra month of payment as a bonus, and we will take you there free of charge.”
Matthew thought about it for a minute, for a three-month mission, they will earn almost 3 million C-bills plus all the salvage and free travel, but something was not sitting right with him. Matthew thought about it and looked at his people they all nodded yes so, he said, “Ok, something is bothering me the way you said your pitch, is there a double cross going on here between the hegemony and COMSTAR?”
“No.” the general said, “a certain amount of items will be going to the Hegemony but COMSTAR will be taking position of the more…sensitive items.”
“Ok,” Matthew said, “we are in, give me the contract to sign.”
****
Inbound Helm
DropShip Skulker
3 March 2785
Sitting in a mech while not in battle is boring but sitting in the cockpit while waiting to do a hot drop was pure torture. The plan was simple, while the dropship was entering the atmosphere they would drop, the ship would declare an emergency and land with the “cargo” missing burnt up over the ocean. The unit will then move west toward the mountain ranges that lay about 50 kilometers away, and 100 kilometers from the city Freeport. Somewhere in that area the items that the Siegers were charged to find which have been hidden by Major Keeler, the commander of the militia. Why he had hidden everything was beyond the comprehension of Matthew, if this were the future tech that the SLDF stored here wouldn’t it made more since for Keeler to hand the items over to his Marik bosses? He was still thinking on this when the light went from red to green, Matthew turned on the command link and said, “Ok Howling Siegers it’s time to drop let’s get to the ground, be safe, group up and let’s find treasure. The support teams will land at Freeport then make their way to the city of Drango.”
****
Shores of the township Lewisville
A man and his boy were fishing on the dock when the bubbles started to form on the surface of the water. The man directed his son back off the dock. Then a sight that the boy will never forget, 12 mechs popping up out of the water all painted gray, red and black with a half man half wolf symbol on the shoulders of every mech. “Dad who are they?” “I have no idea son, but whoever they are, it can’t be good, hurry up back to the house.”
As soon as his mech cleared the water his radar got a hit on six targets. “Siegers contact at one-one-two-three we must eliminate all enemy forces we cannot allow them to know we are here yet. Split up into your lance and take out all targets” Five more enemy targets show up on the radar, so Matthew put in a call for support help from the unknowns, the name he gave the two unmark COMSTAR lances.
Alpha lance
Rushed into the city looking for targets but careful to not destroy the city both sides had ECM coverage and was jamming each other. An enemy tank made first contact by removing half the armor on sergeant Mackherdhuj Rifleman. Captain Pople targeted a JagerMech when she moved around the building with her AC/5 and large lasers all hitting the left leg and causing the enemy to fall to his side. The same tank that had ripped the armor off the sergeant’s Rifleman was crippled with a PPC to the rear when a griffin showed up from behind, he identified himself as Star 07. Unfortunately, an enemy crusader turned all its weapons on Star 07 causing the mech to fall and the pilot to be knocked out. The captain directed fire at another crusader destroying it the kill went to sergeant Liu piloting a JagerMech. “Good job team two down four more to go.” Star 07 woke up, stood up, and destroyed the crusader that had hit him before but then forgot him. “Got you” he said. An enemy Phoenix hawk came out of hiding hitting sergeant Mackherdhuj in the head. “Are you ok Mack?” the captain asked, “yeah but my canopy is hit and some of the glass is in my left arm. With that she shook her head and saw that an Icarus was coming straight for her. She took aim with all her weapons that were in the green and fired, at the same time the other pilot did the same. After the dust settle, she looked at all her systems all the weapons on her arms were gone but there was still little damage to her torso, the enemy Icarus though was destroyed, report shows that Mack’s lasers destroyed the head the AC-5 ripped off the last of the armor in the chest so when the mech fell the boulders hit the engine causing the mech to explode. With the Captain taking care of the tanks the battle was over with all enemies dispatched with extreme prejudiced.
Meanwhile
Charlie Lance
The Major ordered Charlie lance to move up on the hills behind the coastal town and take out the enemy that was there. Captain Dalton took his medium lance consisted of his Starslayer, two Lynx, and a Shadow Hawk up and over the hills. Immediately, engaged two tanks destroying them with SRMs and LRMs. Charlie Lance circled around and engaged more tanks, two Icarus showed up blasting away at the captain’s mech ripping most of the back armor off, the captain turned around along with Corporal Gallegos in the Shadow Hawk and fired on the first Icarus taking his legs out. The captain called out “Good Shooting!! now target the other one before it runs away.” “Roger sir” the volleys of missiles and the laser vomit between the two were devastating in the end, several Siegers were moderately damage, but all the enemy was destroyed.
Down on the beach
Command Lance
Was engaged in a battle that featured mud, lots of mud and very wet sand. Luckily, the Longbow in the Major’s lance was a pretty good shot, firing 50 LRMs at a time was just too much after the second round of missiles, the enemy Orion went down in a heap of metal. Major Chapman fired his two gauss weapons hitting the head of a wolverine killing the pilot. “Boss two Gauss to the head overkill much?” asked Master Sergeant Filomena Dionsio “Well, I am bored so target practice on small heads is good for my eyes.” The major replied. With the Longbow releasing its missiles and the dead shot of the Major this battle was more like an afterthought and only lasted for a few minutes.
Later that day the Siegers loaded all the salvage they could on the flatbeds they liberated and started the long march toward the mountains scanning the underground as they went hoping to find the depot sooner rather than later. They first went due south out of the coastal town then about 40 miles down the way, took a right and headed due west hoping that if the local militia ask local town folk what direction the Siegers went the militia will continue south missing them completely. With ECM coverage and only moving at 35 km the hope was to only engage the enemy on the Major’s terms and only when necessary. As they were marching the Major’s XO called him on a private channel.
“Hey boss”
“Yeah, what’s up Haleigh?” Matthew said
“Why does COMSTAR want the weapons depot so badly, I mean I already don’t trust them, nor have I ever trusted General Hayes, maybe we should not find it, or if we do find it re-hide it. There must be a reason for the local commander to hide the crap in the first place, you know?”
As usual his XO hit the nail on the head Matthew thought, it was exactly what he had been struggling with since lifting off from Earth.
“I don’t know Haleigh we have a mission to do so let’s do it if we find the weapons depot, then we find it, and deal with it then.”
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Chapter Three
HQ Helm Defense Force
Freeport
4 March 2785
Major Keeler was sitting in ops watching his staff work, for a militia they were quite efficient, and he was very proud of it.
“Sir, patrol Delta has not reported in, they are 5 hours overdue.” Lt Wallace said.
“And I am just hearing about this now!!!” the Major replied, so much for efficiency he thought, out loud he said. “Where were they patrolling Lt?”
“Lewisville on the east coast.” Replied Wallace
“Order Alpha Company and Echo Company to change their location and mover to where Delta was patrolling” he paused and looked at the map, if a patrol went missing something was up, just the day before several satellites malfunctioned, and that civilian dropship had an emergency and landed at Drango, something is defiantly wrong. Then he saw it, “have both companies start out at Lewisville, place Alpha Company in the lowlands and Echo Company up in the hills have them move west paying attention to the riverbed, along the way.”
“Ummm yes sir, what are they looking for?”
The Major sighed, ok maybe some of his men are not as smart as he thought. “We are looking for an enemy, an enemy of Mechs”
****
Town of Lewisville
Both the Alpha and Echo Company Commanders were interviewing the locals, most of them talk about how the enemy mechs marched out of the water and attacked the patrolling militia mechs without mercy and then left the town untouched, which left the local impress and in awe to this strange unit, whoever they were, they did take all the flatbed trucks (full of salvage) from a local transport company. All the locals seem to think that the mechs went south but that just did not jive with Captain Henson of Echo Company.
“Captain Jackson, why would the Major send us west along the riverbank if the enemy went south?”
“I am not sure Captain Henson, either he has some other type of Intel, or it is just his gut feeling that whoever these warriors are they are after Star League depot and not the planet.” Jackson looked up to the sky and then said, “either way they have two days head start, they are not setting off any radar or seismic alarms so they must be moving pretty slow, if we head south like the locals suggest we could catch them by this afternoon. I think if we go south for 100 kilometers, and we don’t catch up then they must have doubled back somewhere and went the riverbed way.”
“Yep, just what I was thinking we could still catch up to them in the middle of the night if they maintain the slow speed.” Henson said.
****
200 kilometers east of the city of Drango
Riverbed
Night Camp of the Siegers
Things was going fairly good Major Chapman thought, maybe just a little too good. So far two days after the initial battle there have been no signs of the militia, unfortunately as slow as they were moving, they still had another day to make it to the city of Drango, the city at the foothills of the mountain range that if the information provided by General Hayes is correct has the Castle Brian and the warehouses either built on mountain range or in them. The Major, knowing how Star League had operated didn’t think they would have warehouses just sitting on top of the mountains so best bet there are hidden access points to a big natural or man-made cavern.
He just got up to go see his XO to bounce off his thoughts on her to see if it made sense, when the call came that he knew would happen but hoped it would not.
“Major, this is lookout 3 sergeant Moa, I detect movement baring 2348”
“Sir, Corporal Gallegos on lookout 1 movement detection around 2848.”
The Major swapped to the all-unit channel, “attention alert alert this is not a drill Alpha, Beta Lance go north-ish toward sector 2848 stealth scout unless contact is the enemy then attack and destroy. Command and Charlie Lance will scout south toward 2348, Delta lance hold the middle let’s be silent but if the enemy is out there destroyed them.”
The moons were hidden behind a thick cloud cover; the hills were affecting regular radar "Switching to IR” the Major announced. The Lances started to move out and Major Chapman was extremely proud of his veteran group of MechWarriors, and techs…everything was done in amazing silence the only noise was that of the mechs starting up.
Militia
Captain Jackson spotted the unit first, but before he could call over the BattleNet Captain Henson beat him to it.
“Looks like targets sector 2548 in the riverbed just like the Major said, but long-range communication is being blocked.”
“Yep” Jackson replied, “might be because of all the metal in the hills but they may be jamming us.”
“Captain Jackson if they are jamming us, how are we communicating with each other? Numnut,”
Siegers
Thank goodness they had put the jamming pods around the camp before settling down communication was still possible inside, Chapman thought. Thankfully though there was no way the enemy will be able to communicate with HQ inside the area unless they escape the battle and move 20 miles outside the Jamming picket line.
Militia
Jackson was cursing himself, guess the unit was not quite while marching or this was always a trap, no communications to the outside world and now IR shows heat buildup and the enemy splitting up, looks like half his way half toward Henson. That still has their two units out numbering the enemy by a lance each, although both his and Henson’s company were mixed units, Jackson was sure this would be a quick and easy victory for him.
Siegers—the Hills
As Beta Lance marched up the hill Captain Bruce and Sergeant Hayashi both in Warhammers walked right into a Gallant Urban Assault Tank, and a Firefly the sergeant missed on all accounts when he fired on the tank, but the captain hit the firefly’s head with an ER PPC destroying the mech. “Splash one, eleven more to go on this side” the captain said.
Siegers—lowlands
As Major Chapman in his Nightstar and the rest of his team moved out past the riverbank he saw the enemy out in the open. The targets were just turning in their direction as if they just truly spotted the two lances coming at them at full speed. “Fire at will destroy them all” the Major proclaim through the unit comm. With that the two lances including himself fired at the enemy.
Captain Jackson within seconds knew he was a dumbass; his whole company was out in the open and his radar just lit up like ants coming out of a hiding place. “Alert enemy baring at….” It was the last thing anyone heard from Captain Jackson.
Master Sergeant Dionsio was the first to record a kill, which was too bad for the light hover tank that got in her way. A militia Stinger tried to do some damage to her, but she just ignored it and went after a Falcon 4N standing off to the side.
Corporal Sakei in her Longbow fired all 50 LRMs at a single mech, from her display it showed up as a Mongoose-66, out of those 50 missiles 37 hit the Mongoose destroying the right leg left arm and the head, killing the pilot Captain Jackson.
The Stinger that attacked Dionsio never stood the change when Major Chapman aimed both Gauss Rifles at it and destroyed the Stinger.
Siegers—the Hills
With the trees on the hill and no moons it was dark well almost dark bright flashes of laser and LRM explosions was almost blinding at times. Glancing blows on the enemy mechs was frustrating Captain Bruce, one of his troops Corporal Akiaten in her Lancelot gave out a scream on the net “Spider down yeeepppiieeee I destroyed it.” A militia Archer and Crusader launched all their weapons and missed, leading Captain Bruce to think that this militia was really green. Each side was getting closer until Sergeant Kizza in his Guillotine was able to reach out with a foot hitting the Crusader in the shoulder causing the arm to fly off, with that violent exchange the Crusader fell knocking out the pilot. Sergeant Kizza moved his Guillotine over the down mech and looked for the next target. Finding a Prowler, he did an alpha strike all weapons hit the front of the vehicle destroying it.
Siegers—lowlands
The Militia tried to form up after their commander went silent, some of the warriors saw what happen others did not Lt. Grimes decided to take over command. “Unit this is Beta Lance commander follow me, we need to retreat, sorry but the three tanks that are immobile cover our exit, your families will be rewarded.” As soon as the Lt. was finished his left arm was blown off from an AC/5, SRM 6 and medium laser from Dionsio. When Lt. Grimes finally got up from that onslaught, he turned his mech to where the weapon fire came from to deliver his own attack when all he saw was the Wolverine II in his face kicking him. The kick pushed him to the ground causing an engine explosion.
Siegers—the Hills
Captain Bruce placed his sites on an enemy Guillotine stripping it of all its armor on the right arm and chest. The militia kept firing but just was not hitting or when they did, they were glancing blows Captain Bruce was pleased with how the battle was going for him and his fellow lance mates “Come on people time to put this militia in the ground finish them off.” With that Sergeant Kizza fired an alpha shot to the Archer that was trying to hide behind a hill, somehow Kizza was able to get behind him taking out his right leg as the Archer was falling then the pilot was able to get a few shots off, getting a lucky hit on Kizza’s head he shook of the initial shock and saw that all his armor for the head was gone. Well, he had better be careful now on he thought.
Siegers—lowlands
By now both units were in punching range Major Chapman fired his PPC and two medium lasers into a LTV-4 Hover Tank destroying it as he stepped over the burning hulk, he fired his Gauss weapons at a Packrat destroying it right away. Soon all the enemy mechs and tanks were burning or disabled the battle was over.
Siegers—the Hills
It soon became clear that the Siegers had the upper hand three more heavy tanks were crushed as the full strength of two veteran lance came to bare. Sergeant Hayashi in her Warhammer lashed out at another Crusader coming around the tree line that for some unknown reason exposed itself to the Warhammer. Sergeant Hayashi open fire with a PPC shot to the left torso which hit the Machine Gun Ammo, causing an explosion, and ripping off the left arm which went flying. She followed that up with over half of her LRM 15 round hitting the same spot the shock wave and heat from the explosion killed the pilot and putting the mech out of commission. Sergeant Kizza was following Hayashi up and around the hill as she was killing that Crusader Kizza notice an Archer sneaking around the tree line about 20 meters to the left, Kizza thought what was a good wingman supposed to do? Protect, so he alpha strike the Archer. Kizza fired a large laser 4 medium laser all which hit various parts of the Archers chest then the SRM6 penetrating enough due to the exposed parts of the chest and causing the LRM 20 ammo to explode destroying the mech. At the same time Kizza was firing his weapons, the Archer, was firing his at Kizza, both LRM 10 missed but the two medium lasers got Kizza in the left arm. With the fall of the Archer none of the militia was left standing.
Dawn the next day.
After first light the Major looked at how much more salvage that they have, hopefully the dropship past customs and is sitting at the small space port at Drango, because they were able to capture a Griffin, Guillotine, Crusader, Falcon, and a Mongoose. While winning the battle so decisively was a good thing, whoever sent those two companies will be missing them and soon.
“Siegers, it is time to move out best top speed of the slowest unit we need to bug out now.”
HQ Militia
Freeport
Major Keeler was drumming his fingers, after the initial report of the two companies going back to the riverbed and heading east it was dead silence. How big of force was this enemy. Captain Jackson report that the town people had said anywhere from 14 to 20 mechs, because they were simple folk it was probably just 12 mechs Jackson had said. Maybe he was wrong, two companies should have been able to take care of one company. Unless that one company was all elite, but the unit patch on the mechs did not register on any of the local networks. Major Keeler put out a feeler to the Capital planet to see if they were a new merc unit but no word yet. The major looked at his TO&E things are bad now, down to three companies two of those are just tanks, plus a battalion of infantry. This enemy is trying to hide from the militia, they are not trying to conquer the planet, so they must be after the warehouse full of star league equipment. He must stop them at all costs.
****
-
Chapter Four
Siegers Camp site in Red Forest
10 clicks outside of Drango
6 March 2785
The command staff for the Chappy’s Howling Siegers were sitting around a makeshift table with their portables open. Chapman looked around at the other five warriors from left to right his trusted best friend Haleigh Pople, Ethan Bruce, Dalton Tournier, Filomena Dionsio, and the newest member of the command staff Elise Borsellino. Filomena was the highest-ranking enlisted MechWarrior, so Chapman wanted her there.
Ok guys we are going into Drango…on foot Ethan and Dalton investigate the north side of the town, Filomena and Elise take the south side and Haleigh and I will look around the town square. We are looking for any clues where the Star League warehouse is located. Be careful we do not want to raise suspension and keep in radio contact.
Drango Town square
Chappy looked around, not much was happening since it was in the middle of the workday. Haleigh took Chappy’s arm and folded her arm into it, “what do you think you are doing? Haleigh”
“Trying to blend in people won’t notice lovers walking down the street looking at stuff.”
“Urgh I thought you understood that in the military there are no improper relations.”
“Matthew we are not part of the SLDF we are a mercenary group, so we don’t have to obey the rules.” As the two walked down main street Haleigh noticed an antique shop, “let’s go in here and ask around.”
Drango South side
Elise was nervous even though technically she out ranked Master Sergeant Filomena Dionsio, Filomena had been in combat 10 years longer and had been with the boss 6 of those years. Although according to all the enlisted she should be really scared of Master Halder, everyone called him chief, he oversaw logistics, so you never wanted to piss that man off, and he had known the boss longer than anyone. Elise flung her long brown hair so that she could look straight into the prettiest woman she had ever seen, “Filomena, I don’t see much on this street, there is a pub over there though I bet there are guys in there that will tell all to, two extremely hot chicks.”
Filomena stopped in the middle of her tracks and looked at the young Lt. “You think I am hot?”
“Yes Filomena, I do, and you are hotter than me.” She said as she walked into the pub. Filomena followed the Lt. with a big ass smile on her face and said, “she thinks I am hot.”
Drango North side
Ethan and Dalton wander around the town not really finding a lot just houses upon houses.
Drango South side
The two women were playing pool and taking the drunk men’s money like it was taking candy from a baby. Little did these guys know that instead of just being a local woman with low tolerance for alcohol these two warriors were well verse in the art of drinking. Elise, when she thought all the guys were significantly wasted asked.
“So, Frank we just got to town from the capital, anything interesting happening here or anything interesting to do?” As she caressed his chest hair and looked at him like she wanted more, so much more.
Drango town square
“Come on Matthew, the girls at the antique store said that Father Charles would know if there was something strange or different in the town.”
“Yes, I know but he is a priest at a catholic church, you know I am a protestant, Catholics and Protestants don’t mix it is like water and oil.” Matthew said.
“Oh, grow up silly man.”
With a sigh Matthew said, “ok I will try to ignore everything that’s in the building.”
As they walked into the church Haleigh notice the high arches and rich look of everything that was in the building. “Outside looks like a regular average somewhat poor-ish town. How can this church afford all this? I was never into church even though my parents were.”
“I don’t know, the churches I always belong to were small and used all the money on feeding the locals.” Matthew said.
“Who are you? Stop right there don’t take another step!” a disembody voice said.
A figure stepped out of the shadows with a long laser rifle as the light from the high arched windows filtered down onto the figure.
“Sir, we are looking for Father Charles can you please show us where he is at?” Matthew said.
“The one you seek is I” as Father Charles stepped into the light Matthew and Haleigh both took a step back in shock.
The man that stood in front of them was 6 foot 7 inches tall ripped in all ways that matter, blonde hair cut in a flat top style, a scare from left to right across the entire face, but the biggest shock was that they knew him.
“Col Booker what the F, we thought you died in the invasion of Terra.” Matthew and Haleigh said together.
“Long story there, cubs, long story. The short story though is I did not die, and then later after my recovery just before General Kerensky left, he tasks me to get rid of all caches of weapons that he had to leave behind, which is why I am here now.”
“General Kerensky left us, left the inner sphere, left what was left of the army to COMSTAR, why are you still following his orders?”
“Because I must, why are you here?”
Matthew and Haleigh separated and moved a few feet apart and then Matthew spoke, “Well we left when our unit was shallowed up by COMSTAR, we then formed a merc unit in hopes to help those in need. But then COMSTAR, believe it or not came to us with a proposal that we could not refuse, find the Star League warehouse here on Helm and transfer the items to COMSTAR so that they can secure it.”
“Well,” the colonel said, I know exactly where the warehouse is, and how the Marik commander has moved most of it in a high secure vault in the mountain. I could use you and your unit to destroy it. I have the location here on the map.”
Matthew looked at Haleigh and then started talking to the colonel moving slowly away from where Haleigh was. “Colonel I am under contract, so I have to either show something to COMSTAR or have a breached contract, my very first contract by the way. I am not a fan of them, but I need to somehow honor my contract, also I know that most people worship General Kerensky, but I do not in my book, he left and took most of the means to defend the innocent lives that are now dying due to the greed of the House Lords.”
The colonel looked at them with unbelief, “He was your commander, I was your comm….....he stopped mid-sentence and fell to the ground Haleigh standing over him with her gun, she had clubbed him. “What are we going to do with him now” she asked.
“Take him with us” Matthew said as he took the map from the colonel.
20 miles South of Drango
Matthew, Haleigh, Dalton, and Ethan were high on the ridge looking down at the Marik militia guarding the entrance to the warehouse.
“Well, the militia commander looks ready for us, looks like one company of light/med mechs, two companies of armor, and a battalion of infantry.” Matthew stated.
“Yeah, we got 5 heavy lances about 5 mechs though still have some damage” Ethan said.
“What’s your thoughts Dalton?” Matthew asked.
“Well boss, two choices neither very good, one full frontal, the second options wait them out see if the commander gets tired, maybe he sends patrols out and we can pick them off slowly.” Haleigh slapped Dalton’s arm and said, “dude what are you thinking we have a timetable I doubt we have time to wait them out.”
Matthew stared at his best friends, trusted advisors, and honorable warriors he just shook his head, and said, “waiting them out is not an option, frontal assault could work but I have another idea, let’s go back to the camp,” as they were walking to their liberated jeep from Father Charles, Matthew started to talk about the battle plan, “this is what we are going to do Ethan you will take your lance and…..”
***
-
Chapter Five
Battlefield
20 miles from Drango
In front of the SLDF Warehouse
7 March 2785
Major Chapman looked at the battlefield and saw a chance to end this quickly without too much bloodshed. He knew that if they could take out the militia commander or capture him the rest of the force would give up. Past battles with militia around the universe had proven this theory correct. The problem he had was that commander for this engagement was unknown, it looked like a special convey came in late last night so it could have been a command change, or simply a supply run. For some reason, the enemy force distribution had what look like a flaw, the north side was noticeably light on troops and mechs. On the south side there was a lot of infantry movement but because of the thick trees he was unable to make out what type of infantry they were. “Siegers, advance now, Delta lance go to the north and try to flank them. We need to find their command. The other three lances follow the command lance. We will move from the south and cut our way up looking for their commander and meet Delta Lance in the middle. If we have not found him them, he must be hiding in the mountain. Is that understood?” Everyone came across the net and acknowledge the mission parameters.
Major Keller
Commander of the militia
Keller planed his deployment very carefully, all his heavy infantry equipped with AC5 Batteries were hidden in the thick trees off to the south, his mechs were spread out, meaning a few up north some in the south but a lance along with the company of light and medium tanks was hidden against the hill in the middle of the battlefield power off waiting for the light signal to turn on an attack hopefully catching this merc unit by surprise.
Major Chapman
Cockpit of his mech
As they jumped across the small river Delta Lance report contact in the north. “Bravo lance move up roll around the hill and provide support for Delta” Chapman announced. “roger, moving now” Captain Bruce said. Then as soon as Alpha Lance moved into the tree line Captain Pople yelled into the radio, “heavy resistance in the woods, looks like infantry has heavy equipment!”
At that moment Matthew was shook in his seat with multiple AC fire from the woods that tore a hole in his left arm. Taking aim and firing his gauss weapons just did damage to the trees. “We are going to have to get closer to negate the tree factor, Go Go Go!” Major Chapman announced. In the north a squadron of Warrior Attack Helicopter swoop down and took pot shots at Delta Lance, they were easily dispatched although there were some headshots that took half the armor off.
Helm Militia
Major Keller was waiting for just the right timing to spring his last-minute trap, it looked like at least some of the Mercs are going to trip it, he had hope that 6 or 8 merc mechs would fall for the trap, as it was it was only four, but four dead Mercs was better than none. He made the light signal then started off in a run to get off the mountain and into combat.
Siegers
Matthew thought he saw some light flashing on the mountain, when he tried to focus on it more AC5 rounds went into his left leg. Captain Bruce busted through the silence of the radio claiming that there was mechs and tanks waiting on the other side of the mountain and that they were getting torn up. The major looked at the battle map and where his troops were, and notice that Delta had broken formation he was about to call them when Lieutenant Borcellino came on the net, “Bravo we just destroyed the last mech, we will be there to assist in about 5 minutes.” As Matthew kept firing, he took another shot in his left arm blowing it off. Damn it he thought and not for the first time in his life he hated trees.
Helm Militia
Major Keller’s plan was working out, the Mercs lances in the south and in the middle are being overwhelmed he lost information about what was happening in the north since he moved down to join the fight behind the hill, he had made many calls out to the lt. out in the north hopefully everything was ok. He was about to make a call for the reserves to move up and check out the north when missiles coming from the north flew over him missing him by a few feet.
Siegers
Major Chapman was starting to think they could lose this battle, self-doubt crept in like a thief in the night. Sergeant Liu in his JagerMech and Sergeant Moa in his Phoenix Hawk were down, luckily, they were still alive. “Focus fire on the trees if you have to, we have to flush the infantry out in the open before lucky shots kill us all.” Matthew said across the net. Lt. Borcellino and her team came around the hill from the north and the saw carnage, Bravo Lance was down two mechs she had a Shadow Hawk in her sights and fired while she advance her weapons hit the Hawk left arm and left torso enough to when she kicked the Shadow Hawk the SRM2 ammo exploded destroying the militia’s mech. Major Chapman had taken out 6 infantry units but they kept popping out of the trees like termites, another salvo of Auto Cannons hit Chapman this time ripping his right leg off. Prone he kept firing. A Rifleman next to the Major exploded but just before it did, he saw the ejection seat take off so he knew that Sergeant Mackherdhuj was ok. That makes six mechs down on his team, hopefully Delta Lance will turn the tide. The Major looked at the battle map to see that when the Rifleman blew up it took out several infantry batteries and forced the others to start retreating out in the open. With his mech crippled all he could do is fire at long range and hoped to do some damage now. He fired his remaining Gauss Rifle continuously and then another salvo of autocannons hit this time destroying his gauss rifle which also caused the auto eject system to engage, which effectively put him out of the battle.
“Everyone attention the Major is down this is Captain Tournier I have taken command temporary, continue with the Major’s plan find and destroy their commander.”
Helm Militia
The infantry was breaking but, the middle was holding up pretty good until that lance from the north showed up. Worse part thought Major Keeler is that his communication array was destroyed in the last LRM salvo so he no contact with the infantry in the mountain to tell them to attack. He aimed and took out a Lynx by taking off its head. Major Keller locked on to another merc this time a Starslayer just as he fired the Starslayer jump over the hill causing the Major to miss.
Siegers
Captain Tournier jumped his Starslayer over the hill to do a Death from above maneuver which of course was successful all but destroying the Phoenix Hawk that he jumped on unfortunately he was hit by a few stray weapons and caused him to come down hard on his Right leg. Captain Tournier slammed against the safety belts so hard he almost blacked out, almost is the key word he was able to shake the cobwebs off and move to a hull-down position.
Major Chapman was shocked he had only lost four mechs in his career upon looking at his mech though he thought it can be repaired and that the ejection seat launched prematurely. He needed to get up on a hill to overlook the battle to see how his people were doing.
Militia
Major Keller was hot today he never felt so alive and strong hitting a Kintaro in the head with his AC5 and Medium laser putting the Kintaro out of its misery. As the Major took joy in taking down another merc unit, he saw a flash of laser in front of him then he felt two impacts that ripped his Hermes into two knocking him unconscious oblivious to life.
Siegers
Lt. Borcellino was finally in range she took a PPC, large laser and three medium lasers causing her mech to overheat but with great satisfaction she was able to see her target cut in half and then blow up. She tracked with her eye the ejection seat and when her system powered back up, she marked it for pickup.
With that Captain Tournier watched as the militia unit fall apart, only infantry was left anyway and they came out of hiding with their hands in the air.
****
-
Chapter Six
Makeshift camp of the Chappy’s Howling Siegers
In front of the SLDF Warehouse
March 7, 2785
Major Keller could hear faint sounds like voices underwater, as his senses started to focus back to reality the first thing, he noticed was the blindfold, the second was the handcuffs. Damn he thought I am a prisoner to these mercenary scums, F me.
“Major, the prisoner is awake” the guard announced into his hand radio. “Roger, I will be there in just a second.”
A few moments later Major Chapman walked into the makeshift brig he looked at the guard’s name tag. “Thanks Sergeant Kalmar, I would like to talk to the militia’s commander in private.”
“Yes Sir”
Major Chapman opened the cell went over to Major Keller and took the blindfold off. “Major Keller we have a lot to talk about.” Keller was shocked and confused at the same time, he recognized this merc, but where and how, he just could not put his finger on it. Chapman could see the look of confusion on Keller’s face,
“You look like a man in a confused state of mind. I am Major Chapman commander of the Chappy’s Howling Siegers former member of the SLDF my father is Admiral Chapman I believe that he was a delegate a few years ago here on this planet I was a Lieutenant and part of his staff at that time, you were a Lieutenant also and aid to the governor.”
Confusion was lifted as Major Keller realized that was how he had a recognized Major Chapman’s face.
“What in the hell are you doing here….Major Chapman”
“Looking for something, a warehouse that belongs to me.”
Major Keller looked at Chapman with disgust. “If there was a warehouse it does not belong to you.”
“Wrong answer Major Keller, as a former member of the SLDF and current employer of COMSTAR which by order of General Kerensky became the owners of all SLDF assets still left here, makes it mine.”
“Bull crap, merc scum, that warehouse belongs to Helm.”
“Listen to me Major Keller we are setting charges to the door right now I would rather you open it, since you changed the code. If I don’t do this and figure out what is inside, COMSTAR will send someone else, and I doubt they will be friendlier.”
“Go to hell merc I don’t care what your pedigree is.”
Major Chapman took out his hand radio, “ok blow it.”
With that a big explosion happen spitting up dirt pushing it inside the tent that they were in. Major Chapman looked at the militia commander, “sorry the hard way it is then” and then he walked out with Major Keller yelling at him.
As Matthew walked toward the big hole in the metal doors, he issued orders to start taking inventory of everything, to his commanders which were the only ones allowed into the warehouse, the less people that knew what was or was not in there the better Matthew thought.
The warehouse ended up being huge with several levels of storage and each level was several kilometers wide. There were some prototypes of mechs and some kind of body armor, that Matthew had never seen. Cache of weapons and supplies that would rival any base on Earth, there were hundreds of mechs mothball that he did recognize. There were also software updates and a vast bay labeled memory core.
****
Makeshift camp of the Chappy’s Howling Siegers
In front of the SLDF Warehouse
March 15, 2785
After almost a week of going through the warehouse and learning what was in there Matthew had a decision to make and this was a decision that he could not make alone. With that in mind he called his inner circle to discuss it. Captain Pople, Captain Bruce, and Captain Tournier all sat around the small card table pretending to play cards but the news that Major Chapman just gave them stunned them. “Are you sure that is wise Chappy?” Captain Bruce adjusting his sling from his broken collar bone he received in the last battle.
“Well Ethan, I just cannot see another way, none of us like COMSTAR but we have a mission to fulfill.”
This time Captain Pople spoke up, “Can’t we just take all the stuff with us? Why re-hide it.”
Matthew turned to Haleigh, “I trust the chief and you guys with my life, I trust the rest of the unit in combat, but for a secret like this? Also, since we don’t have a dropship that is ours trying to load all that equipment up without COMSTAR finding out will be impossible. We would need 6 or 7 empty dropships to get all this off planet too.”
Matthew looked at his longtime friends and fellow warriors, “So we put as much equipment starting with the porotypes into the lower level, seal it off, and delete any reference to that level in the database. Then we will take our cut from what is left and call COMSTAR with the location and new inventory sheet. The memory core will be hidden elsewhere, no one needs to have that until later.
****
Sergeant Kalmar was standing outside of the commander’s tent, he had no idea why he was charged to report, he racked his brain until it hurt for the life of him, he could not remember violating any rules.
“Come in Sergeant” Major Chapman yelled from inside the tent.
The Sergeant marched in was about to give a crisp salute and report when Major Chapman got up from his desk rolled around and said, “you are not in trouble, nor is this a reporting visit I asked you here to see if I can trust you with something very important. Come have a seat over here,” As Chapman motioned to a makeshift couch.
After talking with the sergeant for a few hours, Major Chapman retrieved a small security briefcase that had a timer on it, and the unit’s symbol on it, to the sergeant it looked like it was counting down, to what he did not know.
“Sergeant, I know this is an unusual request, in this briefcase are documents that I don’t want anyone including our unit to have access for an exceptionally long time. Once the countdown is to zero it will unlock, the only thing I can say is that I want you to be custodian of this, well you and your children. This will not be unlocked till around 3000AD so your descendants will have access to it, when you and your family pass it to the next generation for protection the only thing, they need to know is that when it is the right time to decide on who in power truly deserves the information inside, they will need to do it. Do you understand your orders Sergeant? Will you and your future generations take on this task?”
Sergeant Kalmar licked his lips, “yes sir we will, I am honored that you entrust this to me and my family.”
****
Major Keller was still in a cell when the engine noise started, his best guess was a DropShip or two was landing close the site, it was about three weeks since his captor talked to him, he was well feed and water but was isolated. Then Major Chapman rolled into the tent in full battle gear, “time to go Major Keller, you are free, COMSTAR is here to retrieve the loot from the warehouse and the Siegers are off to our next contract.”
General Lauren Hayes walked down the ramp in her shinning new white uniform of COMSTAR. “What have you got for us, Major?”
“General, I want the rest of our payment in our account before we proceed.”
The General looked into Major Chapman’s eyes and thought for a second, “okay”, she pulled out her comm unit and spoke into it then looked back to the Major, “your money is in the bank merc, let’s hope you delivered, or I will personally see to it that you are downgraded and never see a good contract again. The only reason I am letting you have your money now is because you have served me well in the past.”
Major Chapman’s people checked and confirmed that the money was there, and he gave the order to pack up and load up. “Ma’am here are the six Warhammers that we pulled from the warehouse and parts related to those Warhammers that will last a year, per the contract the rest is yours.”
As they moved into the warehouse, they walked into a huge level that was completely empty.
“What the hell is this Major!”
The major calmly gave her a pad with the log for the warehouse on it, “as you can see ma’am a unit of SLDF was here a year prior but looks like they only pulled the first level and some other stuff out of another level. There was no detail of what they got or reason why they did not take all of it. My guess is that they did not have any more room, they did blow up the access to the rest of levels fortunately that did not stop us for long. Come General let me show you the other two levels.” Major Chapman said.
At last, after the tour that consisted of several hundreds of mothball mechs consisting of all classes and makes that the SLDF used, also all the ammo and spare parts for those mechs the General turned to Chapman and bitch slap him. Matthew jumped up and was about to jump the General when her guard stepped in front of her, “what kind of fool do you take me for Major.”
After calming himself he replied, “General, I assure you I have no idea what you are talking about.”
The General was getting angrier, “the tech Major the tech, there was supposed to be some advance tech both software and hardware that according to the original inventory I have here, should be here.”
Major Chapman looked at the list and formulated an answer that would hopefully fool the General and get him and his troops out.
“General, there is a chamber that was labeled with this name on level three I did not show you this because it looked empty when we explored it.”
“Damn it show it to me now!”
The General was mixed with emotion, sadness, anger, disappointment, and proudness which was strange, but for the SLDF to come here and gather the memory core that contained all the current research was brilliant. After she calm down a bit, she turned to the merc, “ok Major looks like you delivered you end of the bargain see you around.”
****
Major Matthew Chapman walked up the ramp of their dropship to talk to his XO about how far along the loading was at because he wanted off this planet fast away from COMSTAR and the general specifically, when Major Keller showed up.
“Major Chapman, Major Chapman! I need to speak to you.”
“Yes, come up here we will go to the conference room on board.”
After both commanders enter the room Major Chapman shut the door took out a scanner with his finger to his mouth and scanned the room. After the scan he took out another piece of equipment this time a jammer and turned it on. “Ok Major Keller we can talk now COMSTAR has been spying on my unit since they got here, what can I do for you, we take off in two hours so make it fast.”
“I know what you did, and even though I am not happy that COMSTAR is getting all that equipment, them not getting the prototype mechs and body armor, along with the memory core I thank you, but where did you put all that equipment?”
Major Chapman looked at him right into his eyes and said, “I have no idea what you are talking about, what is in there was in there when we blew the door.”
“That is impossible I know exactly what was in there, I did a visual inventory three days before you attacked us.”
“Are there any logs or written records outside the warehouse that would prove this? Major Keller”
“No Major Chapman, just me”
Chapman then pulled out his sidearm and aimed it to the militia commander head “I could shoot you so that you will not spread rumors anymore.”
As Major Keller lifted his arms showing submission he said, “look I don’t want them to have anything so when that bitch General showed me the invoice and took me to the warehouse I confirmed some of your story all I said was that just before you showed up I had done a visual inspection and it was like this, I was afraid to add anything else to that story since I had no idea what you had told her.”
Major Chapman tried to get a mean look on his face and then said, “I told you I have no idea what you are talking about the only thing we took was the 6 Warhammers per our contract, but nothing else, I should shoot you for spreading lies and rumors. If you can stop doing this, I promise I won’t shoot you.”
“Yes, Major Chapman I can keep your secret.”
“No, I don’t think you can” then Major Chapman pulled the trigger and shot the other Major in the head. Captain Bruce broke the door down with his gun drawn and saw the situation, “what happen Chappy?”
“The secret of the real cache of weapons and memory core must remain a secret, I trust my friends to keep that secret, I trust our sergeant to keep a secret that he has no idea what it is, I respected this man, but I could not trust him he was the only one outside our circle that knows the truth on this planet.”
The Major looked at his watch, “take off is less than an hour” he then picked up the body “get the doors for me, I must bury this man.”
Brig
Major Chapman walk into the brig and told the attending to open the cell. Colonel Booker was about to thrust himself into the Major when the attending leveled his pistol at the Colonel. “Colonel Booker you are free to go we are taking off in 30 minutes go back to the church and continue to pretend to be a priest.”
“The hell I will cub...Matthew I have no respect for you nor your silly ban of mercs. What did you do with the Generals equipment?”
Chapman looked straight into his former commander’s eyes, “COMSTAR has it all.” With that Matthew did an about face and walked out to the screams of the Colonel Booker.
Epilogue
Wedding Night
Between Lori Kalmar and Grayson Death Carlyle
3025ish
After a long and passion session in the bedroom of Carlyle’s barracks. Both lovers got their second wind, Lori got out of bed, with the moonlight shinning on her naked body she went over to her footlocker that was transfer over early that day and retrieved an old silver briefcase with a symbol of a half man half wolf and lettering that was worn to the point of missing some important letters. Curiosity got the best of Grayson and he sat up, “what is that my love” he asked.
“This is something incredibly special that has been passed down from generation to generation. When I went home to revisit my parent’s grave, I found a secure cache of my families’ stuff, and this was in there with a letter from my father. I will not go into the details but basically this box was to be kept in the family or given to someone that is worthy. I tracked down my families’ timeline and discovered that my great-grandfather of like 8 times over or so was a sergeant in a merc group called Chappy’s Howling Siegers, interested I looked up this group and found that it still exists only under a different name called Chappy’s Revenge.”
Carlyle was shocked “you mean the group that was given a planet by the First Prince of the Federated Suns right on the boarder of Kurita Space?”
“Yes, my love that group, I talked to the commander a General Matthew Chapman, the commander of the unit that my great grandfather served was also named Matthew Chapman.” Carlyle held up his hand, “This is to freaking weird but, really what does this mean?” Lori with the patience of only a wife can give to her husband exhaled, “General Chapman new exactly what this briefcase was. He told me that the story of Helm was passed down from generation to generation and only a select few knew of its existence. He was happy that I had found it and knew of my impeding wedding with you. He also said that he was a big fan of you and your father. He then urged me that if I thought you deserve it, I should give it to you.”
Now his curiosity was peaking and excitement building up, “what is in the briefcase?”
“I don’t know it is for you to open.”
As Carlyle open the case, he took the scroll out careful and started reading the documentation his eyes got bigger and bigger. “Holy shit, this is a map, inventory, codes, actual hidden location of a Star League Cache of prototypes and information of research that the Star League was doing before they dissolved. If this cache is still there, it could be a game changer for us and the universe.”
“Well, where is this Cache?” Lori asked
He looked at his new wife and called his XO, “Gather the troops and load up we are going back home.” He got off the radio and looked into her eyes, the Cache is on Helm, I don’t recognize this configuration of mountains but it’s there and has been there for almost 300 years right under our nose.”
The End
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next book will be here in this thread starting next week.
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Interesting finish, always good when comstar get's screwed. :thumbsup:
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Interesting story indeed! :thumbsup:
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thanks, i appreciate you saying so...I know my writing is not the best, but I am trying
I try to implement cannon situations and manipulate it for my own use hopefully it's not hated to much from the purist lol I love BattleTech which we had more history on units and conflict...also more info on planets would be great.
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Shocking that Comstar got screwed.. 8) they are such nice people..
Major Keller what an moron, as soon as he appeared I knew his days were numbered...
Sergeant Kalmar, 8 generations removed from Lori.. didn't see that coming..
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Didn't see it coming either, but agreed... BRILLIANT! :thumbsup:
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Footprints in the Inner Sphere
Chappy’s Howling Siegers
By
Matthew Chapman
Disclaimer
This story is based on my imagination, what happens in MegaMek and MekHQ, and input from others. Any names are based on fiction, and any location is based on MegaMek. The timeline takes place right before and after the SLDF exodus. The mercenary group is complete fiction some names from BattleTech Lore have been used in this book. All battles are done in MegaMek so some chapters may take longer to write than others
Prologue
Niles
Capital Planet
Freedom Federation
Museum of Military History
June 1, 3033
General Matthew Chapman had just finished year one of the memoirs of his forefather, when his security alerted to a distinguish visitor coming his way. Matthew heard the warrior enter the hall and without turning he said. “Welcome Colonel Wolfe, I am honored that you were able to make it to my humble nation for this momentous occasion.” Matthew then turned around to greet the man that was an alley even if they were both just mercs.
“General Chapman, it is I who is honored that you invited me to your nation to partake in this celebration.” Colonel Jamie Wolfe said as he shook Matthew’s hand and then stood side by side looking at the Gene wall. He started talking again after a minute of silence between them.
“We have known each other for many years, I have yet uncovered all your secrets, even with my vast network of employees. Some parts of your past and your family’s history still remain a mystery.”
“I could say that as well about you Colonel.”
“General with our new business arrangement, and our growing friendship would you indulge me with your findings?”
Mathew looked sideways noticing that the Colonel was studying his family timeline intensely. Then started to answer him.
“Colonel my family’s corporation, assets, and network of workers throughout the known universe has been in place way before I came into power, in fact this organization has been around several hundreds of years. With that said they still have to speculate where you came from, how you have the equipment and personnel you have, and the wisdom you have for battle. I personally believe the leading theory coming out of my intelligence office, that you are descendants from the Great Exodus. The question remains though are you here because you and your men are the last of those that left, are you are spies, or a forward deployed invasion force from those that left the Great Exodus.”
The Colonels eyes twinkled but he did not say anything at first. Then he looked at the General.
“General I noticed that 2786 seems to be the flashpoint of when this, the organization, really started, the first commander had the same name as you, and that you look quite similar to him.”
Matthew looked at his ally, “yeah genetics are strange that way and I was named after him, in fact there are a lot of men in the Chapman lineage with the same name dating back to the 1900s.”
Colonel Wolfe looked at the father, it was the Vice Admiral that left with the great Kerensky, now Wolfe knew the missing piece of the puzzle and knew that his people needed to know as well.
“General, the secrecy of your family history has been, up till now pretty under wraps. With your family ancestry shown on the wall and the memoirs of your ancestors easily accessible, what has changed.”
“Colonel, I am not sure why the core families back in 2786 decided to keep everything a secret from the rest of the Inner Sphere, or why the merc units that operated under the Chapman family was in secret up until I took over the business. I have yet found a good reason, but because of what has happened in the last decade specially the last three years, I find it difficult not to tell my family story.” Matthew then turned fully so that he was facing Colonel Wolfe. “To that, I would like to invite you and a few other top leaders that I consider allies to the Chapman Corporation Headquarters on Devils Breath”, he sighed and continue, “soon we will be renaming that planet, I have always hated that name. I want to show my friends our factories, schools, civilian life, and of course the defenses that surround the system.”
Colonel Wolfe nodded his head and thanked Matthew for his invitation, but then the Colonel’s communicator beep signaling that it was time to leave.
“Take care my friend.” Colonel Wolfe said to Matthew as they clasp hands and forearms. “I look forward to that date at your corporations home world.” With that he turned and walk away, and Matthew picked up the next volume of his ancestor’s memoirs starting were he left off.
Chapter One
Mercenary Office to the Governor
New Munich (Capital)
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
March 6, 2786
Major Matthew ‘Chappy’ Chapman sat there in an office on the other side of the hall from the governor of the planet. The office was a fairly nice one, all local wood paneling that was stained a dark rich cherry color, built in bookcase ran the length of three walls with a sofa and recliner in the middle of the room and the desk off to the side. This contract was a simple one, Relief duty for the FWL front line soldiers as they try to defend against the Steiner War Machine. Conflicts were abundant throughout the Inner Sphere and what the experts are now calling The Succession War was swinging into full gear. It has been almost a year since him and his closest friends formed this unit. The unit has grown and is now a three mech company, two aero flights strong and through salvage, have enough tanks to make a company, the only problem, personnel. Matthew was not going to hire just anyone and that was the problem. Placing the dossiers back on the desk he decided to get up to retrieve some water out of the cooler when his aid burst into the office.
“Sir, a package just arrived for you at the ComStar station, only you can pick it up. The tech there said it was mark Urgent and Confidential for your eyes only. Curious, Matthew picked up his outer shirt of his uniform and said, “Ok, get the jeep I will meet you out front.”
Captain Pople was walking into the building when she ran into Matthew leaving.
“I was just coming to see if you wanted to grab lunch.”
“Sorry I can’t, I have to get to the HPG station and pick up some classified package or whatever it is.” Major Chapman said.
On his way over he hoped it was good news, but with it being classified it would not be about his wife or kids, that being said it made him nervous, who could or would send him a ‘for your eyes only’ message through the HPG. When he pulled up to the compound a tech was already there waiting to escort him to the message. Matthew left the jeep and went inside as they were walking through the maze of the compound the tech started to speak.
“Sir, glad you could come we have been looking for you for few months now, our information on you and your unit was limited. A message from Vice Admiral Chapman was sent with a secure electronic package attached for you about 7 months ago. You can download the message in here sir.”
With that the tech opened a door to a 10x10 room with a console and a chair as the only furniture.
“Thank you” Matthew said and then he shut and locked the door. Matthew was kind of in shock or dismay, an old message from his long-gone father, what was it, was it his father’s last-ditch attempt at getting his son to leave the inner sphere? Taking out a hidden scanner in his briefcase Matthew scanned the room and then set up the white noise feature of his device. Can’t be too careful these days Matthew thought.
Sitting down in the chair he saw that the message was ready he pushed played and his father’s face popped up on the screen, the amount of money his father spent on sending a video message, this must be good Matthew thought sarcastically.
“Son, I hope all is well. I heard about the unit your formed and the battles you fought on Helm. Even though you decided to stay on Earth I am proud of you for not being sucked into ComStar and started to fight for your ideas. I hope this gets to you before you leave Helm, there are some things there that you might want. In the secure package, there are a list of items that I left for you to help in your agenda. I hope that one day you and your offspring will discover what the Chapman family has always dreamed about. I know I never really said this too often, but I love you, miss you and remember always hold on to your family don’t be like me.”
The screen went black and then asked for a security code.
Matthew sat back in his chair and ran his hand through his dark brown hair. “What the frack” he said out loud and then thought to himself could this day get any weirder. He assumed the code the computer was asking for was the personal code that him and his father had set up when they were both in SLDF was download, and not corrupted he open the index to the package to make sure it was all there. After checking all the codes that his father had at the beginning and end Matthew was satisfied that all was in order. He unplugged his data port and then deleted the message from the system. He then took a second data port out of his briefcase plugged it in and ran the security program verifying that the message was truly scrubbed. The program was almost done when the door started to make a loud noise with the tech banging on it yelling to let him in. Matthew saw that the program was done he retrieve the dataport and placed in the briefcase in the hidden location along with the other equipment, then unlocked the door. The tech rushed in furious looking at Matthew and the console.
“What did you just do? We got an alert saying the system was being hack!”
Matthew calmly looked at the tech and said. “Did you? How odd all I did was delete the message after I read it. All it was the Admiral saying he was proud of me and left me a gift, which I am sure you already knew that.”
The tech was taking back, “ummm no of...course …not…I mean we would never read any message that was marked ‘for your eyes only’ honest.”
Matthew looked at the tech shook his head and started to leave.
“Wait Major I need to search you.”
“No, you don’t.” Matthew said. “If you do then everything you said is a lie, I am a free citizen that has done nothing but follow the Vice Admiral orders on this last matter that he sent as an officer of the Star League Defense Force now step aside”
With that Matthew left the building and went back to base.
On the drive back he looked at his pad, three days until all the families show up from New Earth, he recently purchased a luxury liner (dropship) so that for now on all his family along with the rest of the unit’s families can travel from contract to contract. Even though that will double his travel expenses having two drop ships, it was worth it, family was important. He was also wondering what was on the package, with all the security his father placed on it, Matthew decided back at the HPG site to only view it on his non planet network computer that was only connected to the Siegers database/network. He had also noticed a drone hovering over his vehicle the minute they left the HPG Station, slightly touching the side of the briefcase he continued to look at the news feed on his pad.
The vehicle just went around the final curve and the front gate to the base was in site, he elected to go to the dropship instead of the office the governor had given him for security reasons. There was however a problem, two dozen COMSTAR guards blocking the path into the base. Matthew’s driver came to a stop, at the same time the gate opens up and a dozen Siegers fully armed rushed out.
“Major Chapman, have your men stand down, by the order of Precentor Coulmen, I Adept Venc order you out of the vehicle with your briefcase so that I may search you for any illegal contraband. If I find any, I will keep it and you can continue your contract.”
Matthew slowly got out of the vehicle with his briefcase and complied to the search. “Captain Bruce stand down it’s ok.” The Acolytes did not find anything on Matthew then they searched the vehicle. While they were searching the vehicle Adept Venc walked up to Matthew and said with a snug voice. “I to was once part of the SLDF I recognized that briefcase, standard issue, and it has a secret compartment.” The Adept ripped the briefcase away and all the Acolytes turned to look at their leader. Venc slowly looked at the briefcase then open it to the secret compartment, and there it was a data-port. “Noooo”, was all Matthew could say as he struggled being held by two Acolytes.
“I knew it, I outsmarted you dirty merc. “Men we got what we came here for let them go move out.”
The COMSTAR troops left in a hurry and Captain Bruce walked up to his commander and asked what that was about. Matthew looked at his friend picked up the discarded briefcase went to the vehicle to retrieve his hat turned and started walking toward the main gate he looked at Captain Bruce and said, “It was all about deception.”
Adept Venc pulled up to the HPG station and handed the Data-port to Precentor Coulmen. “I have retrieved the item for you sir.” Precentor thanked him and went inside to inspect the info, sure enough the data was on the drive. He listens to the message again but this time he had a code the code that the merc imputed the first time. After entering the code, the info of the gift was listed. The Precentor push backed in his chair, all this cloak and dagger shit, and all that was there was an Archer and a bank account with 30 million C-bills, unbelievable he thought.
Matthew entered his office on the DropShip and turned on his anti-spying equipment then sat down at his desk. This office was not as nice as the one in the capital building, a makeshift office in the conference room of the DropShip, but it was more secure than the nicer office. Pulling out his secured Pad and inserting the data-port he made some coffee while he waited until the encryption ran its program. Someone started knocking at the door.
“Sir! Sir! Are you ok, why is your door locked, this is the aid to the governor. I need to talk to you!”
“Just a second.” Matthew said as he reached out and closed his pad, he then opens the door, “what is it?”
“Sir the enemy has been spotted about 100 miles from our port city on the south side of the continent.”
“Yes, I know I have already dispatched a unit to aid in your forces against the enemy breakthrough, now if you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to.”
With that he shut the door to the dismay of the aid not because the Major did not open the door but an inch but because he was unable to place a new bug in the room. The room just a few minutes ago went dead silent and now the governor will not know what the mysterious message was about.
Matthew sat down with coffee in hand made a mental note to forbid anyone that was not a Sieger on the base, and started to read the message, after an hour of reading Matthew sat back and could not believe what he just read. His father left five caches of various equipment and supplies, the first one on Helm they already dealt with, although if he had known that was supposed to be all his he would have done things different. The last one on the list was the biggest surprise, a planet off all maps that has advance factories and repair equipment, enough equipment to create 5 units at least and also have personnel there loyal to the Chapman family. He then started to type a secure message to his contract personnel.
Team,
Here is a list of three planets that we need to get to or as close as possible. I would like to get a contract to the actual planets, we can take contracts in between to save on cost of travel and gather more experience. There is a fourth planet that I am looking at too after some research I will identify the planet to you. They are listed in order; this is top priority, but we also need to be careful about letting others know that we want to be at these planets so tell our office at New Earth to be tactful. Thanks for all you do.
1. Ingress -- terra hegemony
2. Balletine – Federated Suns
3. Bad News – Draconis Combine
Major Chapman
_______________________________________________________
He then sent a message to his XO
Captain Pople
I have something that the spouse support unit can start doing as soon as they have landed and gotten comfortable. I need them to start intel on the planet Ingress.
Thanks, Major Chapman.
He did not dare give anyone the location of the fourth planet over any electronic message system. Since that location was out on the fringes of the other side of the inner sphere.
A knock at the door and then a voice. “Matthew its Bruce”
Matthew got up and let his friend in.
“What was all that about at the gate.” Bruce said while sitting down.
“Deception Ethan, deception, my father left an encrypted message for me seven months ago. I can only assume that COMSTAR has been trying to hack the message from day one. After I imputed the first code and listen to the message, I downloaded the whole message and then used a data-port security program to scrub the data from their system. When I left, I notice a drone following us and I assumed, correctly I might add, that they were going to cut us off and searched me. So, with a slight of hand, I had the briefcase download the file to the data-port that had the security program on it and then the original data-port went into a secret compartment in the floorboard of the vehicle. The data-port that the Adept has now is misinformation, because when they open it with the first code it will erase all the data except for two lines. First line was an Archer dad gave me and the second was a line of credit he had set up for us. Come over here Ethan and see what father really gave us, you will not believe it.”
Office of General Hayes
Hilton Head Island
South Carolina, Terra
COMSTSAR Headquarters
Almost a year has passed since she dealt with Matthew Chapman and his little merc unit. She was, up to now, just following their escapades, but here lately they were starting to get the attention of the COMSTAR civilian leaders. Hayes threw the file down on her desk, got up to stretch and get coffee. Chapman, she thought what is going on, she rubbed her temple and carried her cup back to her desk. The last report she had, showed that his father sent him a secure message, one in which no one could hack into and then when they released it to see if they could read it while Matthew read it, he did not, he just downloaded and then hacked a cleaner into the system that deleted everything about him and the message, because the one that the Precentor said they retrieve was bogus and she knew it, even if those other idiots did not. What was so important, she had to know, a plan formed in her mind, she needed someone inside his merc unit either a new guy or one that is already in place. She sat down and started to bring up files of spies that could infiltrate Chapman’s merry band of friends.
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Chapter Two
Base HQ
New Munich (Capital)
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
March 12, 2786
Matthew was looking over the reports from the last engagements with the enemy, the 6th Hesperus Guards the invaders, and the planet defenses have been locked in battles across the planet for a several months before Matthew and his unit showed up. Which was fine since both sides were exhausted by now, most of the battles were just mere skirmishes. Matthew looked at the deployment table Charlie lance was up 300 miles north to defend a town, his command lance and Alpha Lance was going to leave later in the day to stop a Hesperus Guards breakthrough of the Forward Base located in the west. Matthew jumped a little when the door slammed open.
“Matthew what is the meaning of this” Captain Pople said.
Matthew looked at the small group that came with her, two of the three closest advisors and friends, and his wife which oversaw all civilian workers for the unit.
“What do you mean…Captain” Matthew said as he looked at everyone with his eyes resting on his wife.
“These orders for contracts, why are you trying to force contracts for specific planets eventually moving us all the way over to the other side of the known universe. Most of us are from Terra, I thought we were going to stay around that region of space.” His wife said.
Matthew shook his head up and down, “mmmm yeah, I know, that was the idea until this came. I have changed my mind and have now changed the direction that the Siegers will be going. This is a military matter, so I ask that everyone leaves except for the captain, all the civilians need to know is that this is for the best interest for the unit.” Matthew then moved around his desk and asked for everyone to leave except for Pople, locked the door, and flipped a switch in his hand which made the room secure. He then held up the data port with his father’s message
“Look” Matthew started to say, “this is very top secret and not to be talked about outside this room, when Dalton gets back with Charlie Lance, I will back brief him. The situation has change, we were all part of the SLDF, and I know we all still feel the pull to have the SLDF here and calm all these little wars that have started. I also know it has been hard on us playing the mercenary role, which is the role we are to play for maybe the rest of our lives. But there may be a chance to build this unit into something special, and eventually have a permanent base off of all star maps, protecting our families.” Matthew raised his hand when it looked like Pople was going to talk back. “Meaning, the last planet that I have not released yet on that list, has a secure base with a few thousand workers and a few more civilians, industrial platform, mech factories, and the planet is food and energy self-sustaining as of 8 months ago when my father made this message. These people pledge loyalty to my father and said that they will wait for me to pledge loyalty to me. Now it is going to take maybe years before we get there, so I have sent an envoy to them to notify them that we are coming. This DataPort has the message my father sent me come over here and see what Father left us. Right now, only you, Bruce and soon Dalton will know exactly what we are going to do.”
Pople watched the video and had a hard time believing it, “Your father the man that killed most of my friends during friendly fire in the Amazon is just giving you all this equipment?”
Matthew looked at his best friend and said, “I know I can hardly believe it myself, now if you will excuse me, I need to get my lance ready to head out.”
The group stared at Captain Pople as she left the office obviously still not happy because no answers were given. Matthew took hold of his wife and moved her into the office. Shutting the door and turned around, Diana could tell he was very mad by the look in his eyes and the color change in them.
“What the hell was that Diana?” “What was that an attempt of, an intervention, an attempt at bringing me down, I am the commander why are they and you questioning my decisions?”
“No” Diana said “It was nothing like that, how could you think that? They were just concern with the secrecy. You have been withdrawn the last few days and this memo has got people talking”
Matthew looked at a report laying on top of his desk, the report was a secret communique from an ex-girlfriend that still worked in the military arm of COMSTAR and decided not to share.
“I have reasons to be secret we are a merc unit out here alone without any government or big donor backing. I am the commander and if I have secrets, it is best I keep them for the good of the unit.”
He looked at his wife and kissed her on the forehead “I got to get going talk to you after the battle.”
FOB Stonewall
Helliots City
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
March 24, 2786
Captain Pople was looking at the drone images, nothing in all the quadrants but the battle was fate, all communication outside of the city had been jammed so the enemy was coming. With the jamming Captain Pople had no idea when her commander was coming with his command lance, they left HQ about 4 hours after she did so it should be soon unless the enemy sprung a trap. A few minutes later her drone picked up the enemy south/southwest from the city which was opposite of the base that was set up in the north part of the city.
“Listen up Alpha Lance we have enemy inbound south/southwest our back up has not shown yet, and our allies are on the other side of town, time to get to work keep them out of the town.”
The enemy burst through the tree line and Captain Pople realized her mistake instantly, she underestimated how many units they had, while in the trees the drone only recognized half of the enemy. Her four mechs against twelve heavy tanks and six light mechs meant that her unit was out matched.
Eight minutes later three enemy tanks were broken and on fire with the crews inside, another tank’s left side was gone but the crew escape. Captain Pople was crippled with a missing left leg and sergeant Moa was missing both legs with his mech’s head down in the dirt, but he was ok. The other two mechs had some damage but were still operational. That is when Major Chapman and his lance popped out of the town on the south side going at full speed and firing at the enemy. She noted that none of the allies had shown up to help.
Major Chapman and his lance were running at full speed trying to link up with Alpha Lance ever since the jamming started. When they exited the main part of the city and saw the battle, he ordered his team to fire even if they were not in range in hopes to relieve some pressure on Captain Pople and her people.
Running at full speed was making it hard to hit the enemy so Major Chapman ordered the unit to slow, pick a target and kill them. Matthew took out two more enemy tanks when two AC20 hit his left side straight on virtually taking all his armor off his left arm, leg, and torso including taking some armor of his head. Sparks flew out of a console, smoke started to fill the cockpit. The smoke was getting two thick to see or breath, damage report showed some engine damage and heat sinks destroyed so he powered down and left the cockpit. A few minutes later the last enemy mech was crippled beyond fighting capability.
Base HQ
New Munich (Capital)
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
March 25, 2786
Major Chapman looked at the damage report, almost all his unit was moderately damage. He needed about two weeks of repair to be able to field a company, right now he had a lance and even then, some would have damage. The only good news he saw was the deployment report, there was absolutely no sign of the enemy anywhere, looks like they are bunkered down some where doing repairs too, which was fine with Matthew.
Base HQ
New Munich (Capital)
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
Conference room
June 3,2786
All the command staff was there sitting around the conference room table, they just spent the last four hours re-organizing the unit. In the eighteen months the unit had grown from barely a company strong to almost a Battalion strength with support units. Major Chapman looked around the room, there was one last action that he needed to accomplish.
“There is just one more item to take care of, Dalton, Ethan, Haleigh get up here to the front now.” Matthew waited until his three closest friends and MechWarrior came up to the front of the table. “With the creation of three companies, and being that we are just Mercenaries, there is no precedent for this, so I am just going to do it. I hereby promote all three of you to Major effective immediately.” “With this I will be giving myself the rank of Lt. Col only so that the outside world will see a military structure, we all know that within this conference room we are all equals and will be treated as such. Even though as the leader of this organization there will be times that I will call for secrecy, and not all details will be release to the unit or even to y’all but know that there will always be a reason for that secrecy mainly because we will always be in a host nation, and there are ears everywhere.” With that he gave the three soldiers their new rank saluted them, shook their hands, and started clapping. He then started to wonder where his most trusted agent was at this moment…
Yance I (Agador)
Terran Hegemony
Recharge Station
Space Lounge
6 June 2786
Grace Hartikainen was sitting in a booth on the far side of the club nursing a rum and the local soft drink. She was thinking of how she came to this place, and why she was here. Recently promoted to Lieutenant as a mech tech for the Howling Siegers she was proud of the uniform, but now she was in civilian clothes looking like a woman waiting for trouble. Still as she waited, her mind drifted to the first time she met Matthew Chapman.
17 years ago
A young blonde hair female was starting to cry a little bit while the chief was yelling at her.
“Look trooper I don’t care who you are what you were or how you got into the best unit in the SLDF you do not deviate from known procedures, DO YOU UNDERSTAND!!!”
“But Chief, I just”
“No, trooper, no there is no but.”
Just then a young confident MechWarrior came out of the lift and was coming straight for them, instantly everyone knew who the Lance Commander of Beta Lance, 2nd Company, 3rd Battalion, 151st Division was, Lieutenant Matthew Chapman callsign Chappy.
“What seems to the problem Chief?”
“This little no-it-all seems to have some high ideas about how to tinker with your mech, sir.”
“Ah,” Matthew said shook his head and said, “Chief, this Private was actually handpicked by me, she was at the top of her class, won several awards for inventions that baffle her professors. I pulled a lot of strings to get her here and even though I appreciated you training her in all things military I don’t want her creativity stifle.” Matthew looked at Grace and then said, “If you have an idea how to improve something, I want you to make a report and send it to me and the chief and then,” Matthew looked at the Chief, “I will want a report on her improvement based on your years of experience, I will then make a decision on what course of action to implement. Now since this is the first day why don’t you verbally tell me the procedure you want to do tell me the upside, downside, and any other issues this upgrade might do.”
From that time forward even if he said no to a project she wanted to do, he had won her, she would follow him to hell, and in fact where he went, she did to, for 17 years she has been the only one to touch his mech besides him, until now that is, 300 light years away in a lounge waiting. Matthew had been in contact with the people his father had placed throughout the universe and they in return had been in contact with the main base that her commander wanted as his own. She got to the lounge three hours early to scout the place out and to blend with the crowd, about an hour before the meeting an alarm wailed throughout the station.
Yance I (Agador)
Terran Hegemony
Recharge Station
Command Section
6 June 2786
“Sir, unidentified ship just jumped in system and is moving this way!!!”
Another tech turned toward the commander. “Sir they are hailing us.”
“Patch it through” the commander said
A woman clearly military appeared on the monitor.
“This is ‘The Beast of Terra’ Lieutenant Commander Phung at your service, we are not here to attack, nor will we be here that long. We have a passenger that we need to pick up and then we will be on our way. Please prepare for my command shuttle to dock.” With that the screen went blank.
“What the hell! How dare she, comm patch us through to the Hegemony command circuit.”
The comm tech looked at the commander, “they are jamming us, and a shuttle just left their bay. Scanning ‘The Beast of Terra’…it’s a Samarkand Carrier this ship can carry up to 72 fighters along with 12 assault craft, there are no dropships attached to it though. She is a warship looks like SLDF model where they got that or who owns it, is a mystery sir.”
30 minutes later
The alarms had stopped 29 minutes ago with an all clear/false alarm call. Grace was starting to get bored with only 5 minutes left until the schedule meeting time she was starting to think that she was being stood up. Then it happens, a tall, gorgeous women in a well-defined and well tailor uniform of unknown material and insignia showed up at the front of the club with two bodyguards in her wake. Grace stood up and locked eyes with the woman, with that the woman made a bee line to her and thrust out her hand, “Lieutenant Commander Phung, at your service if you follow me, we will go onboard our ship and discuss the assets.”
Grace looked a little confused, “assets, wait, going to your ship, what ship, I thought we were going to talk here, explain please.”
“The ship is not really mine I command it and if it pleases Major Chapman, I will continue to command it under his direction. I really don’t want to talk here we need to be in a more secure area to much is at stake.”
Grace boarded the shuttle, settle in and then felt the left off and leaving the artificial gravity of the station. When the shuttle took a left turn, she saw the ship, she could not believe it, the 151st was bed down on a similar ship a few years ago during the civil war. As they got closer, she noticed the name of the ship and tears started to fill her eyes, this was the ship they were on during the war.
“Beast of Terra, this is shuttle 1121 Commander Phung here requesting authorization for landing.” The commander heard sniffling and turned her head back to Grace, “yes, it is the exact same ship and not a re-name, Admiral Chapman knew this would mean something to his son, so he left it for him.”
Grace looked at the commander like she just grew a second head, “wouldn’t the Admiral get into trouble with General Kerensky having a missing ship?”
The Commander just shook her head, “a lot of things from all commands went missing during the exodus, lots of equipment was left behind, and people like us and also people like the Siegers were left behind too.” “As you can see, we don’t have any DropShips and even though we have 72 fighters all, but a squadron is mothball, we have a lot of merchandise back home on the Devils Breath just not enough people to operate them.”
“Devils Breath?” Grace ask, “Is that the secret planet that the Major told me about?”
“Yes” the commander then turned back around to start the landing procedures.
-
Chapter Three
Base HQ
New Munich (Capital)
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
Governor’s Observation Lounge
July 1, 2786
The Governor of the planet was standing with Lt. Col Chapman at the observation window watching the DropShip off in the distance take off and reach altitude. He then glanced at Chapman and said,
“Well done, I don’t think we could have pushed those Lyran Bastards off our planet if it wasn’t for you all. I will have the bank transfer the rest of the payment to you today, only if you stay for a few more weeks to verify that they have reached the Jump Point and have left.”
Matthew looked at the governor, “Of course sir, once the Lyrans broadcast that they were leaving the system after my warship appeared in orbit, I started to make arrangements. We are not leaving until the end of the month to get everyone moved and situated on the ship.”
“Yes, very surprising and fortunate that a warship showed up. Tell me how you got your hands on that.”
“Sir, I am a son of an Admiral in the SLDF there are many things that I can still get my hands on, the Siegers have many more surprises trust me on that.” With that Lt. Col. Chapman walked out of the observation room to oversee his unit deployment.
Siegers Temporary HQ
Matthew just got the communique he had wanted and now he could truly make plans to leave, and with that warship he can do so without depending on anyone. For a few months now, he had been eyeing the boarder of the Capellan Confederation and what was left of the Terran Hegemony looking for a planet that he could volunteer the Siegers for to get close to the planet Ingress. His directives to his contract office as of yet had not yielded anything worthwhile. Several planets had fallen in the last few months and as of this yesterday three more planets were being invaded, and then this morning a call went out from a fourth planet, Ingress sent a message, that the enemy just jumped in system. So, Matthew instantly sent a message offering assistance and hoped that they could last until mid-September. The communique that he read now said, hurry we will fight until you get here. Calling his XO and his new Fleet Commander, he told them the next destination and then told the Fleet Commander to meet him ASAP so that they could hash out all the details of his plan. Also, he had yet to meet her and if the report from Lieutenant Hartikainen was accurate, he needed to see for himself where the fleet commander loyalty was.
A few minutes later a knock at the door and Matthew said enter, it was the new Fleet Commander, long flowing brown hair, piercing blue eyes and a figure that was very pleasing to the eye. She gave him a crisp salute and reported in.
Matthew stared at her for a second and then said.
“I am not sure if I understand your position or not, were you part of my father’s team, or were you just some random person that he picked out to give me.”
“Sir, my loyalty is to the Chapman Family.”
“But I never knew you. So how can that be Phung?”
“Sir, I was a secret, I was your father’s faithful mistress and now I am your servant till the end.”
Taken back by what he just heard Matthew had to think carefully at the next thing to say. “Ok well did you know all the plans that my father had both for me and the items he stashed throughout the universe.”
“Yes sir, here let me show you what the planet that is now yours has to offer.” And with that she approached him sat next to him on the couch. Took his hand and slipped a data chip into his hand.
The door open and Diana burst in “What’s going on here?”
“Nothing, the Commander was giving me some information.” Matthew said with a confused look on his face. “Why are you here?”
“Because I heard how pretty this woman was and that you two were in a closed meeting, should have known since you two were holding hands when I showed up.”
Matthew held up the data chip, “You are being stupid she was giving me the information on this; I don’t have time for these childish games get out of my office.”
Diana turned a stormed out of the office, Matthew looked at the fleet commander, “Sorry about that I don’t know what has gotten into my wife, lately she has been distant and now she is showing jealousy over nothing.” He then looked at the locked drawer where a report about his wife sat. “We have a nine, ten, and fourteen-year-old together they are going to be the future of the unit, I need to hold this family together until they are strong enough.”
HPG Facility
New Munich (Capital)
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
Front gate
July 1, 2786
A stranger walked up to the front gate and looked at the COMSTAR guard. He looked at the stranger with disgust all he saw was a dirty face, dirty coat what he thought was just a beggar. “Be gone from here, you are not welcome at this facility.”
The stranger looked up, “I am Adept Morris, I need to make a transmission to Terra.”
The guard scanned the database for the person’s name, “My database shows you no longer active.”
The stranger looked at the guard straight in the eyes, “I have been undercover now let me inside or suffer punishment from General Hayes.”
The guard transported the stranger to one of the communication rooms and left. Allowing the stranger to put in the secret code and address of the individual she wanted to communicate with.
General Hayes Office
General Hayes was on her way out the door for a dinner date which was going to be a business meeting when her communication suite started to beep. She made her way to the computer and recognized the code even though it was an old one, one she thought was long dead.
“Adept Morris, I thought you was dead how could you allow me to believe that since at one time we were lovers.”
“General, I am no longer that girl, I have been traveling with a merc unit that its leader was under your command back during the SLDF days.”
General Hayes could not believe her good fortune. “Would this be Matthew Chapman?”
The other person shook her head yes
General Hayes then asked, “will you come back to me and COMSTAR since I am part of them now and do some information gathering for me on his unit.”
“Yeah, I think I can do that now, I will get back to you in about 90 days with a full report, Morris out.”
As the stranger walked out of the facility the guard wonder who it was, she could not even tell whether the person was a boy or girl.
Morris rounded the corner and went to the public restroom to change from the beggar outfit to a uniform, she had to get prepped for the trip to the next mission, during that voyage she will investigate everything, there was a lot of things that Matthew kept to himself, more and more secrets the longer he was in command, and she did not like that. His personality was changing in her opinion if he was not stopped and/or and intervention was not accomplished, she was afraid he would start thinking of himself as a god or king and take everyone down with him.
Base HQ
New Munich (Capital)
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
Lt. Col Chapman Office
The communication device beeped, “Chapman here.”
“Sir, this is security, we followed the subject as requested. She headed to the HPG facility spent about 20 minutes there and then came back to the base.”
“Thank you, sergeant keep this, between you and I, Chapman out.”
Matthew sat back in his chair and looked over at his 9-year-old playing with model mechs and wonder what she was doing at the HPG facility for 20 minutes.
Star Port
New Munich (Capital)
Continent Adelaide
Planet Giausar
Gate 3
Dropship Wolves Trap
July 7, 2786
Lt. Col. Chapman stood next to the governor and shook his hand.
“Sir, it was an honor to protect your people I hope that you can now focus on building your defenses so that you can fend for yourselves. Hopefully, because of the recent activity the Marik regime will send you some support.”
“Thank you, Colonel, I have been pleasantly surprised by your unit’s performance and have noted that in my official report to the MRBC.”
“The Siegers appreciate that, have a safe life.” With that Matthew turned and went to his dropship waiting to take off. The other dropship Wolf’s Desire which was full of all the civilians and most of the food supplies had lifted off a few minutes ago. He was glad that they would get a favorable report since the next mission he had alternative motive that may conflict with the defense of the planet. There were two SLDF caches on Ingress and a dropship forgotten in the mountains, if that dropship could be captured and repaired, he could expand his unit. The ammo, armor, and (P)al gear would be a great addition also.
-
Chapter Four
Warship The Beast of Terra
Ingress System
September 22, 2786
Lt. Col Chapman sat on the bridge when the warship finished the jump to Zenith point of the Ingress Solar System. Immediately the charging station hailed them asking them for identification. With the hull clean of all markings and no identification codes being passed, the black steel massive Samarkand Carrier moved forward toward the planet, jamming the charging station from notify their masters.
Terran Hegemony makeshift base
the foothills of the Eastern Heights
Planet Ingress
September 22, 2786
Captain Lammack did not know how much more his unit could take, he was the last officer, with only ten working mechs and a few tanks. They had taken refuge in an old mining town and hid most of the equipment down the mining shaft. With no parts, no ammo, no water he figured they were doom. The Eastern Heights loomed over them in the West, with the Garming Shore to the East they were trapped. He thought about surrendering but rumors persist about how Capellan’s treated their prisoners. Then like an immediate answer to prayer a big boom was heard along with shaking of the ground. Lammack ran outside of his tent to see a small dark circle appear in the sky, but it was getting bigger every minute. Some of his troops were running screaming that the Capellan’s had brought reinforcements, others were just running. One such private had binoculars around his neck.
“Trooper let me see those.” As he pointed toward the trooper’s chest.
“Sure here, we will all be dead soon.”
The Captain took them and looked up toward the now medium size dark circle and saw lots of little things jumping out of it. “Mechs” was all he said. The captain kept staring trying to find a emblem or some kind of identify mark. Then he saw it, it was the mark of the mercs that was supposed to come and help the government keep the planet. He kept staring he counted 36 mechs no 40 mechs doing an assault drop, these guys are crazy he thought.
Wolves Trap
Colossus Dropship
Hanger
Chapman’s Cockpit
September 22, 2786
The green light was given to start the assault drop, a risky maneuver under the best circumstances, with mountains to the west and the sea to the east this was going to be tight. Intel showed what was left of the planetary forces was in a small mining town, they were unaware of the two companies of Capellan forces that was five klicks away.
“We have the green light GO GO GO! Enemy is North of the militia camp once you land, form up, move out, and engage.” With that Matthew turned off his comm and jump. His battle computer was taking stock of the whole map which he had an advantage because he was still several hundred feet in the air. His assault jetpack engage and he landed safely in the designated spot, in fact all his men landed with no problems, even the greenies (aka rookies).
Five clicks away from the assault drop.
Captain Bryna Berridge heard the loud boom a few seconds later her combat computer started lighting up with bogey radar returns, not knowing if her command decided not to trust her and send extra help or it was something else. She got her answer when the dropship open fired on her position. “Lancers take cover enemy at our heads coming down fast.” She announced into the comm.
Militia base
Captain Lammack was truly turned on, to see this precision all the mechs jumped all the mechs landed in almost perfect formation while their dropship rained fire on the enemy troops, troops the Captain reminded himself he did not know about until he saw where the mechs were landing. Not only that but immediately after the mechs landed they took off toward the enemy firing. Yes, he was definitely turned on.
Capellan Forces
They were in disarray dropship firing on them and now 40 enemy mechs advancing toward her two companies, scratch that she already lost 5 mechs. Her troops started to break she couldn’t believe it, only around 5 minutes had pass since the enemy mechs landed.
“Lancers stand your ground Capellans do not run” she announce.
“F that commander I am out”……static on the other side.
She was pissed what the hell is wrong, a big light flashed in front of her, it was the last thing she ever saw.
Lt. Col Chapman saw that the battle was almost over and gave battle command to his XO, him and the command lance then turned to march to the militia command to talk to whoever was in charge.
Militia camp
Captain Lammack stood in front of the massive Nightstar mech which had a black paint job and an emblem of a half man half wolf on it, waiting for the pilot to vacate the mech seemed to take forever. Finally the cockpit open and a man came down on a ladder took his helmet off and walked up to the Captain.
“Captain, I am Lt. Col Chapman commander of the Chappy’s Howling Siegers, we answered your call, we got here as fast we could.”
“Colonel, I am Captain Lammack the last officer left of what used to be the 982 Royal Striker Regiment, most of the regiment is either COMSTAR or dead, the battalion here was the last remnant of the past, now I only have ten mechs and a couple of tanks left.”
Matthew looked at the Captain and shrug his shoulders. “Well, I have a full battalion plus support and a warship in high orbit. So let’s kick the enemy off your planet so I can get paid.”
“Colonel where are you going to set up your FBO?”
Matthew looked at the mountains and new that one of his objectives was up there waiting for him. “Captain right here will do quite nicely for now.”
-
One quick note: you jam receivers, not transmitters.
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meh
I thought about replying with a long story of examples (from movies and books) of why I did what I did but I am not it's just a story. BattleTech as a whole is not technically correct about night combat, weapons range, technology in general. Sorry. Thanks for the feedback I will fix it and try to remember to be more technical, something I am still trying to work on in my writing. Thanks have a great day.
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No worries... people get that wrong in real life too.
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Chapter Five
Warship The Beast of Terra
Ingress High Orbit
September 29, 2786
Lieutenant Commander Phung was sitting in the command chair, it has been a week since placing her ship into high orbit. This is the part she always hated, the wait while the mech jocks play soldier, her and her crew kept the peace in space.
“Commander, I think I found it.” The data sensor tech said.
“Put it up on the main screen Lieutenant.” Phung responded.
“Yes Ma’am, look at that depression in the forest, here I will highlight the area.”
Commander Phung looked at the image she wanted to be sure before she passed the info to the Colonel Chapman. “Can we get a better imaginary?”
“Standby, commander.” The image sharpen up a little but zoomed in significantly and she could see it the faint outline of a dropship.
“Good job Lieutenant you found it, patch me to the commander.”
FOB
Makeshift commander’s office
Dropship ‘Wolves Trap’
Lt. Col Chapman just got off the comm with the fleet commander, he then paged his inner circle to the office. After everyone entered, he placed a scrambler on the table and turned it on. Major Bruce looked at his best friend and commander. “One day you will tell us why you are so paranoid here lately.”
“Yes, one day you will find out, but just know the people here in this room I trust with everything. So, let me tell you the objectives I have along with fulfilling the contract. First objective is to find a long-lost dropship that my father left for us.” Everyone looked at Matthew, he had told them before that there were planets that had stuff on it but not what the stuff was, this was the first time he revealed details to everyone and not his two best friends since that initial meeting. Matthew continued with his brief. “This dropship no doubt has some damage, and the forest has overgrown ship, but it’s another Colossus which will help for future operations. The bad news is there seems to be a contingency of Capellan forces close to it, and we don’t have any intel if they know about the Dropship. The second objective is hidden in the tunnels under the city that the Capellan forces have made their base and new Capital of the planet. We have had two minor battles with them since landing and their fighting skills are less than optimal. With that in mind we should have them on the run by the end of October. You might be wondering what kind of treasure awaits us, well truthfully, I do not really know the details, just that there will be ammo, armor, and mothball PA(L) suits, which I think will be enough to field a regiment once we get the troops for it. I need this info not to leave this room, we have a spy in our mist and that is why I have been very secretive, and I must limit her access to sensitive information for now.”
Captain Bruce looked at Matthew. “Why don’t we just kick her out of the unit, better yet just kill her for treason.”
“We cannot do that Ethan, I don’t have proof yet that she is spying on us and, the spy has a family, children are involved.” Matthew said with lots of sorrow in his voice.
-
Chapter Six
Foothills 30 miles from Militia Base
Ingress
September 30, 2786
Twenty-Eight mechs from the Siegers were lying in wait off in a gorge, while Lt. Col Chapman, Major Bruce, and Major Tournier were up on top of the hill hiding in some underbrush looking down at the enemy’s camp through their rangefinder binocular, zooming to 100x magnification Matthew was able to see the eyes of the enemy along with whatever equipment they might have. Major Bruce broke out his IR Scanner to verify the troops strength by counting the heat signatures throughout the camp. Major Bruce put down the scanner. “I count about 40 people down there.” Lt. Col Chapman turned to him. “I show about 8 mechs, 10 heavy tracked tanks. Let us get back to our mechs and move out we must take care of them before we can look for the DropShip.” Once in his cockpit Chapman switch to the BattleNet so that all can hear the plan. “Siegers listen up I want Alpha Company to circle around the left flank and then Beta Company to circle around the right flank. My command lance will push forward in the middle, with any luck they will move all their forces against the command lance and then they will be out in the open instead of hiding in the trees.”
A few minutes later…
Sao-wei Tung commander of the Capellan scouting party was bored. He hated scouting, especially when there was nothing out here but mountains and trees. He kept racking his brain trying to figure out why he was put on this detail, the real battle, the real enemy was 30 clicks away. Why were not they not attacking the enemy, from the last intel report he received, the planet’s military was all but destroyed, his commander had sent a force to wipe them out but then they lost communication with HQ. His communication specialist said that ever since what looked like an asteroid broke through the outer layers of the atmosphere the other day that radiation was causing natural jamming. Tung did not think that was an asteroid, even so he was bored, Tung had opened his cockpit and was just chunking rocks he had collected trying to hit the barrel about 20 meters away, when a message came in from his picket line. “Sao-wei, we are under a……”
What the F, Tung thought he looked toward the picket line only to see a bright laser coming straight to him, which cut his head off and destroyed the mech’s cockpit.
Command Lance
Lt. Col Chapman and his lance mates broke through to the clearing and steamed rolled over the pathetic picket line, Chapman saw at his maximum range of his PPC a MechWarrior with his cockpit open, so he took that guy out. Chaos was throughout the Capellan’s camp by the time Alpha and Beta company out flanked them several enemy mechs were already destroyed. The enemy tanks tried to form up and put up some resistance and was successful in damaging several mechs in alpha company, but every mech survived and no pilot seriously hurt. At the end of the day the Capellans were not ready, they were undiscipline and were easy prey for the Siegers, this time. After the last mech was dispatch with prejudice, Chapman took stock of the mountain range. There was no noticeable area that a dropship could have been, up till now his father’s information had been correct, why was he doubting his father’s intentions the minute something does not go right. His thoughts then turned to his wife, what was she doing, why was she behaving so strangely toward him? So many emotions were going through him and stomping around in a mech is probably not the best time to think about personal stuff. “Ok Siegers, since there is no enemy contact, we will split into lance formation and do a grid-by-grid search. We know the Dropship is here thanks to the intel from orbit now we must find a way to the Dropship.” Thirty minutes later after stomping around Charlie Lance broke the silence. “Colonel this is Charlie Lance I think we have found something over here.”
“Roger we will be over in eight micks.” Chapman replied.
When the command lance arrived at the location Matthew took stock at what he was looking at. Charlie Lance was at the foot of a cliff but what was more interesting was those two cockpits where open with the pilots nowhere to be found. So, he looked at the sensors and notice an anomality sitting in between the Charlie lance. When he looked with his eyes all he saw was a cliff with some type of ivy climbing it. Matthew opened his cockpit and rummage through his footlocker to the left of his controls, to find his IR Scanner, only because in the last battle his IR Radar on his mech was damage. When he turned it on, he noticed a cooler indication right where the anomality was identify in his other sensors.
“Lieutenant Coultrip what’s your location.” Lt. Col Chapman said in the radio. “Lieutenant where are you?”
“Sir, her and the Warrant Officer went into the divide that is covered by the ivy. We have not heard anything from them since, that was about three micks ago.” Command Sergeant Moa announced.
“TOC, this is the CO, Charlie CO has entered a no comm area. I am following her be advise.” Chapman said of the unit comm channel.
“Roger that CO, we will monitor.”
Matthew opened his cockpit, took off his helmet, and checked his handgun (Nambu Pistol) for ammo. He was about to leave the cockpit when he had a second thought and grabbed his Ebony Assault Rifle. “Command Sergeant if I am not back in ten micks or you don’t hear from me notify TOC, set a picket line and bring in the Tactical unit.”
“Yes Commander.” Sergeant Dionsio said.
Climbing down the mech he took a straight path toward the opening moving the ivy to the side he turned his flashlight on and saw that it was a very long and narrow passage, slowly he walked keeping his senses at their highest alert. Three micks had passed when he thought he saw the light at the end of the tunnel, turning his flashlight off for a second, he confirmed that there was a light whether it was the end or one of his troopers’ flashlights he did not know, the closer he got he was sure it was an opening. When he finally made it to the end, he almost fell, the opening open all right, right into a 3-foot ledge with the cliff dropping another 3000 meters. Matthew looked up and saw the cliff continue up for maybe a good three to four thousand meters. Looking left to right he noticed a slight curve, so this had to be a volcano type of natural phenomena. What was the real surprise was a Colossus Dropship right in the middle with some external damage. Matthew looked closer and saw a personal hatch open with rope leading from it to the ledge of the cliff some 30 meters away. He also was able to establish contact with his missing personnel.
“Commander, almost all systems are intact, it looks like we will just need to do some minor repair according to the ships logs.”
“Thanks Lieutenant let’s get out of this place and bring in the techs.”
Wolves Trap
Colossus Dropship
CIC
October 5th, 2786
Lietenant Nimeiri commander of the Wolves Trap sat in his chair waiting for an update. A few days ago, Lt. Col Chapman order him to send his whole tech team to some unknown location to fix some stupid DropShip, he also sent Nimeiri second in command there along with a few flight deck personnel. His second in command was going to be given command of that dropship, a ship that had been derelict for several years. According to the Howlers BattleNet most repairs were finish and they were going to move it to here, so that the rest of repairs can be accomplished in the open and not have the constraints of the volcano walls or the steam from the heat. They were supposed to of been here fifteen minutes ago, no word, no radio chatter, nothing. Was it wrong of him to hope that it blew up? He had been the only dropship since the creation of the Siegers that carry Lt. Col. Chapman so he was a little jealous that the unit wanted a second dropship. He then saw the ship; it was coming straight down like it had come from orbit and not across the mountain range.
“Wolves Trap, come in Wolves Trap this is the newly christen Conquering Wolves on vector for landing how copy?”
“Conquering Wolves this is Wolves Trap we read you loud and clear and you are cleared to land at the designated coordinates.”
Damn Nimeiri thought, well now the competition of who will get the command staff begins. Nimeiri turned to his new XO and said. “Lieutenant Levada, we will need to do a complete make over on the command deck level that includes the conference room and the living quarters asap.”
He then watched as another Colossus touched down about 1000 meters from his Colossus, great he thought, now we will be known as the twins.
Wolves Trap
Colossus Dropship
Conference Room
October 6th, 2786
0700GST
The Senior staff sat around the table waiting for their commander to enter the room, Major Bruce thought to himself if he did not know better the commander did this on purpose to get people to jump at his will. He thought about the conversation he had with the commander’s wife the night before. With the ground battles going on it was still unsafe for the civilians; therefore, they were still in their luxury dropship attached to the Warship orbiting the planet. The conversation was via Sat Link.
Last night
2300
Major Bruce was almost asleep when his intercom started buzzing, half asleep he pick up and was surprise by the person on the other side of the Sat Link.
“Ethan, its Diana don’t hang up I need to talk to you.”
“Diana why is the commander’s wife calling me at this hour”
“I am worried about Matthew and since you are his best friend I wanted to talk to you.”
“Actually Diana I am a good friend his best and closest friend is Haleigh I am sure she is awake.”
“Ethan I don’t want to talk to that woman she is an enabler, I think the power has gone to Matthew’s head and I think that he thinks he is god now.”
Ethan just stared at the Sat Link not believing this, that she would be so bold as to try and this, not knowing what was going on he had to play it cool.
“What do you mean Diana what’s going on?”
“He is different, Ethan he is not talking to me about the missions, about what is going on in the unit, he has shut me out completely. Then there is this whole demanding to go to certain planets making a path to somewhere on the other side of the universe, why? What is he planning? Does he require you to worship him now?” Major Bruce just looked at her and shook his head.
“Mrs. Chapman, I don’t know what the hell you are talking about. He is our commander if he decided to invade Terra, we would do it, he is not god nor does he think he is, if he has not told you the mission then I am not going to, you as the wife have no clearance until he gives you clearance.” He tried to put the sternness voice he could muster on that last statement then continued. “I do not know what is going on between you two, but you better fix it before the divide hurts him, you, the children, and our unit.” With that he severed the link and went to bed. Diana though was furious she threw the monitor across the room, waking up the oldest child Frank. “what’s wrong mommy” Diana got up and started to walk out of the quarters she had to clear her mind. When she opened the door one of the biggest soldiers, she had ever seen towered over her.
“Ma’am due to some safety concerns over the engines the captain has order a guard to protect you and the children, please stay in your quarters until I receive the all clear.” With that he shut the door on her, she stood there stunned and then she started to worry what was truly going on. She looked at her destroyed terminal, realizing that now she was stuck here with no way to message anyone.
Wolves Trap
Colossus Dropship
Conference Room
October 6th, 2786
0705GST
Lt. Col. Chapman walked into the conference room the chief was about to call the room to attention, but Matthew put a stop to that telling everyone that it was not necessary because they were truly all equals in the room. Then Matthew pulled out a white noise generator and turned it on. “Ok let’s get down to business, I have re-vetted all of you and now I can share the complete plan, strategy, and future operations of this unit, as the unit grows, we will add to this core group, right now the nine of you will be the main families that will hold all the secrets of this unit, with 3 more families that will be added later. Of course, we will have generations of other families but only the core will know everything about this unit, its history, and any other endeavor we set in motion. So, let’s start with why I had to re-vetted ya’ll…”
Duster Pass
50 miles west of Capital
October 17th, 2786
Lt. Col. Chapman sat under a tree drinking water, this tree was huge and provided ample shading, one of many in this Pass between two mountain ranges, this will be the last stop before his unit moved against the First Liao Lancers fortress which was built in the capital’s city limits so he was putting the shade to good use by reading intel reports. He started to think about his oldest kid, Frank the boy turned 14 yesterday and will be starting the simulators next month to assess his natural ability in the cockpit of a mech, tank, and plane whichever one Frank excels at will be his path in this unit if Frank decided to follow in his dads footsteps, deep in thought he did not hear his closest friend approach from behind.
“Hey boss what’s going on in that head of yours.” Major Pople said.
“Matthew turned around. “Kids, thinking about my kids. Frank starts simulations tomorrow, and I am down here. Looking over intel reports of the Lancers and background info on my wife that I never knew about.”
Major Pople looked at her commander and best friend with pity in her eyes. “I know this is difficult I just cannot believe it, is there a way to verify before you make any rash decisions?”
Matthew looked at her, “yes I am already planning on a test, two test actually.”
Capital City
outskirts
October 17, 2786
1600 GST
The Siegers were here in full force, all three Companies, the Command Lance, and a squadron of Aerospace fighters. The enemy had a strong showing too, in fact the enemy commander had pulled all their units back into the Capital in a last-ditch effort to stop the Siegers. Five tank Lances, three mech lances, two companies of infantry, a lance of industrial mechs, and ten-gun turrets. Most of the civilians had left the city already so the streets were deserted. Matthew split the unit into four groups Alpha Company under the command of Major Bruce was supposed to feint the east of the town. Beta Company under the command of Major Tournier was supposed to do an Indirect approach moving south on the east side of the city engaging in a running battle then penetrating on the south side. Charlie Company under the command of Major Pople was supposed to do a Turning movement by flanking the city on the west side and then cutting back into the city to meet up with the command lance. Speaking of the command lance Matthew was going to take his lance through the city starting in the northwest side and move into the middle where the capital building was. The lance had air support and with any luck they would only have to deal with the turrets. At least that was the plan. Plans sometime go wrong.
-
Chapter Seven
Capital City
Ingress
October 17, 2786
1615 GST
Alpha Company
Major Bruce marched in his Warhammer forward, the rest of his company followed close behind, the idea was to try and draw the enemy out of the town and toward Alpha Company. The problem was that on the east side there was trees and a ravine that ran south/southeast. That meant Major Bruce had to move out of the ravine and push past the trees for the sentries in town to see them. The radar was worth crap in this region, and with the high temperature and geysers spitting out steam, trying to locate a mech using IR scanners was useless.
“Siegers, we must get their attention, fire all lasers toward the town and then move back into the trees. We will continue this until they come out to play.” Major Bruce announced on the Alpha Company frequency.
Beta Company
Major Tournier had put the company in a sprint they had to circle the town far enough away as to not be detected but close enough so that when they made their turn back to the city on the south side they would not be too long or miss the battle.
“Siegers, today we end the invasion of the First Liao Lancers, everyone stay frosty and mind your footing sprinting on this terrain can be hazardous.” Major Tournier announced on the Beta Company frequency.
Charlie Company
Major Pople loved her job, where else could you stomp around in a 100-ton robot, destroy bad guys, bring your family from planet to planet, and get paid. On top of that her best friends are fighting beside her, simply amazing. Her companies’ goal was to attack the west side and hopefully hook up with her commander.
“Siegers, we are to push through the west side of the town destroy any signs of the enemy. Today we will have victory.” Major Pople announced on the Charlie Company frequency.
Command Lance
Lt. Col Chapman looked at the overall battle and saw that his unit was moving into position.
“Time to liberate this city and planet, take out all enemy units.” He announced on the lance’s frequency.
Capital City
Ingress
October 17, 2786
1630 GST
Alpha Company moved up through the trees and went into the outskirts of the town, extraordinarily little resistance a few tanks and that was it. Major Bruce wondered where everyone was, the enemy was not on the East side.
Beta Company was still moving around the city using the ravine as cover, Double timing it as much as possible. Some of the heavier mechs were having a difficult time in the sand, Thankfully, Major Tournier thought, the heaviest mech in his unit was a Grasshopper which was his. He shivered thinking about an Assault mech running in this mess.
Charlie Company moved into the outskirts of the city on the west side and was met with four Laitese Falcon Gunships, four Edgar Light Hover Tanks, and three Sephyr Hover tanks. There were also gun turrets on top of fortified buildings.
“Charlie Company watch out for the VTOLs and the gun turrets Delta, Echo lance take care of them. Fox lance work on the hover tanks until the rest of the unit can join you.”
Command Lance engaged eight Laitese Falcon Gunships and two lances of Gull Medium tanks. There was also radio interference, they are jamming the lance thought Matthew, this might be a trap. His lance which was the heaviest lance in the whole unit was too busy defending against the VTOL to notice Matthew warning via lights due to the jamming.
Capital City
Ingress
October 17, 2786
1645 GST
As the sun starts its downward path in the sky of Ingress the Capital buildings started to cast shadows on the ground giving the First Liao Lancers some illusion of cover. The Commander of the Lancers just made it to the battlefield and took over command from the young officer that was trying to mount a defense.
“Move the two mech lances to the middle of the town and attack that incoming lance from the north.” He announced.
Alpha Company was still trying to draw the enemy away from the middle but was still not successful. With the communication down Major Bruce was wondering if he should abandon his position and go find the enemy.
“Keep on trying Alpha Company we need to draw the enemy away from our commander’s position.” He announced on the company frequency.
Beta Company had almost made it to the end of the ravine, all they needed to do now was climb or jump up out into the forest and move north till they hit the south side of the city. Major Tournier thought maybe 15 minutes 20 at the most and they should be at the outskirts of the town.
Charlie Company was stalled in their push toward the commander most of the VTOL they faced were destroyed however the VTOL were successful in damaging two mechs in Hotel Lance and the hover tanks were still hiding in the shadows and taking shots when the opportunity presented itself. Major Pople moved up on a hill to try and get a better view of the landscape. She witnesses several VTOL crashing in the vicinity of where her commander’s lance should be, and saw several buildings on fire over there. She had to get over there.
Command Lance was hit hard with VTOLs, tanks, and now two mechs a Crusader and Panther. All the enemy VTOLs were down and most of the tanks destroyed but two of his lance mates were down, still alive but the mechs would not fight anymore today. That left Master Sergeant Sicak in his Thunderbolt and Matthew’s Nightstar which was missing a leg and propped up against a building.
“Sicak, move up and connect with Charlie Company.”
“Sir, I am not going to leave you.” Sicak replied to Matthew’s order
“This is a direct order most of the fighting is to the south I will be fine the mission must continue have Major Pople take command now that some of the comms are back, at least we can talk while in line of sight, now get going.” Matthew said in a sterner voice.
“Sigh, yes sir.” And with that Sicak turned and moved south. He was immediately hit with several AC/20 rounds taking out his mech in the process.
Capital City
Ingress
October 17, 2786
1700 GST
Alpha Company started to move into the city Major Bruce decided that they needed to move closer to the commander not only to protect his friend but to also get some action. The point mech was just moving past an intersection when it got hit with three laser shots destroying the mech’s right arm, the fourth laser shot missed and destroyed the windows of the adjacent building. Major Bruce scanned the area and saw three laser quad turrets a few blocks down from the intersection.
“Beta Lance move up this street its parallel to the one Sergeant Abdul just got hit, in two blocks take a left and destroy the turrets. Sergeant Abdul report are you ok.”
Sergeant Abdul, Firebee mech stumbled back into the street Alpha Company was stopped on. “Yes, Major I am fine but as you can see my right arm is destroyed.” The Sergeant said.
Beta Lance moved up and took out the turrets without any problems. The rest of the unit moved past the intersection and continued west through town, a little slower, a bit more cautious.
Beta Company was encountering heavy resistance in the south part of the city, multiple turrets, tanks that were dug in all the streets and troopers hiding in the buildings was causing a significate problems for Major Tournier, he looked at his command board, three of his mechs were inop now but at least none of the pilots were lost.
Charlie Company was down, more than half of the company was inop or could not move anymore. Major Pople was getting frustrated the enemy was just too strong in the city, from what she could tell the First Liao Lancer had reinforcements something must of happen elsewhere she had no idea where the extra forces came from. What she did know was that her company was not going to be able to help her boss which was only fifteen blocks away.
Command Lance was down all the pilots including Lt. Col. Matthew Chapman they were all located in a blown-out building about 200 meters away from all the battle carnage, luckily most of the enemy was destroyed. All he and his other lance mates had to do was not get caught in the middle, and to try and pick off the enemy one at the time. Which is what they were in the middle of doing right now, there was a group of three enemy troopers that had just abandon their tank and was walking slowly to the south Matthew motioned Command Sergeant Major Dionsio to move in while the other two Master Sergeants circle around and attack from the front. In about a minute the three tank soldiers were dead. Matthew moved his lance back into the buildings and waited for the next victim.
The Commander of the First Liao Lancers was proud of his force even though he knew they were destined to lose. The rest of his forces showed up and he sent them to fortify the west city picket line. Unfortunately, this merc unit had surrounded his unit and slowly was squeezing his unit towards the middle of the town. Therefore, all they could do is cause as much damage as they can and hope they would go away because of the pain inflicted.
Capital City
Ingress
October 17, 2786
1715 GST
Alpha Company finally reached the last known location of the command lance. Major Bruce looked out his cockpit and saw nothing but burnt-out buildings, half destroyed buildings, destroyed tanks, and mechs. Three of the down mechs looked repairable one of them was leaning against a brunt out building and it was his commander’s mech.
“Lieutenant Colonel Chapman where are you, please answer us.” Major Bruce said over the net in the off chance that the radio waves were no longer being jammed.
Beta Company continued to push up from the south, Major Tournier notice that the enemy was starting to thin out. When he rounded the corner, he saw for the first time the top of the capital building. Empowered by the sight he ordered his company to press even harder.
Charlie Company was done, only three mechs could move on, Major Pople decided that her and the other two working mechs would stay with the rest of the company and protect them until the communication was fully back online and she can call for an evac.
Command Lance had hand killed twelve enemy troopers now, not that Matthew was counting. He looked at the other three from his lance and wonder if he looked the same, all three of them had blood and guts on them, from shooting the enemy at close range, setting booby traps, and stabbing the enemy by sneaking up on them. Now though they were in trouble there was mech movement from the east, not knowing if they were his or the enemy they bunker down until the mechs got closer.
Beta Company pushed to the capital, the comms were finally free and clear of the jamming now and all the info about the Siegers came rushing back to Major Tournier battle computer, things were not good his company was the only one left standing but he was down two mechs. He had been calling the commander but noting up till now was getting through. The good news was that the enemy was also destroyed or surrendered so the battle was effectively over. Slowly they moved around the Capital Building and then he saw them, the command lance coming out of hiding and waving to him.
Capital City
Ingress
Governor Mansion
Governor Office
October 20, 2786
0730 GST
“Mr. Governor I am glad that you and most of the ruling officers had taken shelter and are ok.” Lt. Col. Chapman said. “I am just sorry that your city was destroyed in the process. The Liao military would not leave the city and in fact moved what forces they had to the city a few days prior to us getting here.” Lt. Col. Chapman continue to talk. “Every Liao soldier has been either killed or has already been put on transport back to Liao space without no weapons. It seems that there was spare supplies and extra equipment on their dropship, probably did not have enough manpower to use, we took the liberty of offloading all of it.”
The governor looked at the Lt. Col. and spoke. “Are you taking the equipment also, I heard that your unit took quiet a beating liberating us.”
“Yes, my unit took a beating, I can barely field a company, but I am leaving everything that was on the Liao Dropship to you. We have salvage all that we could from battle. So, after you settle on contract we will start preparing to leave. It will be several days before my unit will be ready to leave, until then we could offer crash courses in mech combat training free of charge.”
Lammack the last remaining officer from the planetary defense that the Siegers saved the first day on planet stepped out of the shadows in his new uniform and rank. “ummm Governor, if it pleases you I would be honored for any assistance the Siegers can provide.”
The Governor turned to his new Defense Leader and said. “Colonel Lammack I think I can speak for the whole planet and say that defense of this planet will be top priority so yes use the Siegers and get back to me with a list of equipment that we may need to purchase to aid in our defense.”
Later that day
Colonel Lammack and Lt. Col. Chapman was in a hover transport heading to the SpacePort where the Siegers Dropships and the former Liao Dropship were. They pulled up to the pads and the Colonel notice heavy activity all around the port, both Siegers troops and the local men and women moving around.
“Very busy place” the Colonel said.
“Yeah we are still in the process of repairing, replacing our stuff, plus we are getting your inventory ready for your inspection.” Lt. Col. Chapman said.
The two officers rounded the corner, and the Colonel was taking aback, there in front of him was two lances of fully operational mechs mostly heavy class with maybe three lances of mechs that needed some serious repair. There were several dozen tanks all in need of repair on the other side as well. The Colonel turned to Lt. Col. Chapman and said. “What is all of this?”
“This my friend.” Lt. Col. Chapman said as he rose his arms and spun around. “This is all yours, the First Liao Lancers donated all this to the defense force of Ingress, they also donated all their unit’s cash to the cause, meaning we liberated all their equipment like I said earlier to the Governor and we hacked their system and transfer the amount of 52 million C-bills to the defense force.”
“What about the Siegers? You guys were hit hard.” The Colonel ask.
“Meh, don’t worry about us Colonel our dropships are full and the storage bays on the Beast of Terra are full of spare parts, we will be fine.” Lt. Col. Chapman said as he thought about what happen two days ago.
Capital City
Ingress
Tunnels under the City
October 18, 2786
1730 GST
Nearly twenty-four hours had passed since the liberation of the capital city was complete. Lt. Col. Chapman had several teams underground in the tunnels looking for the Cache that his father had left. He was in the middle of drinking the local coffee brew when one of his teams found a vault with the Chapman family crest on the door and a cipher lock. It took Matthew several minutes to travel to the location, once there, he inputted the family code, and the doors open. Inside was a one hundred thousand square foot warehouse full of amor, weapons, supplies, spare parts, and PA(L) enough for a Battalion.
“Wow, that is a lot of equipment boss” Command Sergeant Major Dionsio said.
“Yeah, it is we may not be able to take it all, Dionsio lets start shuttling the spare parts up to the ship fill up the cargo bays up after we load our fresh food supplies I want to be ready to go within a week.” Matthew said.
Present time
“Colonel, I don’t want to come back to help defend this planet again, but I will if you call. With any luck, your Governor is serious about the defense of this planet, and more equipment will be bought. Now if you excuse me, we just accepted our next contract, and we must prep for liftoff.”
High Orbit
Ingress
Conference room
Beast of Terra
October 21, 2786
0830 GST
Lieutenant Abelone Bach callsign Abby was at the front of the room, the command personnel just filed in and was getting situated. Lt. Col. Chapman filed in with the rest of the staff and sat down at the head of the table, the other commanders notice that and started to quiet down and stared at her in anticipation of the brief. Abby was the senior admin personnel, and she was about to brief the organization about local intel, the next contract, and any intel they had on that next contract.
“Welcome Siegers to the post contract brief slash new contract brief before we get into the post contract brief though I would like to introduce the new contract details that way you can make an inform decision about equipment and manning. Our next contract is on the planet Rocky, the local government has hired us to quail a rebellion of local warlords. There is no intel if any of the major factions are supplying equipment or men, just that half of the planetary militia and personnel have gone missing, more than likely part of the rebellion. We should net over 10 million in C-Bills plus we have an 80 percent salvage right. The Government wants us to end this rebellion quick and as painful to the rebels as possible the contract length is for five months, but they would be happy if it ended sooner than later. I will show more detail maps and intel later but first our commander would like to start the post contract detail, Sir?” With that she sat down, and Lt. Col Chapman continued with the brief.
Rocky
High Orbit
Command Bridge
Beast of Terra
25 January 2787
1430 GST
Defeating the rebels took a month and a half, about a month more than Lt. Col. Chapman had wanted it to take. It was successful though and that meant five contracts were successful and all got good reviews by the employers. So, he was happy. The unit was growing too fast though, at least in equipment, they needed a place to lay low for a few months and hire some quality pilots. Matthew was looking at all the contracts request out there and none really look interesting. The war across the universe was heating up, planets on the boarder were being hit hard, with no one strong enough to prevent the major factions from fighting he was afraid that this fighting could last for an exceptionally long time. Matthew put the pad of contracts down and looked at the repair report, he was still down a company but most of those mechs will be operational within the next week. Personnel wise no one was in trouble with local law enforcement but, there were no good candidates for hire on Rocky. His son though was growing in strength and wisdom in the simulator now, the test a few months ago showed he was to be a MechWarrior, with that Frank had gone all in. He wanted to be like his dad, against his mother’s wished too. Speaking of mother. Matthew had no idea what to do with his wife. He had to isolated her on all classified information, but it seems like she still was able to obtain battle movement documents and shared with the enemy. Meaning, in the last battle for the capital she told them his plan, fortunately his unit was able to overcome it, but Matthew came close to losing his life as did his lance mates. There was a knock on the door a few moments later. “Come in.” The door open and Lieutenant Majaev walked in and closed the door. Majaev was the officer in charge of the HR dept. and head of security she was 5’10 dirty blonde well-built female and tough as nails. She looked at Matthew and said, “we have a problem” and then sat down.
Thirty minutes later
Lieutenant Majaev got up to leave and before she opened the door she turned around with a sad look and said that she was sorry for what was going to happen and the left. Matthew sat back in his chair and looked at the Lieutenant’s new mission OPERATION HARVEST his wife’s callsign was Raspberry so the code name for the operation made some sense he supposed. Even though they suspected his wife of being a traitor they needed real proof and OPERATION HARVEST was going to give them that proof.
Rocky
High Orbit
Command Bridge
Beast of Terra
26 January 2787
0950 GST
Lt. Col Matthew Chapman was sitting at his station as the ship orbited the planet below. He was going through a new batch of contract offers, none of which was really appealing, the government approved his request for R/R but limited the amount of personnel that could be on planet at the same time, three-day R/R were issued, and he had to split his unit into three groups, so nine days total which would help the local economy. The alarm sounded and the helmsman shouted out that a fleet had emerge from FTL at Zenith station and were hailing us. Commander Phung asked for the alarm to be silence then open communication, video came into existence on the other side of the video feed was a high pompous ass admiral of the Lyran Commonwealth.
“Hello, I am Admiral Luther Weisskopf, commander of the Hesperan naval defense the Archon herself has asked me to contact you to offer a special contract.”
Matthew’s interest peaked this could be the first contract from a real faction.
“You have come a long way to talk to us, how can the Howling Siegers help the Lyran Commonwealth Admiral?”
“Answer me this first, commander of the Siegers, what is your strength.”
Matthew thought about this for a second, and whether to tell the truth about his unit’s strength. “Admiral we are a Battalion plus strong.”
The Admiral sat back in his chair and stroke his chin, thinking for a few minutes. “Ok, I am sending you over plans for OPERATION BANSEE I want your force along with a special Lyran force to invade the planet Altair, there is a Shipyard that I want destroyed along with the factories that make the parts for the JumpShips. There are some mining facilities on a few planets in system that if destroyed would earn you a bonus. If all objectives are met, you could earn a little over 30 million C-bills after expenses. Will you except the contract?”
Matthew looked at the file that was just transferred over, “This will take some time to go through Admiral, but we will do it and destroy all the enemy forces on the planet if you allow for one more concession.”
The Admiral looked complex. “What type of concession?”
I would ask to have two months R/R at Hesperus II for refit and upgrade of our unit. For the bonus if we destroy the mining facilities and take out all the enemy in the solar system so that your unit can take control, I would request six heavy mechs from the inventory at Hesperus.
The Admiral stared at the Siegers Commander and started to tap his finger on the table loud enough that Matthew could hear it. Matthew started to doubt the importance of this planet and maybe he had overplayed his hand when the Admiral slapped his hand on the desk and said, “Ok Lt. Col Chapman it’s a deal I will send over the revise paperwork and file it with the appropriate agencies. I will say that if you pull off everything you said you can, it will be some kind of miracle, I don’t doubt your unit’s skill I just don’t think your unit is big enough for this type of operation. Good luck to you.” With that the Admiral signed off.
Two days later
Matthew was going over the mission report and details, when his expected guess knocked at the door of his office/room on board the Beast of Terra.
“Come in”
“Lieutenant Commander Phung reporting as order.” She looked around at the stateroom, slightly bigger than hers she noticed that it was spotless, nothing out of place the only thing on the Lt. Col. Chapman’s desk was a paper folder with files in it and a computer pad.
“Commander please have a seat, I want to go over some of the planning details with you and have you asses the strengths of the enemy and the viability of the battleplans.
-
Chapter Eight
Altais
Zenith
February 28, 2787
0545 GST
Chu-i Orinosuke Kondo had just settled at his station, another boring day at the Charging Station Zenith area. The war between fractions was growing and Kondo noted that everyone is getting involved now. He was torn, while he enjoyed the peace and quiet of this planet since it was a few jumps away from the battleground planets, he did want to prove himself in battle. The key he guessed would be to get off this charging station and onto a warship. He was starting to daydream about being in command of a warship when the alerts started, quickly he snapped back to focus and yelled out. “Sir! Unidentified ship coming out of Interdiction in three, two, one!”
A big warship flashed into existence, the surface was painted in black most of the lights was out or covered Kondo notice except for a light shining on an emblem of a half man half wolf.
“Sir! Samarkand Carrier Block I warship looks like it has three, no four dropships attached to it. Our database shows it is capable of carrying 72 fighters and has 22 weapon bays of various types.” Kondo announced from his seat.
Sho-sho Llya Valyalko commander of the charging station looked at the info and knew if this was an enemy they were doomed. “Launch all fighters and get me HQ.” Valyalko said.
“Fighters are launching, but comms is being jammed.” Kondo said.
“The warship as ill attentions towards us, prepare to be boarder.” The commander announced which was the last command he ever gave.
Bridge
Beast of Terra
Warship
Chappy’s Howling Siegers
SG Lieutenant Nikolian was sitting at the sensor station on the bridge when the warship came out of FTL jump about 1900 meters from the charging station.
“Commander, charging station off our port bow, looks like they are launching fighters from a docked Dropship.”
The Commander looked over toward Lt. Colonel Chapman and Chapman said. “The contract said destruction of all military assets, they are attacking so I defer to your space battle expertise do what you think is best I will back your play.”
Hearing that from her boss that he trusts her, made her kind of blush, “Green, Black, White Squadrons launch, weapon control take out the Dropship and the Charging station.”
Within seconds the charging station started to spit out oxygen with fires lighting up inside the station and extinguishing once it exit into space. The whole station started to spin slowly and tilted upward until it cracked almost perfect down the middle for that one second you could see the enemy floating out of the station like little stick figures then the station blew up leaving nothing but debris. The massive warship weapons then focus on the enemy fighters and dropship, along with the First Strike Wing it took another 17 minutes to destroy them. Leaving the Siegers, a clear path to their next target the shipyard and ship dock.
Asteria Terminal
Space Dock
In orbit between the planet Mitchell’s Ship and Merrill
March 4, 2787
It’s been 4 days since the Space Port lost communication with the Zenith Charging station, it had happen before, usually just a malfunction in the relay. Just in case though, the commander of the Space Dock/Port put his troops on red alert. He had a compliment of two lances of Mechs that could fight on top of the station and about 20 turrets all quad lasers and missiles. The Commander looked over his board, right now out of the six dry space docks he had three had JumpShips that just arrived from the Izumi Shipyard and were waiting on the final paint job and crews to take them to the buyers. Then he had a warship, a Nightwing Surveillance ship that was badly damage and currently being repaired. Other than that, he had a cargo dropship which was offloading supplies, and two squadrons of fighters.
An alert started and he looked at the sensors, A warship with two dropships dropping and three no four squadrons of fighters. “Red Alert this is not a drill man your battle stations we need to get the JumpShips out of here.” The commander announced to the base. Looking at the sensors he noticed something else assault shuttles, damn them they were going to board the station, he must prepare.
The green light was given Matthew’s forces started the assault drop on the Space Dock. They had to destroy all the turrets and BattleMechs before they can secure the outside of the facility and secure the JumpShips and that warship. There were a dozen assault craft also making their way down here that will penetrate the facility so that 60 marines can take over the inside. The key today was destroying the enemy fighting capacity and save the dock until the Siegers capture the ships and repair them, then the dock will be destroyed.
The command lance landed right in the middle on the aft part of the station Matthew directed the unit to move up and was immediately met with resistance in form of four turrets all quad lasers. Alpha Company landed to the left and encountered BattleMechs and turrets. Beta Company landed to the right and immediately was engaged with the enemy. Charlie Company landed just behind the Command Company and moved up to help them with the enemy. The turrets were proving to be hard to destroyed, they were on raised platforms that were heavily armor. More enemy mechs were moving up forming up a formidable defensive line. The fighters above were busy with enemy fighters you could see the laser shots from both sides as each force was trying to gain an upper hand. The assault crafts had penetrated the base outer wall and the marines split up, half was on the way to the command bridge the other half was going to the control systems where all the computers that run the station were located. Captain Max Ting led Marine One, they were tasked to take control of the bridge and all other vital areas in the command deck. His team had entered on deck 14 and had moved up to deck 12 without much resistance. Deck 11 though proved to be where the station security decided to make a stand. Captain Ting was down 4 marines, the first four that entered the deck to clear it, now they were pinned down by a barricade and a force of unknown size and strength. Captain Antar Kadhi was the other Marine Commander who was task to take the powerhouse, and the main computer core. From deck 14 they moved down till deck 19 which the main computer core was located. Auto security and a security detail was keeping his troops at bay, five marines were lost in the initial ambush. Somehow, they had to break the station security.
Commander Phung hated this type of space battle, she had within her power a warship capable of destroying the space dock within a few minutes, but here she was sitting off to the side because for now they needed the dock intact, and they could not afford a stray weapon from the Beast of Terra to hit the station. The fighters were all most finished with the Kurita fighters in which they will RTB and load bombs that can attack the turrets and enemy mechs without hurting the space dock too much, the wait is what gets her. Then again not having to worry about getting her ship blown up was an advantage so she settled into her seat and watch the battle unfold.
Matthew hadn’t fought in space in his mech since the Amaris Civil War and only a handful of his troops had. The enemy though had trained for this, and it showed. Matthew had a battalion, and the enemy had a few lances and about twenty turrets yet, his forces were boughed down. Pushing forward Matthew had thought the enemy was about to break but all they did was readjust and moved back to the next line of turrets. The sensors from his warship showed that there was activity on the ships in dock, they had to get there before they could untether and leave the area. He ordered his warship to move to the dock ships and try to block their exit point. Seven of his mechs were inop luckily, they were behind the current line and the Beast of Terra was able to send rescue teams to save pilot and mech. Quickly Matthew ordered Charlie Company to push to the right to reinforce Beta Company and overrun the enemy’s left flank. Meanwhile he moved what was left of his command lance over to Alpha Company and set up a feint trying to draw the enemy mechs towards him. The Beast of Terra slowly moved to the other side of the dock like a lumbering whale moving in a sea of mud. One of the JumpShip activated their engines and was able to move out, clearing the mooring and slowly started to move away, by the time the Beast of Terra was over the docking area the one JumpShip was out of range but the other two JumpShips and the small Warship were still in the docks. Meanwhile the Marines had taken over 90 percent of the dock yard and was getting ready to assault the main bridge, each team was down 50 percent, but they were marines and marines never quit. Most of the Kurita troops were killed and the rest of the workers were all under lock and key at the dinner hall, which allowed for most of the Marines to combine forces for the assault on the bridge. Captain Ting was the last command officer left, he turned to his 3 remaining lieutenants and 46 marines they were all looking at him for orders.
Meanwhile
The Siegers were almost at their goal, thanks to the fighters dropping bombs on the turrets, two lances were able to break through the enemy line and rush the moorings, preventing the other three ships from leaving. Unfortunately, this left their six vulnerable to a counterattack which the remaining Kurita mechs tried to take advantage of, by moving in behind them. Matthew had lost both mech legs but was able to drag himself to a spot in which he had a good target solution on the enemy that was advancing on his troops. Firing constantly, he damaged several of the enemy mechs causing them to slow their advance. A few turned to face the enemy shooting their backs, Matthew soon saw the problem with that, he could not move and was a sitting duck, prepared to die he continued to fire.
Matthew heard screaming across the units BattleNet. “NOOOOO” was all he heard then a massive amount of fire barraged the enemy mechs taking them all down. What was left of Alpha Company rushed by Matthew ending the enemy chance of taking down the Siegers Commander.
Captain Ting ordered the breach of the outer door to the command bridge and sent the first squad into the smoke filled room, there was no weapon exchanged, worried Ting bust through and saw what the first squad saw, everyone was dead. Captain Ting had heard about the Kurita honor but to see 20 individuals commit suicide because the station was capture was just unreal to him.
30 minutes later
The Space Dock was secured and inventoried. The remaining Kurita personal that was captured was still secured in the mess hall, in the cargo bays there was various equipment that was being transferred right now to the Beast of Terra. They captured three ships, two were scout JumpShips and one was a Nightwing Surveillance warship The two JumpShips just needed a paint job which they can do when the unit goes to Hesperus, and the WarShip needed repairs but if he did not put it in a battle, it was space worthy. With that being said, they put a skeleton crew for all three ships and pushed out of the dock so that the Beast of Terra was able to destroy it. Lieutenant Commander Phung order the Beast of Terra to move out and up to get a better firing solution on the Space Dock, rotating so that the starboard and bow weapons had a firing solution the Beast of Terra open fire and destroyed the dock. Quickly the big WarShip moved out heading toward the ShipYard. Phung looked at her board and announced. Silver Squadron Launch and set up a CAP for the fleet staying here.”
The plan was for the Beast of Terra with her two full strike wings of fighters to attack and destroy the ShipYard while the DropShips, captured JumpShips and Warship sit stationary out here repairing what they can. Therefore, Lieutenant Colonel Chapman had transferred to the Nightwing Surveillance Warship leaving Lieutenant Commander Phung alone and in full command of the attack fleet.
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Chapter Nine
Altais
Siegers HQ
March 20, 2787
0845 GST
Lieutenant Colonel Chapman looked over the scouting reports. Since landing on the planet 13 days ago there has been no challenge, no declaration, everything has been complete quiet. Chapman was waiting on word from two of his troops that landed here two months ago, and with the Beast of Terra moving on toward the mining facilities on the other planets in the system, the planet all but ignored his battalion of mechs sitting on the south continent.
“Sir! A jeep approaches from the north they have signal its our guys!” said the guard over the net. Finally, Chapman thought, we will get news about their mission.
A month ago…
Two females stepped off the ramp of the dropship onto the dry land of the Starport in the coastal city of Carilene. This city was supposed to be a prime spot for vacationers around the system and even in neighboring star systems. The beaches where clean the water clear and the temperature was always warm and pleasant. So, no one thought anything when the two females walked out of the Starport without any luggage but what was on them. These two females though where part of the Siegers both with a rank of Gunnery and both with special skills of bomb making. Their mission was to destroy the HPG site so that no alerts were made to the surrounding systems when the Siegers attacked. Malama looked at Ramla and said, “let’s go site seeing before we do anything else.” Ramla looked at Malama and just nodded, off they went to site see which included staking out the HPG site. The two girls pretended to be interested in the local architectural and local cuisine. With the way they were dress, flirty, and happy no one paid attention except for the young men. Ramla and Malama looked as if they could be sisters both had long dark hair that flew in the air when they spined both had blue eyes and their figures were very athletic. There was a hotel with a room available across the street from the HPG defense perimeter and lucky for them had the view that overlooked the whole compound. They did not have a lot of time so that first night they went to the local bars that were rumored to have soldiers drinking and COMSTAR personnel. The first and second night were a bust but the third night Ramla hooked a corporal that was one of the gate guards, and when she introduced Malama and that they were a couple looking for one male to have fun with, how could he resist. They took him back to their hotel room as he looked out of the window, he commented on how weird this is overlooking his job site, that is when Malama slid a needle into his arm without him noticing knocking him out instantly. They then took his credentials and used their equipment to copy it perfectly, they copied his keys and made a digital imprint of his eyes and fingers so that they can make contacts and artificial fingerprints. Ramla and Malama had never been inside a COMSTAR facility, so they were not taking changes. Then to make the night complete they striped the corporal naked and got naked themselves and went to sleep with luck he would think he had an amazing night, and it was the alcohol fault that he could not remember. The next morning their plan worked, and he went back to his home a confused but happy man. After he left, they uncovered all their equipment and started working on a plan. They had about two weeks before the unit would show up at the charging station.
Twelve days later the plan was a go, tonight Ramla was going to be the overwatch and Malama was going to penetrate the compound set the explosive and get out. Timing was everything, the Siegers should be jumping into the system tomorrow so destroying the HPG must happen tonight.
Ramla was able to pass through the main gates thanks to the uniform and kind of looking like the girl that used to be in that uniform. She slid into the main hall trying to maintain a professional presence in what she could only describe as pure panic inside her brain. Not really knowing fully the floor plans she had to figure it out while looking like she knew where she was going. Finally, she found a map of the facility on one of the walls in the central meeting place and she quickly made her way to the machine room. A few minutes later she was in front of the secure door, this was the moment of truth whether the seduction and all the time producing fake id and other security measures worked. She placed her eye that had the contact in it up to the optical scanner and then placed her finger on the fingerprint scanner and hoped for the best. It took a few minutes, and she was about to turn around and leave when the door open. With a sigh of relief, she entered. No one outside of COMSTAR had seen the inner workings of a HPG and now looking at the massive room with all the equipment, hoses, and pipes throughout she was doubting her ability to knock the communication device offline. She got startle out of her aww when she heard voices. Shit, she thought to herself there are workers in the room, so she made a quick move to hide behind some equipment while the workers walked to the door and exit the room. Sighing she cautiously moved further into the room keeping an eye out for anymore COMSTAR people, when she was satisfied that no one else was around she took the equipment out of the hiding places in her uniform. She went from a five-foot ten-inch 190lbs woman to a five foot seven inches and 150 lbs. thankful to have all the equipment off her she sighed. Moving in an orderly and efficient manner she placed all the bombs in strategic areas within the room, plus the support beams for good measure. Setting the timer for 5 minutes was cutting it close but she had to make sure the bombs went off before being detected even if it meant her death. Slowly opening the door to the walkway, she discovered no one was around so she slipped out and walked in a fast but casual pace to the exit. A man walked by and gave her a hard look and continued to walk away. She was almost to the door to freedom with one minute and 30 seconds left till the explosion when she heard a man’s voice.
“Charpentier, hold up I want to talk to you! Charpentier are you listening to me stop!”
She reached the door and open it, 30 seconds left.
“Security, stop her she is not Charpentier she is an imposter!”
The whole facility went into lock down fortunately she had already opened the door before that and step through closing it as the security detail rush the door only to find it lock.
“Control Central open lock 122.34 now, authorization Becket, Alpha, Alpha, Omega.”
By the time Control Central cycled the power to the door and opened it whoever was the imposter, was gone and then the bombs went off destroying the room completely causing the support beams to buckle and the other five stories collapsed. When the explosion happen the door blew out and a ball of fire went down the corridor pushing the security guard that just got the exit door open out 10 feet from the building the right side of his body burnt to the muscle.
Altais
Siegers HQ
March 20, 2787
0900 GST
Gunnery Malama Maipoina and Gunnery Ramla Rumaliza stayed at attention after their brief to Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Chapman. Matthew sat there looking at the report on his pad tapping his stylus on the table, Malama and Ramla did a side glanced at each other nervous sweat started to form on their foreheads. Not knowing if the silence was good or bad, they stayed at attention. Finally, after what felt like hours but only was five minutes Matthew placed his stylus down and told the two to go at ease. Relaxing just a little bit the two Gunnery Sergeants were still wondering what their commander was thinking about. Finally, Matthew stood up and said.
“Congrats on the mission, you accomplished everything I asked you to do, there has been no signal out of the system, no communications between the planets, and they have not attacked us, our recon shows that the planet government is in disarray and the military is stagnate. That will change of course, and we need to start attacking sites to weaken their forces before they can regroup.”
Matthew moved around his desk and stood face to face with the two.
“I am putting both of you up for the Order of the Sword, of course since I am doing it the medals will be approve my secretary will get with you with timing for the ceremony.”
Matthew then saluted them, a unexpected but honoring gestor when your commanding officer saluted you, both Gunnery Sergeants snaped back to attention and offered the return crisp salute. “Thank you, sir.” They both said together.
Meanwhile
The planet Merrill was 1.6 AU away from Altair which meant it took a little over 3 days at full speed to reach. Hopefully the HPG and all other communication were down and the Beast of Terra would insert itself into orbit destroying the mining facility from high orbit both from missile batteries and the two squadrons of fighters that will launch in a few minutes.
Lieutenant Commander checked the clock it was time.
“Navigator prepare for insertion.” She then turned on the internal communication system. “Brown and Purple Squadron you are cleared to launch remember every building and piece of equipment must be destroyed, give us coordinates for missile support, Phung out.”
Within thirty minutes the facility was destroyed not one building or piece of equipment was functional, most of the miners were dead the rest will be without environmental support since the atmosphere was toxic. Therefore, Phung sent a K-1 DropShuttle guided by the automatic system with equipment and food stuff to last a few months, by then there should be rescue party. Unfortunately, she had elsewhere to be. Another planet with a mining facility, the ore that’s extracted from the planet Cummings was used for the building of the JumpShips with the air toxic the mining facility was mostly underground. Which means that her space marines will have to penetrate the facility set charges to ensure total destruction of the infrastructure. With a six-day travel at top speed her team will be prepared.
Six Days Later
Orbit Insertion
Planet Cummings
The Crew of Beast of Terra was in high spirits, in order to travel to Cummings, they passed the main planet Altair and received word about the successful mission of destroying the HPG. That’s why there were no reinforcements, Phung looked at the schematics of the mining facility that ground penetrating radar was showing now and knew this would be easy for her marines, if there was no resistance. The alarm went off, “Commander multiple bogies are leaving the orbital platform and heading this way in attack formation, looks like maybe three squadrons.” Phung weapons officer said.
“Launch all fighters, close all ports, set to condition battle throughout the ship. We must take care of these fighters and the orbital weapons platform that they launch from before we take care of the facility.” Phung announced.
Captain Stewart Brown Squadron Commander and highest-ranking pilot at this moment launched in a Seydiltz and oriented himself toward the weapon platform. “Brown Squadron you are with me, we are to penetrate their defenses and destroy the platform. Purple and Red Squadron move to CAP position and make sure the enemy fighters are destroyed.”
Purple squadron moved to the right of Brown Squadron and push forward to engage the enemy; Red Squadron did the same only to the left. With the two squadrons pushing forward and Brown Squadron hanging back the enemy had no choice but to engage the Siegers Squadrons, which allowed for Brown Squadron to move against the weapon platform in high orbit. Purple Squadron was short of a commanding officer so Command Sergeant Major Pielgrzym in charge, a 25 year old veteran of the Star League he had turned down multiple attempts at making him an officer. Taking his squadron to the right and at full throttle they engaged the enemy. Fighting in space is much different then fighting on a planet with an atmosphere. With no gravity there was no G-force with no G-force also comes the concept of continual motion, meaning that once you go forward at 700kph you will always go 700kph until one of three things, one you hit another spaceship, two you get trap in some kind of gravity interference, or three you turn your ship and fire the thruster. That is what him and his squadron did, as they flipped their ships, they fired up their boosters that way they could be right behind the enemy when they pass. Unfortunately, the enemy did the same so that when the 12 ships pass each other they were head-to-head. Laser and missiles shot out there was only time for one maybe two fire solutions before they passed again. At which case each pilot called their target and split the formation up. Red Squadron did almost the same maneuver, but they were heavy fighters therefore had more weapons after Red Squadron and the enemy did their maneuver three of the enemy fighters were destroyed. Meanwhile Brown Squadron was able to get to the orbital platform hitting it while trying not to be hit by the capital weapons it had. Moving in a clocklike motion Brown Squadron moved around the station dodging weapon fire while firing themselves. It was like a dance with multiple partners weaving in and out of lasers and missiles intimately a beautiful partnership as if the whole thing was choregraphed perfectly. Within a few minutes most of the weapon bays were destroyed and three of the Brown Squadron were too damage to fight but were slowly drifting away from the battle. The weapon platform started to break up, “Brown Squadron our job is complete, let’s see if the other squadrons need our help”
Red Squadron moved slowly around the battlefield finishing off their targets only one fighter was damaged enough that it RTB. Purple Squadron due to its light fighters were faster but also more vulnerable, the only fighter left in the battle was the Command Sergeant Major, the rest of his squadron was intact just out of the action and being rescued by SARS.
Lieutenant Commander Phung recalled the fighters so that they could be loaded with bombs in order to take out the AA before the marines go down and penetrate the underground facility. The Beast of Terra entered orbit of the planet, the heavy fighters of Red Squadron were loaded and waiting for the green light for launch. First Lieutenant Engen looked over the overlay of the targets and the topographical layout of the area, everything looked good to go, there was four AA turrets that his five fighters/bombers had to take out without themselves being blown out of the sky. The green light was given, and they launch, the atmosphere was choppy and for a few moments they all lost key instruments, the Lieutenant knew they would be ok.
“Red Squadron continue straight down there are no mountains once we clear the cloud cover, we will re-orient ourselves and then attack.”
The five fighters pushed through the cloud cover only to receive flax from the AA turrets. Still too far away for any effectiveness, Red Squadron systems came back online, and the targets lined up for the bombing run. Some of the flax hit the Lieutenants left wing but he was still operational, but his wing mate took one in the cockpit, causing the fighter to spiral down and blow up on impact of the ground. Now down to four fighters they reached the intendant targets two of them were perfect hits blowing them and causing a hole in the ground the other two turrets were damage but still operational.
“Squadron we will have to circle back and fire our lasers and missiles low flying below their arch, and we should finish this with the next pass”
The fighters move slowly circling the perimeter flying low about 50 meters off the deck. Lining up for the attack run they flew under the AA ability to target them therefore destroying the turrets and then climbing to a higher orbit. The lieutenant called the Beast of Terra to notify them that it was safe for the transports to make their way to the facility.
Captain Ting was sitting in the transport waiting for the call to embark to the planet. Typically, him and his men don’t see much action, but this is the second time that his unit has been put on the front lines, all in space because well they are space marines. This will be different though attacking a facility deep underground. The green light was given, and they launch. The five DropShuttles moved out of bay and started their decent to the planet leaving the exosphere the thermosphere was smooth riding, it wasn’t until the craft entered the Mesosphere, where small debris started to hit the ship causing it to rock slightly. The rough turbulence wasn’t until the stratosphere here there were strong solar currents that pushed the small craft back and forth, even entering the last layer of the atmosphere the clouds were so thick, and the winds interference was causing all the systems to malfunction as what was the case with the fighters. The pilots kept on target though and was right on top of the facility when they final emerged from the clouds. The marines dropped onto the only part of the facility on the surface in their protective gear since the atmosphere was toxic and breached it, causing massive decompression within the facility. Unprepared for a breach or enemy troops the personnel inside the facility succumb to lack of air and the toxic air that was moving through the tunnels. This made the job for the marines easier, and they spread out 2 by 2 to set the bombs that will destroy all the equipment. Within 40 minutes all the marines were out of the facility and back on the shuttles without firing a shot. Once the shuttles made it to a safe altitude Captain Ting flip the switch and the whole facility was destroyed the only thing noticeable from the air was a five-mile concave of the earth creating what appear to be a crater.
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Five mile diameter? What did Captain Ting's people use? Thermobarics or nukes?
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5 miles imples nukes... Thermobarics just aren't THAT effective.
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they were spread throughout the base....it was a big mining facility both in diameter and depth lol
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Chapter Ten
Altais
Siegers HQ
March 30, 2787
0745 GST
Lt. Col. Chapman just receive word that the Beast of Terra had completed its mission and was two days out from being back in orbit. That would enable him to have air superiority for the rest of the campaign. Counting on that he decided to sit down and starts planning the missions. His first objective was the factory at the coastal city Carilene, this factory made all the sheet metal for the ships outer and inner hauls along with the armor. If they were lucky there would be some stock waiting to go up to the shipyard that the Siegers could liberate. First though he wanted to try and thin out some of the enemy’s forces, especially since the Lyran special forces were not due to arrive for 16 days. So, he order deep patrols that would take them a few clicks from the city to see if they could draw some forces out. For the next week his unit keep sending out two lances a day moving closer to the city and was successful to some degree pulling some of the enemy away from the city. This also served a dual purpose for intel about their city’s defenses.
Altais
Siegers HQ
April 9, 2787
1600 GST
The time had come Lt. Col. Chapman gathered his Commanders and told them that tomorrow at 0500 they were going to attack the city move in from the North towards the South where the factory was. Minimum damage to the actual city was to be attempted, intel showed that most of the civilians had already fled, but Matthew did not want to flatten the city just the factory. The Commanders went away with their briefing packets and met in smaller groups to discuss the overall plan and tweak the little issues to make the overall plan better. Now that the unit was over a Battalion, he knew that the Lance Commanders knew their guys better than he ever would, the same with the Company Commanders knowing the Lance Commanders under the command their command strengths and weakness. So, Matthew always gave wiggle room in the final battleplan if one of the commanders had a better idea, as long as the main objective was accomplished he did not care.
April 9th
0300
The ground units moved out from the base with expectations to be at the city in two hours. The Fighters will launch from the Beast of Terra at 0500 fully loaded with bombs and should be over head by 0530. Everything was ready, and the march was on, radio silence for two hours meant that finally there was peace in the cockpit for Matthew.
Matthew looked over the battleplans once again, this will be the first time that the Siegers will be moving into battle with four fully operational Companies. The newly minted Delta company under the command of newly promoted First Lieutenant Dionsio should prove to be an exceptional asset to the Siegers. It took a lot of convincing by Matthew for Dionsio to give up her Chief stripes, but he had plans for her and needed her to be one of the core officers in his unit. The unit was coming in from the north and northwest, Alpha and Delta company will push from the north going due south through a lot of residential areas. Beta, Charlie Companies, and Command lance will be pushing from the west to the south. The first obstacle was the wall that surrounded the city to keep the natural predators out of the city, really no defense against Mechs or a well-armed military unit. The unit pushed through the wall with no resistance and moved gingerly through the residential area trying not to destroy buildings if possible. Alerts went off when they marched up a slight hill to find a second wall with turrets on it. They instantly started firing taking out a leg of a Bravo Company mech. The rest of the unit open fired and moved to the left. Enemy tanks and Artillery fire attacked the Siegers, they were trying to pin the Siegers. Further east Alpha and Delta encountered the same thing. With the tanks though, there was a Lance of Medium Mechs. Delta Commander Dionsio moved her unit to the right most of the mechs under her command were lights and mediums she had her three heavies, all Rifleman, sit up on the hill and fire their AC/5 constantly at the turrets while the rest of the unit flanked the enemy tanks and mechs. Alpha Company was pinned down but was putting enough pressure on the enemy to distracted them from Delta’s movement. Taking them by surprise the flanking action was a success and Delta took care of the enemy with no problem.
Beta and Charlie company was pushing forward though the second line of defense with only light damage to most of the mechs, Matthew and his command lance led the two companies through the makeshift wall destroying all turrets and tanks that they engaged. All four companies moved further south passing all the residential areas and into the commercial/business section of the city. That’s where most of the Combine mech lances decided to make their stand, which was not saying much, only five lances mostly medium but in good condition. Matthew ordered his unit to spread out in hopes that the Combine forces would have to spread out and not be able to concentrate their weapon fire and it worked the ratio was almost a lance verse a company. Even though the enemy had the home field advantage they were still out manned, out gunned, and soon dead. With that it was a clear shot to the factory facilities. Matthew ordered the warehouses to be raided for any parts that the Siegers could use and then burned all the buildings down in compound making sure that the fire did not spread outside of the target area. The casualties were light eight mechs damage one lost completely and two pilots dead.
After the fire dwindled down Matthew had them put the fire completely out and then set up the new HQ there, with the surrounding area completely burned to the ground, the airport on the eastside, and the city in a location relative to the rest of the factories that basically puts it in the middle for travel time, it made since to move the HQ here. Initial Intel showed that there was not much resistance on the ground, so seeing five plus mech squadrons had Matthew considering that the Intel was wrong. He was walking around the area watching his troops set up the temporary tents until the portable buildings were taken down and brought here from the old base, when a smug man on the edge of the secure area was angerly discussing something with one of the perimeter guards. Matthew got on the radio and asked what the civilian wanted the guard came back and said he was the assistant to the mayor of the city and the mayor demands a meeting with the commander. After checking with maintenance on the status of his office, he radio back and said for the mayor to be here in forty-five minutes.
Forty-Five minutes later
The Mayor of Carilene was escorted into a tent, how unsavory to be meeting in a tent in the middle of a burnt factory which was all but cleared out. One thing the mayor thought, was that these mercs whoever they are, were efficient. He walked up to the outer flap of the “door” and notice the unit emblem, half man half wolf, again he had no idea who these mercs were. Walking through and up to the next flap of the “inner door” he steps through and saw a well-lit room with a nice rug on the floor a big table to the left with charts and figurines on it. To the right was a couch and in the middle off to the back of the tent was a desk. A man stood up in a what the mayor recognized as dress blues for this unit. Completely white uniform with a high and tight collar. He had lots of ribbons and medals on his uniform and a yellow rope on his left shoulder. The man moved around the desk and offered his hand to the mayor.
“Mr. Mayor it is nice to meet you, I am Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Chapman, most people call me Chappy though. Please have a seat would you care for a beverage?” Said as Matthew pointed towards the couch.
The mayor looked at this well dress officer and realized that this was not an ordinary scum merc, he had to be prior Star League. He sat down and looked at the commander.
“What can I do for you Mr. Mayor” Matthew said
“Well you can get out of my city and off my planet”
“I am under contract and as soon as that has been honored, we will be leaving. Until then I promise to keep our footprint to the minimum.”
Matthew brought over the glass of water for the mayor then sat down.
The mayor looked at Matthew and shook his head.
“Your unit is different than other mercenaries I have encountered, I noticed that your unit took extra precautions in the residential area.”
“Yes, and I am sorry for the loss of buildings in the commercial part of the town, I would have prefer just to fight outside the city or here at the factory which was the target of this mission. Like I said before my unit’s footprint will be kept to a minimum.”
The mayor looked at the commander as if gathering his thoughts.
“What are you doing here? What is your unit called?”
Matthew looked at the mayor and stood up.
“I cannot tell you why we are here or who employed us, our unit’s name is Chappy Howling Siegers, the founders of the unit including myself were part of the 151st Royal BattleMech Division under the Commander Major-General Hayes.”
Matthew motion for the mayor to get up and start walking to the door.
“I have a lot of planning to do so if there is nothing else I need to take my leave from you. I cannot promise that buildings and civilians will not be hurt during this time, due to not having control of your masters’ desires for battle. I will though tell you that anytime I can fight the combine outside of a city during this time I will.”
With that he escorted the mayor to the guard outside his tent.
“Please escort the mayor back to his transportation he is leaving the base.”
Matthew went back to his desk to finalize the plans for OPERATION HARVEST sadden that it has come to this, he sent the packet to those players that will be involved through the Siegers secure net. He sat back in his chair and decided that it was time to get out of the monkey suit and back into battle gear. He was almost done changing when his attendant burst in. “Sir, the Lyran detachment has arrived, and all the companies have left for their missions except for Alpha.”
“Thank you Sergeant escort the commander of the Lyran Detachment here when he is ready.”
Matthew looked out to the company of Lyran mechs all mediums all in black ops colors with no indication that they were Lyran regular forces. The commander exited his Hunchback and greeted the Matthew’s attendant and made a bee line to his tent.
The Lyran Commander enter Matthew’s tent and stuck out his hand as if they were equals, “Hauptmann Erwin Vale here to help you with your task at hand.”
Matthew looked at the Hauptmann and turned around to walk back to his desk leaving the young officer’s hand hanging. Then looking at the officer side glance, “I do not appreciate lack of military bearing, I am the commander of this operation you are here to support you will salute me and show the respect of a commanding officer whether it is here in private or in public.”
Picking up a pad Matthew tossed it to the Hauptmann.
“Here are your first set of orders, scout south of here for 100 miles there is a factory down there somewhere do not engage or destroy just recon and bring the info back to me, you are dismissed.”
With that Matthew turned his back to the Hauptmann, discipline will be established no matter what, even his best friends show rank respect in public.
With this assignment it left the base being defended by three lances Bravo Lance of Alpha Company was still being repaired, so they were down the way at the space port on board the dropship being worked on. A few hours past, Matthew’s attendant appeared at the door.
“Sir, we have tried to reach you, there is enemy movement towards the city, indications are five tank lances and one mech lance.”
“Alert Alpha Company and my Lance we will move out now and meet them before they reach the city.”
With three Mech Lances out in the open the five tank lances did not stand a chance even with the one mech lance. While the enemy was completely destroyed there was some damage to the Siegers. They lost two mechs completely and one MechWarrior was in surgery fighting for his life. The biggest win though was no civilians were hurt and not one building was touch. They were marching back to the base when Matthew got word that the recon drones where ready for deployment, he gave the recon team the go ahead and hoped that these drones would give them a better idea of the enemy force here on planet. The thirty drones will take three to six days to map the whole planet. With radar resistance metal they were almost nearly impossible to spot. Also, he ordered surveillance cams to be placed on the picket line that was 5 miles out of the city that way if the enemy decided to come again they will be better warned.
May 1, 2787
Temporary HQ
Siegers Prime Base
Altair
All Company Commanders and the Liaison of the Lyran Commonwealth was at the meeting, after several weeks of mapping the planet, gathering intel, and repairing the mechs that were damage they were ready to hit the other two factories simultaneously so that the enemy could not reinforce one if it was attacked. The plan was to send Alpha, Beta and the Lyran force to the factory located 300 miles north via the dropship Wolves Trap and then Charlie and Delta Companies would attack the factory 450 miles south via the dropship Conquering Wolves the command lance along with the 4th Battalion Armor Force plus the Aerospace Force would guard the base from any counterattack that would happen.
Wolves Trap
20 miles from target
30000 feet altitude
North Factory
Major Ethan Bruce was in command of the mission, they were supposed to combat drop right on top of the factory and destroy it. There was a large force of tanks and security mechs on site, but the main goal was the destruction of the factory and all the buildings associated with it. They were supposed to time the attack with the other force down south, if all goes well there would be one factory left and it was on the other side of the planet.
Conquering Wolves
10 miles from target
40000 feet altitude
South Factory
Major Haleigh Pople was in command of the mission to the south due to the mountain range they will have to drop a few miles away from the facility and move up a steep road. Intel showed two companies of security mechs a slue of turrets and three squadrons of VTOLs. The Major was not really worried about this mission though, she was more concern about OPERATION HARVEST and what it would mean to the unit and to her best friend, the commander.
Wolves Trap
Major Bruce was waiting for the combat drop light to turn green; he always hated the wait and the drop was worse since that was the only time he ever felt vulnerable. Finally, the light turned green the doors open the two companies started jumping out of the dropship, into a world of laser fire missile explosions and pure chaos. Major Bruce landed on top of the main building and started to take out the turrets that were attacking his warriors. Several of his troops landed on the ground and started to destroy the buildings. Two other mechs landed next to Major Bruce and was sniping at the enemy that was trying to take out their friends.
Conquering Wolves
Major Pople and the two companies landed without any issues and started the steep climb up to the facility. The slope of the mountain was greater than the drone intel indicated and even though it was a road that they were moving on the grade of the slope was 15% so the mechs were struggling. In a hundred meters there was a leveling off, they would regroup and make the final push to the facility from there. Her alarms went off at almost the same time the ground in front of her exploded. Another round of explosions at her feet the ground was moving, “Siegers double time they are trying to take the road out!! Find out where those missiles are coming from.”
Both companies tried to move faster even though they were already pushing their mechs as it was.
North Factory
Major Bruce took aim at the next security guard mech, this was like shooting fish in a pond, no challenge at all. Moving closer to the edge of the seven-story building to get a better angle exposed him to a barrage of missile fire that he did not expect. Most hit the building and his lower legs, causing the roof to collapse with him falling into the building the impact pushed him through the floor and into level six, still the momentum caused the mech to break through to the next level finally the mech rested on the fourth level one leg hang over the side just dangling swaying back and forth from the motion of falling three stories.
South Factory
The Siegers located a couple of squads of men with SRM 2 that was firing at the ground. A couple of PPC shots later from Major Pople and that was the end of the threat. Unfortunately, they lost 3 mechs down the raven that was created when the ground gave way, luckily though they are salvageable, and the warriors survived. Major Pople knew now that the enemy knew they were coming so she told her troops to keep their heads on a swivel and moved as fast and as safe as possible. Quickly they moved up the mountain and made it to the plateau which also meant that enemy fire started from the facility.
North Factory
Major Bruce slowly woke up, to static on the radio and all the electronics flashing off and on. He tasted copper substance in his mouth, the fog slowly lifted, and he realized it was his blood from a head wound, apply pressure to it he looked at his consoles, then his comm equipment. He must of falling farther then he thought his mech was in bad condition. Bruce pulled the comm equipment and receded it, powered it back on and got a signal. Major Dalton Tournier had taken over the mission, good Bruce thought Tournier was a close friend and excellent commander. He tried to talk but found that his voice was gone. He tried to get his mech to move, at least sit up but nothing would respond.
All the buildings but one was destroyed all the enemy had been destroyed Tournier looked up at his friend’s mech on the fourth floor of the remaining building.
“Sir, no radio contact with Major Bruce, no movement, to much interference from the steel around him to pick up any movement or noise in the cockpit. We will need to call for VTOL support if we jump a light mech up there the whole building could collapse, frankly I am surprised it hasn’t yet.”
South Factory
Major Pople two companies were pinned down most of the mechs were plastered against the mountain to stay out of the range of the turrets. Major Pople had enough so she called back to HQ to order an air strike.
Within thirty minutes two squadrons of aerospace fighter flew overhead rushed past her position and bombed the factory. They then flew around for another pass this time firing lasers and missiles targeting the turrets that were not yet destroyed. Major Pople had her unit move out of cover and rush the facility. Within a few moments it was over, and the factory was burning to the ground.
North Factory
Major Bruce woke up, he had no idea how long he had been out. His situation was still the same, only there was no weapon fire or any combat noises outside. He tried the radio, nothing. Did they leave him thinking he was dead? Then he heard the thump thump of a VTOL he looked out the cockpit and saw the VTOL come into view and hover over him. From the silhouette he could tell it was a Karnov, cable dropped from the VTOL, and he could see troops rappel down and land on his mech. One was looking into the cockpit and Bruce gave a thumbs up.
“Sir, this is Red 4 I just landed on his mech the Major is alive and gave me a thumbs up.”
The other troopers attached the cables to the mech and then rappel down to the ground. The VTOL then slowly lifted the mech off the platform it was on and brought it to the ground.
-
Chapter Eleven
Altais
Siegers HQ
May 26, 2787
1205 GST
Almost a month had past since the destruction of the two factories. Major Bruce had been in recovery the last few weeks and at first it was touch and go if he was going to pull through. Today was the first day back on duty, how be it light duty, no stomping around in mechs for at least another month. Which was fine with Matthew, after several convoy attacks and clearing of some of the villages on the other continent by the Lyran force and Delta Company the last factory was at last ready to be destroyed. The enemy knew it to since intel showed that the commander of the planetary defense had moved what was left of his forces to the factory and not the capital. Major Bruce walked into the Situational Room, Matthew looked up and smiled “welcome back Ethan. You are just in time to discuss our plan of attack.”
Major Tournier went over and gave Bruce a pat on the back.
Major Pople hugged him. “Welcome back Ethan.”
“Now Ethan, come look at the battle map, the enemy has concentrated all their forces within the factory……
Wolves Trap
Mech Bay
May 28, 2787
Matthew and his Command Lance with Bravo and Charlie Company were preparing for the upcoming combat. They had to be transported across the ocean to the other super continent to meet up with Delta Company and the Lyran Black Ops Company. Alpha Company was going to make the trip in the other dropship and without their commander, Captain Mentis commander of Beta Lance in Alpha Company will be the acting Company Commander for this mission, since Major Bruce was still not cleared for duty. Major Bruce oversaw prepping the ones that remain behind. For the last few weeks, the dropship Wolves Desire was planet side, the dropship carried the families of all the warriors. It was always a moral booster to see family and allow the children planet air. Now though the campaign was almost over, and Intel suggest that the 7th Benjamin Regulars were on their way to investigate why the Combine lost communication with the planet and its factories. So shortly after the unit lifts off for the final battle, the rest will be leaving and going up to the flagship. Major Bruce had most of the commander’s office packed when the commander’s wife, Diana, was seen moving toward the HQ. Sighing Bruce laid down the folder keeping it open when she burst into the office.
“Ethan what is going on? I demand to know why my ****** husband don’t talk to me anymore, he thinks he is above me or something. We just got to the planet less than two weeks ago and he is already sending us back up to space. You’re my friend, in fact I think of you more than a friend tell me what is going on.”
Major Ethan Bruce looked up at his commander’s wife with sorrow such a beautiful woman to be turned into a villain sadden him.
“Diana, as soon as the unit has finished this last battle we are leaving the planet and the system. That is all I can tell you for now.”
The commander’s attendant walked into the office.
“Sorry to bother you but there is an urgent matter Major that needs your attention.”
Sighing Major Bruce looked at Diana. “Just stay here I will see what’s going on and be right back.”
Major Bruce got up and walked out of the room leaving Diana there all alone. She notices the file that Ethan was looking at when she came into the room. Looking over to the door she slowly walked over to the desk and saw it was a top-secret file for an OPERATION HARVEST. She took out her pad and took several pictures of as many pages she could. She was almost done when she heard a commotion outside the office she quickly jumps back and Major Bruce walked in. He just stared at her, and she slowly put her pad in her pocket.
“I got tired of sitting so I was just walking around the room hope you did not mind.”
Major Bruce looked at her again and then finally said. “This is going to take some time might as well leave and finish getting you and the kids ready to go.”
After she left, he looked at his desk and could not remember if he was on the last page of the report or on the first page. Taping his desk, he just stood there wondering if Diana had looked at the classified document or not.
NexGen Factory
The two dropships landed, and the Siegers started off loading their mechs and tanks. The factory was five kilometers away but so far, no resistance. All three aerospace squadrons were running CAP waiting to be called for air strikes. With four companies of mechs, one company of Lyran Mechs, and a Battalion of tanks this was the largest force that the Siegers had deployed together. Moving across the field the enemy came within view. Regiment of infantry, regiment of tanks, and three mech lances. The Siegers still out match them 2 to 1 just have to take care of the tanks before they gang up on individual mechs. Strange that the enemy was meeting them out in the open, this whole campaign had been in the cities or forest or at night always hiding and trying to use cover as an advantage. The enemy stop advancing the Siegers had gone into a double time march and spread out to form two lines similar to what was used in ancient history of the 1800s. Still double time marching something in the back of Matthew’s mind was bothering him.
“Siegers full stop.”
Not second later the first land mine went off and took a leg off a Firebee. A couple more mines exploded causing more damage. Then the enemy started advancing again. Matthew had the unit hold the line and concentrate their firepower on the armor. The Combine’s mechs were all fast and moved around their armor and infantry regiments in attempt to flank the Siegers. A private in Delta Company happen to catch them out of the corner of his eye and moved his Rifleman toward the enemy mechs and making the call over the battle net alerting everyone what the Combine was trying to. Matthew had to look at the battle map with the IFF and radar hits to determine where his warrior was. It was a good attempt Matthew thought to bad for the enemy that his troops were top notch, even the Privates were on top of their game. Matthew directed two lances to help the private. Thirty minutes later the battle was over the enemy ground troops scattered their armor and all mechs destroyed. Matthew ordered a carpet blanket bombing run for the area in front of the Siegers to where all the enemies destroyed equipment was in hopes of taking care of all the landmines. Once the mines were dealt with the Siegers which still could move, moved at full speed to the left and went to the factory to destroy it.
-
Chapter Twelve
Altais
Siegers HQ
June 1, 2787
0930 GST
Admiral Luther Weisskopf just looked at Lieutenant Colonel Chapman and looked at him with dismay. Also on the video feed was Hauptmann Erwin Vale and he just shook his head, “yes Admiral the campaign is done.”
The Admiral sighed, “This operation was determined by Intel to need until January to complete, so how is this possible you took barely 4 months.”
“Sir” Matthew said. “We had the element of surprise; we took down their HPG which prevented them from sending help immediately. Then the planet militia was the only enemy we had to deal with. I recommend leaving this area though, there are reports that a full mech regiment with fully manned support regiments are in route we are planning to leave soon, plotting a course to Hesperus II. I appreciate you taking the time and jumping here to check on our progress. I will send the full report when we get to Hesperus.”
“Thank you Colonel Chapman, you have restored our faith in mercenaries, or I should say that if we ever need a mercenary unit your unit is first on our list. Our Jumpship is multiple jump capable so we will be leaving now per your advice.” With that the Admiral cut transmission and the ship jumped.
“Sir, a dropship is coming up from planet side and hailing us it’s the Special Ops ship.”
Hauptmann Vale face came into focus on the viewscreen. “Looks like my ride left, can I hitch a ride with you guys?”
“Yes, you can, this is perfect to there is a business matter I would like to discuss with you on the trip to Hesperus.” Lt. Col. Chapman said.
Hesperus II
Eleventh Hesperus Guards HQ
August 14th, 2787
0700 GST
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Chapman stood at attention in the hallway outside of the Guards Commander’s office. He had heard about this commander when he served in the SLDF but had never met the man.
“Enter Colonel Chapman” said from a voice inside
Matthew entered the room, it was a well establish office with a cherry wood desk and built-in bookcases on every wall, which was filled with actual books. There was a scent of blackberry tobacco and Matthew notice the butt of a cigar in an ash tray. Seated behind the desk was an older man probably in his early 60s to the left of him was a gorgeous young woman with brownish hair dark eyes and a muscular, fit body in what looked like a Captain’s uniform. To the right was the Admiral he recognized from previous communications. Matthew came to a stop about 3 feet from the desk snap to attention and reported in.
“Lieutenant Colonel Chapman Commander of the Chappy’s Howling Siegers, at your service sir.”
“Colonel at ease I view you as an equal, I have followed your career when you were in the SLDF and now as a mercenary, I was good friends with your father. In fact, it was I who recommender your unit for OPERATION BANSHEE to the admiral. I have the items that you have requested and have made living arrangements for your unit and their families. It’s a hotel that was just recently completed, the owner was more than happy to hold off grand opening for several months to help the Guards out.”
Matthew bowed as a show of respect and thanked the Commander. “If there not anything else I would like to talk to my XO to start off loading my mechs that need repair and get the families and troops situated in the hotel.”
The commander stood up and moved around the desk to shake Matthew’s hand. “No, I think that is it, in a few days I would like to have you and your family over for dinner to meet my family and talk business.”
Sounds good, sir just let me know the details and we will be there.” Matthew said.
Diana Rowat-Chapman looked at the presidential suit that the Lyrans had put her husband and his family in. Just another sign that her husband had lost it, the whole floor was just for them, unreal and very godlike something had to be done. She had lost faith in her husband, what he has been doing and keeping secret ever since that mission on Helm. She went over to the comm suit hoping that her husband IT dept had not blocked access yet, when she saw everything was accessible, she sent a message to her contact with all the information she had on OPERATION HARVEST with the time period that the unit was going to be on planet. Sitting back, she knew there was no turning back now, her husband was about to come to an end with this mercenary experiment, her and her family will be back on Earth and she will help rehabilitate her husband back into the fold of the new COMSTAR.
Earth
Office of General Hayes
Hilton Head Island
South Carolina, Terra
ComStar Headquarters
August 16th, 2787
0700 GST
General Hayes had just walked in to her office and saw that several messages were pending for her, scrolling through the list one caught her eye a message from Adept Morris, of course that was her code name, but this agent was embedded with a unit that Hayes was interested in taking down just because she knew there was more to Helm then Chapman let on, but she could not prove it.
Thirty minutes later Hayes sat back in her chair, Chapman’s unit is on Hesperus, most of his unit is going to be in repair or refit for several months and all his men will be on R/R, even their warships will be gone on supply runs for the Lyrans as some sort of payment. In the packet was a detail schedule of where and when Matthew Chapman was going to be. Hayes looked at another intel report about what the Kurita’s armed forces was planning, the chaos on Hesperus will be the perfect time for her and her unit to slip in and take Matthew down. First order of business was to get there. With the vast resources of COMSTAR that won’t be a problem, she had plans to make and make them she will.
Hesperus II
Chappy’s Howling Siegers Temporary HQ
September 24th, 2787
Major Bruce walked in the penthouse suite and acknowledged Diana while he continues to walk towards his commander’s office, Diana had other plans though. “Ethan, you have not talked to me since the first day on planet, why? I thought we had something. Diana said.
“I have been busy Ma’am and I don’t know what you mean when you say you thought we had something. You are my commander’s wife that’s it.”
“Ethan, I am trying to save your life I need you to be careful and not go with him to meetings for a while, stay with me please. Diana said as she grabbed his arm.
Major Bruce looked at her hand that had grasp his arm and pulled away. “Mrs. Chapman please excuse me.” With that he moved toward the office and his commander.
“Major, you have an update for me.” Matthew said as the Major walked into the office.
“Yes sir it is concerning OPERATION HARVEST…” the rest was cut off by the door closing. Shutting the door behind him he gave Matthew a nod, and then Matthew turned on the security system.
“We have several meetings spread across the next three weeks, for OPERATION HARVEST. The six Banshee Assault mechs have been loaded up on the Wolves Trap for now most of our mechs have been repaired and upgraded if needed. We are still showing our roster 80% in repair though in the system per your order. The Beast of Terra is due back in three weeks, and we have three elite MechWarriors with their own mechs wanting to join us.”
“Hire the MechWarriors, continue to hire all personnel in the different fields.”
With that Major Bruce handed Matthew the documents in his hand and sat down, while Matthew looked over the papers. He asked Major Bruce if there was any thing else to report.
“Actually there is sir, just before I arrived here I got word from our operative on the charging station that a COMSTAR JumpShip appeared and dropped off an DropShip which is inbound expected land fall around the 8th of October.”
“Excellent, let’s find out where the DropShip will berth and have eyes on it when it lands.” Matthew said. He then switched gears. “How about the Ball, how is that coming along?”
“Everything is prepped and ready. Invitations are being sent out today to all the top players of the military and political industry here, we will see how many RVSP and then plan accordingly.” Major Bruce said.
“Good, its about time we break out those mess dress.” Matthew said offhandedly.
“Sir, if that is all I have some Officers Performance Reviews to catch up on, if I can?” Major Bruce asked.
“Go, Ethan thanks for everything.” Matthew said. Bruce then got up and left the office ignoring Diana when he walked by her.
Hesperus II
Grand Ball Room
Capital City Maria’s Elegy
Downtown Embassy Hotel
November 29th, 2787
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Chapman was standing to the left of the main doors in full mess dress. The Siegers mess dress was all white with a high collar, on the left breast was all the medals that he had been awarded and then his occupation badge on top of that. His left shoulder had a yellow rope representing that he was part of the honor guard. On the right side was just his name. There were different versions of the mess dress for example Major Bruce sported the kilt, and Major Pople had the traditional long skirt on. Which next to him was his three closest friends who also happen to be the three Company Commanders under him. When a dignitary or high-ranking official was introduced, it was their job to greet them. During the times that there was no one being introduce they would confer.
“Is everything in place for the meeting.” Matthew asked
“Yes sir, Alpha Company has their orders and are ready to deploy, everyone has been notified what is a stake, so no one is talking.” Major Bruce said.
“Beta Company is ready sir.” Major Tournier said.
“Charlie Company is on standby we will be ready in case all hell breaks out.” Major Pople said reluctantly.
Major Bruce then said. “We still show for the records 75% of our forces in the shop so if anyone probes the facilities that is the report that will be produced.”
“Good we will update the status of our unit as soon as all the repairs and upgrades are completed, and the Beast of Terra is back in orbit.” Matthew said.
Diana Chapman was just outside the ballroom when she received a message from General Hayes saying they are on planet and ready to grab Diana’s husband at the secret meeting that he will be having with the Lyran Admiral. She then asked if Diana could confirm the status of the unit. Diana closed her communication device straighten up and walked into the ballroom. All eyes were on her for those few moments. She wore a dazzling blue dress that shimmer with every step she took. With the three-inch heels and the slit on the side of the dress that reached up to her thigh, she looked tall, slender, and simply amazing. Even now Matthew’s heart skipped a beat and ached for her love. Diana reached Matthew and she was happier than usual, she brushed his arm and told him to come find her after the meet and greet, she then walks off toward the open bar. Matthew grunted then went back greeting the next dignitary. All the time he kept one eye on his wife watching her as she made her way through his unit talking to every mech warrior in the unit. Diana made her rounds and from what she could tell most of the unit was still down for repair, something about Lyran red tape bogging down the system with no end in sight. The night went on, there was dancing, singing, networking, and of course war stories. The stories went from funny, to unbelievable and then finally sober stories of remembrance for fallen brothers and sisters. One of the Lyran Battalion Commanders turned to Matthew and asked him. “What was the scariest moment in your military career?” Most of the room quiet down when Matthew looked at the whiskey in his glass swirled it and then took it all down in one gulp. He then stood up and looked up to the lights in the ceiling. This action now caused the music to stop. His wife turned around when her companion stopped talking to her and was looking off into the distance. When she saw what was going on she just shook her head, why is everyone treating her husband like he was the most interesting man in the world and look at him he is eating this crap up.
Matthew walked to the middle of the room and started talking in a very somber and quiet tone, in which everyone had to strain to hear him.
“It was during the civil war. I was a captain in the 151st Royal BattleMech Regiment, commander of the 101st Company. We had been attempting to cross the Columbia River for what seem like days, high casualties both in our unit and to the civilians in the area. My mech was beat the hell up, we had just tried storming their forfied position on the other side of the river for the sixth time. My Battalion commander was lost in that attempt. The techs had pulled his mech and several others out of the water and used them for spare parts. With no time to bury or even remove the falling they were left in the mech while it was stripped for parts. The smell of burnt flesh never leaves your memory, even now I can remember the smell and remember the dead both warriors and civilians just scatter across the area. Instead of mud it was blood that I was walking through. The General of the 151st gathered the remaining commanders and ordered what was left of the 151st to push again, I had confronted her in the meeting asking where the fleet was and why wasn’t bombarding the area first. She compared me to my father and basically ignored my request. Later I found out that was her intent all along, just not the way I had wanted it. Her and the fleet commander had decided that if they bombarded the fortress now the enemy would just hide so yes, the fortress would be destroyed but the enemy would still be there. So, they did not order the bombardment until the 151st pushed into the river and the enemy engaged us. In that moment when the bombardment started, I thought I saw my life coming to an end, I was lucky two-thirds of what remained of the unit wasn’t. The enemy was completely destroyed, and we won the battle. That was the day my father nearly killed me from his admiral chair up on the Beast of Terra.”
He let that sink in for a few moments then said, “If you are wondering the warship under my command now is the exact same ship that my father commanded. A few days later after I recovered, I learned of my father’s roll in the battle, even to this day I have not forgiven him not because I don’t want to but because he left with Kerensky and I will never see him or my little brother again.”
Another commander from the Lyran contingent started his story when all the Lyran fleet personnel communicators went off, unnoticed by all Matthew’s communicator beeped too. All the Lyran personnel made their apologies and left abruptly. Major Pople walked up to Matthew and ask. “What’s going on boss.”
“Based on the information from our assets and the way the Lyrans just ran out the door, a very large fleet just showed up at the charging station with hostile intent. Let’s make sure our meeting is still a go.”
Hesperus II
Space Port
Capital City Maria’s Elegy
November 29th, 2787
The DropShip Swift Justice just landed in dock 23A, the dock master waited for the passengers to debark, but no one came out. He double checked the electronic manifest that was sent to him, It showed a crap ton of cargo but only 12 passengers. He opened communications to verify when a person came out of the shadows. Jumping in a bit of fright the dock master turned completely toward the individual moving toward him. The lights finally revealed the stranger’s clothes, it was one of those COMSTAR freaks the dock master said to himself, wondering why the man was here the dock master squared up to him and said, “hey you there what are you doing?”
“I am Adept Conner this ship is under the COMSTAR flag, and you will leave now.”
The dock master raised his hands and said, “you don’t have to tell me twice just make sure COMSTAR pays the docking charges.” With that he left.
Adapt Conner radio the DropShip all clear and the doors opened, still in her general uniform because she would be damned if she wore the COMSTAR outfit was General Hayes. Walking down the ramp she greeted the Adapt and left with him for a brief.
Hesperus II
Space Port
Capital City Maria’s Elegy
December 8, 2787
The city was rioting, news of the space battles between the Lyran and Kurita forces were making waves on all the local news channels. Embedded news reporters tried to make it more dramatic than it really was. Matthew was getting all the reports straight from the source though and knew that the space battles had been at a stale mate until this morning. Reports of several DropShips breaking through the defense in the North, although those reports had not been confirmed yet. Matthew looked at his time piece at the same time his small convoy pulled up to Space Dock 45B, he was thirty minutes early which was always the standard for him at meetings. That way his six-man security team could canvas the area and make sure it was secure.
General Hayes was on the roof three buildings down with Diana Chapman next to her looking at Matthew’s security team get out of the convoy and start their check.
“Just like you said Diana, your husband is very predictable. As soon as the other party gets here, we will grab both, to have an Lyran Admiral in custody will prove useful later. You have done a great service to COMSTAR, we will get the info out of your husband no matter what.”
Diana just looked at the General, “what do you mean? Are you talking torture? I did not sign up for that, I wanted you to re-patriot him change him back to just a MechWarrior not a man that thinks he has to save the universe.”
General Hayes looked at Diana and shook her head. “That is not my goal sorry if I miss lead you, but I am going to break him, you will never see him again.”
Another convoy arrived and what look like an admiral got out of the middle vehicle and went inside, Hayes could not tell what admiral it was their face was blocked by the bodyguards. Hayes started for the stairwell with Diana in toll once she was on the ground level and exit the building, she pulled out her radio. “All Agents execute I say execute the trap now.”
With that teams of soldiers burst into the building General Hayes was right behind them. Soldiers screaming to put their hands up and not to move, when Hayes moved into the room, she saw three people standing in the middle all with their backs turned away. Diana slowly moved behind Hayes keeping her eyes on the three men, but something was wrong they way they were standing didn’t seem like any of them would be her husband. Outside you could hear the stomping of mechs.
General Hayes raised her voice, “We have you surrounded, and I have a company of mechs outside just itching to kill traitors to the new order. Now turn around and pull down your hoods now!” Hayes was licking her lips in anticipation of getting matthew and torturing him about Helm she will find out the truth. Slowly the three guys turned around they all took their hoods off to reveal no Matthew and no Admiral. Screaming Hayes asked where Chapman and the Admiral was and the three just looked at her with a smugness that just made her snap. “Shoot them kill them all!” Her soldiers raised their rifles and then a voice from somewhere belted out. “I would not do that if I was you” Then all the lights came on to reveal about 40 men with rifles all pointed at her men and her, and in the middle was Matthew Chapman.
“What the hell, what is this Chapman.” Hayes said.
“Well General Hayes its like this…” Matthew began.
“A year and a half ago I became aware of your past Diana that you tried really hard to hide, I also received word and saw the first transmission you made to Hayes. I did not want to believe it, largely because you are my children’s mother and I love you very much. So, I decided to test you. The first test was a failure on your part and on mine, I did not realize how deviant you could be, I supplied fake battleplans but what I failed to realize is that you were able to get another set of plans, so while the battle with the fake plans worked, the other plans almost killed me and hurt our unit so bad we are still trying to recover. With that we knew you was against us, so OPERATION HARVEST was placed in motion. There was two sets OPERATION HARVEST Diana the one that Bruce had in which he allowed you to look at and the second set that never left the secure vault. The second one is what we are operating on. General Hayes you can go take your men and leave this planet you are not welcome, I know you helped Kurita invade this planet and for that you will pay, but later. All I want is Diana so that she can stand trial for treason.”
Diana looked at Hayes, “He can’t do this you can’t let him take me.”
General Hayes looked at Matthew and said, you have me out number here, but out there I have the mechs according to the official reports you cannot even field a lance. So, it is you that will stand down and summit yourself to my rule.”
“No General part of the trap was to trump your trap, The Siegers are fully functional reinforced Battalion and right now they are engaged with your company.”
Almost on cue the sounds of battle started.
The warehouse building was located on the far west side of the industrial part of Maria’s Elegy the COMSTAR company of mechs had taken position in front of the only doors which were on the east side of the building, they were waiting for their General to come out with her prisoner so that they could escort her to the dropship located on the far east side of the Capital. Adept Trogim Gusev waited patiently in his Omega BattleMech, but something was not right. This was taking to long, never fully trusting the General because she was an outsider in charge of actual COMSTAR personnel he had decided to bust into the warehouse when his scope lit up with enemy targets all around him, firing on his unit almost immediately. The General’s trap was actually the Siegers trap.
“Adept Gusev, this has gone south, make a path for us to the dropship and retreat behind us.” General Hayes order.
“You heard the General protect her and her package.”
The unit started to split half north the other half south as the SWAT team started to exit the building under intense fire, moving east as fast as they could go. Adept Gusev notice more enemy targets northeast that makes a whole battalion against his Company. His unit was all elite warriors and all assault Mechs, the Siegers were a mix of light to heavy with a couple of Assaults. The way the building was and the curves of the streets four assault mechs were able to successfully block the north and south bound road in front of the warehouse. Several lighter Siegers’s mechs tried to move past the COMSTAR assault mechs, they were unsuccessful and laid on the road destroyed next to the COMSTAR mechs. Matthew had to destroy part of the warehouse to get his mech through since it was parked on the west side. Once in the clear he was right behind the enemy mechs and let lose his two gauss weapons killing a Rifleman instantly.
“We need to capture the General and Diana they are the top priority.”
General Hayes and Diana Chapman moved with special ops team eight and crossed the first main road into an ally between a few buildings the battle felt like it was behind them, but Hayes was still cautious.
Matthew’s command lance had pushed through the rubble and now was behind the enemy, he wanted to make sure the enemy was badly damage before he moved on. Matthew then called in Charlie Company to move up and block the path to the dropship.
For a while there the COMSTAR held its own and Adept Gusev thought he could pull a miracle out of his ass. Then a lance broke through the warehouse and lit half his company up in the back both Omegas went down then both Riflemen with the General three blocks ahead of them he called for a slow retreat.
The southern line had broken, and elements of Alpha Company rushed through. Charlie Lance moved northeast and ran into a Chimera and a White Knight, but just before that the lance was able to take out a few squadrons of their special ops teams.
Northern line was still holding but barely thanks largely to the slow retreat and the ability to keep the front of the mechs facing the Siegers. General Hayes and Diana Chapman were about two clicks from the dropship when the Siegers Charlie Company showed and corner them, taking them hostage.
Adept Gusev mech was beat up but still functional when he learned about the General being captured, he ordered what was left of his men to make a mad dash to the dropship in hopes that the weapons that the dropship had would keep the Siegers from coming after them.
Matthew was happy about the capture of both women, he could of pursue the enemy mechs but decided to let the three mechs still able to move leave, in hopes that they would stay in their dropship so he could negotiate a deal with General Hayes to leave his unit alone.
Hesperus II
Space Port
Capital City Maria’s Elegy
December 10, 2787
General Hayes was still on board the Siegers Dropship secluded from everyone but the core families. She looked at the 9 families with disgust.
“What are you going to do with me?” she asked
A thin blonde with crystal blue eyes in a captain’s uniform stood up and walked around the table that the nine family members sat.
“General we are not going to do anything to you, we are going to let you go as long as you agree to leave us alone.”
“What are you going to do, kill me if I don’t agree.” Hayes said
This time Matthew moved in his chair and looked at Hayes.
“Why are you after me, I have done nothing wrong, the Siegers are in very good standing with the merc review, other than what ever lies my wife the traitor has spoken what possible reason did you come after me.”
“Helm” was all she said.
Matthew waited for more explanation and when it was obvious he was not to receive one he spoke again.
“Helm? What about Helm we fulfilled our contract to the letter.”
Hayes looked at him. “You know what I am talking about don’t make me spell it out for you.” As she spat
“Not very General like are you Hayes, no I don’t know what you are talking about enlighten me lets put all cards on the table and fix this.”
“Then why kill Major Keller!!”
Matthew looked at the General with sadness in his eyes. “Major Keller was upset that I gave everything to you he rushed me it was him or me, I had no choice but to kill him. Now I am sorry if you think there was something more, but there was not. Everything was on the invoice you saw the storeroom yourself. So please end this unhealthy obsession and move on.”
“I will leave and never think of you again what about Diana?”
“Diana is a traitor, but the panel will decide her fate not me. They already have heard all the evidence and I told them that she had been an agent of COMSTAR before it was COMSTAR that is prior to her even meeting me. So, in theory you could argue she was not a traitor but just doing her job.”
“She is to be banned from the unit never to returned and pronounced dead. Take her and if she ever comes near the Siegers or to my children unless they want to see her, I will kill her.”
With that they took the General gathered up Diana and took them to the COMSTAR dropship which was waiting for them.
-
So will Hayes really end this feud?
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That is a most excellent question....
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Chapter Thirteen
Hesperus II
Siegers HQ
December 15, 2787
1430 GST
The Lyran Fleet was still struggling with the Kurita Fleet and had let some of their dropship slip past the defenses. Eleventh Hesperus Guards was defending the planet, but even with that Lyran Command had asked the Siegers to help with the defense of the planet. A Kurita company of mechs was able to break thru the line that the Guards had established. The Kurita forces heading to the factories, Siegers were task to stop them before they did damage to any of the factories. Delta Company was sent to a small village just north of the industrial complex to stop the enemy.
First Lieutenant Dionsio was in charge of Delta Company she split her unit into each lance, Lima Lance which was her heavy class mechs moved from the south around the west side of the town. Julio Lance was the Delta’s light lance and moved from the south around the east side of the town. The command lance comprises of medium mechs moved into the city in search of the enemy. The Siegers moved up through and around the village not finding the enemy, but Kurita unit was still northeast of the city and when they saw the Siegers light lance all twelve enemy mechs moved toward them. Dionsio and her lance snuck through the city and surprised the Kurita mechs as they engaged the light lance. Private Grigor piloting a Firestarter jumped over the distracted Kurita Stalker and Hammerhand and turned up the heat on both mechs. While Second Lieutenant Nkanen piloting the Black Knight from Lima Lance burst from the trees on the west side of the village and laid down a barrage of lasers into the torso of the Hammerhand. Private Rosacega moved up and tried to finish the Hammerhand when a Kurita Crusader lit up her mech causing an engine breach in which she had to eject.
Private Munene was in the dreadful UrbanMech, he was constantly made fun of, and his trash can mech but today he was the man. He pushed through two buildings and ended up behind an Von Rohrs and with his AC10 he was able to make quick work of that mech saving his commander. Delta Company had successfully moved their Lima lance to where they were firing on the backside of the Kurita forces, Julio Lance was still distracting most of the enemy and Delta’s lance came out of the town almost perfectly on Kurita’s right flank, because of this maneuver Kurita’s forces had lost seven of their twelve mechs and started to retreat. Lieutenant Dionsio orders was to keep them from the industrial complex and push them back, not to pursue and destroy so she let them retreat.
Hesperus II
Siegers HQ
December 30, 2787
1100 GST
It has been almost a month since Kurita showed up and about three weeks since COMSTAR left with the General and his wife, Matthew thought. Lyran High Command had used his unit a couple of times but for the most part their defenses were more than adequate on the ground. In space though it was back and forth game of cat and mouse neither side really getting an upper hand. The Beast of Terra was scheduled to be back today, Matthew had no way to contact them prior to today so he was waiting for them to enter the system to update them.
Matthew’s com system beep showing that he had an incoming message dutifully he sat up straighter and smoothed his uniform.
Admiral Luther Weisskopf appeared on the screen.
“Colonel Chapman it is good to see you again.”
“Admiral good to see you, surprise you have called what can I do for you sir?”
“I understand that your warship is due to be back soon?”
Matthew looked at the Admiral, “Yes sir it is due back any day now. With the space battle going on I am surprised you have kept tabs on my ship or have time to talk to me.”
The Admiral actually looked uneasy and said. “Our fleet is on verge of collapse, but we believe so is theirs. I was hoping that I could get you to engage the enemy, surprise them while we make a final push on them.”
“Of course sir” a beep from another communicator showed that the ship just appeared. “In fact, sir the ship just emerge I can have them here in 18 days.”
“Excellent Colonel Chapman we will draw up the battleplans and forward them to you.”
With that he disappeared and Matthew went to communicate the change of plans for his fleet.
Hesperus II
High Orbit
January 18, 2788
0300 GST
Kurita Fleet
DCS Kee Lung
Tai-sho Pederson the master mind of Operation BROKEN BLADE had success at Skondia just months earlier, but his intel was wrong for Hesperus, they had not expected such a large fleet here and the resistance has been tough. The space battle has been going on for a month now, both sides playing cat and mouse. The Lyran fleet had come out of hiding from the other side of the planet earlier today and now both sides were exchanging broadside fire. To him it looked like that this could be the final battle. The Lyran commander was not running away this time, which was curious. All pushes to the planet had been stopped except for one in which two regiments were able to make planetfall. Unfortunately, there was heavy resistance on the ground not only from Lyran defenses but a merc unit that happen to be planet side for whatever reason. A lot of his ships were damage but so was the Lyran fleet, eventually something will break, and this will be finally over.
Lyran Fleet
LCS Indomitable
Admiral Luther Weisskopf hoped that the back-and-forth attacks had weaken the Kurita Fleet and that the Siegers show up soon. This ongoing space battle had lasted for almost a month. What started off as an even battle based on numbers, His fleet had consisted of 100 warships mostly dropships, but he did have six Tharkad Battlecruisers, Kurita had shown up with 115 warships and like him they were mostly dropships, but they did have about 15 capital warships. Now today the Admiral’s fleet was 39 warships no fighters and most warships were damage. The Kurita fleet showed up and had 67 warships with a dozen fighters. The Admiral was starting to doubt his plan, second guessing the Siegers ability specially since they only had two warships and 36 fighters but, they were fresh and had no battle damage. He hoped it would be the difference, if not the planet would be lost.
0400 GST
Kurita Fleet
DCS Kee Lung
CIC
Tai-sho Pederson
Pederson just saw a Commonwealth Light Cruiser explode from his ship’s weapons, ammo explosion took out half the side leaving the ship without power and adrift. After an hour of this back and forth the Lyran Fleet was still holding strong, several of their dropships were destroyed and now this light cruiser but all the Battlecruisers were still operational, how be it significantly damage. The sister ship DCS Su Ao was destroyed a few moments ago and Pederson childhood friend, the captain of the Su Ao was presumed dead. Several of his dropships were destroyed, but his fleet still had an upper hand. He ordered his fleet to push in and break the Lyran’s.
Lyran Fleet
LCS Indomitable
CIC
Admiral Luther Weisskopf
Looked across his fleet and saw nothing but destruction, so far, all his Battlecruisers were still functional, but several were badly hurt. Even when the Siegers show up there may not be a fleet left to save. He ordered his ship to roll and present the undamaged side to the enemy and to continue firing. The comm officer broke in, “Sir message from The Beast of Terra, they have engaged the enemy.”
The Beast of Terra
CIC
Lieutenant Commander Phung
“Fire all weapons Launch all assets lets show these bastards what a real Naval Ship can do.” Commander Phung said to the Siegers Fleet. The Siegers Fleet consisted of a Samarkand Carrier which at this moment carried 50 active fighters, and a Nightwing Surveillance the four dropships were planet side and the jump ship which had no weapons sat at the charging station primed to jump if the enemy tried to attack them. The Fighters continue to launch one squadron at a time every 3 minutes all eight squadrons and one flight was out and making runs on the enemy capital ships within 30 minutes.
0445 GST
Kurita Fleet
DCS Kee Lung
CIC
Tai-sho Pederson
The attack from behind had taken Pederson by surprise they had identified as the merc unit, how does a merc unit have warships and how they ran silent, one simple answer they had to of been former SLDF crew and ship. He was impressed with how so many fighters were launching off the Siegers carrier when his own was still having trouble launching all of theirs. The Kee Lung was hit several times and the ship started to tilt losing the center of balance. Pederson orders a couple of Baron Destroyers to focus on the new fleet and watched a few more Lyran light cruisers break apart. A Tharkad Battlecruiser moved up and started firing at his ship, hitting the Kee Lung over and over again with Capital PPC and a NAC/30 the ship structural integrity failed, and the ship was gone. With Pederson gone and the XO killed earlier in the other Destroyer, command was transferred to a junior officer but highest ranking in the fleet Dai-I Monica Yego. She was not prepared for this type of responsibility; half of the fleet was destroyed in almost two hours of fighting; she knew the enemy fleet was hurting too, however her Destroyer was not set up to take command and most of her bridge crew was hurt or dead. So, she did what the only thing that came to her mind and called for a combat withdraw.
Lyran Fleet
LCS Indomitable
CIC
Admiral Luther Weisskopf
Admiral was grateful that the Siegers finally showed but his fleet was all but destroyed. Most of his Dropships were destroyed, four of the six Battlecruiser were a drift still with power but will need to be towed back to the space dock to be repaired. Most of the light cruisers were badly damage, although two of them was pushing forward and took out a couple of the enemy destroyers. He ordered those ships capable of moving to protect the ships that could not, there was no retreating, and leaving thousands of fellow warriors to die in space. He had his navigator move the ship closer and in front of the other ships drifting, the enemy though started to act different, and started to move off. Hauptmann-Kommandant Theissen of the Light cruiser Weissenburg called and said that he believed he just took out their Admiral cause the enemy fleet is retreating soon after his crew destroyed a destroyer. The Admiral watched as the enemy did seem to be disengaging and pulling out moving outbound of the solar system.
Hesperus II
High Orbit
January 18, 2788
1300 GST
Admiral Weisskopf was sitting in the command chair of a shuttle craft. There was a slight clang noise from the release of the craft from his flagship, then nothing silence in space was just that silence. The shuttle moved slowly around his ship, and he was able to survey the amount of damage done. The shuttle then moved vertical towards the Siegers Warship Beast of Terra, which gave the Admiral a view of two Battlecruisers that were in worse shape than his flagship. He shook his head and looked at the report his XO handed him prior to leaving the Indomitable, the battle was still going on planet side but with the Kurita Fleet leaving the enemy should surrender soon. His fleet though, last month before the first shot was fired, he had a little over one hundred ships under his command, now he had forty-three with twenty-one of those needing space dock to become operational again. Some good news though they were able to capture several of the enemy ships and will be able to either salvage them for parts or refurbish them and add them to the fleet. Which is why he was headed over to the Siegers warship to share the report. The shuttle made another sharp turn to avoid some battle damage and the Admiral got his first look at the Siegers warship with the naked eye, all black with most of the windows either tinted or blacked out the only light that was shining was that of the spotlight on their unit’s symbol. Alongside their carrier was the other warship in their possession CHS Wolfwind a Nightwing surveillance warship. For a merc unit it was an impressive sight, the pilot took the shuttle into the recovery bay and landed with a thud. The pressure equalized and then he was able to leave the shuttle. The Admiral stepped out of the air lock and was greeted by the commander of the ship Lieutenant Commander Phung. “Sir its an honor to have you aboard my ship, please follow me to the conference room.”
They moved through the ship, the Admiral took stock and recognized some of the fixtures and designs, this was not just a merc ship. “Commander, I have been around a long time and have been on SLDF warships, this was a SLDF vessel wasn’t it.”
“Good eye Admiral, yes this was a SLDF and most of us are prior SLDF members that choose not to go with the General and yet chose not to become COMSTAR. The previous commander of this vessel transported some of the 151st Royal Guards during the civil war, which was the unit our Colonel Chapman was a company commander.”
They entered the conference room, and all sat down around the large rectangle table.
“Now, Admiral, Colonel Chapman is still on the ground helping out in the defense of your planet, he as authorized me to be the voice of the Siegers at this meeting.” Commander Phung said and then she slid the Admiral a plastic-film that showed the authority.
“He has put high trust in you Commander. After the actions of your organization, I decided to give the Siegers a bonus if you are willing and able to accept.” The Admiral then slid over a CompPad toward her, Commander Phung took it on it was a list of capital ships, three in fact, two ships, were beyond repair but would make some good salvage the third intrigued her, a Baron Destroyer with armor and engine damage but repairable.
“Admiral, this is very generous, it might take us awhile to fully staff it but we gladly accept your bonus.”
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Chapter Fourteen
Hesperus II
Siegers HQ
February 21, 2788
0630 GST
Lieutenant Colonel Chapman sat in his office looking over the repair reports, all mechs had been repaired and tomorrow was the estimated completion time for the engine fix on the Baron Destroyer. The core families had decided to rename the Kurita ship with a more appropriate Siegers name, so the CHS (Chappy Howling Siegers) WolfClaw was the ship’s new name. They were very fortunate that the Lyran Admiral gave the Wolfclaw to them, during the last space battle the engines were destroyed, when the Kurita fleet limped out of the solar system several ships were left all in different stages of damage. The Kurita crew surrendered without a fight. There were two other ships that the Admiralty gave the Siegers, but they were badly damaged and were turned into salvage. Still a major award from a grateful planet. Matthew put that report down when a notification came in showing new contracts were posted. For the last two weeks he had been looking at new opportunities one that would get him closer to the second to last cache his father left him before moving to their new permanent home. They just need to get closer to … Matthew could not believe his eyes there in the 100 new contract listing was the one he wanted the one planet in the universe that he had to get to Ballentine. Immediately he put his bid in and sent it off, he did not care if he lost money on this mission this is where the Siegers needed to go.
Ballentine
High Orbit
Beast of Terra
Conference Room
June 17, 2788
Colonel Chapman looked across the table and into the monitors of those commanders that could not make it in person.
“In two days we will detach our ground force from this warship and head down to the ground. We will be taking the 1st Strike Wing with us; the 2nd and 3rd Strike wing will maintain defense of our assets in orbit. This is a Cadre Duty, we are here to train young cadets however, there have been reports of a few dropships landing without permission in unpopulated areas. With this planet being only a jump away from the active warzone intel has suggest it could be an advance enemy force or scouting party. Our mission is to train and keep all cadets safe. Your individual assignments have just been sent to your ComPad, see you planet side.” With that Colonel Chapman left the room, so that his trusted commanders can work out the finer details. On his way out he turned around and spoke. “I know we have been on this ship for almost six months getting here, and the civilians will have to stay up here for a little longer. I don’t need trouble down there so make sure all your troops know that there will be a heavy penalty for illegal or unruly behavior while stationed here. Remember there is another reason to be on this planet, the largest cache of equipment from Admiral Chapman is located here.” With that he left.
Ballentine
Camtane Peaks
Training Zone
June 24, 2788
Colonel Chapman was in the observation tower, him and his command lance was there to observe the first training exercise with the top three students of the new cadet class. To the south was the high mountains of Camtane Peaks there was a small mountain pass that allowed for ground traffic which was called Bainmar Gap, named after the explorer, that discovered it. This training exercise was in the foothills of the Peaks and will prove interesting. The three cadets are in light mechs: Locust, Hussar, and a Stinger. The instructors are in four heavy tanks. Normally the mechs would be at an advantage but this was the first time in a real mech for these students. Matthew and his team were here to evaluate the training and then implement improvements if needed. Matthew was concerned about the reports of a Draconis presence, but the Head Kommandant just blew him off, still though Matthew had a flight of Davion fighters and a Squadron of the Siegers on standby just in case. The mock battle was going well even though they did have live ammo, the computer simulator was doing all the work and was registering the battle damage shutting of systems that it thought would be damage, that way no mechs or pilots would be hurt.
Matthew looked at the clock, about 5 min had gone by and the instructors had the upper hand, but he was impressed in the way the cadet maneuvered their mechs in the hill country, they just lack communication between themselves, everyone one was doing their own thing while the instructors were coordinating and slowly taking the students out. Then from the south a volley of missiles streaked in hitting the LRM carrier which had the lead instructor in it.
“Shit, Siegers we need to go now and protect the students, the four of them rushed down 6 flights of stairs hearing the battle in the background Matthew was hoping they would get there in time to help. Once he was in the cockpit of his NightStar he radios back to the airport to scramble the fighters, still though they may be too late.
“Move out Siegers protect the students and instructors let’s find out how many of the enemy there are and take them out.” Colonel Chapman said. He then tried to reach the lead instructor.
Training Zone
Mathew McPaul was the top student of new cadet class he had aced all his exams and held the record on the simulator, he was doing well now for being his first time in a real mech the other two students well they suck he thought, they did not deserve to be here. He just rounded a hill and had the LRM Carrier in his sight when his controls went crazy proximity alerts went off, he was confused and then he saw it, a few dozen missiles in the air coming at him. No that is not right they were going to the Carrier almost all the missiles hit that carrier and the wave of the explosion rattle him. Who is using real missiles damn he thought he then heard the overseer on the radio trying to call the instructor that was in the Carrier, there was no noise or movement from the Carrier. Mathew saw four mechs into the battlefield with the markings of the mercenary group that was watching the simulation.
The Siegers moved into the battlefield thankfully everyone was ok except for the lead instructor. The students were scared you could hear it in their radio calls, but at least they were communicating now. Still too far away to help, Col Chapman called to all the Federated units to hold their ground that help was on its way.
The cadets tried to move around behind an enemy mech but was surprised when it jumped out of the way and landed behind them, with that surprise the enemy Guillotine launch an alpha strike on Mathew McPaul at the same time Mathew fired on the Guillotine. The Guillotine won that match up and McPaul right arm and left leg was destroyed his mech fell to the ground and he was knocked out. One of the instructors did land an AC/20 hit on the Guillotine blowing of its right arm. The enemy Wolverine in turn hit that tank causing engine damage, enough to force the crew out of the tank and run for cover.
Col Chapman saw them on his radar before they announced themselves.
“Command, Wraiths Squadron is lining up for an attack run be advise we have HE bombs and we are planning on using them.”
“Roger that Lieutenant you are clear hot wipe them out.” Matthew replied.
Four of the Six fighters dive bombed the Guillotine and the Dragon around forty HE bombs landed most hit, but it was the Hellcat piloted by the squadron commander Lieutenant Charlotte Meurs that landed all her bombs destroying the Guillotine.
Colonel Chapman took aim at the Wolverine and fired both Gauss cannons at it destroying the left arm. The Colonel moved a little to the left and fired both Gauss cannons again, this time both direct blows to the center torso destroying the mech. The Battlemaster piloted by Master Sergeant Sicak fired a PPC hitting and destroying the head of the Dragon. Colonel scanned the area and saw the last enemy mech turn and run with the precision of an elite warrior Colonel Chapman took his time aimed and fired both Gauss cannons destroying the left leg off the Blackjack that was trying to run away, causing the mech to plant face first into the rocky terrain destroying the cockpit and the pilot immediately. The three students just stared at what they saw, this mercenary just hit a mech from extreme range and took it out with out a second thought. Who were these guys Cadat McPaul thought?
Ballentine
Capital City
Training HQ
Siegers Commander Office
June 29, 2788
Colonel Chapman slammed his fist into the top of the desk and looked at the governor and Kommandant of the school.
“Let me try and comprehend this you want me to take cadets PURPOSEDLY into combat. Your militia is no match for the elite force that landed in the bad lands, and since you don’t want to change our contract, you are willing to put the students into combat so that my unit will engage the enemy, is that correct?”
The governor looked at Colonel Chapman with distain. “Colonel, what better way to develop them into MechWarriors then have them in combat? You are being well compensated I expect you to honor your contract and help train our guys in actual combat.”
“Fine, but I am going to log a formal complaint, however we will defend your planet and kick the invaders off your world.”
Colonel Chapman walked out of his office only to spy three new cadets standing at parade rest in the hallway, the lead cadet saw the Colonel and snaped to attention. “Colonel on….” He started to yell out until Matthew hushed him.
“Look I appreciate military customs and discipline, but we are at war, I am in a hallway not going into a room, and I don’t want that while you are here understood?” All three nodded and then went to parade rest after Matthew insisted. The Colonel went on to say. “You are all new, is it the plan of the Kommandant to rotate you cadets every time we have a new mission?” He raised his hand. “Don’t answer that I think I already know the answer. Look when we go into combat this time it will be planed and all I really want ya’ll to do is stay behind us and practice moving your mechs. Is that understood?”
Ballentine
City of Benford
Command Center
South Command
July 1, 2788
Commander Abdel was woken out of a sound sleep to his communicator beeping. He picked it up. “Addel here report”
“Sir a large force just emerged from the north mountains and moving aggressively towards us. They will be here in about two hours”
Addel took a second to process this information, having an enemy force on the planet was one thing but moving against a communication center that only had an armor lance and some turrets as a defense was just too much. “Inform the Governor, and order the evacuation”
Addel got out of his warm bed and started to dress he had to oversee the evacuation, the families of his troops safety was his number one concern, hopefully the Governor can send help with the war going on most of the MechWarriors that were station here had been deployed, this planet was totally screwed if this enemy is a credible threat he thought. Twenty minutes later he was leaving his quarters and moving toward the command center when his communication officer called him again. “Addel here I am about 5 minutes away, status.”
“Sir the governor is sending a merc unit to intercept the enemy, but they might not get here in time, so he wants you to continue the evacuation.”
“A merc unit? You say. You mean that group that is here to help train the cadets?”
“Yes sir”
The commander shook his head, his life depended on a merc unit that was doing cadre training and not out on the front lines, yay me was all he could think.
Ninety minutes later
Addel watched on the monitor as his people started to move out of the base heading north out of danger. The enemy was almost to the city this was going to be close. Out of the tree line to the east came an alert, great he thought what now. He had the satellite pan over to the east and he saw eight assault mechs running at max speed with three light mechs staying behind them. The mercs he thought, all in assault mechs running with a grace of elite warriors. Then there was three light mechs trying to keep up and running very awkwardly those Addel thought those must be the cadets in tow.
Colonel Chapman survey the battlefield, the initial report had indicated a massive force moving toward the city. It was six lances of armor vehicles no mechs no aero support and while they still out number his two lances three to one he felt more at ease. “Siegers break up in pairs and take the armor units down we have to stop them from getting to the civilians trying to leave the city.” The Colonel announced. Within twenty minutes all the enemy armor was destroyed there was some buildings destroyed and one defense tank, other than that the civilians were able to return to the command center. Commander Addel watched the whole battle take place and he understood now why his government hired them to train their troops.
Ballentine
Capital City
Command Center
Governor Palace
July 22, 2788
It's been a little over 20 days since the enemy tried to attack whether it was because the Siegers are here and they did not expect that, or they were planning something big Matthew was unsure. The planetary government was in the process of moving precious metals and water from a off planet site to the Capital, Matthew had let them use Conquering Wolves Dropship for the metals and they had two DropShips that was transporting the heavy water. Matthew looked at his clock, they should be leaving orbit and moving into high altitude any second. He decided to head to the TOC and monitor their progress, it has been too silent.
Colonel Chapman sneaked into the back of the busy TOC he did not want to disrupt the tactical genius of his XO, she was already engaged with the dropships and their escorts as they moved down the gravity well.
“Sir!!” a technician yelled.
“What is it sergeant?” Major Pople said as she started to walk over to his console. Both the Major and Matthew knew that the higher voice and the tension in the voice was not good.
“Multiple bogies baring 211 coming in from the Northwest. The radar is trying to weed out the clutter but looks like over ninety aircraft of various classes.”
“Frack.” Both Major Pople and Matthew said at the same time, they both knew that the militia squadron and the Siegers ground base Attack Wing was not going to survive. She turned around swiftly and looked at her commander.
“Comm, get me The Beast of Terra priority one alert them of the situation have them launch all strike wings ASAP. Then notify the 1st wing of what is coming and when the reinforcements will arrive.”
Colonel Chapman and Major Pople watched the monitor showing the enemy and friendly forces. The Siegers 1st wing and the conventional squadron of fighters from the planet militia bravely flew forward and engage a force six times bigger than them while the Dropship tried to make a run to the Space Port on the ground.
The conventional militia squadron was almost immediately destroyed but they were able to take out two of the enemies’ aerospace fighters. First Lieutenant Meurs commander of the 1st Wing engaged the enemy, “protect the Dropships Siegers, until our brothers and sisters come from our warship.” She looked out and saw ninety plus fighters moving toward her and her wing and sighed, and said to herself, “It’s a good day to die.”
A few minutes later her wing and the massive enemy force was in tangled into combat.
“1st Ground Wing, Terra Fighter Group will be there in two minutes coming in from the south.” Captain Dobbis announced.
“Thank you Cap…..”Lieutenant Meurs was saying until she was shot down.
The air battle continued, just south of the capital you could see the explosion and smoke trails from damage ships. The three Dropships where still on their way down but now fighting off a heavy attack. Even with the three wings equaling fifty-four fighters the enemy still out number them. A group of Draconis fighter broke away and went after one of the planets Dropships, minimal weapons they tried to defend themselves. Captain Dobbis had Teal and Gray Squadrons break off the main formation and make straight for the dropship in attempt to save it.
Civilians in the capital city looked up toward the sky where the air battle was getting closer. Sirens came to life alerting people to get to cover, since the battle was moving closer to the city fallout was starting to rain down first it was small pieces, then half a plane crashed into a grocery store destroying it. People started to panic when they saw something big falling toward them.
Teal and gray squadron rushed toward the dropship and even though they were able to destroy a few enemy fighters the ship was doomed the engines failed and the ship started to spin out of control falling faster to the ground. The dropship landed in a business section on the southside the explosion and shockwave from the engines blowing up cause a square mile of damage, shaking the building the command center was in.
Matthew went outside and saw the destruction buildings were catching on fire civilians running he got on the com. “Lieutenant Bardon, I need your company to deploy to the crash site rescue as many civilians as you can, also rally up the crash team and have them help the locals fight the fires.” The local militia commander moved up and stood next to Matthew on the balcony, she looked out across the plaza and out toward the crash site, her long hair had fallen out of her bun and was blowing freely with the wind. “Colonel, may I ask what you are doing out here?” Matthew looked at the base commander and then looked back at the crash site.
“I came out here to see the damage for myself, I then order my company of P(AL) infantry to search and rescue civilians and since most of my fighters are tied up in the air fighting, I order a team of my crash unit to go out and help fight the fires.”
The base commander glance at the mercenary leader and her eyes soften a bit. “This action has nothing to do with contract, so why risk your guys when you didn’t have to.”
Matthew finally turned completely towards the base commander and spoke. “Because I care about all people and if I have the power to help just one innocent life then I will, because it is the right thing to do.”
The air battle continued the Siegers tried to force the enemy out of the city fly zone, but the Combine was determined to knock the dropship out of the sky. More Combine ships were destroyed but still had the upper hand, until the two remaining dropships landed the enemy tried to dive bomb the now landed ships but was met with heavy AA fire. The combine retreated their objective was not completely met, but they did down one dropship and caught the capital city on fire. Colonel Chapman went back inside only to see even more activity than before. “Major Pople what’s going on?”
“Sir, we just got word that three of our armor scouting parties have been met with heavy resistance. Hotel lance is close to one, so I am sending that mech lance over to help the 9th Armor Lance. White Squadron is the only squadron that is fully functioning, they are landing right now to load HE bombs and will help the 4th Armor lance. I am sending the reserve fighters over to the 6th armor lance.”
Matthew looked over the map and said. “Good job Major, wasn’t the 6th Armor lance protecting a civilian dropship that was grounded in the hill country?”
“Yes sir the dropship is still there, they had some setbacks, but they report the engine will be fix soon.”
-
Chapter Fifteen
Ballentine
Siegers HQ
August 25, 2788
0830 GST
It had been almost a month since that coordinated attack from the enemy from the air and the three land attacks. After the enemy was defeated, they just disappeared. It bothered Matthew extremely not knowing where the enemy was. The other objective was just as elusive the Siegers had been here since middle of June and no sign of the cache father had left them. There were only three planets in the system besides Ballentine two were vacuum terrestrial and one was a gas giant, there was also a small asteroid belt. No evidence of a space dock or space port so far in orbit at any of the planets, no signs of anything man made for that matter. Last report from his fleet commander was they had finished with the nearest planet named Gomes’s Planet and was moving on to the next planet called Maple River. Matthew went back to the coordinated attack last month something about it bothered him, how did the enemy know the dropships were coming down the gravity well and knew exactly where to attack to hit the weakest patrol units. The Siegers were just fortunate enough to have reserve units that could do a quick response and back up those armor units. After uncovering the spy, his wife. Matthew would prefer not to think the Siegers had a traitor in the unit, but it was possible that the enemy had infiltrated the planet’s militia. He made a mental note to talk to the militia commander at the next meeting. His assistant knocked on the door and entered, “Sir, Fleet Commander is on the line for you.”
“Thank you Sergeant.”
He tapped a code into the ComPad and the Fleet Commander’s face came into view.
“Captain Phung report.”
“Commander, I think we found it sir.”
“You think? Please explain.”
“Yes sir, there is a low valley on the surface and in the valley, there are several active turrets, we estimate at least thirty.” There is no sign of any other equipment or weapons that we know of. That was the last report the scout team sent before they enter what appears to be the kill zone. None of them made it back. We are on our way back to you, I figured you would want to spin up a mission to take out the turrets and see what there is to see there. We should be in orbit by the 1st of September.”
“Roger that Captain, thanks for the find I will send up a force, we will meet you up in orbit with the Conquering Wolves Chapman out.”
With that he severed the line and went to work putting a force together that would not hurt the defenses of the planet.
Ballentine
Siegers HQ
September 1, 2788
1000 GST
Major Bruce and Major Tournier was outside the makeshift Headquarters watching their commander take off in the Dropship Conquering Wolves with a rag tag 2nd Battalion full of misfits and Greenies, Lt. Col Chapman said it was for experience that the new guys needed some battle time and what better way than a zero g atmosphere and automated gun turrets. The dropship disappeared into the sky, and both went back inside to vent to their coworker and friend the XO Major Pople.
“Haleigh, why is he doing this? I understand why he left you in charge you’re the XO, but Ethan and I should be with him instead of the unproven 2nd Battalion.” Major Dalton Tournier said.
Major Pople looked at them, “You know that the 2nd Battalion will be one of you guys’ command after we fill the 3rd Battalion next year. He wants to make sure that the 2nd Battalion is ready.”
Major Ethan Bruce glanced at the maintenance man fixing the light fixture for the second time in three weeks.
“All the more reason one of us should be up there to protect his back.” he said.
Dropship
Conquering Wolves
Lt. Col Chapman was sitting on the bridge as the Dropship took off for orbit to link up with the Siegers’s Fleet specifically the Beast of Terra. The situation on the third planet in the solar system was unknown. Intel located a base in a deep valley but there was an automated security system that was not SLDF tech. That left Matthew with three options, first his father used a previous base that was made by the Davion military. Second father used Davion or some other nation’s tech to hide the equipment for whatever reason. Or third, a third party discover the treasure and placed their own security system. Whatever the option Matthew was taking the 2nd battalion with him, they will have to destroy all the gun turrets before entering the base to see what was there. His father did not list what type of ships was mothball here hopefully there was a couple of dropships, his unit was growing and right now after the four months being on Ballentine he would not be able to take all his equipment due to lack of cargo space. If the Siegers’ fleet gets bigger though, where are they going to get the manning and how will he pay for it. The dropship just left the atmosphere, a pen floated up off the table in front of him, noticing he grabbed it then looked up to the view screen the Siegers’ fleet came into view, four ships strong normally the ships would stay at the charging stations to conserve fuel, but it seems like every mission he needed them in orbit, and this was no exception. The Destroyer had been off investigating Gomes’s Planet while the Beast of Terra sat here protecting the unarmed jump ship. The smallest of the ships just poked its head out having been hidden from view, the Wolfwind a Nightwing surveillance ship had just came back from checking the furthest planet of the system.
“Sir a message is coming in for you from Captain Phung” announce the comm operator.
“Pipe her through Lieutenant.” Lt. Col Chapman replied.
“Sir, I just heard from home, they received our communique and are sending additional navy personnel most will be greenies, and all don’t have much experience, but I expect them within a month or two.” With that the Captain severed the line. Matthew sat back in his seat and watched as the crew docked. A few months ago, they had sent a coded message to the home of the Chapman future home aka Devils Breath, communication with the planet is a long process since it was off the books of all the star charts and the HPG was inop on purpose. Couriers had to receive all messages on Risin and then deliver back home. Matthew still could not comprehend the extent of manpower, war machines, and network his father had built over the years. Rumors had existed about black ops and some navy admirals that had side gigs. He wondered what his father really left him.
Ballentine
Siegers HQ
A man dressed in the maintenance outfit left the compound of the joint Headquarters of the Siegers and planet Militia, doing what he always did he got into his transportation and headed to the bar near his house. Walking in he observed the surroundings. The bar theme was that of scantily clad women trying to make a buck, being a regular all the girls new him and new to stay away except for one, his favorite. Ambrosia moved toward him looking like she was the big hungry cat looking to hunt and he was the prey. Five-foot eight inches in heels she could look him in the eye straight on, her purple color eyes and blue hair just did something to him. “Hey baby, there is a man in the corner waiting for you” she said as she placed her small hand on his chest and moved slowly down. “Will you have some pleasure after he is gone?”
She knew that he could not resist her, he tried every time but never could. “yes, we will, but first I need to talk to my friend.”
He moved to the corner booth and slid in, placing a small object on the seat in-between him and the other guy.
“Here is what you asked for, it’s very informative.”
The man took the device and then laid an envelope down in its place.
“have fun spending that on her, she is pure perfection.” With that he left, leaving the maintenance man with enough cash to last all night with Ambrosia.
High Orbit
Ballentine
Beast of Terra slowly powered up her engines and moved out of orbit after the Conquering Wolves dropship docked with her. Even at full power it was going to take 8 days to reach the third planet, Captain Phong sighed since downtime always meant a thousand questions from her commander about home. Luckily right now she had duties to perform, and the commander was still on the dropship. Moving pass the only moon for Ballentine the Beast of Terra lumbered slowly towards the third planet.
Maple River
Third Planet in solar system
High Orbit
Beast of Terra
September 9, 2788
The great warship slowly orbited the rock of a planet why it was called Maple River Captain Phung did not know. What she did know was her Commander was ready to leave the ship and investigate the base.
“Sir, the area of the base is to hot there are extensive AA guns along with Gauss and LRM turrets all active and already tracking us. The drop ship will land about 5 clicks from the base good luck and good hunting.”
“Roger that Captain, Siegers let’s roll, fall in line once we leave the dropship remember your training this is a .2 gravity planet so we can move faster and jump further, Chapman out.”
With that the dropship undocked and moved toward the planet.
Ballentine
1st Sword of Light
Headquarters
Location—unknown
Jinjiro Kurita heir-designate was sitting at the table with his top advisors, things had not gone badly but they weren’t going as planned either. The goal was to disrupt the supply lines and kick around some R&R Federated scum. This Mercenary unit was causing a problem though. Bigger than initially reported and with an actual fleet of warships Jinjiro was about to call it a day and move off planet. When his advisor came to him with a report from the spy within the militia headquarters. This was the time to strike, his unit was divided into two camps one was in a small town called Blospool, the rest was with him camped in a deep raven 50 kilometers from the capital. He looked at his advisor.
Tai-i Chuwon I need to send a message to my forces; it will need to be by messenger I don’t want a transmission to be intercepted.”
“Yes, my lord, what is the message?” Chuwon said.
“I need them to break camp and move here ASAP half of the mercenary unit is off world with their commander the time is now to strike.” Jinjiro said.
“Sir, if I may what about that force that left shouldn’t we be concern where they left?”
“Even though the recording did not specify why he left it does not matter. Since we have been silent these last few months, they might think that we are broken and took a battalion to another contract, because that is what mercs do, follow the money they have no honor.”
“Yes my lord.” Chuwon bowed and then moved swiftly to prepare for the journey.
Ballentine
Siegers HQ
Major Bruce moved into the CIC it had been eight and a half days since his commander left. He moved up to Major Pople to ask if there has been any activity, when he notice the same maintenance man working on the same light fixture. In a low voice he said to Major Pople
“Why is that guy fixing the same fixture?”
“It stop working again this morning.” Pople said
“That is too weird, or I am too suspicious specially after what happen at Hesperus follow me but don’t act suspicious.” Major Bruce whispered.
The maintenance man was fixing the faulty fixture again he was thinking to himself that he needed to find a better way to be in here eventually they would get suspicious when he looked down and saw two Majors looking up at him. When he turned around to get off the ladder there was the sergeant at arms with his hand on the gun holster.
Major Pople talked first. “We need to search you and your equipment.”
Major Bruce notice that as the maintenance guy got of the ladder, he tighten his left fist and looked like he was going to make a run for it, so Bruce came up from behind and locked the man’s arms together.
“Oh no you don’t, now what is in that left hand.”
In his hand was a small recorder, Bruce hit rewind then play and heard all he needed to hear. After five hours of interrogation the maintenance guy gave up the location of the enemy base, at a town called Blospool.
Maple River
Third Planet in solar system
September 10, 2788
Lt. Col Chapman had taken a day to survey the base, being careful not to trigger any of the defense he noticed that there were clusters of gun turrets scatter throughout the compound. “Beast, Chappy I will need you to spin up the two squadrons load them up with bombs put them on alert we might need them if we get pinned down. We will be advancing into the compound within the hour. Expect jamming if we need the fighters one of the guys will come back to this location to communicate. Chappy out.” With that he severed the line and then told the 2nd battalion the plan.
Ballentine
1st Sword of Light
Headquarters
Jinjiro Kurita looked on at the eight heavy flatbed trucks each with a mech on them and covered up with an anti-radar blanket. Jinjiro looked at his most trusted advisor and friend, Tai-i Chuwon and gave him a scroll with his family seal on it. “Get there as fast as you can tell them you are taking command and then move them out to here. Once we are all together, we will attack the Capital and defeat the mercenary scum.”
Ballentine
Siegers HQ
Major Haleigh Pople, Major Dalton Tournier, and Major Ethan Bruce sat around the table debating on what they should do.
“Look our commander has been friends to all of us for a long ass time, we are friends, he always preaches we are equals, but you are the XO Haleigh which means you are in charge, we have an opportunity to take out the enemy, satellite imagery shows about two company worth of mechs plus some gun turrets I say we take the whole battalion and crush them.” Dalton said passionately. Ethan looked at Haleigh and nodded in agreement then said, “We keep the armor battalion here and the infantry for protection and continuation of the academy training. Then go and kick some butt.”
Major Pople looked at the intel from the spy and the satellite pictures, “Ok let’s do this.”
Maple River
Third Planet in solar system
The 2nd Battalion broke up into the three companies and got into position, the plan was for delta company move in from the west. Echo company from the east, and Fox company from the south they were to move in simultaneously and move to the center where the main control unit was supposed to be located. All the companies were finally in position and Matthew order the unit to advance, the unit moved in and was met with radio jamming and gun turrets. With an inexperience group such as the 2nd battalion it was difficult to gain ground on the gun turrets. Matthew and his command lance move forward took a few turrets out Delta was right behind them, but through the burning buildings and smoke took a wrong turn and was headed north instead of east. Heavy fire took out three pilots of Delta that’s when it always happens under extreme stress and hardship an individual finds peace and bravery deep inside and becomes a hero. Fire lance was caught by crossfire pinned down by four quad large laser turrets on the right and three dual gauss rifle turrets to the left the lieutenant in charge froze, it was his command and first action that he had seen, the other three pilots were pinned against the wall Private Madilyn Papatamelis sat there in her cockpit frozen, laser fire overhead shook something inside her. Deep inside her she heard her father voice from when she was a kid encouraging her when she was trying to work out a problem. A loud explosion shook her back to reality she grabbed the controls of her Zeus and started to move out, the Lieutenant was too into himself to notice. The other two privates looked on confused on what Madilyn was doing. Madilyn target the three gauss turrets with her LRMs and Lasers moving to her right to avoid the laser fire from behind she dispatched the Gauss turrets without too much damage to her unit, getting into a zone of sorts she spun around and charged the four laser turrets, when the other two privates saw this, they got up and followed her. Lieutenant Pena remained against the wall frozen with fear. Private Papatamelis knew what was at stake joining the Siegers during the Rocky contract she had bought into their doctrine; the Lieutenant though was brand new coming aboard just before they left Hesperus, she had never really trusted him. Papatamelis then notice the other two in her lance following her moving around the corner she spotted the commander and decided to follow him, since he never showed fear. The battalion took heavy damage but for the most part they fought bravely and slowly took over the compound. Lieutenant Pena regained conciseness from his panic attack, his lance was nowhere around him. His radio was not working buildings, walls, and mechs scattered throughout the makeshift streets. He got control of his mech and started moving cautiously making his way toward the outside of the compound. The battle was still going on he could see mechs moving through the smoke, in fact he saw the commanders mech with a missing arm moving and firing with six other mechs following him. The lieutenant made it out of the jamming zone and called the Beast of Terra
“Beast of Terra this is Lieutenant Pena, I am calling in air strikes destroy everything most of unit is gone I might be the only on left”
Captain Phung gazed at the screen not believing what she was hearing, the Col dead, she could not believe that. With the jamming still ongoing she was not able to receive any data, and there was so much smoke and fire down there that imagery was spotty.
“Lieutenant are you sure of the information, I cannot verify your claims.”
“Just do it, or we will all be dead.”
Col Chapman rolled around the final corner his right arm gone and most of the armor in the head destroyed. The rest of his lance was fairing about the same and another lance had attached itself to his the one in the Zeus had impress him. She had come around the corner guns a blazing saving his lance and since then she had kept his lance backside free of any problems. The objective was near but what caught Matthew’s eye was the building just before it, sensors showed gigantic spikes in energy and a frequency output that matched their radio frequency, the jammer he thought, he light signal his lance to destroy the building as soon as they did the comms was up, but not soon enough, the Beast of Terra had just fired its missiles toward the planet, someone had called for a bombardment thinking we were all gone Matthew thought.
“Siegers this is Col Chapman move out of the area double time avoid all conflict the ship has launched bombardment missile!!”
Lieutenant Pena heard the message, then heard the battalion talking over the net it was chaos what had he done, what had he done.
Town of Blospool
Ballentine
Full frontal assault was Major Pople battle plan, heavy resistance was to be expected, but most were tanks and light mechs, going street block by street block was going to be biggest worry. There was a picket line just outside the city, but it was manageable, and the Siegers were slowly taking the enemy out.
Five miles outside of Blospool
Tai-i Chuwon convoy just enter vision range of the battle, he cursed himself for not getting here faster, somehow these mercenaries found out about this town, his lord will not be happy. His second in command asked what they should do. Chuwon thought about it for a second, two heavy lances were all he had, they could sneak up and attack from behind and allow what is left of the light unit to escape. Or he could turn back and tell his lord that the unit was lost before he got there. The second option was really a no go since he could not trust his lance mates not to tell. He turned to his men, “Lets unload our mech we will sneak up behind and attack let the rest of our men disengage and retreat then we will too.” The moved up closer to an old iron works factory and uncovered the mechs, started them and moved into position.
Major Bruce and his lance was pushing the enemy back into the town. Major Tournier and his lance were a few meters away doing the same thing they were right in the middle of the offensive line. The rest of battalion including Major Pople and her lance was bowing into the city making the front line look like an inverted C shape. Major Bruce and Tournier started to get damage on their backside turning they both notice 8 heavy mechs moving in fast. “Siegers, we have enemy on our six.” The weapon fire was getting heavy and Tournier mech was taking a pounding, he repeated his call. “Again, I say we have enemy on our six I need Beta company to….” Transmission was cut off, Major Bruce looked over and saw that the head of the mech was taken completely off and laying about 20 meters behind the Omega. Then the Omega tilted to the side and fell. The cockpit was still in the head and no evidence that the injection seat was activated. Major Bruce moved around to the back of the down Omega to get a better look at the head, while dodging and firing at the enemy. There he saw more than he wanted to, one of his closest friend dead ripped open from mid-section to the head no way he felt that or even knew what happened. Major Bruce got on the SeigerNet, “Major Tournier is down I repeat Major Tournier is down Beta Company follow Alpha and me lets take these bastards out.”
Major Pople came on line, “Take them out, Charlie Company will take care of the rest of the enemy on the other side of town, there will be time to morn our fallen comrade and friend.”
Ballentine
Siegers HQ
Master Sergeant Evanna O’Curry-Tournier working in the transportation department was in the process of acquisitioning emergency personnel and vehicles to move into Blospool, felt a sense of apprehension followed by great pain and sadness. This has never happened to me she thought, something is very wrong she finished the order and sent it. She then pulled up the live SITREP of the battle in Blospool, typically she didn’t listen to the battles but something was up, it was then that she learned her husband and father of her three children had been killed.
Town of Blospool
Major Bruce successfully push back the enemy mechs that came to the battle late. In fact, looking across the battlefield the enemy has all fled, well what was left of them. Off in the distance he saw the emergency VTOL making their final approach. Major Bruce looked back at his friends mech and the severed head with body parts just covering the cockpit, as a MechWarrior you always knew that you were on borrowed time but seeing this made him question his decisions.
Maple River
Third Planet in solar system
All the missiles were coming down to the planet fast Captain Phung was watching the progress, then all the channels across the board cleared of all jamming static, she knew instantly that someone had destroyed the jamming signal.
“Siegers this is Col Chapman move out of the area double time avoid all conflict the ship has launched bombardment missile!!”
Captain Phung heard the message, then heard the battalion talking over the net it was chaos what had she done, what had she done.
The missiles hit the planet destroying buildings the impact was so hard the surface cracked and caved in at several locations throughout the base. The Siegers were in full sprint or jump jets at full strength trying to outrun the bombardment.
Lieutenant Pena sat there in his mech and watched the bombardment fire, smoke, dust from the destroyed buildings and ground spread out across the base, wondering how he was going to live with himself for killing everyone he grabbed his personal blade and looked at it, through tears or sorrow, shame, and cowardness he saw his only way out, he lifted the blade and looked outside one last time. Through the smoke and dust mech figures started to form, Lieutenant Pena wiped his face and refocus his gaze, yes those are mechs, first one to be identified was the nightstar with two missing arms and damage legs the commander marched on, then his lance became visible, what shocked him more was the next mech one he recognized, the Zeus after that more mechs came through, but he only counted twenty mechs out of the forty that went in, how many was because of the defenses or his doing he did not know.
Next Day
Col Chapman lead the discovery team down a deep shaft toward the air lock, all the after SLDF security system had been disabled all was left was the family code to open the hanger, with the ground giving way on the surface it was yet unknown if there was any damage to the underground base. Matthew looked at the screen and said out loud, “Well here goes nothing.”
The door opened to a massive hanger some of the light came on and revealed what he had hope for, but also what he dreaded. Fifteen Warships and Dropships were in the hanger, but damage to most of them happen when the ground gave way, all but one warship was damage in fact, until the repair crews could inspect they would not know what was fixable or salvageable. Matthew accessed the computer inside the hanger and pulled up a manifest list.
Baron Destroyer X2
Aegis Heavy Cruiser
Wagon Wheel Frigate
Dreadnought Battleship
Vulture cargo Dropship
Dictator Command Dropship
Dictator Standard Dropship
Vengeance Dropship X2
Behemoth Dropship
Matthew looked at the list and the parts that accompany them and shook his head, how in the hell will he man these how can he afford this fleet. His father was truly trying to make up for his mistakes as a father and soldier Matthew thought.
His communicator beep, “Chappy here”
“Sir, communication from the planet, the Wolfwind is inbound burning fast I request that you come back to the ship to greet them.”
“Roger that Captain”
Matthew wondered why the Nightwing Surveillance ship was coming and why it was burning fast and furious to get here, what happened on the Ballentine to have this happened.
The two warships slowed and match velocity speed with precession of veteran professionals, they docked the airlock open, and Matthew saw the last person he expected, Evanna, Major Tournier wife. When they locked eye contact and Matthew saw the sorrow in her eyes, he knew immediately why she was there and what had happened. He rushed up to her grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her into him, all he could say was sorry for a few minutes, then he asked how, she told him. Matthew turned back to Captain Phung, “I must go back to the planet I will go back with the Wolfwind have my mech and my lance mechs moved to the storage bay on her, please oversee this operation including what is left of the 2nd battalion. Keep me up to date.” With that he turned toward Evanna again and walked back to the Wolfwind.
Ballentine
Siegers HQ
September 12, 2788
0800 GST
The 1st Battalion, Armor Battalion, Infantry Force, and the 1st AeroSpace wing was all lined up, all flying their perspective colors. The personnel where all next to their equipment in full military honor dress. Rarely did the Siegers put on a show like this and even more rare was a mercenary unit that had dress blues. The Siegers’s civilians looked on all being reminded of loved ones that they had already lost or the potential to lose a loved one in the future. The planet’s government officials were in a place of honor with the Commander of the Siegers, the planet’s civilians were also in attendance to pay respects to a man that helped them defend their planet. The funeral for Major Tournier had in affect stopped the world from moving.
The Convoy with his body had just entered the military formation, once the convoy got to the front Matthew and Dalton’s wife would have a few things to say and then he was to be placed in status until the unit made it to their final destination. Ever since it was made known to the unit about the secret planet it was decided all Siegers that died in combat would be held in status until they got to Devils Breath where at that point they would be honored and their wishes of either burier or cremated would be carried out and then they would be put in a place of honor for family and friends to visit them. The percussion continued moving closer to the grandstand where Matthew and the family was situated. Bagpipes filled the air with a haunting and rhythmic tune as they marched the convoy up to the dropship. With tears in his eyes Matthew started to talk about his friend Dalton Tournier.
The End
Epilogue
A few months had passed since the funeral of Dalton Tournier, the Siegers were still on the planet having been extended due to the war and what the Draconis Combine tried to do here. Which was fine with Matthew since it had taken that long to recover the fleet on the third planet, unfortunately only six ships were space worthy the rest was salvage. With the extra crews inbound from Devil’s Breath they will be able to bring those space worthy ships up into orbit then scuttle the base for good making sure nothing else was salvageable. There were two other matters that needed to be dealt with Matthew thought as the nine founding family members discussed the passing of Tournier and the warships being brought into the fold.
Two personnel sat outside the conference room where the founding members were having their meeting. One was Frank Chapman, the commander’s son, Frank assumed that his father wanted to spend some time with him since his training session was over for the week. Frank looked at the other person waiting, Captain Coultrip formerly in command of Charlie Lance now XO to the 1st Battalion Commander Major Pople, Frank looked at the captain in her pristine uniform gorgeous blue eyes and a smile that would make a man melt, he was only fourteen and he had a major crush on her. Not only was she the best-looking woman in the Siegers in Frank’s opinion. she had the most combat kills second only to his father. The door open and shook Frank out of his thoughts, “The council would like to see both of you now.” Said the master of arms.
They both walked in and at the front of the table Matthew stood up and went to them. The door shut and Matthew started to talk.
“I know you two are wondering why you are here, it’s simple. Frank you are my son and have past every test given to you so I am giving you a mech and placing you in a new form auxiliary unit that will not go into combat but will have you get in a real mech and start live training. It will be a while before you will be in actual combat, but I need a qualified MechWarrior to run this unit. Captain, I have chosen you.” The Captain looked confused and was about to say something when Matthew raised his hand for silence, and then started talking again, “You will not be giving up your status in the 1st Battalion nor combat, you will take the auxiliary unit out and train around your schedule, congratulations the two of you.” Clapping started Matthew allowed it for about a minute the motioned for it to stop. “Also, since you are my son and the future commander of this unit if fate chooses you, I will like for you to sit beside me in meeting like these so that you gain wisdom and knowledge. Captain Coultrip.” Matthew turned to her and stood at attention. She was startled but quickly recovered and did the same. “Yes Commander”
“There is one more thing I would like to do, as you know this council is made up of nine families these nine families will always be the core of the Siegers, but what you may not know is that I have planned on adding three more families to the fold, once in the fold the family will know everything from why we were formed how I knew where to get all this equipment, and the future, meaning what is the vision for this organization. I want you to be part of the council to be family number ten. Will you accept this responsibility?” She thought for a second and then said yes.
Smoke of Dragon
DSMS Dropship
Jinjiro Kurita looked at his friend Chuwan and said.
"Someday we will take our vengeance upon the Chappy Howling Siegers."
"My Lord, I am sorry there is no excuse for my failure I offer my life to you" Chuwan said.
"Nonsense we were outgunned six to one it is I that should apologize for letting my pride get in the way of our survival. It was very fortunate that we were able to leave the planet."
With that they both fell into silence as the dropship made its way to the jumpship and out of the system.
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Book three
The Future is Near
will be up soon
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:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
awaiting the next part
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Enjoyed the story so far, looking forward to the next part. :beer:
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Thanks, I really appreciate it.
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Prologue
Niles
Capital Planet
Freedom Federation
Office of the Chief of Military Operations
February 3, 3048
General Matthew Chapman sat in his office alone, with almost one hundred reports that needed to be read through. It has been almost fifteen years of peace for the Federation, there have been little battles here and there. The Draconis Combine tried to take back four planets eight years ago, but under the leadership of Chapman’s children the Combine was turned back. His children, they have all be very successful, one more than the others, but when he retires it won’t be one of them that will take over the military, that was too dictatorship like he thought. Now maybe later in time one of his children will become the head general, but it was a process and right now General Fmaica Affleck former 1st Federation Army commander during the war and lately the March Commander of Rim Alliance March was the next in line upon General Chapman recommendation and Presidential appointment. Chapman’s Children oversaw different Marches, General Matthew Chapman II was commander of the Dragon March. General Dustin Chapman was commander of the Outworlds March. General Seth Chapman was commander of the Central March. General Cheyenne Chapman was commander of the Freedom March she was also the most decorated MechWarrior in the nation. Even with the success of the Federation, and the peace the nation has enjoyed for years, the recent events of backstabbing and betrayal had Matthew shaken. Reports from planets in Chainelane Isles and the Elysian Fields were slowly going black, the planets just went offline any ships that jumped to the planets, disappeared no one knew what was going on in that area. Matthew thought about what his friend Colonel Wolfe had said ten years ago. At an official function on the planet Devil’s Breath Colonel Wolfe leaned into Matthew and said. “I am impressed with your planet Matthew, the defense capability is second to none I doubt any unit no matter how powerful it is, could conquer it, but the rest of the Federation and the Inner Sphere is vulnerable if said massive force showed up, the rest of the Federation would fall as will the inner sphere. I would recommend you build your defenses throughout your nation.” Matthew shook his head, was the large force that Wolfe illuded to up there taking over worlds? Or was it something else. Matthew glance over at his bookcase reading the memoir’s from his namesake always cleared his head during trouble times so he decided to read some.
Chapter One
Burned down Farmhouse
30 miles from Capital
Buchalter’s Stand City
Eslami Continent
Milligan’s World
February 4 2807
General Chapman sat up against a burnt-out wall looking up at his broken mech, both arms were gone, there was a through and through hole in the mechs torso which was just left of the engine. With tears in his eyes, he drifted in and out of conscience and thought from his poor mech, to his children, and then finally how everything that had happened in the last fifteen to twenty years had led to this moment. Vaguely he recognized some kind of struggle and yelling in the background, but he still drifted to the day they landed on the last planet that his father had hidden equipment on before moving on to the Siegers new home.
Bad News
High orbit
Beast of Terra
Attach Dropship
Conquering Wolves
Mech Bays
February 24, 2791
Colonel Chapman looked out into the bay from his cockpit and proud swelled up as he looked upon the progress that has been made in the last five years. Of course, grudging admitting that if it was not for his dad, they would probably only be a couple of companies with little transportation capabilities. He was though very proud of his children; Frank was a lance commander now at the ripe old age of twenty and was going into the contract in that position for the first time. Cheyenne just started her trials and little Colina will be fourteen soon, all following in the family business.
News of Archon Jennifer Steiner death in the assault of Styx was a shock to Matthew, having your Archon leading an assault was never wise. With General Hayes and his former wife out of the picture everything else was relative quiet, sure Matthew thought, every faction is fighting each other but for the Siegers this mission of Garrison duty was the first contract in four months, everyone was ready to be on soil again and breath fresh air.
The announcement was made that the mission was a go and the whole drop ship shook for a second as it detached from the mother ship. Matthew reviewed the intel reports again while the ship was making it down the gravity well, there had been reports of guerilla combat in the north around the mountain region but other than that this should be an easy contract. The cache that his father left was in a hidden SLDF base in the middle of the great desert, they would need to proceed with caution and make sure that the local government does not get wind of what the Siegers are truly there for. What worried him was a report from a planet that they had a contract with about year ago, the planet Niles, two weeks ago a mercenary group with brand new mechs landed there with no contract, announcing they were there for just R&R calling themselves the Revengeful Angels, they were seen poking around history archives and recent events, rumors were they pulled all files containing to the Siegers, there was no information on this mercenary group other than the status of their mechs. The Sieger network could not find much on the Revengeful Angels, so Colonel Chapman had ordered more resources to solve this problem. The lights in the mech bay turned to a red hue to notify that they were about to touch down. Thankfully this was just a landing and offloading of troops and equipment. The local government even agree to an apt complex for the families during the six-month contract. The Dropship landed and the bay doors open, Colonel Chapman moved his NightStar up and out the dropship and onto the tarmac coming to the spot designated for him he jumped out and was greeted by the governor of the planet. Shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries the governor escorted the Colonel and his XO to a conference room.
“Colonel Chapman I will be honest with you, I know your contract is only garrison/relief duty since the 18th Galedon Regulars left for the front lines, but we have a problem that I hope you can fix.” Governor Lee said. The governor took a sip of water and continued.
“There has been some fighting along the region of the Green Mountain range local police and militia have not been able to stop the attacks on supply convoys or destruction of government buildings. I was hoping that you could use your resources and weed out the pirates or insurrectionist so that the local population can live peaceably. I saw your outfits records and the reviews from previous employers which all give you high praise. So, I was hoping you will be able to help us.”
Colonel Chapman straighten up his jacket and looked down at the wood floors for a second to gather his thoughts. Then said.
“Yes, of course we will be happy to do that for you. Tell me, the incidents have been only in the mountain region, and no other places?”
“Yes.” The governor said. Colonel Chapman stood up and walked to the window that overlooked the SpacePort.
“I understand that the mountains are rich in iron and other heavy metals so scanning the area is inconclusive and there are caves and caverns riddle throughout the whole 1500 square mile region.”
“Yes.” The governor said.
“If you allow me, I can put some spy satellites up in low orbit to start mapping the region I would like to do the rest of the world especially the great desert, the north and south pole.”
Colonel Chapman turned around and raised his hand to quiet the governor when he started to object.
“The enemy is illusive it may be a small unit capable of hiding out anywhere it wants, especially the desert region since the mountain region butts up to the eastern edge of the desert. So, I would like to be aggressive and look everywhere for it. There will be three people other than myself to see the data, any military assets that we discover I will release to you, and you can tell me if it is yours or not. If it is yours, we will delete the data and not share with anyone if that is your wish.”
“Ok, you have my approval, but I think it is a large force because we have yet to encounter the same mechs. We never have seen more than eight at once its usually just four, but usually the mechs have been different and in excellent condition.” The governor said as he stood up to shake the Colonel’s hand to conclude the meeting.
The Colonel and the XO left the room and as soon as they were outside and in the command car that would take them to the barracks the Colonel said.
“Haleigh, get those satellites and drones up find those pirates but remember our real priority is the SLDF base in the desert.”
Bad News
Dropship
Conquering Wolves
Mech Bays
March 24, 2791
It has been a month since on station and Colonel Chapman was starting to get frustrated. Not only have they not uncovered the cache his father left, but the pirates have proven quite allusive. The governor was getting concerned that he had picked the wrong unit that the Siegers were just sitting on their asses doing nothing. With the satellites not revealing anything Matthew decided on a different approach and sent lances secretly up and down the mountain range on both sides. In the middle of the night mechs and PA(L) units moved out under cover of flatbed trucks rented from a local trucking company by the next morning all but the farthest northern part units were embedded and waited secretly for the enemy to show itself.
Bad News
Hill Country
Foothills of Green Mountains
East side
Desert
March 26, 2791
Colonel Chapman and his command lance was sitting under a canopy with their mechs in the desert, well to tell the truth the real desert was about 20 clicks away, the mountains were a days walk in a mech and there was more hills here than sand. When the radar got a hit on enemy movement just west of their position.
“Saddle up! Let’s go hunt some pirates.” Colonel Chapman announced.
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Chapter Two
Bad News
Hill Country
Foothills of Green Mountains
East side
Desert
March 26, 2791
The enemy was moving towards the mountains Colonel Chapman had four of them on radar, a Whitworth, Commando, BlackJack, and a Titan. The Siegers out classed them in all ways except for speed, he had his Nightstar his lance mates had a Banshee, Black Knight, and a Battlemaster. Sneaking around the hills the Siegers intercepted the unknown pirate lance and engaged. Colonel Chapman fired both Gauss Rifles at the BlackJack only one hitting the right leg nearly stripping it of all its armor, the Siegers Black Knight piloted by Master Sergeant Sakel callsign Bond hit the enemy Whitworth hard with a PPC and Large laser both to the center torso causing a critical hit on the engine. The pirates tried to regroup and focus on the mech which Chappy was piloting, but Colonel Chapman remained steadfast planted his feet to get a good target lock and fired an alpha strike on the Blackjack all weapons hit taking the Blackjack’s left arm and right leg off when the mech fell to the ground the pilot was knocked unconscious. With one mech down the Siegers moved to the next target, that is when the enemy Titan finally came over the hill that was blocking him. Chappy was focused on the Commando and fired two Gauss with both hitting the center torso destroying the mech. Sergeant Kemal callsign Hazard piloting the Banshee lived up to his name and went toward the Titan at full speed, ignoring the fast-approaching Banshee the Titan fired an Alpha Strike at Sakel in her Black Knight, taking critical hits on both the engine and gyro Sergeant Sakel went down. The pirate Titan then turned its focus on Chappy firing and hitting almost everything luckily the NightStar can take a crap load of punishment as well as dishing it out. Chappy fired both his Gauss at the Titan hitting but only taking armor off the mech. The Pirate pilot in the Blackjack finally regain consciousness and fired what he could hitting the backside of the Battlemaster, Master Sergeant Sicak was surprised and twisted around to see who hit him. The Whitworth and the Banshee was locked up in combat with the Whitworth trying to outmaneuver it. Chappy was still locked on with the Titan doing another Alpha Strike this time the result was perfect, first the right arm was completely destroyed but then all the ammo for the Titan’s SRM system exploded causing the Titan to have a cascading engine failure. Within fifteen minutes from the time the battle started all four pirate mechs were destroyed two pirate pilots dead and two were capture.
Bad News
Capital City
Old Os
Siegers’ barracks
Basement
March 28, 2791
Colonel Chapman hated this part, interrogation specially when the men and women that are being question resist. He slowly walked down the stairs that lead him to the lowest level of the barracks where no sunlight had ever been shined, where screams were never heard, and where blood was never found.
Chappy open the double metal doors and saw two people both chained up neither was hurt badly, the male was to the right of the female.
“Sir! All we have gotten so far was their name, rank, and home planet. They are pretty discipline for pirates.” The interrogator said.
Colonel Chapman moved into the room and took a chair from the far side wall dragging it over so that it faced the two prisoners he said. “Its lunch time go eat I will stay here until you come back in an hour.”
The interrogator snapped to attention “Yes Commander” and then left.
Matthew looked at the two prisoners and said. “Looks like you two were worked over pretty good, yet you have given nothing up, very non-pirate. I wonder who you are and what your group is really doing here?”
The male prisoner bent over and spit out a mouth full of blood with a tooth with it.
“So, you are the commander? Our boss has been waiting for you he has a bone to pick with the great Chapman and also has a few surprises, now kill us or leave us alone we will never tell you anything.”
Matthew looked at the prisoner curiously and tilted his head to the side, the prisoner noticed and said. “What the ****** you are looking at?”
“What I am looking at I don’t know, but I do know that you just gave me more information in the last two minutes than you did a whole night of getting your face smashed in, interesting.”
With that Matthew stood up went to the door and banged on it, when it opens it was new man. “Continue where the first one left off; they will break soon.” With that Matthew walked out.
Colonel Chapman was walking up the stairs thinking about what the prisoner said, it must be someone from his past, some one that wanted to cause harm or embarrassment to him. His first thought was General Hayes but Hayes was a female so unless she was disguised as a man then she was out, same thing for his ex-wife. Slowly Matthew moved through the hallways of the barracks, what about the Revengeful Angels, Matthew thought as he continued to walk through the halls toward the front door. Unless they split their force there was no way to get here from Niles in two weeks, so he put them on the back burner for now. Bursting through the front door Matthew found himself in the courtyard where there was several meticulous groomed flower beds and bushes with seats scatter throughout the scenery.
Bad News
Green Mountains
The Great Cavern
The Cacodemons Base of Operations
March 28, 2791
The Great Cavern was a wonder that you had to see to appreciate it. There was the main cavern that was a mile long and about 400 yards wide with off-shoot tunnels that led to smaller caverns. This was a perfect location to hide out with the heavy metals in the mountains no one could detect the mech activity. In the first off shoot to the left sat a tall older man whittling away at a piece of wood waiting for word on the lance he sent to destroy a food convoy, they were ten hours late, His unit calling themselves The Cacodemons was a very tight run organization with all pilots having achieved elite status, so this was very unacceptable.
His XO showed up at the entry point of the Cavern.
“Colonel reports have been confirmed Echo Lance has been destroyed and two pilots have been taken prisoners.”
Bad news thought the Colonel but not terrible, his vengeance will be soon. “Have all the units pull back to the base lets get prepared to fight the Siegers on our terms. What about the last shipment? Was it delivered?”
“Yes sir without problems or issues it was leaving the planet when the Siegers was coming no issues whatsoever.” With that the XO did an about face and left the Colonel to his hate. I will kill the cub and the rest of his followers no matter what he thought.
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Chapter Three
Bad News
Siegers Barracks
Base Ops
April 15, 2791
Colonel Chapman looked at the intel reports, there was nothing absolutely nothing. Which was kind of good news, since the initial battle with the pirates there has been no activity. Five convoys of various food and spare parts have been shipped via flat beds with little security and none have been attacked. Something was wrong Matthew’s gut was screaming at him, but he could not figure it out, why did the pirates disappear, why did the prisoners act like veteran warriors, how does their leader know him. These were the questions spinning around in Matthew’s head.
“Sir, 1st Armor Lance has reported that they may have found the SLDF base.”
“Sergeant put the vid feed up on the overhead monitor please.”
The monitor came to life, desert forever was what the Colonel saw initially Then he saw what the Armor Lance had seen two square dark stones poking out of the side of a sand dune. Slowly the unit got closer until they were almost on top of it. The men got out of the vehicle and the video feed coming from the vehicle the Colonel watched as his men started to move the sand away from the dark stones. Within an hour these were revealed as pillars. The men kept digging and the Colonel order a VTOL to carry him to the site.
The VTOL circled the camp site Lieutenant Colonel Chapman saw that the great door was almost entirely uncovered. Chapman was notified by the pilot that they were landing, closer the VTOL got to the surface the faster it was swilling up the sand in a mini sandstorm, warriors that were out of their vehicles covered up their face and shielded their eyes until the VTOL shut down. Lieutenant Colonel Chapman walked up to the door and saw it needed the family code in order to open so he imputed. The sound of the door unsealing and beginning to open shook the ground. Typically, there was always the smell of stale air when he opened the door to these caches, but this time there wasn’t, something was wrong. He made his way into the building, lights flickered on in the entry way a huge monitor flickered on and the unit symbol for the 2991st Royal BattleMech Brigade popped up on the screen. Matthew bypassed the monitor and moved down the hall till he was in front of the main hanger doors. Opening the doors, the lights came on, there was nothing in the hanger, well that was not absolutely true. There was a huge hole in the far south wall and a monitor set up right in the middle of the hanger. Matthew walked up to the monitor and saw a note that said play me. Major Pople and Major Bruce was standing next to him when he hit play.
A silhouette of a person appeared, the lighting was too dark, and Matthew looked at his friends both shook their heads answering the unasked question of can you see the face.
The silhouette started talking Matthew could almost place that voice.
“Hello Chapman, leader of the infamous Chappy Howling Siegers I just wanted to let you know I have all the equipment from this SLDF Cache, I have been watching you ever since Helm, revenge is sweet cold I must say. I know you think daddy left you this stuff but it’s the SLDF equipment. At first, I thought you was just an ****** but then your little group got big fast then I knew. Your daddy was really a traitor to the General. He had too of left you other cache that was stashed without the knowledge of the General that I did not know about initially. So, I investigated and watched finally found this before you.”
Then the silhouette moved closer to the screen and said. “Cub, I will destroy you on this planet.”
Right at that moment all three of them knew who it was Colonel Booker, the last time they saw him was on Helm when he was screaming for revenge as they left the planet.
“This is how it will go down, you have a big force it would only be fair to fight to my size of force my Company against your Command company, fight to the last man standing. If you win you will deserve the items you daddy left you, if I win, well you will be dead, so it won’t matter.”
Matthew’s two friends were off to the side shaking their heads no trying to get his attention. All Matthew you could say was. “Time and place Colonel we will be there.”
Bad News
City of Mountain View
Battlefield
The Siegers were on the south side of the city most of the town folk had already been evacuated, Matthew hoped that the town itself would not get to damage.
“Ok Siegers listen up, this is a last man standing no retreat, no relief we fight, they fight until there are no more mechs moving is that understood.”
Everyone understood and said so. Matthew then said. “Move out.”
The Siegers split up Major Pople and her lance went to the west and slid around the town to find no targets. Major Bruce took his lance through the town and Colonel Chapman slid to the east of the town. His lance just past the tree line when they received multiple radar hits of the enemy company. All on the east side and coming towards them.
Colonel Chapman fired his main long-range weapon his two Gauss rifles moving toward his right hitting an Archer, his lance mates fired their PPC but with little effect.
“Siegers, Chappy the enemy is all on the east side make haste please.” Chapman said over the company net. He swapped over to the lance and net and said. “I got the Archer ya’ll pick your targets but hang back until the rest of us get here.”
Chapman saw that the rifles had recycled so he took aim and fired again, the Archer was 25m closer and what a difference that made, both Gauss hit the Archer’s head and took it out.
Bookers unit
Colonel Booker company move down through the mountains and into the foothill before them was a small town called Mountain View, which was todays battle the day he will have justice, the day he kills all his former students. He was a little sad that one had died in combat a few months ago, only because he wanted to do it.
“Cacodemons, lets destroy this unit take all their heads each kill you get is another 5% booty to your personal account. Move to the east side the Siegers leader tends to go to the east when coming up to a city, He always wants to save buildings.”
Vedanga pilot of an Archer piped up and said. “Can we destroy the buildings too just to piss that guy off?”
Before Booker could answer the same pilot spoke again. “Contact four mechs on the east side…shit that Nightstar just hit me with two gauss returning fire and moving closer.”
The pilot for the Ostroc and Guillotine open fired on a Sieger Black Knight and took out its right leg. The Archer was getting pounded by the Siegers Nightstar when one of the Gauss shots hit the head taking out the pilot and mech.
The Siegers Lance slowly backed away from the Fallings position which infuriated Booker. “The Nightstar is Colonel Chapman’s machine you can damage it, but I want the final kill. They are retreating follow them full force and be mindful of the other eight mechs they will be coming out or around the city any moment.”
Colonel Chapman knew his lance was in trouble and had them back up more, it looked like the whole enemy company was coming down on them with one single purpose disposing him. Matthew Nightstar was taking massive damage he had already took out another Archer and was focusing on a Champion when the other two Siegers lances finally came out of the city and hit the Fallings hard from the flank. Matthew took cover in the trees and alpha strike the Champion while he watched the mech fall another one took its place, well actually two both were Warhammers.
Colonel Booker just watch that pub take out yet another one of his men. “Sgt Henry you are with me our target is the Nightstar.” Both his Warhammer and the sgt. Warhammer moved to intercept Colonel Chapman’s mech.
Major Pople finally got through the city and started attacking firing all weapons at a Galahad. Her lance was close behind her and Major Bruce’s lance was in front of her. The battle continued Major Pople Atlas was taking heavy damage and her lance was in bad shape, but the enemy was down six mechs, so it felt like they were winning.
Colonel Chapman looked at the battlefield the numbers were still pretty even, but his unit was taking a beating. His mech had lost all its armor on the right side, thankfully the trees were protecting him a little bit he saw that Pople had fired on a Galahad and he did an alpha strike destroying the mech with a head shot via his two Gauss rifles.
Colonel Booker rounded the corner and finally had a clear shot on his former student. Firing his PPC and medium lasers he hit Colonel Chapman’s center torso but most of the energy was blocked by the trees. Colonel Chapman felt the hit and turned to his right to see where the weapon fire game from, and he saw a Warhammer coming straight for him. Knowing that his old commander loved Warhammers he was pretty confident that this was Colonel Booker. Moving to his right to get a better firing solution he was hit again with a PPC taking off his left arm and losing one of Gauss rifles. Colonel Chapman oblivious now to everything else around him danced with Colonel Booker both mechs moved with the grace of professional ballroom dancers. With his one Gauss rifle and medium lasers Colonel Chapman was able to strip Colonel Booker of all his armor in both legs and completely destroyed his left arm. Both Colonels moved in closer nothing else matter around them even the other combatants stopped to watch their bosses go after it. With Colonel Chapman being trained by Colonel Booker both were connected and bonded like no other enemy can be. Eventually it came down to one shot almost fired instantly from both Colonels. For Colonel Chapman it was his last round of his Gauss Rifle, for Colonel Booker it was his PPC. Both hit the center torso both engines had critical hits and went into catastrophic damage both mechs auto ejected their pilots one lived one was killed before the ejection took place.
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Leaving us on a cliffhanger. :thumbsup:
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I am trying lol
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Cliff is crumbling and fingers are slipping here ... >:D :drool:
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Chapter Four
Bad News
Mountain View City Hospital
April 20, 2791
Slowly he opened his eyes and immediately regretted that action. The sunlight was beaming into the room and his head started pounding. Trying to sit up a person that was sitting off to the side of the bed jumped up and pushed him back down.
“None of that, just lay back down I will raise the bed up for you and give you some ice. The person did as she promised and a few moments later he was chewing on ice.
“Wha…What happen? How is the unit? Is the Colonel still alive?
“There is enough time for that later, you just need to rest and get better. The unit is intact and waiting for your return, the Colonel well the Colonel is dead. Looks like the last weapon exchange you two had killed him before the system ejected him. For you, well you suffered some internal damage and a head injury but other than that you are fine, you just need a few days to recover.”
Major Pople was on a cliff overlooking the Dropship that was loading what was left of the Siegers command company plus all salvage that the Dropship could handle. She hated leaving right now but duty calls and life goes on in a life of a mercenary unit. Master Sergeant Sicak came up to Major Pople. “Sir, all the enemy dead have been buried, our dead are in status per your order and placed aboard the ship.”
“Thank you, Sergeant let's, get out of here and repair our mechs including the Colonels” Major Pople said.
“But, Major he..”
She cut him off “I want it fixed first thing when the techs get it.”
The Colonel was having lunch, his first real meal since waking up in the hospital, when he heard the familiar sound of a dropship taking off. Slowly he got out of bed and went to the window, catching the dropship and the unit symbol on the side he wonder where they were going. Proudness swelled up inside him because he knew that if he had died the unit, his unit the Siegers would continue. The door to his room open and it was his daughter, he turned to her. “Cheyenne where are the Siegers going?”
“Papa they are going back to the capital to repair and salvage as much as possible word around the water cooler is ya’ll took a beating, but the Cacodemons lost everything. Once Colonel Booker was confirmed dead what remained of them went berserk.”
Matthew shook his head. “What about the cache? Did we find it?”
Cheyenne looked sad and said, “No Papa everything was wiped clean nothing was left at the Cacodemons compound word from the techs that were there is the last of the equipment found at the SLDF warehouse was shipped out four weeks ago.”
He failed, as soon as they completed this contract they were going to head to their new home. Where he will see what kind of equipment and manpower was there and make changes to the structure of the Siegers. Right now, though he was tired of the fighting and would be nice to find a safe spot for R&R.
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Win some, lose some ....
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yup
that was a real short chapter i did not even realize that until i posted it. sooooo another chapter
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Chapter Five
Risin
Zenith Point
Bridge of The Beast of Terra
August 5, 2791
Zenith Point station at Risin was usually quiet. A few jumpships per day would come and go typically just passing through to the next system, occasionally there was cargo ships coming and going to, but for all intended purposes this was a sweet gig thought radar specialist Lee. His radar came alive.
“Sir, five ships are emerging just left of the station.”
The dock controller looked down at the radar station and said.
“Please Identify the vessels specialist Lee.”
Lee could not believe his eyes or his equipment he never thought he would see a formation of warships in his life.
“Sir I show an Aegis Heavy Cruiser, Barron Destroyer, Samarkand Carrier, Nightwing Surveillance, and a Liberty Jumpship.”
The Dock Controller could not believe what he heard.
“Specialist Lee that can’t be right double check your data”
The Dock Controller thought at first is this an invasion force? Risin is too far away from any battlefront and OurWorld Alliance has not gotten involved with this Inner Sphere war either, it has to be something else, but just in case he turns to his left.
“Fighter Control please put all squadrons on standby and get ready to launch the alert fighters. Weapons Control standby for solutions target the Aegis first do not fire until they show aggression.”
Communication Specialist turn toward the Dock Controller. “Sir message coming in from the ships that just arrived putting it up on main screen.”
The first thought the Dock Controller had when the screen came alive and showed a man in uniform, he did not recognize, but what he did see was that this guy had been through a lot.
“Zenith Station this is Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Chapman on board the Beast of Terra. We mean you no harm and we are just passing through, as soon as we are fully charge, we will leave.” With that the screen went blank.
“Well that was rude.” The Dock Controller said. “Specialist Lee can you identify what unit that is.”
“No sir they are not transmitting any Identification.”
“Go to visual.”
“Yes sir.”
The Dock Controller looked at the five ships all painted black no markings other than a half man half wolf symbol.
“Sir, there is a shuttle leaving our dock looks like they are going to the ships that just appeared.”
The Dock Controller was now starting to get upset, no one was following procedure.
“Who gave that shuttle authorization to leave the station?”
The fighter controller turned around to face the Dock Controller. “Sir they had been preauthorized to leave the station at this time.”
A figure stood in the observation lounge of the charging station and looked out across space and noticed the symbol on the warships that just emerged. The symbol of the Siegers. The figure took note and filed a report. From this planet there was only seven planets that they could jump to. Operatives on those seven planets will have to be on the lookout.
Bridge of the Beast of Terra
“Sir, there is a shuttle leaving the station and requesting authorization to come aboard.”
Colonel Chapman nodded and said. “Give them permission I will go down there and welcome them aboard.”
Shuttle Craft
The passenger looked out the window he recognized the Beast of Terra but this was the first time he had seen the other warships that Matthew had acquired. Even with the last failure he knew that Matthew’s father would have been proud of his son. The shuttle approached the warship and docked. Moving to the back of the shuttle the bay door open and he exited. Clearing the engines of the shuttle he turned and saw the welcome committee. He recognized the man in the middle even if he had gotten older and looking tired. Knowing that Matthew would not know him, he walked straight up and put his hand out to shake his uncle’s hand. “Hi Uncle, its Damir your nephew, I am also the CEO of Chapman Corporation.”
Taken back Matthew shook the hand of his nephew and said.
“Last time I saw you it was back on earth after the civil war, you were just a little kid.”
“Yes, then we left but your father and mine wanted a Chapman to stay at Devil’s Beath and keep everything running smoothly. So here I am.”
“Well, nephew it is good to see you. I am looking forward to seeing our new home and resting a bit. I am sure all the families will be happy to. Are there enough accommodations for everyone?”
Damir shook his head yes and then said. “Yes, in fact your timing could not have been better just last month we finish the base housing for the family units and also the single living spaces. We expanded our base just outside the capital city of Lara City and are almost done with the expansion of the training grounds on another continent 1000 square miles that consist of desert, hills, and grassland. The trees we have planted are still relatively young so that will be a few years before that type of biodome can be used for training.”
Colonel Chapman was very pleased with this. “Sound like paradise, like a mercenary unit’s dream.”
Damir shook his head in a non-committal way. “You may be disappointed, there are a lot of folks that even though they are loyal to the Chapman family they are fearful of a military ruling party. They want to be able to live their life and decide for themselves if they want to serve in the military, they are afraid that once you get there, the military will take over and force everyone to serve.”
“Who is in charge now? Is there a governor, president, prince?” Matthew asks.
“Nope just me and the Board Members of our corporation.”
Matthew stroked his newly grown beard, which was just really more than stubble but less a beard at this point. “That will not do. If we are to live up to the Chapman dream and instill it in the next generation then we have to be willing to lose control somewhat.” Matthew stepped back and showed a gesture meaning to walk with him. They started to walk the corridor Matthew continued. “For the time being the military will stay under a Chapman commander. I would like to keep a Chapman as the CEO and Chairman of the company, but we need to have free elections for the civilian government. We should set up a local militia to incase there is trouble and the Siegers are off world. Even though the governor of the planet would be elected and whatever other officials we need I would want in the charter that the military commander and the Chairman of Chapman Corporation will always have a seat in cabinet as advisors to the governor.”
“I think the civilians will like this move; it should help ease their worry.” Damir said. The two kept talking about the business and family matters as they continued to the bridge.
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Chapter Six
Risin
Zenith Point
Bridge of The Beast of Terra
August 9, 2791
The fleet was fully charge and ready to make the final jump to their new home. Colonel Chapman was sitting at his standard station. Captain Phung commander of the fleet was in the captain’s chair, and Damir Chapman was sitting at an unused sensor station. For the majority of the warship crew they came from Devils Breath, but none of the warriors had, and none of the families had, all of them were excited about this jump even Colonel Chapman. Damir turned his chair and looked at his uncle.
“Sir, are you ready to see your new home.”
“Yes, as are all the Siegers I assure you.”
Damir moved his head slightly to give eye contact to the captain. “Captain, you know what to do please execute OPERATION HIDDEN HAND.”
“Roger.” The captain said then switched on the fleet comm. “Attention Siegers Navy we have been cleared to commence OPERATION HIDDEN HAND.”
She then asked the communication tech to hail the charging station and notify them that they were leaving and thank them for service. She looked at Colonel Chapman and said.
“With the automatic security systems at the nadir and Zenith points we go in at a stable pirate point which is just outside the D1F1 asteroid belt. At which point we will have 2 minutes to notify the two military space stations our identification before they launch an attack on us. Even though they know we are coming the protocols must be met.”
She then swapped to the fleet comm. “Execute jump in three, two, one.”
All ships emerge from the jump in the distance Colone Chapman could make out the planet, it was a small ball right now but shining brightly in space to the port of the ship he saw the asteroid belt and directly in front was a massive space station the Colonel was speechless this station was bigger than battle station Epsilon that orbited Earth. Colonel shook off his awe and heard Captain Phung announced to the space station that they were friendly.
“Helm plot a course to Devil’s Breath and place us in high orbit.”
Devil’s Breath
Bridge of The Beast of Terra
August 11, 2791
Colonel Chapman was in his stateroom when he received the call that they were approaching their new home. It had taken almost two days from the asteroid belt at full burn now the journey was almost over. He put on his service shirt and moved out to the hall and made his way to the bridge.
The door to the bridge slid open and the personnel were busy, so he slid into his station and waited.
“Sir we are approaching the secondary satellite Achelous II.” The helmsman called out.
Captain Phung looked at her screen then up to the helmsman. “Adjust course and put us into high orbit.”
With that Colonel Chapman saw the screen change and the planet come into view. The sight was almost unreal, it looked like Terra with green and browns for the land masses and greenish water for the seas, which covered 65 percent of the planet. The only thing different was that in the middle of the biggest ocean there was a dark spiraling cloud.
“What’s that?” Asked Colonel Chapman.
His nephew looked at him. “That is the reason why the planet is called Devil’s Breath. Every month or so the volcano on the island erupts and spews out lava and smoke for about three days and then stops until the next time. So, the founder of the planet seeing the regular activity named the planet Devil’s Breath.”
The ship continued to move around the planet in order to enter high orbit the world spun clockwise as the ship went counterclockwise until they were overhead the main continent. The ship slowed down so that Colonel Chapman and all personnel that were looking out a viewing window or monitor could see the continent and the capital city that could be seen from orbit. The whole fleet continued around the planet until they arrived at their final destination Space Dock Alpha. The dock was enormous several warships were docked at various docking stations and other ships were at stationary orbits. Colonel Chapman turned to look at his nephew, which upon noticing the Colonel’s stare.
“We build warships here about one a year for our forces and we build several dropships a year mostly civilian to sell on the market, but, if need be, we can easily convert to military designs if needed. We currently have about a dozen warships mothball on our military base on the moon. I have all the details on everything this planet has accomplish or is working on at your office on planet.”
Several weeks passed and Colonel Chapman was just scratching the surface of the planet, the war machine, and Chapman Corporation. He had reorganized the Siegers into three regiments, although none of them were at full strength, in fact in reality they were no more than three reinforce battalions, but with three units he could have them do multiple contracts in different regions either under the Siegers name or a different name in order to grow and keep an eye out for opportunities to become better and stronger.
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If you can a dark spiralling volcanic cloud from geostationary orbit of an earth-like "garden" world then sorry, but no garden world: with that much volcanic dust in the atmosphere the plant should be at least on the coolish side ...
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how many volcanoes have erupted here on earth in the last few years.
17 new eruptions in 2022 on earth 69 total eruptions
https://volcano.si.edu/faq/index.cfm?question=eruptionsbyyear
in which you can see from space
https://www.space.com/raikoke-volcano-eruption-seen-from-space.html
so, it is what it is, it's a story...i read a series that the ships had singularities, or time travel and other planets can be strange compared to earth....
But I really do appreciate your comment and will take that under advisement the next time I write about it.
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Chapter Seven
Devil’s Breath
Operations Building
General Chapman Office
September 8, 2806
General Chapman was sitting at his desk looking over reports from his three regiments that were out on missions. He realized that it has almost been sixteen years since making it to this planet. Alpha Regiment was under the command of his long-time friend Colonel Pople, Beta Regiment commander was his other friend Colonel Bruce. Both had been with him from the start now, twenty years later the unit was stronger than ever. Charlie Regiment was under the command of his oldest child Frank Chapman, Cheyenne and Colina were both Battalion Commanders in Charlie Regiment as well. All three Regiments were registered under a different name than the Siegers for security reason. Everyday Matthew worried about his children, but they were all adults and really good MechWarriors so there was that. He got up from his desk and went to the window, the view was spectacular, his office was at the top of a forty-story building and was sitting on the far east side of the capital so he could see almost the entire city. Getting a glass of orange juice, he moved back to his desk and picked up marked current intel and began to read the reports of all the activity in a 300-light year radius to the planet he was on. There was a knock at the door.
“Enter”
His aid came in holding the remote to the view screen. “Sir, there is an urgent message from the governor of Milligan’s World”
Matthew wondered what his good friend Duke Roynad needed; the governor face appeared on the screen. “Matthew, I hope this reaches you in time, I have tried contacting the Alliance military office, but they are ignoring me, and no merc organization has answered the call to help us, you and your connections are this planet’s only hope. A unit landed two weeks ago and started to raze local villages around their LZ, they have almost destroyed most of the militia and I have order what’s left to fall back to the capital. This unit is flying under a merc banner I don’t recognize but moves like a well-trained house unit, so I don’t know if it is the Combine doing this or what, I just need you to find a unit that will help us please.”
The screen went black, and Matthew sat back in his chair. Alpha and Beta was too far away, and Charlie was in transit back home, all that was here was his command battalion and three aerospace wings. He looked at his aid, “Have Charlie Regiment divert to Milligan’s World and notify my Command Battalion, the 11th 12th 13th Defense Wings to mobilize, and get me Admiral Phung, I will need her to spin up a transportation to take us.”
Admiral Phung looked at the aid. “Are you freaking serious? Most of the fleet is out with the other regiments. I have his personal warship and the three dropships that are assign to him, but with the three extra wings I will need to bring up some reserves and shuffle some people around.” The aid looked at her and said. “That’s what the General wants, and he wants to leave in eight hours.” With that she saluted did an about face and left the Admiral’s office.
Draconis Combine
Capital Luthien
Coordinator Chambers
Jinjiro Kurita
October 8, 2806
Coordinator was furious, how the Federated Suns launch another offensive was beyond him. Reports from the battlefields is that they are still crying ‘Remember Kentares’ which happen more than ten years ago, he just did not get it to him the massacre was justified they killed his father. He was just looking at the Federated Suns offensive reports when a new one came in about a troublesome merc unit on his border near Outworld Alliance when a visitor was announced, someone from COMSTAR. The COMSTAR person moved into the chamber and the coordinator could not tell if it was a girl or boy.
“Coordinator Kurita my name is Adept Morris I humbly ask for an audience with your greatness on an urgent matter that I think will benefit not only COMSTAR but your realm as well.”
Office of General Hayes
Hilton Head Island
South Carolina, Terra
ComStar Headquarters
October 8, 2806
General Hayes still refused to change her title even though most of the military might of COMSTAR had been absorbed into the protection of all HPG and COMSTAR. The assets she still was in control of was the highly illegal and secret black ops for Jerome Blake. She at one time had eight divisions under her command now she only had three Divisions. One of the reinforced Regiment from Division Three, a regiment calling themselves Revengeful Angels, was currently doing a Black Ops mission. They were on special assignment in the OutWorlds Alliance region, going on for eleven years now, hopefully they will finish their assignment soon.
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Chapter Eight
Milligan’s World
Nadir Point
Beast of Terra
November 7, 2806
The fleet emerged from the jump Admiral Phung checked the board all ships was there in formation. The fleet she put together was of course the flagship a Samarkand Carrier named Beast of Terra, an Atres Battleship named Scopolamine, and two Vigilant Corvettes named respectively Belial and Iblis. General Chapman was disagreeable about the number of ships he had wanted a small contingent but eventually yielded to her expertise. Speaking of the general, he and his war council were currently in the conference room. She turned on the intercom. “General the jump was successful all ships accounted for no welcoming party at the Nadir, we will be there in a little over eight days.” With that she ended the communication. Colonel Coultrip looked at the general, “she seems pissed”
General Chapman looked at his battalion commander. “Yeah, she is not happy with this mission, how fast we left, with no intel. Speaking of which with Charlie Regiment not getting here for two more weeks once we get into range, I want to pick a place to land and build a FOB pull the gun turrets out of mothball and overlap their firing arch we need to have a completely secure base within a day. Once that is done, we can send most of the CE grunts back up to the ship for safety. Until we can establish solid intel about the enemy force, I don’t want us to rush into a situation we cannot get out of.”
Milligan’s World
High Orbit
Siegers Fleet
November 15, 2806
General Chapman was up on the bridge looking at the planet, from space almost every planet looked peaceful.
“Sir, there is no communication from the militia headquarters or from the Governor’s palace.”
Matthew looked at the Admiral and gave her a nod. Then she turned to her navigator.
“Bring us into a closer orbit launch our satellites let’s get a better view of the planet.”
“Yes sir, with this size of planet we will have a better pic of the whole planet in four hours.”
Four hours later
The view from the satellites and local broadcast system was not painting a good picture. The capital had fallen, the militia was routed and scatter, the Governor was not listed among the dead nor was he listed alive. From what they could tell it was a big merc unit, but the majority of the regiment was on the continent called Esiami where the capital city was located. The smallest of the landmasses on this planet looked untouched so the General ordered the Siegers to land there and build the FOB.
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Siegers FOB
December 18, 2806
General Chapman was touring the site. So far, he was pleased with only being on the ground for three weeks the CE personnel already had the blast shield up around the four dropships so they can come and go without hurting anything or anyone. Temp walls around the perimeter were up and the permanent ones were being started. A dirt runway for the fighters was finished, right now only two squadrons could be housed but with the Beast of Terra in stationary orbit about the ROB the rest of the fighters could be down to help within 30 minutes. HQ, DFAC (Chow hall), M.A.S.H. and the Gym was in portable hard billets. Gun turrets should be in place within the next three days with the harder permanent walls completed within a week. So far there was no signs of enemy movement and still no communications established with the planetary government. Today, the General ordered a few sorties to fly over and find the enemy no word yet on that operation, but it had just started, so Matthew told himself to be patient.
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Siegers FOB
December 20, 2806
After a few days of sorties, destroying some supply lines and a few mechs the reports from the pilots state that the enemy were loading their dropships. General Chapman ordered high alert and hoped that the walls would be ready if those dropships were coming here.
Milligan’s World
Revengeful Angels FOB
The colonel was pissed at her aerospace fighters they took way to long to figure out where those bastards landed, they had almost four weeks to set up a defense and not only that they had already been harassing her supply lines and troops. This was it she will take the battle to him and destroy him.
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Siegers FOB
December 24, 2806
This was it General Chapman thought, the time had come to face an enemy that far out numbered him, and with Charlie Regiment delayed due to engine issues the Siegers here won’t have any reinforcements for a few more weeks. Off in the distance the signs of the enemy came into view seven no make it eight dropships coming toward them, as they approached the Siegers base General Chapman could identify the dropships, several Dictators and a couple of Colossus. With a thud they all landed just outside the Primary wall about 200 meters from the river that almost completely surrounded the base. Colonel Chapman picked this sight for its defensive capability. Just on the edge of the plains there was a river that forked into the only lake for about 100 miles, meaning the base was easily defendable specially after the walls were put up. The south wall was still under construction, so he sent three mech lances there to defend it. Expecting an immediate attack Chapman braced for artillery or aerospace bombing, none of that happen. The unmarked white dropships just sat there, unsure what the enemy commander’s play was, General Chapman went to the comm suite and called Admiral Phung
“General I notice that the enemy landed near you, how can I help?”
“Admiral launch the fighters have them land here and get refueled and stand alert here.”
“Yes sir, Launching now. We will move the fleet into position for orbital bombardment if you require it.” With that she cut the transmission, General Chapman did not blame her for still being mad at him, after this mission he will make a point to smooth all the tension between them.
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Revengeful Angels Command Dropship
December 25, 2806
The Colonel was infuriated, she was in charge of destroying the Siegers but evidently not the mission as a whole. General Hayes for whatever reason has put an hold on the mission so here the entire regiment sits across from the Siegers just waiting for the General to release them.
Office of General Hayes
Hilton Head Island
South Carolina, Terra
ComStar Headquarters
General Hayes was sitting behind her desk, but Blake was standing and pacing her office. Leader of COMSTAR, Blake had other things to worry about than some black ops mission on an insignificant planet thought Hayes, but here they were, him giving her a lecture about her duties and it was time for her to step in line with the new rank and the new system. SLDF is dead COMSTAR is her future blah blah blah. She had to tell her force to standby and wait just as they were about to start the attack. Hayes knew her commander on site was upset, she would be too if she was in the same situation. For whatever reason Blake stuck his hands in the cookie jar and now she had to find a way to unstick his hands before the prey got away on Milligan’s World.
Revengeful Angels Command Dropship
January 1, 2807
A week has passed, with orders to not fire unless being attacked both sides just sat there. The Colonel of the Angels was getting impatient she needed to attack, she did find it infuriating that the Siegers were hiding behind a wall any attempt to do an intel run met with disaster. There was no way of knowing how big of force was there and what type of equipment they had. All she really knew was he had several wings of fighters that came from the Beast of Terra, which was really good news for the surprise she had if she got approval to attack. Of course, she was doing the same thing, by not allowing any of the Angels off their dropships.
Siegers FOB
January 1, 2807
General Chapman was looking out towards the enemy dropships, still no movement, no communication, nothing, were they waiting on reinforcements like he was, or was this all an elaborate ruse to get him and most of the forces off their home world. Worried that it was the later he called up to the Beast of Terra, Admiral Phung was unavailable at the moment so he asked the comm tech to put in a call to the home world to verify everything was ok.
Beast of Terra
Low Orbit
The comm tech got off the line and looked at the Admiral, she almost felt sorry for him being in the middle of the General and her, almost. She did realize that she needed to get over it before something bad happens.
“Send the message back home if the General is worried, we all should be worried.”
“Sir, I have been getting odd radar signals coming from the fifth planet.” The radar tech announced.
“What do you mean odd signals.”
“They are intermitted one moment they are there and the next they are not and when they are there it's not long enough to identify the source.”
The Admiral nodded her head and said. “Send a probe let's see if we can find our mysterious radar sighting.”
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Another cliffhanger, i wonder what's on the 5th planet. :thumbsup:
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Not really a cliffhanger but more like having to scramble down a steep wooded hill side. At dusk.
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Chapter Nine
Draconis Combine
Capital Luthien
Coordinator Chambers
Jinjiro Kurita
January 3, 2807
Coordinator Kurita was in his chambers getting ready for today's events when his servant knocked on the door.
Coordinator, a message was received from Adept Morris.”
The Coordinator went to his servant and ripped the message out of his hand, it has been three months since he had seen or heard anything from the COMSTAR agent, this had better be great news. The Coordinator read it and then crumbled it and cursed at the same time. “I am going to send a message to the COMSTAR headquarters, inform the HPG that I will be arriving soon and be prepared.”
Office of General Hayes
Hilton Head Island
South Carolina, Terra
ComStar Headquarters
January 3, 2807
Hayes was reading over the readiness reports of what was left of her army. At the time she joined COMSTAR she saw it as the right thing to do, but with Blake slowly taking her units away and using them elsewhere she was unsure what her role was anymore. The door slammed open and there was Jerome Blake he slammed the door shut like he open it, with anger and stalked right up to Hayes, she stood up.
“Sir, how can I help you?”
“Normally I ignore your Black Ops until this one, evidently, I should have kept ignoring this mission. After I put a hold on it, I had expected you to recall the unit. But when the Draconis Combine Coordinator sends a message about it I must get involved yet again. Tell me what is going on with the Revengeful Angels and why do you want the merc unit Chappy’s Howling Siegers destroyed.”
Forty-five minutes later Blake stood up after Hayes completed her report.
“Look, I know it has not been easy having some of your units reassigned to protect asset throughout the universe. There is a plan that I am working on, it will be called the ROM initiative. In which we will move all Black Ops over to that organization along with any regular operational combat actions, all intelligence and counter-intelligence operations this will ensure the security of COMSTAR, you need to end this black op action now no matter the cost. Your service in OPERATION SILVER SHIELD along with all the actions you have taken so far after that operation is why I will tap you for command of ROM.”
Revengeful Angels Command Dropship
January 10, 2807
The commander finally got her orders to attack, she informed all her field commanders to be ready to leave the dropships in two hours. She then got in touch with her fleet hiding out behind the fifth planet to attack the Siegers fleet. Finally, she will have her revenge.
Siegers FOB
1100 GST
The alerts sounded, meaning only one thing, the enemy was finally making their move. With all the walls except for a small portion of the south section completely finish General Chapman was sure they could hold out. Until Charlie Regiment got there. He decided to call Admiral Phung to give her an update, when she called him first.
“General there is a large enemy fleet that was hiding behind the 5th planet of the solar system. They are on an intercept course to us. We will not be able to support you, will you be, ok?”
“Admiral we will be fine the walls are up and fortified. If the battle is turning against you retreat save your ship and your personnel. Charlie Regiment should be in system soon.”
“General….Matthew, we will not retreat I am not leaving you worse case I will lead them away from the planet by moving closer to the jump point.”
“Understood and good luck.” With that communication was cut.
Admiral Phung ordered the fleet to break orbit and when they got closer to the enemy, she would order all fighters to launch.
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Battle ground
The Revengeful Angels made their way toward the river, the terrain was rough with trees scatter throughout the area. On top of that there was a large river that ran through the plains and almost around the base that the Siegers had set up. The river was almost 90 meters wide, but south of the main road where the river bend from north to east the river was only 40 meters wide. The main road lead into the base using two bridges. Charlie Battalion was all jump capable, so the Colonel sent them to the south bend to try and penetrate the base. Alpha and Beta Battalions were to make haste across the bridge before the Siegers decided to blow it. She decided to set her company of Thumpers up in the south, their goal was to destroy the gun turrets. Her regiment of mechs and several companies of armor along with the artillery moved out. That’s when she realized that the Siegers had Arrow IV gun turrets from the trajectory they were located on the inner wall, devastation of trees and fire was in front of her unit now, the first salvo missed everyone, out of range she doubted that why they missed she was unsure. Just then she saw what came through the fumes of fire and clouds of smoke. Several squadrons of fighters and they were all dive bombing her men.
“Angels open fire at the fighters and break formation looks like they are setting up for bombing runs.”
Her troops moved as fast they could to avoid the bombs but not everyone did, in the first pass of thirty-six fighters five mechs were destroyed the pilots dead, two fighters were shot down though. With the fire of the forest still in full inferno the Colonel order her unit through the flames. Another round of Artillery hit the Angels causing them to slow down and try to find some cover among the trees that were not on fire. The colonel’s Warhammer was starting to run hot, they had to push through the flames.
Solar System
Between the fifth and fourth planet
Admiral Phung took stock of her assets. The Scopolamine was running in front, with her being a Battleship she will take the brunt of the initial fire from the enemy. The Scopolamine also could hold four squadrons but only has two squadrons assigned to it for this battle with the enemy getting in range all the fighters from the fleet are launching now. The Beast of Terra was the main carrier and had its full complement of fighters twelve squadrons. The two corvettes the Belial and Iblis both had a squadron of fighters putting the Siegers fleet at four capital ships and 96 fighters. The enemy consisted of three Lola III destroyers each with a squadron of fighters, two Congress Frigates with a squadron each, and three Dante Frigates each with two squadrons so eight capital ships and 66 fighters. Admiral Phung saw that the enemy was launching all their fighters too. She called the CAG with orders to take care of the fighters before messing with the ships. She just hoped the battleship was enough. She ordered all ships to focus on the closest Congress Frigate. The Angels fired as well but all their shots missed. The Siegers though were mostly elite warriors, and most of the weapon fire hit the frigate. The Angels frigate started listing to the right you could see that the CIC was damage but somehow the crew kept the ship in combat and returned fire but missed again. One of the Dante Frigates got a solid hit on the Scopolamine and the ammo for the NAC/10 was destroyed. The Scopolamine scored another massive hit on the Congress Frigate, but the Frigate stayed engaged. The two fleets passed by each other the Siegers flipped on end and tried to use this to their advantage. Both Dante Frigate turned their attention to the Iblis and fired most of their weapons at the Vigilant Corvette the NAC/30 hit the nose and destroyed all armor in that section with other weapons hitting that same spot the structural Integrity collapse and the ship was lost. Because of the end over end maneuver the Scopolamine found herself right behind a Lola III destroyer pumping as many weapons as possible into her backside that had a firing solution the destroyer was destroyed. The Angels fleet moved past the Siegers and kept going what remained of their fighter Squadrons retreated to the Capital ships. Admiral Phung ordered the fighters to RTB so they could refuel and rearmed. Having to maneuver the fleet into being able to chase the Angels fleet would take a several hours so they got onto repairing what they could until the enemy was in range again.
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I rarely ask but could we have a TOE of the forces? :thumbsup:
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I have one for the Siegers for the 2780 period, but not the 2807 battle. I don't have one for the opfor..
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I had to ask..
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do you want a pic of the TO&E or the campaign file
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Yes please
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Chapter Ten
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Battle ground
January 11, 2807
A day of battle and nowhere close to her objective, her main force was stopped in their tracks every time by artillery. She sent her artillery south, but they decided to move like a snail pace in hopes of not being detected by the air force of the Siegers, so far it had worked, a few more hours and they will be in position to hit the Siegers artillery sites. Her aid came into her makeshift office.
“Colonel the Precentor of the fleet is online and wishes to talk to you.” Finally, she thought some good news.
“Thanks put him through to here.”
“Precentor, tell me you have some good news.”
The man in the all-white COMSTAR uniform closed his dark eyes and said.
“No Colonel I do not. My fleet is moving to the fourth planet as we speak about four hours ahead of the Siegers. We did engage they lost a corvette and several fighters, but we lost a Frigate and most of our fighters.”
Furious the Colonel took a few seconds to breath and calm down before she spoke.
“Precentor, I don’t need you to play cat and mouse with the Siegers, I need you to engage and destroy them, without their ships they will be stuck here, and you can come back and bombard them.”
“Colonel the only ship that is recognizable is the Carrier the other…” The Colonel raised her hand to cut him off
“I don’t care for your excuses I need you to take care of them is that understood.” With that she severed the line and screamed.
Solar System
High orbit around the fourth planet
Precentor Shafer looked at the screen and just shook his head. These true believers just never look at the bigger picture. If the Colonel knew that it was him that was able to delay the attack by pulling favors back on Terra, she would kill him. There was something not right with this whole adventure. The Siegers was very active a decade ago and yes, they had several warships back then, but the last 8 years sightings or contracts taken by the Chappy’s Howling Siegers was few, where have they been? What have they been doing? Now COMSTAR lays a trap and they come out of hiding? With a token force and three ships not previous known to be part of their fleet? He raised this to the Colonel, but she refused to listen. That why he got the mission cancel or at least he thought he did until Blake changed his mind and ignore his deal, he made with him. He turned to his system specialist.
“Report how is the fleet, is the Montpellier and Divine Wisdom repaired enough for combat?”
“The Montpellier is still in a rough situation, but Divine Wisdom is repaired they are combat capable.”
“Ok tell the fleet to break orbit and lay in an intercept course for the Siegers.”
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Battle ground
January 12, 2807
Day two of the battle to end the Siegers and the Colonel was frustrated she kept pushing her troops towards the main gate only to be pushed back, but every time they did push the artillery moved closer to the spot, they needed to be, to hit the Siegers hard. Also, Charlie Battalion was almost ready to make their first push “jump” over the river and onto the wall. Not knowing what to expect once on the wall the first mechs to make it there was almost guaranteed to be a suicide run. First thing in the morning right as the sun rises, they will attack.
Solar System
Fourth planet
January 13, 2807
The Siegers finally caught up with Angels fleet, or one could say the Angels stopped running. In either case during the fourteen hours chase several key repairs had been made on both sides. Admiral Phung noted that several armor plates had been replaced on all ships but there were still some vulnerabilities, and the vigilant Corvette Belial main guns on the port side was operational now. For Precentor Shafer with the loss of the Ranger, his two Congress Frigates the Cleansing Fire and Holling’s York were still badly damage. The sister ships of the Ranger, Blake Vision and Divine Wisdom had no or little damage and the three Dante Frigates the Montpellier, Bordeaux and Warbonne just damage issues. The two fleets moved within range and all the Siegers focus fire on the Montpellier which was the lead ship for the Angels only a few shots missed from the three Siegers ships but the Naval PPCs weapons from the battleship was what broke amidship of the Montpellier as the Frigate broke in half. The two enemy fleet passed by each other again and the Bordeaux fired all its front and most of the port side weapons into the Siegers corvette the Belial destroying the CIC and hitting the ammo for the missile destroying the ship completely all hands were lost. At the same time the Beast of Terra was able to destroy the ship Blake Vision in a close-range Capital PPC hit. With only two warships left, it was the Siegers turn to make a high burn out of the conflict zone Admiral Phung made way toward the Zenith Point. Precentor Shafer gave chased and hoped he would catch them before they could jump.
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Battle ground
January 14, 2807
The Colonel of the Angels was hopeful today. She got news earlier that the Siegers fleet was running, hard to believe that Admiral Phung would leave General Chapman, but everyone has a breaking point. Soon she will have bombardment support from orbit, and this will come to an end. Her artillery just started to the bombardment of the Siegers base, her main body of troops was making another push toward the main gate and the first lance just jumped onto the wall.
General Chapman felt the artillery hit behind him they are targeting the gun turrets. He was starting to get worried about their situation, he had not heard from his son’s regiment, and he had not heard from Admiral Phung in a few days. The Angels seem to be making a big push today, so he sent four lances up near the gate. One of the P(al) sentry stations on the wall came across the radio.
“General Chapman enemy mechs jumping over the wall south sector need assistance.”
Chapman was afraid of this he knew that the south wall was the weakest link, the commander of the Angels was not dumb that’s for sure.
“Fox and India lance move to the south wall my lance will be there soon.”
Initially the first two lances of the Angels Charlie battalion went up and over the wall with ease they took out the two PPC quad gun turrets and the P(al) platoon. That’s when it started to go bad, the two lances consisted of light and medium mechs, they had just jump down to the ground level when the Siegers Fox and India lance (heavy lances) came around the corner to intercept them, lasers and missiles firing, taking care of the light mechs within an hour, the Angel mechs only lasted that long because of their speed but in the end they were all destroyed, with two mechs inop and several damage from the Siegers lances. The Angels made it to the main gate also but was pushed back once more, both sides retired for the night.
Milligan’s World System
Nadir Point
January 22, 2807
A fleet of six warships emerged from the jump. A young colonel turned to the fleet commander and said.
“Looks like we made it, no one here to greet us though. Scan the system where are our people?”
The fleet commander moved over to the radar technician and then announced. “Looks like they are in battle operations around the second planet.”
“Very good, make an incept course in case they need us keep radio and all electronic operations running silent.”
Milligan’s World System
Second Planet
January 22, 2807
Precentor Shafer finally caught up with the Siegers by making a wild guess of where they were going, and it paid off. He still had five capital ships the Siegers only had two, but he wondered where the reinforcements that he requested were, they should have been here by now.
Admiral Phung made an error she thought or was just outsmarted. She was taking the long way to the Nadir point in hopes that Charlie Regiment was there, but the commander of the Angels fleet had successful cut her off now it was five against two she did not like her odds. Her fighters were still too shot up to fight in space but at least all the enemies’ fighters were destroyed. The fleets exchanged fire first volley was nothing big just some scratches on the paint but every second the warships move at incredible speeds and within seconds all weapons were in range the Scopolamine open fired a third time on the Lola Destroyer called Blake Vision destroying the CIC and the KR Drive cracking the ship in half. Precentor on board the Congress Frigate named Cleansing Fire was getting worried every time he engages this fleet, he would lose a warship and they would run but this time they were not running. The two fleets passed each other rotating end over end all ships firing. The Bordeaux fired everything that had a firing solution into the Scopolamine the KF Drive helium tank was destroyed causing massive fire in the engine room, the point defense system failed all the missiles were able to hit the battleship causing mass explosions from ammo to engine breaking the great battleship up. Admiral Phung now alone against three capital ships knew her time was short, with the Dante Frigate showing more significant damage she ordered the Beast of Terra to roll and show her better side and fire all available weapons. The radar tech interrupted. “Sir six capital ships barring 240 coming in full burn from the Nadir looks like they are running silent not sure who they are.”
Precentor Shafer was notified that there were six warships on intercept course, finally his reinforcements although now he doubted he needed them with only one Sieger ship left.
The young colonel on the fleet moving in to intercept the battle looked at the captain in charge of the fleet. “Let’s identify ourselves full IFF and identifications, turn on all lights and target the enemy.”
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Battle ground
January 23, 2807
General Chapman battalion was down a company of mechs and most of the turrets have been destroyed, there was a significant force that penetrated the south wall but both sides are in a standstill and not advancing. The Siegers fighters successfully took out all the Angel’s artillery but most of the fighters were down for repair or destroyed. The three lances at the main gate were in bad shape some immobile but still functional for weapon fire. One of Chapman’s lance mates was down and there was no communication hopefully he had just blacked out Chapman thought. General Chapman looked out toward the enemy and notice that their dropships just took off but the enemy was still there on the other side of the river.
The Colonel of the Revengeful Angels decided enough was enough and order her dropships to move and crash into the walls and the Siegers mechs. With all the dropships’ captains being fanatical they obeyed without question.
General Chapman saw that the dropships were coming at first, he thought they were going to strife his units but then saw that they were dropping altitude, those crazy bastards are going to crash on purpose into what remained of the wall and his unit. He ordered his unit to pull back and for those that could not move, abandoned their mech no matter what.
The last of the turrets and the MechWarriors that was out of the path of destruction starting firing on the first dropship, enough damage was done that the dropship fell into the river the second dropship broke up in the air but the third fourth and fifth dropship dropped and destroyed the wall, the gate, the six immobile mechs and three pilots that were trying to run away from the crash. The colonel of the Angels decided to wait tell the fires died down before moving into the now open base.
Milligan’s World System
Second Planet
Admiral Phung looked out toward the last two Angels warship and knew the time had come she was about to order ramming operations as the act of a desperate and defeated Admiral. Then the unknown fleet showed up and both sides stop firing at each other, Admiral Phung wander if it was the Angels reinforcements with the way their two ships was coming about to launch their final assault on her. Then all sensors lit up the unknown fleet turned on everything even the lights that would show any artwork that identify what faction they were. Admiral Phung eyes started to water, she could not believe that her emotions were showing trying to be stronger than any man she concentrated on the symbol on the lead ship, the sister ship of the Beast of Terra, the Dakota the symbol of a half man half wolf. “Sir the lead ship is contacting both fleets. They are also firing all weapons toward the Angels.” Put it on the view screen.
“This is Colonel Frank Chapman commander of Chappy’s Howling Siegers Charlie Regiment with the 2nd Sieger Fleet to the fleet that is attacking the Supplemental Sieger Fleet come to terms to the god you pray to because you will die today.”
Precentor Shafer was shocked this was not his reinforcements, a 2nd fleet? He has been fighting a supplemental fleet? That means there is another fleet out there at least. Who are these people. This was his last thought as lasers and missiles rip into his ships.
“Admiral Phung, it’s a honor to see you again, although from sensors it looks like you have had a pretty rough time.”
“Yes Colonel Chapman the Siegers lost three ships but the enemy lost eight ships thank you for getting here. Your father is in a bad way there was a reinforce regiment against his command battalion you need to make haste and get planet side.”
“We are in route I will leave the Lelou and the Akiak here for your protection and to rescue anyone from the Scopolamine.”
“We lost the Belial and Iblis around the fourth and fifth planet.” Admiral Phung informed Frank.
“Understood Admiral, Captain Bexar will send a rescue team”
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Battle ground
January 27, 2807
Once the fires went out after burning everything in the crash zone the Angels moved into the outer layer of the base General Chapman ordered the Siegers to retreat back to the inner part of the base. Those walls weren’t as tall or thick, but they would give some cover fire for the few lances that are left under his command. Three other Angels dropships did not crash into the wall instead they rammed and destroyed or damaged all the Siegers dropships. General Chapman and his troops were trapped there. Fight to the last man was General Chapman’s message along with having them back up further in the base. On top of that, most of the expendable ammo was near depletion, down to lasers in most the mechs Chapman order to conserve the ammo until it could be used as a kill shot.
The Angels Colonel knew that the end was near. Chapman was retreating into the base soon he will be trapped and will not be able to evade. She was surprised that over sixty percent of her unit was destroyed but she did not care Chapman will be dead soon.
Milligan’s World
High orbit
February 2, 2807
Four dropships detached from the Dakota and moved down the gravity well. All MechWarriors including all three kids of General Chapman were in their mechs ready for a combat drop. None of them were talking, they all saw the satellite images and heard the reports from Admiral Phung things did not look good for their father.
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Battle ground
The Siegers moved from building to building slowly backing up General Chapman’s left leg was barely able to hold him up and his right arm was gone most of his armor was destroyed in his torso so using buildings was essential to his survival. He then noticed IFF hits in the atmosphere coming down fast first it was four blips then a few moments later 120 blips filled the screen Charlie Regiment finally made it.
“Siegers help has arrived stay in cover, stay safe Charlie Regiment will be here soon.
The Angels commander was moving up through her troops she knew Chapman was finish, it was time for her to announced who was about to kill him. Then what she least expected more Siegers combat dropping how was this possible Chapman did not bring all his troops? Furious she push through her ranks and open a hailing frequency.
“Chapman, hear me Chapman I will kill you….I…WILL…..KILL……YOU….”
General Chapman even after all these years knew that voice and could not believe it. The Siegers that was combat dropping heard the message too only one remembered that voice, Frank Chapman. “Mom what are you doing?” he whispered under his voice.
General Chapman said “Diana, what are you doing?”
“Ever since you banished me and wiped me out of our children existence I planned for this day, the day of vengeance, you will die, and I will take my kids back to Terra.
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Now that was an amazing turn of events. :thumbsup:
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Chapter Eleven
Milligan’s World
Paschike Continent
Plains of Forever
Siegers FOB
February 4, 2807
With Charlie Regiment landing behind the Angels, it stopped the advancement toward General Chapman, only the Command lance of the Angels were engaged with what was left of the Command Battalion. The Angels were doom though, they had been taken out both through the Siegers superior warriors and Colonel Diana Ravat (Chapman) blood lust with the Angels fanatical ideology. Charlie Regiment slowly systemically destroyed every Angel mech and tank they came across.
General Chapman had the last working mech in his command battalion and he was backed into a corner moving as fast as he could with the damage legs, him and his ex-wife exchanging fire and throwing punches along the way until Diana made the kill shot, fortunately the ejection system saved the General, he landed about hundred meters away from the battle near one of the only original buildings in the area, which was now partially burned down, a farmhouse that General Chapman did not destroy when they choose this site months ago. General Chapman scrambled out of the escape pod and was in immediate pain looking down he saw that he was bleeding and bleeding bad. He moved to a post that was still standing from the burnt building and slid down to the ground. He could see his mech both arms were gone and a big hole in the torso. Still with his wits about him he made a tourniquet to stop the bleeding in his left leg.
Colonel Ravat saw that her ex mech was about to explode so she tried to take cover, but the NightStar safety equipment kicked in and prevented the engine from completely explode with her moving away she lost where the injection seat went but her mech was overheating and of no use to her now. She had to make sure Matthew was dead and if not, she would kill him with her hands if she needed to. Diana opened her cockpit of her Warhammer and took her laser rifle with her. Climbing down her mech she could hear the battle still going on and the Siegers reinforcements moving closer to her location, she had to find him before they did. Moving slowly in fear of being ambush she took her time and looked at everyplace she could think of.
Colonel Frank Chapman lost signal from his father’s mech worried he called his siblings on a private line.
“Cheyenne, Corolin I lost signal of father’s NightStar we need to get to the back of the base where his mech was as fast as we can form up on me leave the other Angels to our guys.” Cheyenne pipped up. “I bet mother is there too we need to stop her.”
“Why is she doing this, why is she calling for vengeance, I was too young to remember but from official records it was her fault she banished, father never would talk about it either.” Corolin said.
“I don’t know all I remember is there was a lot of tension between our parents before she left, and father told me why.” Frank replied, he then said. “We need to find both of them before it was too late.”
Matthew was going in and out of consciousness knowing he was going to die if help did not arrive soon more than likely he will lose his leg it’s been to long in a tourniquet he tired to move and couldn’t. He heard movement to his left or was it to his right unsure he looked both ways, he saw the last person he expected, his ex-wife standing there with a laser rifle pointed to his head.
“This, this is all your fault, you and your god like complex if you had just said no to your so called friends we could of stayed on earth and enjoyed life and not play god as a merc commander.” Diana yelled.
“Play god what are you talking about, I was just a son trying to fulfill a father wish.” Matthew replied
“A father you hated stop with the BS I could just let you die slowly but I think I will end it now.”
She raised her rifle slowly and took aim.
“Mother stop” screamed Corolin.
Taking by surprise Diana spined around to see who just screamed mother. What she saw shocked her all three of her children grown up, adults, and MechWarriors.
“What are you doing why are you here I had no intel that you guys were mechjocks you could have been killed.”
This time Frank answered. “Really mother put that weapon down, I am the commander of Charlie Regiment and I Colonel Chapman am placing you under arrest.”
Diana swung back around and pointed the rifle toward Matthew again. “No, you won’t son you know this needs to happen I have to kill this man.”
Meanwhile Matthew was slipping he knew there was screaming and people arguing.
“Mother put the gun down or so help me…” Frank was saying when Diana interrupted. “Or what son you will shoot me no you won’t.”
A laser shot could be heard and then there was silence with the battle in the background done and no one talking it was and eerie silence, no one moved then you could hear the laser gun being placed back into the holster. Diana turned slightly and looked at the child who had shot her, Corolin made sure her gun was secure and then looked at her mom. “You are a traitor.” She then started walking toward her father and pushed the mom to the ground, where Diana died. The other two children rushed to their father forgetting that their mom was just killed.
All three surrounded their father he was able to focus one last time and smiled. “Children don’t hate your mom forgive her she did not have a choice on her indoctrination, please continue the Chapman legacy teach your children so that they can teach their children, one day we will see the dream come true. I am so proud of all three of you, I couldn’t be prouder of you guys.” With that Matthew passed away.
The End
Epilogue
Frank Chapman now in charge ordered all equipment, salvageable and non-salvageable removed from the planet and pulled all assets from all theaters so that all could mourn his father. The governor of Milligan’s World reported that both units completely destroyed each other with no survivors, in behest of Frank and the memory of his father. He then removed the name Chappy’s Howling Siegers off the Mercernary Review board register.
Office of General Hayes
Hilton Head Island
South Carolina, Terra
ComStar Headquarters
March 3, 2807
Hayes put the report down, her long-time asset was gone, but so was her thorn in her side. She still never found out what was really in that Helm vault but at least Matthew Chapman was dead. She could now focus on the new initiative that Blake was tasking her with.
Draconis Combine
Capital Luthien
Coordinator Chambers
Jinjiro Kurita
Coordinator Jinjiro Kurita was thrilled he saw that the Chappy’s Howling Siegers was removed from the mercenary register. They had caused him nothing but grief on the border. The Federated Suns were now ripe for the taking.
Devil’s Breath
Operations Building
General Chapman Office
April 8, 2807
Frank Chapman saw nothing but conflict in the universe he knew that the Chapman Legacy was not ready for the inner sphere so he mothballed most of the asset keeping only a small merc unit that rotated personnel on a regular basis.
Next Book
The New Beginning
This story is based on my imagination, what happens in MegaMek and MekHQ, and input from others. Any names are based on fiction, and any location is based on MegaMek and Cannon information. The timeline is different and is based on my Alternate Plan timeline, therefore in the cannon articles for any personalities or units may or may not be alter slightly or completely as the story evolves with time. The start of this Alternate Universe timeline was when I incorporated the Chappy’s Howling Siegers in the late 2700s, but most of the change is not until Hanse Davion was a child and had direct contact with the Chapman Legacy. This will spotlight how one relationship could change the future for the good or for the bad. This contact eventually will lead and cause the Fourth Succession War to last longer effectively changing the history of the BattleTech Universe creating an Alternate Timeline.. Farthing distancing itself from the cannon timeline. Plans within plans this story is one such plan and how it unfolded, as with all stories, there will be passion, intrigue, deception, and war.
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here is what the force looked like prior to the last book
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Look forward to more
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Book Four
Chapman Legacy The Begining
Prologue
Devil’s Breath
Chapman Estate
July 3, 2961
Fred Chapman received a communication from the new First Prince of the Federation Suns Andrew Davion. Asking for assistance in destroying those that had killed his father. Fred accepted and took the 1st Regiment defense force under the merc name Chappy’s DragonSlayers, during the months of fighting the First Prince and Fred bonded. Fred became a good friend and advisor to the First Prince in which he started funneling equipment from the Chapman Corporation to Davion forces for a profit of course.
Devil’s Breath
Hospital of Eternal Hope
Nursey
March 17, 2985
Fred Chapman looked through the glass where the newborn babies were kept. His first born after years of trying to conceive with his wife Sherry finally succeeded. Fred in the recent years felt the shift in inner sphere and knew that the time was ripe for the Chapman Legacy to be fulfilled, hence the reason they named their first-born son Matthew Chapman after the ancestor that started it all.
Devil’s Breath
Chapman Estate
July 3, 2992
Fred Chapman received a communication from the First Prince Andrew Davion. Surprisingly it was an invitation to move to the palace to not only help the First Prince in some business matters but also to have their sons become playmates and hopefully bond. Knowing that the First Prince was envious of the Chapman financial and industrial empire Fred was leery at first, but his wife Sherry talked him into it, for the good of their son.
Albion Military Academy
New Avalon
3rd Year Cadets Barracks
July 7, 2999
Matthew Chapman and Hanse Davion just rolled into the barracks to clean up from beating the 4th Year Cadets in a 2v4 Mech Sim in which they were the two against four that was set to graduate next month. No one could beat the Hanse and Matt dual in a fair fight and sometimes even in a not so fair fight. Both stopped in their tracks when they notice ten men dressed up in Royal Guard uniforms with Hanse brother in the middle the look on his face said it all.
“Hanse, father died in his sleep last night the cancer finally took him.”
New Argon
Third Davion Guards RCT
Head Quarters
Commander Davion Office
April 24, 3013
Hanse Davion received communique that his brother the First Prince was killed in his Atlas during battle. Hanse was ordered back to New Avalon to be named the First Prince of the Federated Suns. Captain Matthew Chapman commander of the 10th company in the Third Davion Guards left his position and went with Hanse back to New Avalon as head of the security detail.
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News Alert
22 June 3020
Tharkad
Archon Katrina Steiner just announced in a speech to her people that she has issued a statement offering peace proposal to all successor states in hopes that there will be no more wars between all nations.
Tharkad Broadcast Company (TBC)
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Chapter One
Tharkad
Capital of Lyran Commonwealth
Conference Room 1034
Government Center Building
5 August 3020
A figure was sitting quietly along the wall of the outer walkway in the building. Everyone that passed him did not give him the time of day, did not notice him, did not think twice of the figure sitting in a chair reading the local news on his pad, seeing that there was heavy security to even enter the building no one saw him as a threat. The man just sat there pretending to read the news waiting to be seen by the leader of the Lyran Commonwealth. Only a select few knew that she was in this conference room holding meetings of various issues, including the leader of the Federated Suns, the man pretending to be reading the news. He was there early on purpose always vigilant with his personal guard only steps away pretending to do the same thing, he was surveying the comings and goings of people, people always tell a story even if they try not to.
Conference Room 1034
Katrina Steiner the Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth looked at the two gentlemen in front of her. “Ok gentlemen, I understand your position and if you can achieve your goal with the Draconis Combine then I am willing to do my part. After all, once it is established there will only be a small corridor that the combine will be able to reach the planets of the Commonwealth so even though the Commonwealth will lose some planets to this undertaking I will be agreeable to your plans.” She stood up shook the hands of the two men and said, “now I must receive my next guest, I will see you to the door.”
The man just outside the conference room took scans of the two men that just left room 1034, looking at his screen it identifies the men as one Haakon Magnussom from Rasalhague and Myndo Waterly a Primus from COMSTAR. Very interesting combo, the fox thought very interesting indeed.
As the Hanse entered the room, he shed his disguise to reveal that he’s the First Prince of the Federated Sun, taking the Archon’s hand gently and says, “Thank you my Lady, I am glad that we can continue our talks in person for this momentous occasion that could lead to ever lasting peace for both nations.”
After all the meetings were finished and the Archon was alone a small figure of a girl stepped out of the darkness on the far wall and went up to Katrina, “mother while I appreciate the gravity of the situation are you willing to go that far to achieve peace? Do you think I can learn to love Hanse Davion?”
The Archon stared at her daughter for a few moments then said, “yes my loving daughter you will learn to love him, and give him children. Once both nations are joined by one heir no one will dare to attack us. If COMSTAR can broker a deal with the Draconis Combine and a free Rasalhague region is formed, then we as Lyrans will not have to worry about any raids from that side of our nation and the FWL will be too weak to even think about attacking the FedCom.” She paused for a second as if trying to gather the right words, “two things that still bothers me is Hanse need to destroy the Capellans, and this plan to start a new nation, I need to have a meeting with this person of interest that Hanse has so much faith in.”
First Prince Davion made it back to his hotel room all, but one bodyguard stayed out in the hallway. Hanse and the bodyguard sat down at the table and as the bodyguard poured him and Hanse a drink the happenings of that day was talked about. At the end, Hanse just sat there waiting for all the information to sink in his bodyguard and close friend’s brain.
“My lord, when I learned of the true nature of my family and its holdings telling you only seemed natural. I am unsure if it is wise to be planning a future using this information specially since as of right now, I am not the head of the organization.”
The Prince looked at him and said, “Matthew eventually you will be, and although I will be sad to see you leave me, the plans that I have for you and your organization will fulfill my needs and also your families longtime dream.” With that the Prince got up and moved to his quarters to turn in for the night, leaving Matthew to contemplate the world wind of events.
When Matthew was younger his father instilled in him core values of duty, honor, service before self. Life with father, uncles, and older bothers always seem complicated. Everyone was busy doing something somewhere else when Matthew was child. Just before he entered the academy to become a MechWarrior officer in the AFFS his father told him of some of the holdings that the family had, also about the merc unit that was funded by the family and that his father’s uncles and all, but one bother died in service of that merc unit. He was so stunned he ran to Hanse and told him the news, now several years later he might just have regretted telling his best friend about that day.
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News Alert
3022
Terra
The Federated-Commonwealth Alliance Document was just signed between the Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth and the First Prince of the Federated Suns. No one truly knows how this will affect the balance of power or what the future holds now for the Inner Sphere.
Interstellar News Network (INN)
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As the reception for the peace treaty was in full swing a message came for Major Matthew Chapman, Matthew read the communique with hands shaking and looked up to see Hanse eyeing him.
“What’s wrong Major, I hope it is not bad news.”
“My lord, my father and mother have been killed, and while the investigation is ongoing initial intel say it was the work of Draconis Combine.”
“Major… Matthew I am so sorry” with that the Prince motioned another bodyguard over. “Graig, I need transport for the Major and book the fastest passage to whatever system that the Major needs to go.”
Matthew looked at his friend, his comrade in arms, his Prince, they hugged, and Matthew left, seeing himself in the mirror he knew that this was last time he was going to be in that uniform.
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Good start. Need to recheck the dates please.
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which dates are u referring to I pulled from source books and sarna.net a lot of dates only had the year listed. sooo let me know
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Albion Military Academy
New Avalon
3rd Year Cadets Barracks
July 7, 2099
New Argon
Third Davion Guards RCT
Head Quarters
Commander Davion Office
April 24, 2013
Just typos
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Fudge nuggets. Thanks so much i will fix.
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Just time travel. ^-^
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fixed thanks appreciate it
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Sorry bring up, but Chapter 1 has Lyran Alliance instead of Lyran Commonwealth, (before it's time)
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i will fix it sorry
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Chapter Two
Terra Earth
ComStar HQ
Hilton Head
Primus private office
November 3022
Primus Tiepolo sat at his desk thinking that his plan to create more war and more conflict was working. With the announcement of the Steiner witch, then the pact between the Fox and the Witch, and now the pact between the other great houses will surely lead to a war of two sides. One in which his organization can control was truly exciting. There were only two things that bother him. First one was the Concord of Kapteyn will it hold given the hostilities remaining between Liao and Marik. Second was a troublesome report of a large merc unit with the same qualities as the Wolf Dragoons showing up in full strength with warships and four full regiments not only that but its leader was a former officer of the AFFS and friend to Hanse Davion. Troubling indeed, Jamie Wolf and Matthew Chapman have not had any communications as far as ComStar has seen but similarities in the way they showed up are the same. He must keep an eye on all these items, so he turned to his computer and started a message for his ROM ordering them to find out what was going on.
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FSNS nightly news cast
1 December 3022
With continuing peace talks on the way between the houses, war is almost virtually over. During this time, the First Prince has decided to go on a ‘Victory’ tour on the outer realm, while his next stop is unknown due to security, we have seen a pattern of navigation and have determined that next planet will be somewhere along the border of Outworlds Alliance. Excuse me one second.
This just in breaking news there has been an outbreak of the Andromindon Flu which is very deadly if not treated and contagious on-board Suns First the JumpShip that has our First Prince on board. The ship has been quarantined, news is none of the men and women on board have died, all are in good spirits and getting the best treatment. With this the Prince’s news office has released a statement. It says that the First Prince is fine, but the Quarantine could last up to two months, so the ‘Victory’ tour is on hold.
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Capital City
Planet Devils Breath
Location Secret
Somewhere deep in Outworld Alliance territory
17 December 3022
As the First Prince and General Matthew Chapman took in the sites while strolling down the Riverwalk Hanse looked at Matthew and saw a significant change in the man not only in the uniform but in his demeaner and he could not be prouder of his friend.
“Matthew, I have so many questions, a year ago I tasked a merc unit to do pirate protection and it was one of your units the commander’s name was Nichole Chapman she had a son that was a lance commander with your name and another one that was her aid were they fake names, or do you have family I don’t know about. Also, what is this place I know your organization is big, but this is like a small nation. I knew you had some JumpShips, but we just made 8 jumps using 7 different ships some of them were warships that most people have not seen in decades. Where are we, my people are very upset using a pirate jump point on the last one also, when we jumped and was right in-between the moon and the planet my security guard went berserk for putting us in danger like that.”
Matthew looked at his friend, “here let’s sit down and I will tell you what I can”
They both sat on a bench that overlooked a small man-made rapids in the river that showcased people kayaking through. Matthew turned to his friend, “There is a lot I cannot tell you not only for your security but for those here evidently, we are all descendants of a unit that was part of the original star league, for whatever reason the support unit did not go with Kerensky but stayed here on planet which was a research facility and also off of all star maps including COMSTAR. With that, these guys have been building, researching, living in peace, when my ancestor, who I am named after finally showed up with his merc unit he was welcome with open arms and met some of his family that he thought went with his dad in the great exodus. That was around 2800 so it makes this place virtually untouched by all the wars for well over 200 years. The organization kept a low profile for whatever reason until my father expanded the merc mission, and the Chapman Corporation after he served your father. Most of the rest of history you already know. The commander is my wife I have been married for a very long time, since before your father’s death. Those are my sons and I have another son and daughter, all of them have trained as mech warriors since the age of ten. The reason why we came in at the pirate point is because the regular jump points are guarded by an automated system that fires at everything that jumps into the system no matter who or what the ship is the defense system engages and destroys them the moment they have emerged.”
Hanse looked at his friend, “Married? You never told me.” He fully turned to his friend and said. “I never heard of such weapon the possibilities are endless, if planets were defended with that system invasion of those planets would be a thing of the past.”
Matthew sighed, “and so would commerce, space travel, and a nation since this defense system does not recognize the difference between friend and foe. So, no for now this system is one of a kind.”
They sat there for a few moments looking at the families that were in the river playing, rafting, fishing when Hanse sighed and then said.
“I asked for this one-on-one time to ask a favor of you, I am now not sure if you will want to do it given this place of paradise, but it would allow you to start working on your family’s dream of self-rule.”
Curious Matthew shifted to give full attention to Hanse, “please go ahead and ask, it could never hurt to talk about it.”
Hanse looked at him, “Instead of just using your merc unit like we discussed all those years ago I want to give you a planet put whatever government in place but when war starts again, I want to use your forces and whatever other Mercs you can gather, plus the mechs I am going to give you, and the money the Archon is willing to give you. So that you can invade the Draconis Combine. Whatever planets you successful invade and win you keep.”
“What about the Outworld Alliance” Matthew said
“I have no hate or love for them if you can invade both then by all means do it as long as you invade Kurita, take revenge for your parents’ death, and relieve some pressure on me while I takeover Capellan. Why do you want to invade the Outworlds Alliance” Hanse asked.
“Because this secret place is within the Outworlds Alliance borders it would be nice if I am to build a nation to have this planet inside the new nation. It will be a few years before I could do this.” Matthew said.
Hanse looked at him, “how much time will you need?”
“I would have to talk to my war council, but I think around 6 years after we get the planet until our forces will be strong enough.”
“mmmm,” Hanse rubbed his 17-day hair growth on his face, “ok well then you will be part of my second stage then, let me tell you about all my stages. Starting with the wedding day between me and Melissa.”
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New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Nightly news
FSNS station
December 1, 3024
20:00 GS
In a most shocking and bizarre move First Prince Davion announced today that due to his prior and faithful service that one Matthew Chapman formerly a Major in the AFFS has been given the planet Niles on the Kurita/OutWorlds border to run as he sees fits.
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New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Nightly news
FSNS station
January 9, 3026
20:00 GS
The AAFS announced today that they will be having joint operations exercises called OPERATION GALAHAD for the AAFS and OPERATION THOR for the LCAF both operations are to help with the binding of the two countries military force. Draconis Combine and the Capellan Confederation both condemn these operations.
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New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Nightly news
FSNS station
January 9, 3027
20:00 GST
Almost a year ago the AAFS announced two training operations between them and the LCAF. The rest of the Inner Sphere watched and waited for an attack, but none came. Today the AAFS with the LCAF announce another training operations codename the same as last years. This time they sent out the list of every unit that was deploying and a list of those units that will be doing joint war games. There has been no official statement from the Draconis Combine or the Capellan Confederation this time.
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New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Operation Rat
Mission Planning
AFFS HQ deep underground
January 1, 3028
07:00GST
The Command Section of the AAFS HQ was massive, this was the place that wars were planned, designed, and acted out on throughout the years. So, it was an honor for an outsider to be invited into the heart of the most powerful nation in the known galaxy let alone three individuals not currently part of the AAFS or its civilian command structure. As one of the guest Matthew Chapman gazed at the 20 by 40-foot wall full of monitors of live and recorded feeds from military bases across the expanse of the nation he noticed on the right side of the room a door opening, the First Prince Hanse Davion walked through it along with two special surprise guest Archon Katrina Steiner. With the peace treaty between the two greatest powers in the known galaxy the surprise was not too big, the main surprise was who was behind the Archon, her daughter Melissa. Matthew thought about the last time he saw her, it had to of been on Terra 3022 when First Prince Davion signed the peace treaty with Archon Steiner, at the time Matthew was there as an unofficial bodyguard for his lifelong friend Hanse Davion. That was also when his parents were killed, and he left AFFS and the Prince. Three years later the Prince gave the planet Niles to Matthew to have a base for his powerful mercenary group with the understanding never to take a contract with Draconis Combine, at least that was leaked to the public. A year later Niles became independent from all the Houses and Merc warriors starting flocking to the planet in hopes of a new beginning. So, two months ago when the Prince summoned him, Matthew knew that Hanse first stage of a unified nation was about to start. Matthew was still surprised through to receive the invitation to be here, he supposed that the First Prince was going to make known what some of his plans were where the Freedom Federation was concerned. Specially since the other two guests were Duncan Bovet and Stacey Wrixon, which happen to be childhood friends, and Merc commanders like him and also acquaintances with the Prince. As the leaders took their seats the whole room quieted to where you could hear a pin drop.
Prince Davion stood up and went to the podium “Thank you all for showing up, today’s brief is of the highest security, everyone in uniform has been sworn in and now the rest of you guys must. We…meaning the Archon and myself have come up with a plan that involves both love and devious intentions. First off, you all know of my intentions to marry the Archon’s daughter Melissa in which will signify a bond between two great houses in August. During these last two years the OPERATIONS GALAHAD and THOR were a tremendous success not only showing that integration is possible but also for those units that moved and was able to stay in their new position without alerting the enemy of a build up at the border. So now at the same time as the wedding, we are going to attack the Capellan Confederation in force to completely wipe out that corrupt government and liberate its people. This will be the beginning of stage one. In stage one we will be targeting around 100 systems of the Capellan Confederation and about 70 systems between the LCAF and AFFS units against the Draconis Combine. We are going to use a couple of units and the Wolf’s Dragoons to attack Kurita in order to keep them at bay while most of our units are in Capellan space. The Lyran Commonwealth will do some moderate attacks along the Kurita and Free Worlds borders of their choosing. What is going to be crazy is what I am going to suggest next.” At that moment the First Prince stopped looking around at the people in the room and focus on Matthew, Duncan and Stacey which were sitting together at the end of the mahogany brief desk. “Stage two will include You three and with your mech units will attack Kurita and the Outwards Alliance. I succeeded the planet Niles to you a while ago and I know you started to form a government loosely based on an ancient government known as the United States of America. I want you to attack the before mention enemies, thereby causing pressure on those houses keeping the Federated Suns border safe while we destroy Capellan Confederation. The Archon has generosity offer to fund this adventure for the next three years until your planet production and nation growth has taken hold. Not only that but I have a stockpile of parts and Mechs that I am going to give you to help your efforts. So, we are to make Mercs into a new standing army for a new nation one that will always be loyal and faithful to me and my family.” As the Prince was talking about his plans a colonel leaned over and asked the Field Marshal next to him, “how come this guy got a planet and free reign to do what he wants I don’t understand it” The Field Marshal in turn whispered to the Colonel, “Matthew’s father was Fredrick Dale Chapman, and he was one of the young Hanse Tutors during secondary school period. Fredrick was a diplomat at one time for Hanse father Andrew to the Lyran Commonwealth. During one of his many diplomatic missions to the Lyran Commonwealth Fredrick met and eventually married a distant cousin of the Steiner Royal family a one Sherry McClain. With that connection some say paved the way for the alliance and now maybe even the marriage of our First Prince. Since the Prince and Matthew were friends during their life and Duncan and Stacey are primary Matthew’s friends, they are the perfect combination to be the trusted people for this action.
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New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Nightly news
FNN station
January 1, 3028
20:00 GST
Today the offices of First Prince Hanse and Archon Katrina Steiner announced in a joint news conference of impending Marriage of First Prince Hanse and the daughter of the Archon, Melissa is schedule for 20 August 3028, all representatives from all governments have been invited for this glorious occasion.
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New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Nightly news
FNN station
June 1, 3028
20:00 GST
If you remember a few years ago First Prince Davion granted a planet to Matthew Chapman. Today a now General Chapman announced plans for a new formation of a government on the planet Niles, which in four years there will be elections for the position President, and other government officials, Matthew said he was taking a page out of old Earth’s history mainly a government called the United States in which they had a Constitutional Republic. Every ten years there will be new elections for the President of the nation he is now calling Freedom Federation.
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New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Nightly news
FNN station
August 20, 3028
12:00 GST
The First Prince Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner were wed today, at the reception Hanse announced that he was giving the Capellan Confederation to Melissa as a wedding gift, we now confirm a massive invasion of Capellan is happening and some planets have already fallen.
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New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Operation Rat Stage 2
Deployment Brief
AFFS HQ deep underground
June 1, 3029
07:00GST
General Chapman was sitting in the brief of the Field Marshal for the AFFS and their battle plans of the fifteen planets on the Kurita boarder and the twenty-five planets they had picked to target in the Capellan Confederation in the first 6 months of 3030 for the next stage. Yes, hostilities have slowed, people have assumed that with half of the original Confederation gone that the “Fox” would stop. The Wolf Dragoons have been pretty amazing on the Kurita border, Matthew has met Jamie Wolf, there was something that bothered Matthew though because it was the way Jamie acted around him, he could not place a finger on it, but it did bother him. Matthew focused back on the brief, plans further out for the AFFS was not possible until results from the first targets are in. Several Generals erupted at the end to interject their opinions about better targets or how they need to strike deeper into Capellan space. Then Field Marshal James Sandoval stood up and demanded that the AFFS refocus on the Kurita problem, that the Capellans had been dealt a devastating blow and would not be a threat ever again, but the Combine is a threat. Even with the Wolf’s Dragoons eventually the Dragon will awake. Back and forth they went for several minutes until the First Prince slammed his fist down “enough! The plan has been made and vetted by the Archon and I.” More eruptions happen asking if the First Prince and Archon already made plans why were the generals and Field Marshals there, it continued for yet another few minutes then Hanse stood up and went to the front of the room. “The LCAF will be attacking selected planets along the border of Kurita space to make sure the Terra corridor is secure and then redeploying forces to the Free Worlds to encourage them not to invade. We will still only be using the Dragoons and the four AFFS units in Kurita space no new units will deploy into the warzone, I am moving some asset closer though to defend if a counterattack happens.” Half the room erupted again with Sandoval calling the plan outrageous. Hanse raised his hands for silence and started talking again. While I am not commenting more AFFS forces to the Kurita front I have not forgotten Field Marshal Sandoval the significant threat they present. Therefore, I have tasked another entity to help with this problem I told you that in phase two we will be using General Chapman’s merc unit.” Eruptions happen again calling it outrageous that one merc unit will not matter they needed to invade Draconis like they did the Capellans. Again, the First Prince spoke up. “As I was saying if all of you will be quiet for a few more minutes. General Chapman I would like to know what battle plan the AFFF has for Kurita.” All eyes shifted to General Chapman, as he stood up he slid his info into the dataport so that it will show up within the holomap in the center of the table. Calmly he walked slowly to the front of the room, at this moment the new standard for the Freedom Federation shone brightly in a 3D image slowly spinning on its axis. “I know many of you have concerns and doubts about me and this one planet nation. I wanted to say that this nation has been in the works for many generations.” Murmurings started and Matthew raised his hand, and everyone quieted which shocked Hanse in how easily Matthew controlled the masses. “I wanted to show you the country’s standard and tell you what it symbolizes so that you can get a sense of who we are, then I will talk about the battle plans. The light on top represents the beacon of light for freedom that every law-abiding citizen has. The big green leaf represents the Civilian branch of government that has as its mandate to uphold the protection and freedom of all citizens of the Federation thereby, the leaf is shown as holding the Federation. Without it holding up the Federation the rest would fall apart. Civilian branch includes
President of the Federation
Congress of the Federation
Judicial Court of the Federation
Social Departments of the Federation
The twenty smaller Leafs will represent the 20 core planets of the Federation that will form the nucleus of the Freedom and Central
March with the four gold leaf's representing the first four members of the Federation. The main sword in the background represents the thrust of the military might to ensure that people are liberated from corrupt governments and tyrants. The Sword is called Excalibur. The blue symbol with the crosshairs represents the Civilians that work for and support the military in their effort to rid the universe of evil and tyranny. The eight missiles on top of the Standard represent the eight departments of the military.
Department of the Army, Navy and AeroSpace
Department of Mercenary Relations
Department of military Administration
Department of Military Communications and Research
Department of the Quartermaster
Department of Military Education
Department of Military Intelligence, Strategy and Tactics
Department of Military Justice.”
Matthew let that sink in for a few seconds then continued.
“Now let’s get to the battleplan I have developed, first off, I wanted to show you my order of battle.”
"Motherland" March Gen Matthew Chapman
Chappy's Revenge Command Regiment Gen Matthew Chapman
Chappy's Revenge 1st Regiment Col. Sarina Scragg
Chappy's Revenge 2nd Regiment Col. Elin Klevstad
Chappy's Revenge 3rd Regiment Col Molloy McVicar
Death Regulators Elite Strike Force Maj Matthew Chapman II
Death Stalker Elite Strike Force Maj Dustin Chapman
Death Dogs Elite Strike Force
Not operational projected (Maj Seth Chapman)
Death Stallions Elite Strike Force
Not Operational projected (Maj Cheyenne Chapman)
Duncan Renegades CCM Gen Duncan Bovet
Duncan Renegades 1st Group Col. Balbina Dziedelonis
Duncan Renegades 2nd Group Col. Vika Smith
Duncan Renegades 3rd Group Col. John Spradbrow
Duncan Renegades 4th Group Col. William Kiley
Duncan Renegades 5th Group Col Johnny Cutter
Zombie Killers Major Stacey Wrixon
Militia March
1st Federation Army Col Felix Johnson
2nd Federation Army Not Operational yet
3rd Federation Army Not Operational yet
4th Federation Army Not Operational yet
5th Federation Army Not Operational yet
6th Federation Army Not Operational yet
7th Federation Army Not Operational yet
8th Federation Army Not Operational yet
*****
As you can tell recruiting in both Lyran and Federated space has helped and we have plans for more armies to stand up as progress is being made.” Matthew swiped his tablet again
“This is our battle plan for the first six months it is as aggressive as I can make it without overextending my units and supply line. My first wave will be a total of twelve Planets, five along the Draconis border and the other seven into the Outworlds alliance.”
Those planets lit up red on the map.
“We have already projected the next six months after that since we are confident that most of these planets in the first wave will be ours by July 3030 those planets targeted for the second phase are these seven in Draconis and seven in the Outworlds Alliance.”
Those planets lit up in blue on the map.
“We do have more planets in mind if we exceed our expectation and three more Armies will be operational by then, but 95 percent of them will be green so training has been accelerated and toughen up to help them survive. I do have operatives on these and many more worlds and some of the worlds are just waiting to be free and under a strong military that will prevent raids from pirates and other nations. All the Revenge Regiments are comprised of one mech regiment, Battalion or more of Armor and Infantry, a wing or more of Aerospace and a navy. They are classified as Elite. The Renegades are classified as Veteran. The Zombies are a black ops unit that will be way behind the Kurita front disrupting the supply lines. Conservative estimate is ten Kurita planets, and fifteen Alliance planets will be part of the Federation by years end, aggressive estimate is fifteen Kurita planets and twenty-five planets of the Alliance will be Federation at the end of the year.”
As General Chapman sat down after the rest of the brief detailing which units was attacking which planet. The rest of the Generals and Marshals were stun, because how could this one planet be able to field that big of force and on top of that have such a plan. As silence swallowed all noise First Prince Davion smiled, because he knew how Matthew could do it and why he is doing it. Then he stood up “ok I think this meeting is over good luck with all our plans. The attack starts the first day of the new year,” with that the First Prince left, and the meeting ended.
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Chapter Three
New Glasgow
Capital of Skye
45th Floor of Skye Rangers HQ
Office of the 4th Skye Ranger Commander
11 October 3029
03:00GST
A man in full dress uniform of the 4th Skye Ranger leaned against the railing of the patio looking out at the famous Bannockburn Bogs in which Skye defense forces defeated Kuritan forces in 2895. At this height the officer could see the monument marking the success of that defensive and all the men and women that lost their lives defending the planet. The sky was changing color as both suns were leaving the sky in a rare double sunset. He was contemplating what had happened the last few years especially on the planet Marfik, and then what happen today when a light breeze brought the smells of the city’s restaurants to the officer’s nose. The officer was absently rubbing his fingers on the medal that was given to him a few hours ago as he took his eyes off of the monument, he looked at the golden medallion it was the Order of Tamar Tigers for his actions in the last war, without him the Archon had said the 4th would have been lost. He highly doubted that but unfortunately, his last commander General Kathleen Heany made mistakes, too many mistakes and the commander of the 13th Assault Regiment made sure she paid for it, by causing her to lose her command today. That’s why he was in full class A uniform with shiny new rank on it. He was now the Commander of the 4th Skye Rangers and in four months he will be leading the unit into battle according to the mission data he just received. Hauptmann General Ryan Hawkins had a mission which was to rebuild the 4th into his own image, a rough, tough, elite fighting force. This time next year because of the pending war the 4th Skye Rangers will be the premier fighting force, songs in the CommonWealth will be written about them and fear will be instilled into the Free Worlds League. Most people will know him by his callsign “The Zipper” and he was fine with that. The first planet for conquest was called Shiloh. Zipper had fought high command for his unit to attack Alphecca or Skondia since they were just a jump away from Skye, but High Command had other units assigned on those planets and they would not change their mind. Now that he was in charge of a reinforced regiment, he had privy to all the battle plans and was able to look at the big picture of both his beloved Lyran CommonWealth, and their new friends by treaty and marriage the Federated Suns, and he was not happy. The Federation of Freedom and the Federated Suns were making big pushes into Kurita space, so why was the Archon just making a small push and putting a lot of energy up around the Rasalhague area in Kurita space trying to get them to break away from Kurita. This alliance could crush Kurita within an year if it sent at least 70% of their forces into its space, then they could turn to the Free World League and what was left of Liao. Sometimes he just did not understand leadership, “shit I am one of those in leadership now” Zipper said out loud to himself.
Intelligence reports showed that the 1st Sirian Lancers were currently stationed on Shiloh so a game plan had to be formed, first though he would need to pick his new Battalion Commanders Zipper left the balcony and went back to his desk, the command had taken the old BCOMs and six of the CCOM to fill other positions within the Ranger organization so Zipper needed to fill those positions.
After four hours of looking over the stats, the MechWarriors bio, and sorting out the men he knew he could trust, he finalized the command structure of his unit. His most trusted friends also happen to be the most qualified personnel for BCOMs;
1st Battalion Colonel Ulin Batten callsign MechWrecher
2nd Battalion Colonel Johannes Ripon callsign Thunden
3rd Battalion Colonel Chet Snidle callsign WamX
Zipper’s 9 Company Commanders are as follows;
1st Company Hauptmann Anders Trydal callsign Chapster
2nd Company Hauptmann Joe Bugti callsign MechLoud
3rd Company Kommandant Dan Onishi callsign CAK
4th Company Kommandant Ahearn Dahl callsign Jennings
5th Company Hauptman Josef Brackmann callsign RoperBand
6th Company Hauptman Stan Hernandez callsign Assault One
7th Company Kommandant Kezban Ihsanoglu callsign Kristee
8th Company Kommandant Jeff Fried callsign windemere
9th Company Hauptmann Ricard Garberg callsign LordSkippy
Zipper was about to call his new command staff when he noticed the time it was almost two in the morning, they will have to wait in the morning, hopefully Zipper thought the true commander was asleep, as he snuck into the bedroom.
“About time you come to bed Ryan, just because you are the commander doesn’t mean you can ignore your wife.” Zipper looked at his redhead beauty and wonder not for the first time how this angel stayed with him, as he took his uniform off all he could say is, “you’re the boss I hear and obey.”
The next morning the alarm sounded at 7am, Zipper tried to get out of bed but forgot his wife handcuffed him to the bed post. “um honey please unlock me I have several appointments today. His wife looked at him with a twinkle in her eye, “not until I am done with you.”
12 October 3029
10:00 GST
Zipper was looking over his new command staff, “we will leave Skye end of February for Shiloh I want some preliminary invasion plans so let’s get to it. The 1st Sirian Lancers will be our opposition in securing the planet for the Lyran CommonWealth. They boast a Regiment of mechs but are considered Green, their Fighter wings are all light fighters, the main concern with matching us up against them is their troops, they have a division of infantry men of various equipment, so we need to watch out for them”
12 October 3029
23:50 GST
Zipper’s back was hurting from all the bending over he did today, but they were down to three battle plans. First one was to take over the extreme southern city with its DropPort by landing just outside of the city and storming in. The second plan was to land in the western part of the continent and battle their way through whatever the Lancers thrown at them. The third plan was much more radical than the other two, could cause serious damage to dropships and mechs but if done right would be the fastest to securing the planet. It was simply to Assault drop and land the DropShips right on top of the Capital City. If the Intel was correct the Lancers were spread out except for their infantry which was stationed around the Capital. Of course the attack was not for another four months so Intel could change. Each of the Commanders that came up with their plans presented their case as to why theirs was the best. MechWrecher had the Western plan, WamX had the southern plan, and Kristee had the Capital plan. After they all finished Chapster piped up, “can we play the pudding song on the loudspeakers as we assault their ass?” Zipper looked at Hauptmann Anders Trydal ‘Chapster’ and wondered why he made him a company commander, “no” was all Zipper said.
After a few more minutes Zipper finally made his mind up.
“I am going to choose the Capital plan with the southern plan as backup incase the Intel changes. That means we train for both outcomes, got it? This will be the only time that we will be able to practice for a battle after Shiloh we will be moving on to the next planet without much break in-between.”
“Sir, yes SIR” was the command staff reply.
“Good now go get some sleep we start training tomorrow.” Zipper announced.
As all his staff left Zipper said to himself, “I am not going to be indecisive like my predecessor, dropping on the capital is bold but if we do it right, stay focus, and blitzkrieg the capital, it will be ours and maybe the Lancers will retreat when the local government capitulate after their Capital is fallen. This will work, this has to work.”
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Chapter Four
War Council Room
Niles
Operation Liberate/Enduring Freedom
Freedom Federation
November 1st 3029
09:00 GST
Excitement, revenge, dread, horror, and sadness was all coursing through Matthew’s body. Finally, after all these years he will be able to avenge the death of his father and mother from Kurita. The excitement and revenge stems from being able to obtain justice, on the flip side the dread, horror, and sadness stemmed from knowing that a lot of lives will be lost and most of them did not have anything to do with the murders they just happen to work for those that were responsible. As Matthew was looking over the documents both paper and electronic about the projected war that was about to take place his aid Captain Patricia Pak walked into the room. “General, your family is here for lunch, they are waiting in the DFAC.” (Dinning facility) “Thanks Captain I will be there in a minute.” During the ten-minute walk from the Council Room the DFAC Matthew wonder if he had done the right thing by pulling his family into this war since most of them had not known his mom and dad. His wife Colonel Nichole Chapman was the commander of 1st Battalion, all his children were captains in command of their respected lances. Matthew Jr., Dustin, Seth, and Cheyenne were all set to be outstanding commanders of their own units. Of course, Matthew also had three other regiments that needed his attention too but having lunch with his four favorite people in the universe was more important today. During lunch the General decided to lay out his future plans for his wife and kids.
“Hey guys” Matthew said, “what’s good for lunch?”
“Well, the same dad, the same slop as always” Dustin said.
“Mmmm you would think we could do better in the 31st century” the General said.
“I heard the General in charge is a cheap ass” with a smirk on her face Cheyenne looked at her father and also said, “oh wait, that is you, that explains it all.”
At that the whole family laughed and started eating the food that they just called slop. As they settle down and slowly became aware of their father looking at them his kids looked back at him and all said at once, “Mission a Go?” Matthew shook his head yes and then said, 1 January will be the first day of operation, all armies are primed, and we are ready. The thing that I have not told you about is my plans for y’all. This plan will be based on how much damage our mechs take and how much salvage, meaning enemy mechs we can place back on the field. The first stage will be to give Matthew and Dustin your own companies, break them off from the regiment and grow your Company into regiments. Second stage is the same for Seth and Cheyenne, give them companies and split off. Then lastly third stage will be to give you a new regiment free of my constant nick picking, Nichole.” The family sat there in shock so much so that Cheyenne’s mouth dropped open with food still inside. Nichole as always took the military tone that only an elite Colonel could with a General even if they were married. “Matthew, your main battle plan is already bold, and I know you are doing this for revenge of your parents and your desire to help your friend the Prince, but are you sure about this? I mean, we are better and stronger when the Chapmans stick together.” This was all going through the minds of the rest, even though they would never say it, because by fulfilling this plan would mean the separation of this close net family. A family that has always had each other backs due to their military upbringing. “Yes, I am very sure this needs to be done, the ultimate goal is much bigger than anyone really knows.”
Chapter Five
Draconis Combine Palace
Luthien
November 28, 3029
Tai-sa Decker was sitting in a waiting room and was not to thrilled with it either. The reason being, he was trying to inform the Coordinator of a possible plot based on some facts, but mostly gut feelings which is not something anyone should do, so why was he here? If he was wrong, he would be forced out of the only life he had known, intel. If he was right and the Coordinator did not believe him then his nation will be caught with their pants down, but if he was right, he envision himself a great leader in a war. He was dreaming of what he would do as the first Draconis leader to conquer New Avalon when he was startled by the Coordinator’s aid.
“Tai-sa Decker, Tai-sa Decker the Coordinator is ready for you please follow me.”
As Decker followed the man into the chamber that was the Coordinator’s private office, he was more intimidated as he walked in, it was the first time he was in the Coordinator’s office, he had met and had meetings with the Coordinator but never in his office.
“Sir, Tai-sa Decker reporting.”
“At ease Decker” Coordinator Takashi Kurita said. “Have a seat and please start briefing me about the boarder of the Federated Suns.”
“Coordinator, there are a series of concerns I have the main one is the new nation called the Freedom Federation.” The Coordinator lifted his left hand up showing his long traditional fingernails.
“Please, this is not going to go well for you, it is one planet in control of a merc unit. Why the ‘fox’ gave them a planet is beyond me, in fact since Niles used to be under the Combine I was thinking of sending the 5th Sword of Light to take it back.”
Decker started to sweat but he had to inform the Coordinator what he thought he knew; it was his duty.
“Coordinator, that would be a mistake” Decker said as he licked his lips, “The Freedom Federation I believe has six regiments and I think they are about to mobilize in an offensive move coordinated in cahoots with the Federated Suns, I believe that they are not slowing down with their invasion of Capellan like most analysts believe and I think they are going to step up attacks on our border, to me about fourteen planets are vulnerable.” Decker gripped the arm rest a little harder “you have to listen to me Coordinator, if we don’t prepare, we could lose a dozen planets within the next 3 months.” He then released his grip on the arms of his chair realizing now the pain shooting up his arms from squeezing too hard.
Coordinator Kurita just stared at him for a second and then slowly but more loudly started laughing. “You cannot be serious, there is no way Davion and Steiner could launch an attack right now, their militaries are in shambles most are in Capellan space, in fact I am planning a counterattack. My spies are saying even now they are having a hard time getting organized. Let me see your data that conflicts with all other experts.”
Now Decker realized his mistake, the mistake was that other experts besides him would be talking to the Coordinator.
“Sir, most of my presentation is based on my gut feeling, something just feels different this time.”
“Well Tai-sa Decker, that is not good enough, but I will let you investigate this by sending you to the 8th Sword of Light as their intel officer on the border planet, Delacruz, now be gone before I decided to do something else to you for wasting my time.” With that he waived Decker off.
As Decker walked out of the office, he thought to himself well the wife will be happy, I will be a long way from home because of my big mouth, she always said that my mouth would get me into trouble and/or killed.
-
Chapter Six
Niles
Operation Liberate
Freedom Federation
War Council Room Outer Chamber
1 December 3029
09:00GST
Bharat Sanzgiri sat on a bench against the outer wall of the old capital building. At one time this was only the seat of power for the planet, now it was also the capital for a new faction. Of course, it was a faction of one planet, so he was not quite sure why he was here. Well, he knew why he was drunk and answered a net call, the prerecorded message asked him to verify his trip to Niles to discuss his future and the dime was on them. As he looked out the window to the courtyard and the downtown beyond, he notices the architecture was a mix of Davion and Kurita, simply because ownership of this planet would change every few years. He continues to wonder why he was there. Two years ago, his wife of 32 years died, a year later he married his only daughter to a man he loathed simply because he was a merc. He wanted better for his daughter; he wanted her to marry a doctor not a mercenary scum. That is when he decided to retire from the Syritis Fusiliers, then a week before his retirement and two weeks before the prerecorded message he received an communique. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the folded communique, carefully he unfolded the paper and read it yet again.
****************************************************
Date: 30 October 3029
From: General Matthew Chapman Commander of AFFF
To: Colonel Bharat Sanzgiri, AFFS
Unit: 10th Syritis Fusiliers
Status: Retirement
Colonel upon your retirement from your glorious carrier from the Federated Suns Armed Forces, please make haste to the planet Niles, which is currently the capital of the Freedom Federation, for an important discussion about your future plans; not only for you, but also your family and the rest of the universe. We have a great opportunity here for you. You come highly recommended. Be here no later than 1 December 3029.
****************************************************
Bharat looked at the communique and ran his fingers over the two crests at the bottom of the paper. When he first saw those, he had no idea whose crest they were, but now he knew the left one was of the crest of the new nation Freedom Federation and he assumed that the right one was some kind of crest for this General Chapman, he also assumed that this AFFF organization is this planet’s form of a military. When coming into the solar system all view ports on the DropShip were covered so he had no idea what the capital looked like he was not a fan of mysteries, so he was very uneasy. At that moment, a Captain looking completely crisp and fresh walked up and told him they were ready for him.
As the retired Colonel walked into the inner chamber he was taken by surprise and stop short at the door jam. He recognized the three gentlemen in the room, the first one he knew personally, he was Duncan Bovet the lowlife that took his daughter from him. The person on far right he recognized from recent news vids, he was the new Intern President for this planet Malik Henry….so that means the tall and muscular man in the middle must be General Chapman the one that requested his presence.
“Colonel Sanzgiri so glad you could make it, I am General Chapman let me introduce you to the Intern President Henry, and of course you know Colonel Bovet.” Chapman said. As the handshakes were finish General Chapman motioned him to sit down and proceeded to talk. “I am not sure if you are aware of what is going on Colonel…. Sanzgiri raised his hand and interrupted General Chapman “please call me Sanzi, I am retired now.” General Chapman looked at him and continued to speak. “Well… I am hoping that you will come and join our forces you come very highly recommended from you son-in-law and I have always found that family usually have each other’s back during hard times.” The general raised his hand as Sanzgiri was about to say something else to quite him. “I have a unit in need of a good commander it has mechs, tanks, and infantry each a battalion size with a wing of fighters, dropships and a JumpShip assign to it, all would be under your control. Before you say anything though know that within a month time you will see combat, are you interested?” Sanzgiri sat there stunned. The general continued, “of course I cannot give you any details about the combat until you sign on and pledge alliance to the Federation, but do know this it will be groundbreaking, it will change the shape of the universe, and more importantly it is with the full blessing of the First Prince of Davion. Sanzgiri sat there and thought it out in his head, he has always been loyal to the Prince it was ingrained into him since a child, he knew from stories on the net that the General was childhood friends with the Prince, more importantly he has never been higher than a Battalion Commander, this would be his opportunity to show his worth, to show that he can lead troops to victory. “Yes, General and Mr. President I will join and take control of this unit.” General Chapman stood took Sanzgiri hand and said. “Welcome to command of the Duncan Renegades 3rd Group.” As he shook his son in law hand, he knew that this was a mistake, even if he was in command of his own unit, it was still under the umbrella of his son in law the one man that he wanted to kill. On the flip side if Bovet is here maybe his baby girl was here to.
36th Avalon Hussars
Location unknown
Operation Dragons Tail
Federated Suns
1 December 3029
09:00 GST
Leftenant General Valeria Skidmore the youngest general (that was not of noble blood) in AFFS history threw her flimsy down on her new desk, and rubbed her blue eyes, and then ran her fingers through her curly black hair. She knew that the First Prince Hanse Davion had a nick name ‘the fox’ but until now she did not fully comprehend how much trickery and deceit this one man could do. Of course, he had help, but no one really knew the extent of it until the orders came down. Somehow the First Prince had hidden a secret army and by the looks of it, ten regiments unknown to the world will be involved in next month’s surprise attack. He had also orchestrated a new faction into life on the Kurita borders to relieve some of the pressure off of the Draconis March. He also got married to the Steiner Princes last year which will mean that one day a Davion/Steiner would rule over both great houses.
Her unit was one of those unknown entities and no one in Kurita space will understand and realize what unit landed on Huan until months later. Intel reports, that there is only the local militia, the 36th Avalon Hussars boast a two battalion, and one company of mechs with a company of artillery a battalion of armor and an aerospace wing. Seems like a piece of cake, there are concerns for her now that she has read the mission packet. They are three things, what if the Intel that they get from AFFS command is wrong and the enemy force size is larger, second concern is the goals of this mission, first goal is to take control of a small town called Keyoon just outside of the town there is a water plant that makes clean water for the entire sector of space. Then because of the shortage of DropShips and JumpShips for this operation they will have to leave to carry out another mission. Which leaves the whole unit having to march 8600 miles to the capital. The third item of concern is the weather, more importantly the rain in the plains and also the snow covered mountains that will have to be transverse to get to the capital that sits nestle to a large mountain range.
As she was still mulling over the complexity of moving an entire regiment 8600 miles there was a knock at her door. “Ma’am? You got a second?” said Leftenant Colonel Grose. Leftenant Colonel Danny Grose is her right hand man, her XO he is a strong, tall man of African descent and had an air around him that said I am a stud and know it. “Yes Colonel, please have a seat what can I do for you?” “General rumor at the comm suite is that orders have come in, no worries they would not tell me anymore than that.” “Danny, why in the heck would there be orders?” Skidmore said, then a twinkle showed up in her steal blue eyes and she sighed. “Ok, Ok, yes there are orders, the mission is a go we are to muster and be ready by December 31st.” She then proceeded to hand him the orders so that he could read the goals, and Intel.
As he looked over the mission packet, the General got up from her desk to get some coffee. “Danny you want some coffee?” “Yes please, general.”
“How do you like it?”
“Ma’am I like my coffee like I like my women, black..”
“Ok Colonel, I will remember that one.” the general said and then chuckled.
Leftenant Grose looked up after some time and a few cups of coffee, “what was high command thinking?” “Moving 8600 miles through plains, forest, and mountains will not be fun and it won’t be quick.” “Yup, I know Danny, not fun at all but it has to get done, I want you to coordinate with the section chiefs about this plan. We still need to keep it on the down low but when the transports show up on 26 December and the whole unit packs in people are going to know something is up. Let’s just make sure they don’t have a clue where we are going to.
Planet Skye, Skye Province
Fire Base Freedom
Command Bunker
December 3, 3029
03:00 GST
Colonel Devlin was waiting in his office for the call to come in. The call that he had expected months ago after he kicked Holstein to the curb. All had been silent until the notification earlier that he was supposed to wait for a call from his benefactor. While waiting he started to remember how he got here.
Almost ten years ago…
Planet Summer, Skye Province
Lestrade Palace overlooking a valley
on Lestrade Continent
Main office of Duke Aldo Lestrade IV
March 1, 3020
07:00GST
As Duke Lestrade sat in his chair behind the expensive wood desk, he went over the current events of the Inner Sphere. He hated what the Archon was doing, he hated Draconis Combine, he hated his father, and he hated the Free World’s League. He was full of hate, but he did love power, and he saw a glimpse opportunity at this moment. There was a movement that was gaining momentum, a movement that could lead the Skye Province free from the Lyran Commonwealth and Federated Suns, and with the right actions could lead him in power of the province. The trick will be to make sure he was there when it happens, and to make sure he had enough loyal followers both in civilian government jobs and the military to ensure he was the first ruler of the future free Skye Province. He was, after all, the leader of the Federation of Skye, so it would only make sense to be the new leader of a free Federation. He had plans within plans to achieve his goal. From influencing some of the Archon’s closest family members, to even a plan to kidnap her daughter when the time was right, Aldo had plans. The first one that he was going to enact upon was about to start any moment. Right then a knock on the door and a servant entered. “My lordship, Hauptmann Devlin is here to see you.” “Let him enter, and bring us some tea.” The Duke said, and went to sit at his desk again.
As the Duke watched this young man of average height and weight walk to his desk, he thought this kid bearing was strong yet unassuming, perfect person for the job as one of his puppets.
With a stiff and sharp salute, Hauptmann Devlin said, “Sir Hauptmann Edward Devlin reporting as order!” then continued to stand there at attention. “Excellent soldier, very good now have a seat.”
“I am sure that you are wondering why and or how I was able to call you from your post with the 3rd Skye Rangers.” The Duke continued. “I am in need of your unique services and qualifications to stand up a new army, one based solely for the purpose of defending Skye and when it is needed to defend our beliefs.”
“Our beliefs?” the Hauptmann said, “what beliefs is that, you lordship?”
“Come now soldier, I have been following you like a hawk for three years now.” The Duke revealed, “we all know of your desire to have Skye free from the poor decision-making that is going on right now.”
“Hauptmann Devlin, I want you to be the new commander of the new unit 4th Skye Guards, this unit will answer only to me, I don’t care about how you do it but within 10 years I want a full regiment, and the command team loyal to Skye, which means me, is that understood Colonel Devlin?” The realization of what just happen to him was like a fog that lifted out of the valley, as the Duke got up from his desk and handed Edward a box in which held two pins showing Colonel. “Sir, yes Sir I will get right on it sir” Devlin said, “Good, you and your unit will be stationed on Skye, in the north, at a base called Firebase Freedom, after you have successfully gathered enough men and trained them to field a company let me know and I will start tapping you so that your unit can gain experience. There are already 30 mechs, 20 tanks, 10 fighters in mothball there and I will have more units moved to your location in the future. Now get going” the Duke said as he opens the door to the outside.
A woman stepped out of the shadows and asked the Duke, “Do we trust him?”
The Duke looked at the tall lanky woman, “As far as I can throw him, he has made several statements and taken action that lends me to believe that he will be on our side, but just in case I need you to be there to make sure everything stays on track.”
As the sky car took Colonel Devlin to the Space Port, he made a list of what to do. First, once he got to his hotel room, he would have to make a secure call to his mentor, then to the one person that he wanted as his XO this man always thought outside the box. Although he was not part of the Rangers or the Lyran Commonwealth military, the soldier had been fighting against tyranny for a long time, since his background was with the Outworlds Alliance the new XO, if he accepted, would oversee training the fighters and all air operations. Edward had the pleasure of meeting and fighting with him in a rare joint mission. “This is Colonel Devlin get ahold of Nicholas Robel, his callsign is Xenon have him contact me through this channel tell him it is urgent.
Present time…
Colonel Devin shook his head and notice that five minutes had passed the call had not come through yet, he started to think about the past again.
Two years ago…
As the Colonel was waiting for the connection, he looked over the readiness report of his fully operational Regiment, as of this moment due to some of the men sick, and a few pieces of equipment in for maintenance they were 98% Combat effective, not bad considering 8 years ago him and his Atlas was the only thing on the roster.
“Edward, pleasure to see you, I take it this call is about the most recent news?” the person on the other line said. “Yes, is there any other info that you can share?” Edward said, “Sending you a file, its top secret but even then some of the document has been redacted” person x said. Edward then asked, “Thanks, do I need to prepare the men is it time yet?”
“No, not yet, but soon real soon,” the person said on the monitor as the person cut the transmission causing the monitor to go to the standard symbol of the 4th Skye Guards.
Colonel Devlin was looking at the document that was sent by his benefactor just a few moments ago when the Sergeant on duty knocked on his door, Sir Duke Lestrade is on channel 5 for you” “Thanks, I will take it in here” Devlin said
“Duke Lestrade, what can I do you for?”
“Colonel Devlin, how long is it going to take to get my Regiment up and running you have had eight years” the Duke said angrily. “Events are moving faster than I imagine we need to move soon and fast."
“Duke Lestrade, you gave 10 years it’s only been 8, but I might run over the 10 years also. I have to make sure that the people I hire will do what I say therefore I take my time on every hire to make sure I know their loyalties lay in line with what the 4th Skye Guards are going to be.”
Duke sighs and seems to calm himself. “Ok, Colonel then what is your strength size as it stands right now?”
Colonel looks at his Readiness Report and gathers himself up, this is the part of command he hates, deception. “Sir, we have a Battalion and a half that are combat ready of those two companies are out in the field, 3rd Company are on Baxter and 1st Company are on Moore both doing training with the local militia.”
“Ok Colonel, we need to get to full strength hurry up the process, I did give you 10 years but I need the unit now because of what is happening. Remember I put you in charge I can demote you in an instance” with that the Duke cut the transmission.
Skye
Nightly news
FNN station
April 22, 3029
07:00 GST
Sad news coming out of Summer, Duke Lestrade died early today, details are not forthcoming as officials are tight lip, but we can confirm that there is an on-going investigation into his death. He had no known children so the title and such will be in escrow until a suitable person or organization can assume operations of his corporations and any other affairs he may have been working on.
October 8 3029
Col Devlin was relieved in a way no longer will he have to hide the true strength of his forces since the Duke is dead. “Sir, a call from the commander of the 10th Lyran Guard on line 2 he requests a private and secure line.” “Ok sergeant I will take it in my office” Colonel Devlin replied.
“Yes, Field Marshall Steiner? What can I do you for?” Colonel Devlin said
“Colonel, call me Fredrick. No doubt you have heard about our Duke? He and I were great friends and supporters if you know what I mean. I have been following your progress, and I am concern however about your numbers. So I am sending an attaché to look over your forces. His name is Clovis Holstein.”
“With all due respect sir, while I know who you are, I did not know you as a friend of the Dukes and so I am doubtful of everything you have said.”
“Colonel, you will do this or I will have you demoted and thrown out of the service!!”
Field Marshall Steiner, I have been threatened before, and I am still here. Send your emissary but I cannot guarantee his safety or hospitality.” With that, Colonel Devlin cut the line. Colonel looked up at the crew manning the command bunker all working hard not knowing that things are about to change.
Three weeks later
He was dreaming, he was dreaming of a time that was simple when was that, ah yes his wedding day peaceful, full of energy, the bride was stunning, the perfect day. As his bride was walking down the aisle, a sudden loud and angry beeping noise came from the heaven, it scared him awake. Then he heard the beeping noise again; it was his bloody communicator. “Devlin here.” “Sir, sorry to bother you at this hour but a person by the name of Clovis Holstein said he is here to look at the merchandise.” Leutnant Mark Duncan said. “Thanks watch tower, hold him beyond the gate until I get there” “Sir, Yes Sir “then the line went dead.
The Colonel went outside the wall and met up at the checkpoint where the intruder was being held. The wall was not much to look at but it was a miraculous thing to behold anyway, 50 feet high 20 feet thick and circle a square mile of a tournament style stadium, where the units of the 4th Skye Guard drilled. The building that showed could house two companies of mechs at any given time so that spying eyes would only see that. The beauty of this base was that everything else was underground or inset into the wall. Underground there was room for 4 battalions of mech, armor, aerospace, and soldiers each. If people like the Field Marshall or his lack dog Clovis found out it would be bad for business.
“Mr. Holstein, I am Colonel Devlin I am sorry you wasted your time, but you are not welcome, I don’t recognize your authority so go.” As Devlin turned around and started to walk away, he could hear Holstein yelling.
“You will not get away with this!!! Soldier I am under direct orders from Field Marshall Steiner to inspect this facility!!! Colonel Devlin is in direct violation I am ordering you to arrest him.”
Leutnant Duncan did not give it a second thought when he said “Mr. Holstein remove your ass from my station, or I will shoot it off for trespassing.”
Present day
December 3, 3029
On his monitor the 4th Skye Guards symbol when to the Comstar symbol showing that a message was coming in.
“Colonel Devlin I heard a few months ago you had some fun, I took care of that, personally I would rather be there face to face to accomplish this next task but duties prevent me from it Colonel Devlin it is my great honor that for your sacrifice and dedication you have stood up a fully qualified fully combat regiment therefore I am promoting you to Leutnant General” Nondi Steiner said. “All those years have paid off for you Kreedo, from the spying and being a mole in Duke Lestrade camp. Now the time has come even though I don’t like it to prepare…..
The next day at the weekly Commanders meeting, everyone was looking at the new shiny Leutnant General Badges on Devlin uniform. Devlin stood up and started the meeting. “Ok guys, yes I have been promoted, we are also listed officially as a full regiment in the Lyran CommonWealth, no more hiding. I know some of you have been concerned and wondered what I was doing, and I just wanted to say that I appreciated your trust, and I am honored that all of you are with me. Now there is another matter to attend with we need to muster every part of this regiment, dropships are coming in 4 days we are loading up and will be on route for about 31 days. We are attacking Kessel, where if Intel is correct, is the current station of the 12th Sun Zang Regiment.
Draconis Combine
Delacruz
SpacePort
27 December 3029
Tai-sa Decker exit the dropship and notice that there was nothing but brown, brown everywhere, he picked up his pro-gear and went to the bay doors to retrieve his Marauder. As the tech was transferring his mech from the bay to the cargo truck a Sho-ko came up to him.
“Sir, I am here to deliver you to the barracks and get you settle in.”
“Lead the way Sho-ko, hey what is the day now I always lose my timing during space travel.”
“Sir, in three hours it will be 28 December.”
Decker thought to himself as they got into the hover craft, not much time now, I am either right or wrong in a few days I will know.
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Chapter Six is Five Correct?
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so shocking that Duke Aldo Lestrade IV, might have tried to hide an "off the book" Regiment loyal in theory to himself and Skye
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That's interesting twist.
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Chapter Seven
DropShip
Bounty of Blood
Spaceport Niles
Operation Enduring Freedom
Freedom Federation
28 December 3029
04:00 GST
A month has passed since he agreed to be the commander of the 3rd Combat Group, a month to meet all his company commanders and DropShip commanders, all of which were very intelligent and bright men. They are all merc though, even now when the new nation enveloped most of the mercs into house units they were still mercs in his eyes, something he needed to get over. He looked at the half empty bottle of whiskey and realized that he might need another bottle before the Bounty lift off. Since his wife died, he had slowly up his game when it came to drinking and now, he was a functioning drunk that could not do anything without alcohol in his system. Even though he wanted more than anything to prove that he could lead the 3rd Group to victory. He just could not get over the fact that she was gone even after being married for all those years it still does not get easier when you mate dies, and in truth it is probably harder to get over. It has been two years since her death, yet he is still in pain, this war will be a good thing since his mind will be on winning instead of his dead wife. Even in his state, he still considered himself the best commander that the Renegades had, everything about the invasion of Alegro had been planned, thought out, investigated, plans on top of plans. The only unknown left was the transport. General Chapman was very tight lip about how his unit was going to get there. The one thing that Bharat was sure of, surprise was Chapman’s middle name. Somehow this one planet nation had 11 reinforce regiments ready to invade 11 planets in the next month, having all these regiments was awesome having DropShips for all these units was amazing, but having transports to move these troops all at once when most major houses would struggle with this feat is amazing, so how was Chapman going to pull this off Bharat was unsure. As far as his unit was concern the biggest obstacle was the small space station that orbited the planet. He only had 6 dropships, 12 assault ships and 10 DropShuttles, with 6 Heavy Aerospace fighters. Intel showed that along with the space station there was 28 light/medium Aerospace fighters guarding it. Taking over the Station would be key, if that was accomplished then he could oversee combat operations from there, which rumor had it, that there was a good stock of whiskey on the station. The warning light and alarm went on stating that takeoff was in 15 seconds, he downed his whiskey and waited for the exit out of the atmosphere and to the unknown transportation.
DropShip
Bounty of Blood
Low orbit Niles
Operation Liberate
Freedom Federation
28 December 3029
04:30 GST
After entering low orbit Bharat was allowed up to the bridge of the Excalibur Dropship Bounty of Blood as she angled her way up to the approaching fleet of JumpShips the Colonel did not give it one thought, at this moment he was getting into the honor chair on the flight deck, this console only purpose was to give the ground commander a Birdseye view of what the navy was doing. He could suggest to the actual commander of the Dropship what to do but the final call about the safety of this ship always ended up with ship’s commander. With how this unit and all other units were stood up the Colonel was nervous of what kind of junk JumpShip that the General was able to come up with. Especially considering that 11 other Regimental units were leaving at the same time to different planets and required transport he was very worried indeed. He supposed it would be just civilian transports, from the distance he still could not tell what type of ships they were, when he recalled the ground units like new equipment and even some of the equipment he had never seen before he wondered how this was going down. As Bharat looked at the commander of the DropShip all he saw was a very young looking 31-year-old of Asian descent. Once the dropship connected and was sealed the Colonel would make his way to the JumpShip’ s flight deck to meet its commander, Commander Silerio which he was told was very young too.
As the Bounty of Blood rolled into the view of the Jump fleet there were actual gasp from the younger generation, although the Colonel had to admit it was a site to behold. Several dozen ships from every size and make were floating up here as if it was just going to be a stroll in the park on a sunny afternoon, there was evidence that other ships were floating out there to, but the orbital shipyard was blocking the view.
Then the communication officer yelled out, “Sir incoming transmission from the Vengeance of Sherry.”
“Ok put it on screen comm” Lieutenant Douglas said. Right then a young blond woman of Anglo-Saxon descent came into view. “Welcome to the Vengeance I am Commander Silerio dock 2 has been assigned to you’” she then turned to the colonel “Colonel I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your plans for the invasion.” With that the screen went blank. “How dare she” the colonel said under his voice “she is just a JumpShip commander,” at that moment he realized that his whispering to himself was not and that most of the flight deck heard him. “Sir, coordinates and docking info has been received.” “Roger that navigator, proceed with docking procedure,” Lieutenant Douglas said. A few seconds later and there was more gasp. “Huh Colonel you better look at this” Douglas said
“Your JumpShip commander is actually a battleship commander.” With that the colonel look up at the viewpoint and the lieutenant was right, in front of him was a McKenna Battleship receiving the other five dropships of his unit. How in the Hell did the General get his hand on a Battleship the colonel thought? But as the dropship rotated around to get a good seal and lock he notice something else…. there were other Battleships and Battlecruisers Destroyers and escorts to the left of the Vengeance of Sherry he counted 15 warships and 10 JumpShips along with smaller craft floating in and out of view. A fleet this size, how, why, he was shell shock for once he had no words to formulate, no words at all.
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Chapter Eight
Command Center
Delacruz
January 1st 3030
09:00 GST
Tai-sa Decker ran into the command center still buttoning up his uniform and looked at the reports coming in from around the nation. His first thought was that he was vindicated, then he almost felt guilty when he saw the magnitude. How could the Coordinator not see the signs he saw, now the Combine was under attack and in trouble, the total planets on the Draconis border that were reporting of an invasion from the enemy on the same day and almost the same time from was fifteen planets. Rumor was that not only did the new faction Freedom Federation attack his Combine they attacked Outworlds Alliance. How in the heck did they pull that off? Federated Suns looked like they attack Capellan early in the day. Decker was thinking about all this when all of a sudden, the room became instantly busy with panic and excitement. Decker looked up at the radar feed from the planet’s most distant satellite and saw several targets. The radio cracked to life and a voice came across, “attention Delacruz government please come in, attention Delacruz government, we are the 6th Federated Suns Armor Cavalry we have come to claim this planet as a Federated Suns asset please vacate the planet or prepare to fight we will be there in 6 hours.
New Sagan
January 1st 3030
Command Section
15th Dracon
Colonel Jean Rosenberg, the Commander of the 15th Dracon, was addressing her troops on safety for the upcoming holiday. When her aid went to the podium and pulled her aside with news of a pending attack from Davion Guards DropShips, and the news that around fifteen other systems were also being invaded that day.
Nadir Point La Blon
JumpShip Adjutant Command Ship
Command Bridge – Invader Class
January 1, 3030
06:00 GST
Kaptain Miyashita sat in her command chair twisting her long blonde hair with her fingers, a nervous twitch that she hated, every time she caught herself doing it, she would shake her head and stop. Damn it, things were going so well and now this, how is she going to tell the General about this.
Leftenant General Edward Devlin slipped into the command bridge of the Adjutant and looked at the view screen at the other three JumpShips floating at the Nadir point.
“What’s up Kaptain your summons sounded urgent,” Devlin said. At that very moment, he notices the smoke coming out of the Kearny-Fuchida Drive section of the Star Lord JumpShip Agir and his heart sunk since that one JumpShip held a third of his regiment. Devlin turned finally to the Kaptain “What’s wrong with the Agir?”
“General looks like sabotage, the FTL drive itself was not damaged, but the Agir will not be able to make the next scheduled jump. So, I need to know what your orders are. Do the Adjutant, Ahren, and Glory of Skye jump to the next point? The other option is to wait until the Agir makes repairs and fall behind in the schedule, we have 20 hours of recharging before the decision needs to be made. Oh, and more thing Intel for Kessel just came down the pipe.”
Push it to my quarters Kaptain, I want to look at the Intel before I decide to stay together or break the unit up.” Devlin said as he turned around to leave, he also said, “And send all data on the sabotage to my quarters too. Have they caught the traitor yet?”
“Yes sir, they are transferring her over to us as we speak.”
“Kaptain, send her to my quarters when she arrives.” With that Devlin exit the command bridge.
Two Hours later
A knock on the General’s door shook him out of his trance…how long had he been looking at the Intel reports? Devlin looked at his watch mmmm about two hours, “Enter” Devlin announced.
“Sir, Leftenant Kim reporting with the prisoner as order.”
“Thank you, Leftenant, unshackle her now and wait outside.” “Yes, sir."
“So, Cadet Neha tell me why you sabotaged the Agir."
The Cadet just stood there…
“Cadet, you will answer me or so help me I will end your life right now.”
The Cadet just stood there, but now the sweat was starting to drip down her face from her hair.
Devlin slowly rose from his behind his desk and gently placed the recon photos down.
“Cadet, you will answer me, look into my eyes and know this to be true, I am not a fan of traitors so tell me or suffer.”
The Cadet just stood there but looked into Devlin’s piercing eyes and her lip started to whimper.
“Caadeeet” Devlin moved closer to Neha “ok, ok sir,” the Cadet said. “I am part of the Free Skye Movement my benefactor placed me here, but he is dead now. However, Frederick Steiner has taken the lead as you well know, he heard about the 4th Skye Guards was being fully activated for the war against Kurita and wanted to stop or delay your unit. The 4th Skye Guards were meant to be the backbone of the Free Skye Movement. So, you sir, are the traitor to the Skye movement.”
Devlin infuriated now, just walked up to the cadet. They both were of the same stature, so Devlin was nose to nose to the cadet and just inches away. Devlin put his hands on the cadet’s shoulders and ripped off the epaulets and said, “You are no longer a cadet you are not worthy to wear any uniform except for prison orange. In fact, you really should not live” Devlin pulled out his antique but fully operational colt 45 from old Earth. He placed it at the temple of the cadet, “I am not a traitor, prisoner I follow orders, my orders never came from the Duke nor Fredrick Steiner. I want a free Skye too, believe me, but I don’t think violence against other Lyrans will be the way to do it. There would be no way Skye could stand its ground against all the LCAF. You have been found guilty of treason. Leftenant come in here and take this trash to the brig before I blow her head off!!”
Devlin went back to his desk and stared at the maps and strength of enemy notes from the Intel.
“Kaptain, Devlin here has there been any word on how long it will take to fix the Agir.”
“Sir, yes we have, I did not want to interrupt you while you were with the prisoner, estimate time to repair is two more days.”
“Thanks, Kaptain, for the update, please inform the other ships that a conference call for all unit commanders will happen in an hour, so at 1000.”
“Roger General I will notify all."
The screen went black, time to finish the new battle plan, one that will only include two aerospace squadrons, and six companies of mechs. The rest of the fleet will stay with the Agir for protection until she is repaired.
General Devlin stood up after all the commanders linked in. “Thanks for joining commanders, as you are aware the Agir has suffered a blow due to sabotage. The saboteur has been dealt with, and the Agir needs two days to repair the damage, but the invasion will stay on schedule.” General Devlin let that fact sink in as the commanders confer with their aids.
“The only JumpShip making the schedule jump will be the one I am on currently the Adjutant will jump at the allotted time and the three DropShips that are with her right now,” Devlin said. “We will be the initial invasion and will establish a beachhead for the rest of 4th Skye Rangers. Hauptmann-Kommandant Ricardo Stedstrom will be in command of the attack force staying here. I look forward to seeing all of us on the planet.Stedstrom has all the battle plan details and will continue the brief with y’all right now, the commanders that will be part of the Beachhead attack switch to channel 34 with me now.”
The link then separated the two forces with Hauptmann-Kommandant Ricardo Stedstrom continuing to brief everyone on what he wants to protect the fleet while repairs were being made. The other link Devlin continued to brief the battle plan for the invasion.
“Ok I have just sent all the Intel to y’all, please look over it. The Thunder of Skye will have to land to disembark the 1st armor Company (Hauptmann Rudyard), 1st Mech Company (Hauptmann Ring aka TinyTwo) and 4th Mech Company (Hauptmann Weir aka Deagin). The rest of us will assault drop from Gedania so my command lance. 5th Mech Company (Hauptmann Greymane aka Whiskey), 8th Mech Company (Hauptmann Broadberry aka Wolflord) and of course XO Hauptmann-Kommandant Robel aka Xenon will be with us. 1st and 2nd squadron will provide air support.” Devlin went silent to let all that info sink in.
Devlin continued, “The reason I decided to split up to maintain the timeline is this, we are going up against a local militia that is about battalion strong all regular skill. The 12th Sun Zhang Cadre also is on the planet and is a full regiment complete with support units. With the exception of the commanders, everyone is green and according to the Intel report in front of you most of the cadre are first and second-year students.” “So even though I don’t want to be overconfident because they have more in numbers and home field advantage, but I think victory should be ours. We will establish a beachhead and start building a secure base while waiting for the rest of the unit to arrive, any questions?” “Ok let’s get to work.”
New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Operation Overlord
AFFS HQ deep underground
January 1, 3030
Hanse Davion was overseeing both operations simultaneously by using three pieces of technology, first the use of HPGs, second a much slower way the use of JumpShips, and lastly the use of the K-1 series transmitter (Black_Box) a tech that was given to him by his newest and strongest ally Archon Steiner. These transmitters are faster than light and did not rely on ComStar.
Hanse caught himself thinking about what the other house rulers were thinking right now, about this attack from all angles. Of course, the plan did not go off perfectly, it never does, the plan was to have all the units show up in system at around the same time. Several units had transport issues, and some in the Lyran Commonwealth had saboteur on board mainly the 4th Skye Guard that will delay them. Overall, though most Operation Dragon’s Tail against the Draconis Combine and General Chapman’s faction Operation Enduring Freedom went off without a hitch. Operation St. Ives Thumb was having most of those transportation issues.
Sian Capital of Capellan Confederation
Palace
Bed chamber of Maximilian Liao
January 1, 3030
He was dreaming of an inner sphere under his complete control, in his dream Operation Doppelganger worked and the Federated Suns was gone. He was dreaming of beating Hanse Davion hitting him over and over in the head bang, bang, bang all the sudden he realized that the noise coming from smashing Hanse face did not match what he expected, it sounded like wood. Bang, bang, bang Maximilian woke up with a jolt out the bed then his personal guard open the door. “Sir, sorry to wake you, but the Federated Suns has attacked more planets.” Maximilian just stared at the datapad and looked at the planets Davion was attacking and a crack in his mind’s sanity occurred.
Atreus Capital of the Free World League
Palace
Command Center
January 1, 3030
Janos Marik sat there with a smirk on his face. The Steiners and Davions have attacked Kurita and Liao, perfect. This could be the opening he needs to move against the Lyran Commonwealth and take a few key planets from them.
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No bet on the Marik plan working in this AU... 8)
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Chapter Nine
Kessel
Thunder of Skye Dropship
Atlas cockpit
January 4, 3030
08:00 GST
This has always been the least favorite part of the battle for Devlin the drop. For one simple fact, it is the most dangerous part of an invasion. No MechWarrior loves this, being coup up in his cockpit helpless, not able to defend himself or attack just sitting and waiting. As the three dropships approached the planet scans showed a massive storm across most of the idea landing zones that were picked. General Devlin made a quick decision to land in their last choice location that was located in a dried-up river ravine. The instruments showed that the wind on the ground was a gusting up to 100 miles per hour, so this drop will be interesting. Devlin flipped on the command net to listen in on the three dropship commanders as they approached the Landing Zone.
“Thunder, Algol we are releasing the birds” a voice sounded over the net. Good thought Devlin the Aerospace fighters just released from their mooring buoys and will set up a CAP over the landing zone to provide air support for the rest of the troops.
“Thunder, Glenda the Assault drop has begun.” Said another voice on the net. General Edward Devlin adrenaline raised as he swapped the net over to his unit’s Freq “Guards!! Prepare to exit the dropship. Three by three mechs out and move quickly into formation just like we trained there were reports of four enemy companies in the area.” Right at that moment a loud boom and a massive flame burst through the bottom of the flight deck. “Actual, Devlin we have a large”…..and then the dropship shook like it was involved in an earthquake all power went out in the deck and comms went out.
Meanwhile on the Gedania
Hauptmann Ring and Hauptmann Weir was the first to jump out of the Dropship leading the way for their companies. As the MechWarriors followed their leaders out of the Dropship Ring looked over to the Thunder of Skye to watch in horror as the bottom of the dropship blew out from the inside out and caused the dropship to slam into the ground, he swapped to the command net. “Thunder, Thunder this is Ring do you copy…” nothing but static, which is bad since both the CO and XO was on board in their mechs.
Hauptmann Weir saw out of the corner of his eye what was happening to the Thunder of Skye. He also saw that the battle computer showed that most of the 12th Cadre were bunched up in the middle of ROE, so he swapped to wing command net and heard Ring on the net. “Eagle, Eagle this is Ring commence the ground attack at sector 2026 and surrounding area.” “Roger Ring are you assuming command until the boss comes back online?” answered commander of the air wing Lieutenant-Kaptain Fragateiro. “Yes, I will, hopefully the boss comes online soon,” Ring replied.
Thunder of Skye
The lights slowly flickered back on, and the fire team smothered the fire. Then the crackle of the net
“General, bridge are you there are you safe” Lieutenant-Kaptain Judit Aardal disembody voice said.
“Yes, we are good, your flight deck is not though, what in the hell just happen? Commander.” Devlin asked.
“Unknown sir, still looking into it but it was from us and not the enemy so either a malfunction or another saboteur, power is coming back on-line including weapons and sensors.” “Ok Commander select enemy targets at will and fire, get us out of here ASAP.”
Battlefield
Bombs drop and lit up the ground Ring was close enough for his heat register to raise 20 degrees. He took his recon unit after they landed and moved Northeast in hopes to loop around and attack the enemies’ flank.
“1st Company, we are flanking to the east once you get on the ground come find us.” Ring announced over the company net.
Five clicks were heard on the net for the ones that had not completed the jump.
Ring swapped over to unit command net, “Command, the first company will try to flank the enemy.”
Then the boss came across the net at the same time that the Thunder of Skye fired all her weapons at two Militia mechs both went down but tiny did not think they were out of the fight yet.
“4th Skye Guards this is Devlin continue to attack the enemy at this moment it is unknown what cause the explosion, nor do we know when we will be able to disembark. Ring continue to flank good luck.”
Thunder of Skye
Devlin stood by the doors fuming somehow while stuck in their mechs dropping to the ground with the g-force at maximum someone was able to seal the bay doors to make them inop and set a bomb in the lower decks. Devlin knew what this meant, the Free Skye Movement spies usually ran in a pack of two or three, there must be a few more saboteurs on this dropship. Devlin looked at the Flight Deck Chief “we have to get out and join the fight, or all is lost I don’t want to do any more damage than we have to get out of here, what are our options.” “General I have already talked to the Kaptain Aardal we have two options blow the doors cripple the ship for a longer time or cut through the doors and save the ship. Cutting the doors will take an extra 30 minutes.” Devlin thought for a second, “Ok let’s cut the doors as much as I want to join the battle saving this ship is just as important. Three companies of mechs will just have to deal with the enemy.”
Battlefield
With half of the force stuck in a dropship and the other half still dropping Ring saw the tide turning to the enemy. Two of the heavies dropped in the wrong spot and damage their legs, and one of his mechs was just destroyed by a large laser to the chest. The only good news was that the Thunder of Skye just took out another Dragon. As he rounded the hill, a damn Burke took out his left arm and then hit his engine. Ring eject system went online, and he shot up in the air. As he looked out over the battlefield, he saw one of the Guards Reivers take out the same tank that took him out, well at least there is some justice since the men in that tank did not survive.
Deagin took note that four mechs in his unit were down and six mechs in Ring Company. Thankfully it looked like the 8th Company was dropping out of the dropship.
“Here I come to save the day WolfLord and the Wolfpack will save you” said the commander of the 8th Company.
Then his whole unit at once howled over the net. Deagin just shook his head net discipline was not Wolf’s strong suit but his battle prowess almost rivals that of the CO and XO. Hopefully, this will turn the tide back to their side. A Zeus next to Deagin toppled over when his head blew off due to a Banshee AC/5 to the face, when Deagin turned his guns to the Banshee it ducked behind one of the hills, so he targeted a Burke tank and destroyed it with a 10 for 10 LRM hit to the left side of the tank.
Thunder of Skye
As Devlin watched the Flight deck chief work his magic, he notices that the chief was 75% done.
“Chief I am going to get the mechs ready since it looks like you are almost done.”
“Roger that General I should be done in a few minutes.” The chief said.
Battlefield
Two Guard aerospace fighters crashed due to engine destruction by enemy fire, so the other ten fighters lined up to do a strafing run on the enemy. Lieutenant-Kaptain Fragateiro notice that the Cadre was still unorganized and bunched up. “Eagles lets strafe the crap out of the cadre maximum damage make it count.” After the two squadrons had made their run, Fragateiro looked back and noticed that two Bruke tanks were on fire, and an Excalibur was laying on its side with a right leg missing. The Downed DropShip used all of the available weapons to destroy another Dragon in the cliffs to the west. The staffing run broke the Cadre, and they started an organized retreat to the north.
Thunder of Skye
The bay door open and Devlin announced to exit the dropship and engage any and all enemy units.
Battlefield
With the rest of the Guards showing up to the battle, the line broke down entirely with the Militia breaking in an almost full run and the Cadre still retreating but with a little more discipline. Devlin took out three tanks and an Excalibur right after he got to the top of the hill. With his XO Xenon on his left and the commander of the 6th Company Hauptmann Greymane on his right both registering two tank kills each. Deagin and WolfLord continued to push up the ravine that eventually just scared the Cadre, and they broke leaving the ROE. The victory today goes to the 4th Skye Guards.
Aftermath
As Devlin sat on the shoulder of his Atlas drinking his coffee which was a special gift from a fellow MechWarrior and friend from the other side of the inner sphere, he thought to himself, this coffee grown on Earth from a small island called Hawaii maybe the best he had ever tasted. He raised his cup and said out load “Here is to you Chappy I hope your battles go smoother than mine has.” He then opened a report on his pad listing the spoils of war his Guards lost four mechs today and three warriors but gained six mech that need repair but will be out on the field of battle soon under the Guards colors.
“General Devlin, Kaptain Aardal here, a message just came in, the rest of the Guards just Jumped in system they said that all is fixed and apologize that it took them this long.” “Thanks, Kaptain tell them to land here I will keep a lance of armor and the dropships here to keep the LZ secure they can catch up to us once they land, Devlin out.”
So ten days without the rest of the unit, or the Guards MRB (Mobile Repair Base) even though he wanted to push a weaken enemy he needed to be cautious.
“XO report,” Devlin said over the unit’s command net.
“Xenon here Sir we just got the satellite image of the spaceport looks like the units that we just kicked will have some armor and mech reinforcements.”
“Send those images to my pad have the maintenance crews work double time to fix our mechs we will move out in 30 hours,” Devlin said.
“Roger, Xenon out”
“Thunder, Devlin have you made progress in the search?”
“Yes Sir we were just about to hail you, both men are in custody.” “Roger that Thunder I will be there in a second.”
As Devlin walked into the brig, he was handed a pad with all the evidence he needed to convict these two men as saboteurs and traitors. “So why betray your fellow soldiers three mech warriors died on the battlefield and five crew men died at the hand via the bomb you made.”
One of the two enlisted men looked up with distain and spat in Devlin’s face, “you are the traitor to the Skye people.”
As Devlin wiped his face from the spit he said calmly, “Are there anymore from your movement in the Guards and are there any more bombs.”
The prisoner that just spat in Devlin’s face just looked at him and said, “F you.”
Devlin then pulled out his colt 45 and said, “You know an interesting fact about this ancient weapon” Devlin then open revolver and empty all the bullets but kept one in his fingers. “In the 1900s people would use this gun in a game called Russian Roulette.” He then put the bullet back in closed and spined the Cylinder. “Now I am going to ask questions and if I don’t like the answer or don’t believe it, I will pull the trigger you have a one in six chance that the bullet will be fired. Now answer the question.”
The prisoner looked at Devlin. “You don’t have the balls.”
Devlin raised the gun and pulled the trigger, with a click sound Devlin looked at the man.
The prisoner looked down and saw that his bows lost their ability to hold anything piss and shit was oozing out of the bottom of his pants.
“By the power vested in me I find you guilty of treason.” Devlin said and then pulled the trigger.
Click
The other prisoner started screaming that Devlin could not do that and that he would tell Devlin whatever he wanted. So, Devlin turned to him and while he watched the defecation continue to run free of his pants Devlin asked the same question.
“No, no there are no other bombs or persons from the Free Skye Movement here, now please put me in cell and leave me alone.” The prisoner number two said.
Devlin looked at the man and simply said, “thank you but you are still guilty” with that Devlin pulled the trigger.
Click
“Man, both of you are beating the odds. Sergeant lock these two cowards up.”
He then got up to leave turned to the MP and said have their friends or acquaintances clean this mess up, make sure that they know I did not enjoy this, nor will I do this again if no other traitors are in the Guard. He walked out of the brig and pulled all six bullets out of his pants and loaded his gun. The sleight of hand was always his best trick when he was kid, he thought.
Kessel
Battlefield
Temporary Headquarters
January 7, 3030
19:00 GST
Devlin sat at his makeshift desk made from ammo crates looking at his PAD. Even though there have been some setbacks by way of traitors, the situation is still pretty good. One day on the planet and they already control three sectors, what little civilians they have encountered were indifferent towards the 4th Skye Guards. Even with that, his standing orders of no civilians around the base still stand. Devlin just finished a request for riot police/militia units to Nondi Steiner when Hauptmann Greymane knocked on the tent post.
“Sir, do you have a moment?”
“Of course, Hauptmann Greymane come in you always have my ear, what’s up?”
“I want to talk to you about the traitors and your actions,”
“Really? Do you think I went too far?” Devlin asked.
“No, no I am not sure you went far enough. I have a request though.”
“I did not go far enough? Mmmm what is your request?” Devlin said with some curiosity in his voice.
“Well, my father had much respect for you, and I have come to respect you also, but the next time we have traitors or even prisoners let me deal with them. You don’t need to soil your uniform or name with lowlifes as those.” Greymane said with more conviction than Devlin ever heard from him.
Devlin was somewhat shocked, and then he looked down at his hands and then said quietly. “Yeah, traitors by law need to be put to death, prisoners though we cannot kill them, interrogate, and then detain them. When the rest of the unit gets here, and the Red Horse Engineers build the temporary headquarters, we will have a true brig until then makeshift cages will have to do.”
“Copy that sir, just give me this detail, and I won’t fail you."
An hour later
Devlin had never been a fan of splitting a unit up when already outnumbered on the planet but the fear of being outflank overruled one of his personal rules. So, he sent the 6th company to the east and then head north to protect the right flank. Then sent the 8th company to the west and then head north to protect the left flank was essential to protect the supply lines until the rest of the unit was on planet or so he hoped. The jamming of the local area broadcast network was working for their benefit, but the techs had yet to hack into the satellite system to have full access to all videos and comms. So, he was still in the dark about what’s going on elsewhere on the planet. The joys of command he thought, as he felt a headache coming on. He looked at the picture of his family and said out loud, “Sorry my love for putting you through this yet again.” Devlin placed the picture down and took up a bottle of whiskey and took a big swig. Time to get back to work “Greymane WolfLord this is Devlin I just sent the battle plan to you, execute your orders at 0600.”
“Roger boss.” They both answered at the same time over the radio. “Xenon this is Devlin, battle plan is uploaded prepare the troops.”
Kessel
Battlefield
40 miles from Spaceport
January 8, 3030
07:00 GST
WolfPack
Hauptmann Eugen Broadberry aka WolfLord loved to be in charged, loved to be in front of the lines, and best of all loved to kill the enemy. Whether it was from his weapons or weapons from a friendly, it did not matter a dead enemy was a perfect enemy. So, he was a little upset when the General gave him orders to make sure the primary unit wasn't flanked. Satellite imagery had been spotty at best but not being part of the main push to the spaceport disappoint him. They had moved north about 50 miles when the 2nd Squadron flew overhead, “Hauptmann Broadberry, Eagle One here we see a column of heavy armor heading this way, looks like a company’s worth.”
“Roger that Eagle One drop bombs make them soft for us, tag them.“ Well guess he will get to fight after all.
75 miles East
Devlin looked at the command link, which kept flickering, damn he cannot wait tell the rest of the unit gets here and then he can put up the guards' satellites. “Guards, take note the enemy is up ahead, Ring go left and try to flank their line” all that was heard was a bunch of clicks.
Ring swapped over to his company net “ok guys boss wants us to move left and flank them, time to kick some tail.”
Devlin calmly lined up his sites on a Burke II SuperHeavy tank and fired his missiles and gauss rifle, his reward was a burnt out and melted shell.
Meanwhile over in the WolfPack
Corporal Saurez was the first troop to get a hit on the enemy by peeling off the armor on the left side of a Tiger Medium Tank T-12. Right at that moment the 2nd squadron flew over and dived bomb the armor company they all picked the right targets and most of their bombs were on target. When the fighters climbed back up and started the turn back 5 enemy tanks were up in flames with the crews in them. Hell yeah, WolfLord thought this battle won’t last long at this rate.
75 miles East
0715 GST
As the Guard crept closer to the enemy units, Lieutenant Mitchell received a couple of pings to the right of him. “Deagin, Mitch I have a few pings to my right I am going to check it out."
“Roger Mitch keep me posted, out."
“12th lance lets go,” Mitchell said to his unit.
A few minutes later he was engaged with a Pegasus hover tank. The tank managed to do some minor damage to his left leg, but he took out its whole capability of moving with two large lasers into the left side.
Devlin lined up another missile and gauss shot on a Lancelot. After the hit, the Lancelot tried to reply with its own weapons only to have all the weapons go haywire. Devlin looked at his sensors, “mmm I must of took out his sensors with that blow to the head to bad only 5 of the 20 LRMs hit.” He said out loud.
Private Byers in his longbow took out the motive system of a Saladin tank with his salvos of LRMs.
Mitchell’s Lance rounded the hill and ran into a Pegasus hover tank with missiles. The Pegasus was ready for them however and launch. Most the missiles found their target and cored out the left leg of a Victor in his Lance, as the leg actuator failed due the damage, the mech’s leg broke in half and the Victor toppled over. Mitchell fired three large lasers into the front of the Pegasus destroying it. “Corporal Setien report now!” Mitchell ordered
“Lieutenant, I am ok just a little banged up don’t think I will be going anywhere anytime soon.”
WolfPack
The hills and swamp were slowing down the WolfPack at this rate 2nd Aerospace Squadron was going to see most of the action thought WolfLord. As he thought this the Squadron flew overhead to group up for another pass over the enemy. He then spotted on the radar a blip; the computer registered it as a tiger tank. WolfLord fired all his weapons at it from max distance, destroying all the armor on the right side, but the tank was still functional.
75 mile East
0730
Most of the planet forces that were involved in the first battle were still shell-shocked, there were two enemy companies that reinforced those units but all indications showed them as light armor so there won’t be much of a fight, Devlin thought as he destroyed a Burke II SuperHeavy tank with his PPC. Corporal Busca fired her LRM 20s into a Tiger tank and destroyed it. Leutnant Mitchell on the right side with his lance took out a Saladin tank wiping out all enemy units that tried to outflank the 4th. Devlin order the unit to keep moving up, he knew that these cadets would break, it was very unfortunate that these cadets must die before their military careers actually started, but such is a life of a soldier. To the right of him about 30 paces in front Devlin saw the first friendly mech go to the ground. Lieutenant Netro Gerratanna piloting a Battlemaster went to the ground after a Cyclops in militia paint fired a large laser to the Battlemaster head and hit dead-on.
“Net! Are you ok answer me now” screamed Deagin, Devlin decided to make a mental note on how Deagin reacted to discuss it in the future about relationships.
“Yes, Deagin I am fine.”
“Ok everyone form up V-formation now” Devlin announced.
Meanwhile at the WolfPack Location
The WolfPack just cleared the tree line and discovered the rest of the Armor Company trying to move to the left to get away. Corporal Reynoso ended up being the closest since he was securing that side of the line, he fired on a tiger tank and caused it to flip on its side then he marched right on top of the tank to crush it along with its occupancies. Wolf was able to target and disabled a hunter light tank before the fighters came back and dived bomb the area destroying four more tanks. When the dust settled, there were no more armor tanks left on the battlefield.
75 miles East
0800
As the 1st Company rounded the left side and almost flanked the enemy, they did something unexpected, they moved a lance of heavies over and started to fire. An enemy’s Archer threw a salvo of LRM 20s out and hit Private Buckner’s Wasp destroying it. Devlin kept pushing into the beast belly and destroyed a Burke Tank with LRMs and then another Burke Tank with his gauss rifle. The Cadre’s armor tanks were no match for the 4th and started to back up. Devlin could feel that the enemy was about to break. Then an enemy Warhammer destroyed First Leutnant Cabasos cicada with its PPC. Devlin saw the problem on the left side, the 1st Company was getting hammer. “Shift to the left everyone, shift to the left give the 1st Company some assistance,” Devlin announced. He then focused his site on a Burke tank and destroyed it.
Several other MechWarriors were making their mark by destroying the 12th Sun Zhang Cadre tanks. Then Devlin finally reached close enough to lend support to the 1st Company only four mechs were left from that company and their commander Ring both legs were broken. Devlin was able to take out a cyclops with a PPC head shot. On the right side, Mitchell and team took out a Catapult. The 12th Sun Zhang Warhammer on the left side continued to hammer away at the 1st Company by destroying a Firestarter luckily Lieutenant Stanton was able to escape. The 12th Sun Zhang lines broke again after the last of the militia was destroyed when Devlin killed a Crockett with a gauss to the face. “Guards do not pursue lets bed down tonight and get some repair on our mechs before we assault the spaceport.
Kessel
Battlefield
30 miles from Space Port
January 9, 3030
06:00 GST
Devlin awoke with a start, his personnel assistant had just rushed into the tent. “Sir sorry to wake you but the transport of those two prisoners that Hauptmann Broadberry captured just arrived.”
“Thanks, Private push them into the holding tent and wake up ulric.” “Roger Sir.”
General Devlin and Hauptmann Greymane was looking at two prisoners bound by hands and feet with a crude makeshift rope. “Whiskey, we pack up and leave in 30 you can start now and finish after we have taken the spaceport. I want all details about their unit, do what it takes.” “Roger that” Greymane said. “Your wish is my command.”
As Greymane walked into the tent he orders the guards to pull the prisoners up and take their ropes off.
“Ok Paul and Theresa” as Greymane looked at their name tags, “here is what we are going to do.” He looked at the guards and said’ “Strip them to their birthday suits” After the guards striped the two prisoners and handcuff them per the orders of Greymane he said, “go and prepare a secure spot on one of the transports for the prisoners, leave now I got this.”
Greymane turned around and looked at the prisoners, “well now, you are no longer Paul and Theresa your new names are Adam and Eve, and I am your god, we are about to leave to destroy your pals at the spaceport then your god will start the process of breaking you. Trust me you will break.”
“Sir”, Adam(Paul) said “ I am sure my so-called buddies that left me are not going to be at the spaceport, they are scared and are running.”
“Well, we will see about that, but that is not the information I want from you two, I want actual Army strength, I want to know where the supply depots are, and I want to know if the civilian population will rise up against my unit.”
“No, we cannot tell you any information.”
Greymane just shook his head and walked closer to the two naked prisoners and pulled out a Taser Stick and pressed it to Adam’s (Paul) balls and let it rip as Adam screamed in pain Greymane looked at Eve he could see the terror in her eyes.
“No worries, Eve after the battle if you don’t answer correctly, it will be your turn with my stick.”
Kessel
Battlefield
5 miles from Space Port
January 10, 3030
08:05 GST
As the 4th Skye Guards marched toward the Space Port General Devlin was starting to think that the prisoners were correct, everyone had fled. Feeling of disappointment and relief at the same time came to Devlin, and he wonder if the enemy was going to keep fleeing, after all most of the enemy are cadets. The General looked at his command board it looked like Hauptmann Milde (callsign blis) was the closest to the base.
“Blis move forward with a lance and scout ahead.”
As Blis moved up an artillery barrage started raining down on them, but all the shells missed their mark and it lasted for about 5 minutes then it was over. As the reports came in no one was damage, that was odd Devlin thought.
“Be on the lookout for booby traps” Devlin said Clicks were heard across the net as the unit went in full battle mode.
Blis was the first one that enter the spaceport proper, “no activity looks abandon.”
True enough Devlin thought, he swapped to a personnel net, “Greymane this is Devlin, guess that prisoner was truthful, let’s see if they can provide us with more Intel and try not to be too abusive with them while I want Intel I don’t want to break any rules of war.” Greymane replied “yes sir.
Few hours later
The space port now the new 4th Skye Guards Base because no one was there, there were no booby traps, and no civilians in fact Devlin thought he has seen few civilians since landing a few days ago. Well now that we have an infrastructure under our control maybe the techs can get more satellite access and news info.
“Xenon, Devlin, I want the base set up and secured, then after that give the troops off the rest of the day have the techs work on the equipment tomorrow, we move out in two days.” Devlin said. Xenon came back “Roger Devlin the troops will be happy, I found a hotel and in the process of assigning rooms. Looks like there is enough rooms to hold the whole unit. We can use the air tower as a situation room, and there is a briefing room on the first floor that we can make secure.”
Devlin replied with “Excellent news hopefully Deagin will have good news on his recon of the other buildi…..”
“Devlin, Deagin, here we found want you wanted but it needs some minor repair… tech says about a day worth of repair then we will have the mobile repair base up and running.”
“Good to hear Deagin have them start on the repairs ASAP” Devlin announced “things are looking up”
Meanwhile in the basement of the new 4th Skye Guards headquarters you could hear screaming.
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Brutal. I wonder what's Chappy's people are up too.
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succession war is huge, I am sure Chappy regiments will be written about soon and maybe with some of these units that have already been featured.
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Chapter Ten
Kessel
Battlefield
Headquarters
January 10, 3030
06:00 GST
The next morning Adam and Eve woke up with screaming coming from the next room again. All night every few hours that bastard soldier who called himself god was torturing fellow MechWarriors that the 4th Skye Guards had captured. Adam wondered why they had not done more to him and Eve of course he was grateful, but he still wondered. After that first electric stick to his balls, nothing else had happened. Sure, they were still tied up naked but there was a heater in the room, so they did not get cold, and all the screaming and torture was coming from the other room. As he was wondering this, the screaming stopped, and a few seconds later Ulric walked in with blood all over his uniform.
“Well, those two militia guys finally gave up their Intel to bad their injuries were too great to overcome. Now its y’all turn to give up the Intel that I am requesting.” Ulric said. And with that he left the room.
Eve started crying Adam was scared, they were both first-year cadets and were not prepared for battle let alone being tortured.
The door open and Ulric was pushing a cart, the closer it got the better look Adam had, on it was various devices of torture all covered with blood and what look like as human chunks of meat. As Ulric picked at the tools on the table, his fingers lightly started to caress a particular item. Ulric then looked at Adam and got a devilish grin on his face. “Adam, you know what I like to use the most? A hatchet, the most beautiful killing instrument in the universe, the hatchet is a very elegant weapon, not only do I love using it in my mech, but it is very efficient against humans.” At that moment, Ulric took out a blow torch and started heating up the hatchet. “In fact, if I heat this hatchet up enough when I cut your foot off it will cauterize all your veins to stop all bleeding letting you live longer.”
With horror Adam looked at Eve so perfect and beautiful and perky even in this situation he could not stand having her cut up. “Ok Ok don’t cut us up I will tell you everything.” He screamed.
After an hour of spilling his guts about all Intel he had, Ulric smiled and said thank you, he then opened a sealed door on the cart and threw jumpers to both prisoners, and released them from their chains. “Get dress we will move you two to regular cells now, oh, by the way, the screaming you heard last night…was just a recording, and all this blood is animal, ha ha, tricked you two really good.” Ulric started to laugh, “I am a great actor cut you two with a hatchet I crack myself up.” With that, he walked out, and shock of disbelief was on both prisoners faces.
Kessel
Battlefield
The Valley
General Devlin did not like the feel of this his gut was screaming trap but how could it be a trap since they already knew the enemy was there? “Guards let’s go we know they are out there, and we are aware of their strength so let’s push them out of the valley and be done with them. As the unit pushed into the valley the 1st Squadron “Zappers” and the 2nd Squadron “Gauntlets” Aerospace fighters screamed into the valley. To drop their bombs on the enemy mechs damaging six mechs to the point of being crippled. “Nice shitting on the enemy Zappers and Gauntlets keep it up,” General Devlin said over the net
The fighters swung by for a second pass and a fighter whose callsign is Stuka 2, dove at a Grand Dragon sitting on the west side of the third mountain in a natural perch. Dropping 10 HE bombs at close range all hitting the target. With bombs hitting legs and arms ripping the right leg and left leg off of the Grand Dragon, one bomb hit the dragon’s AC/5 Ammo, which exploded. Causing Catastrophic damage destroying the mech engine failed the safety systems and blew causing damage to an Archer and Marauder that was next to him.
General Devlin saw that there were mechs on the cliffs on both sides of the valley, so he ordered, “Ulric take two lances up on the west side cliffs and take out those units. WolfLord take two of your lances to the east side cliffs and deal with the enemy over there.”
“Roger,” said both of them.
“This is Riever 2 Mayday, Mayday I am going down a Warhammer destroyed my engine,” the pilot said as Devlin watched the fighter spiral down into the woods.
As Devlin’s Gauss Rifle penetrated a Dragon Right chest destroying a heat sink, he notices some of the woods around that mech absorbed a lot of the damage. That the biggest problem for his unit, woods in the valley, because it was having a shield effect against their weapons with the enemy hiding in the forest. Fortunately, with time though Devlin units will be close enough that it won’t matter.
Corporal Suarez was marching along struggling with all these damn trees when his company commander WolfLord order his lance and another to jump up or climb up the cliff to get a better look at the battlefield. He also said there might be enemies up on the ridge too. Just as he cleared the ridge a salvo of missiles hit his right arm, but he was able to land soft enough to have the target computer find a target. He fired his LRMs, both medium lasers, and his AC/10 every shot hit. The medium lasers hit the Excalibur’s feet. His LRM 20 slammed on the right side of the Excalibur causing critical hits on right leg and arm and the AC/10 blew up the Gauss Rifle causing catastrophic damage that caused the enemy mech to fall flat on its face.
Artillery from the 12th Sun Zhang Cadre was coming in hard but so far missing the Guards units. Devlin’s combat computer showed they were on yet a higher ridge and ordered the remaining fighters to fly over them and try to destroy them with conventional weapons.
On the other ridge west of the valley, Ulric’s Lances were making progress. Corporal Palmer in a Stalker was able to hit a direct blow with his medium laser to a Dragon’s head causing the pilot and the mech to cease to exist.
In the valley itself Corporal Kuchelai of the 13th Lance 5th Company was also able to take down another Dragon 1N by way of a direct blow to the head with a PPC.
Three more fighters went down for the Guards from missile fire; there were three mechs protecting the artillery pieces in the back that was powered down until just now. That caught the fighters off guard and they were unable to recover from the shock, but two of the artillery pieces were damaged so even though there was still Thumper missiles landing in the valley it was not as much as before. Devlin took aim at an Excalibur and with his PPC was able to damage the engine and take out the mechs Gyro forcing the enemy mech out of commission.
The 4th Skye Guard was now close enough to be able to attack with fist and feet and started to manhandle the smaller enemy mechs.
Tai-I Adnan Company Commander of the Kessel Militia had no clue what was going on, communication was crappy, support was crappy, oh and everyone’s aim was crappy. Most likely because everyone in the company was just like her, brand new. She has only been in the militia for a year and a commander of a company for two months. At the time, her ambition to be a company commander by having sex with the Commander of the militia sounded like a great idea. Who knew that the stuck up Steiner’s had the balls to invade a planet. Let alone an unheard of unit. Right at that moment of thought a PPC laser flash before her eyes and her and her mech was dead. The remaining Militia, all four of them, turned and ran, even though the commander of the overall mission from the 12th Sun Zhang Cadre was yelling at them to stay.
Tai-i Marcus Melsom commander of the Valley Defense Force was overseeing the battle along with the artillery units. How could this be happening they had a textbook advantage, the enemy, this unknown 4th Skye Guards walked right into the valley right into his trap. With most of his units on the ridges, he should have already won. Those Aerospace fighters did a number on his mechs, and even though now they are not as effective his cadets have not recovered. Nor did he anticipated the enemy commander’s ability to foresee the trap and have some of his mechs jump up onto the ridge and mess everything up. Ten of his mechs, four of the armor, and six of the militia mechs have already been taken out, and now the militia are running like scared rats. How could this of happen.
General Devlin almost felt sorry for the other commander while his unit is fairly new most of his warriors have been in battle before. These cadets and militia guys first and last time in combat have been these last few days.
“Push Guards most of the unit in the middle already broke let's push them out of the valley,” Devlin announced over the all channel net. With that, all the Guards pushed harder with no questions asked.
Corporal Mantes from the 16th lance 6th Company idolized his commander Hauptmann Ulric Greymane and dreamt of becoming one of the Hauptmann inner circle guys. As he was thinking of this, a Lancelot and Archer walked right into the path of his weapons. The Lancelot looked like it was on its last leg almost as if all it needed was a big gush of wind to knock it down, so he fired his SRM 6 at him and then fired his AC/5 and medium laser at the Archer. To his surprise, both went down neither of them to get back up. The Lancelot engine blew up, and the Archer was hit in the head, but most of its damage was done when the Lancelot’s engine blew.
Leutnant Diaz commander of the 24th Lance in the 8th Company under the command of WolfLord was perplexed, yes he was new to the unit only five weeks at the unit before they transported to this planet. Why was he perplexed? Because these guys defending this planet sucked. He thought this as he lined all his BattleMaster weapons on a pitiful Cicada and blew it away all that was left was a center chest piece smoking.
As more mechs and tanks were destroyed the more confident the 4th Sky Rangers became. The more scared the Cadre became the last kill of the day was by General Devlin with a PPC in the left arm, LRM 14 of 20 hit on the chest and a Gauss Rifle to the head of a Marauder.
At the end of the day, over 26 units of the enemy were destroyed Six more were salvageable and will be back in service within a week. Four original mechs of the 4th were utterly destroyed, so all was good where strength was concerned.
As the MOB moved up to repair the damage mechs and armor, General Devlin reflected and called Xenon.
“Xenon I am concerned that the unit is getting cocky we will sit here for a couple of days before we make an advance to the city Gannosu and Firebase Alpha. In fact, we might wait until the rest of the unit arrives in four days eventually the enemy will find its backbone, and I don’t want to be caught with our pants down.”
“Understood Kreedo, I am also worried about supply lines and resurgent especially when we get to the city. Intel from the prisoners insist that they have config all industrial mechs with weapons and armor numbers are unknown we could be facing three or four times the number of our own unit.”
Kreedo thought for a moment, “yeah I am worried too I will light the fire under the cyber techs and see if they can get eyes in the city.”
Kessel
Battlefield
20 miles outside of Gannosu City
January 14, 3030
10:35 GST
Hauptmann-Kommandant Nicholas Robel aka Xenon was in a foul mood. Still no word from Headquarters about satellite feed or even a world net feed. Right now, the dropship Gedania was acting headquarters until the new command center at the Space Port could be refitted.
“Gedania, this is Xenon, status update” he said over the static filled command net.
“Xenon, Kaptain Zuniga here, the techs have not been able to break into the town’s network nor have they hacked their way completely into this worlds net or gain complete control of their satellites. The best they have are some images they got about 3 hours ago from a flyby satellite. I have sent them to your battle computer, not much in Intel good luck. Gedania out.”
As Xenon was looking over the crappy satellite pics, he swapped over to a personal net to check in with his commander.
“Kreedo, Xenon guess you heard the last exchange with base.”
“Yeah, I did Xenon up to you, go in and attack an unknown or wait tell we are done over here at this Firebase.”
“I think we should be ok I am going to deploy the 8th company to the west, 1st Company to the east and have the armor company come down the middle due to the lay of the land.” Xenon announced.
“Roger that good luck and good hunting see you on the other side Kreedo out.”
As the unit got closer to the city radar picked up the seven-armor tank, that must be what is left of the Armor units from the last battle. Other than that, nothing else was showing up. He flipped on the local battle net comm and said, “Ok execute the battle plan but be cautious Intel states that there should be some retrofitted industrial mechs in this city looking for a fight, but nothing is showing up yet.”
“Be on the lookout for industrial mechs? Really? Come on commander they are a piece of cake” announced First Leutnant Philippe Cabaos in his Awesome AES-8Q
“Even cake can get all over your mouth, Leutnant” Xenon replied.
As the 4th Skye Guards entered the outskirts of town the radar lit up light a Christmas tree with 50 industrial mechs coming to life. That is when realized his mistake, most of the enemy was concentrated in the center of town right where the 1st Armor Company was going.
“WolfPack, Pathfinder converge to the middle Ironsides need our help!” Xenon said. He looked at the battle board as it showed the 1st Company (Pathfinders) and the 8th Company (Wolfpack) slowly converge on the 1st Armor Company (Ironsides) but it was slow going due to the two tall hills located on in the suburbs of town. As the 4th started to tear into the industrial mechs they also learned a hard lesson which was one mosquito was a laughable, but 50 mosquitos hurt.
Because right then a Lumberjack fired his LRM 10 at an Awesome all 10 missiles hit and blew off the Awesome’s left leg.
“This is Leutnant Cabaos I cannot believe I am saying this, but I am down.”
Firebase Alpha
Kreedo watched first on his radar and then visually as the wall that was built around the firebase came into view. It was the first impressive thing he has seen since being on the planet. The wall was high enough to prevent any Mech from jumping over it and surprising the enemy. The 4th Skye Guards had three options to breach the base and really one of the options was just not practical all three options were three gates one south wall another on southeast wall and one on the southwest wall. Along the top of the wall of the southwest gate were laser, gauss, and missile turrets so, the southwest gate was out of the question.
“Whiskey and Blis, take your companies through the south gate, Deagin take your company and follow my lance into the southeast gate. Take out as many gun turrets that you can and let’s push the enemy out.” General Devlin said.
“Roger General we will move north/northwest depending on how the enemy positions itself.” Whiskey said.
“Following you sir.” Deagin said.
City of Gannosu
Xenon placed a Harvester under his sites and fired AC/5 and LRM 5 blowing off the right front leg and left front leg respectfully he then moved to the left to look for another target and thought to himself as he watched another one of his armor tank go up in smoke, these pilots in the industrial mechs are better than the cadets in the 12th Sun Zhang.
Hauptmann Joshua Ring was not very happy not only has all of his light mech company turned into a makeshift medium and heavy mech company which all came from salvaging the enemy on the battlefield. But once again his unit was in an overwhelming olds situation. He had already lost four pilots in the previous battles he did not want to lose any in this one. TinyTwo jumped over a short building catching an Agromech unawares and blasted him with a large laser to the engine causing the mech to blow up. “Another one bites the dust” he announced over the battle net. At the same time Xenon took both legs off of a HaulerMech and moved on to the next victim. Another enemy mech went down in flames right behind Xenon this time Sergeant Luya Leyretana had his back by firing a large laser in the chest of an Agromech which cause all the machine gun ammo to exploded cascading into the engine dooming the mech and pilot.
Firebase Alpha
The turret fire was heavier than expected and they had better aim, causing Leutnant Volz’s Banshee to lose its head along with the pilot.
Whiskey saw this and announced, “Guys we just lost the commander of the 17th Lance Damnit watch out for those turrets 16th Lance take out those turrets now!!” Right then three gauss turret weapons hit Whiskey’s left side taking out his leg and arm. On the other side of the wall Deagin took out a turret before a PPC turret hit his mech’s head causing him to blackout.
Devlin saw that two of three company commanders were down, “Blis take over on that side let’s get these bastards now” Overhead the two squadrons flew over and announced. “Zappers, Gauntlets are inbound with bombs stand by.”
And then the middle of the base went up in flames and explosions.
City of Gannosu
As the enemy industrial mechs kept falling not all news was good the armor company was still getting hammered 30 minutes into the battle, all but one tank were immobile and four had been completely destroyed.
Xenon continued his wave of taking of limbs of Industrial mechs by blowing up another Agromech leg this time though he took his time and kicked it in the chest causing the engine to explode. The scene was something from a halo movie with explosions fire and smoke and then a Shadow Hawk coming out of the flames with minor damage.
All three mechs of Sergeant Leyretana, Ring, and Xenon were making a path of destruction right down the middle of the enemy’s formation, such as it was.
A HaulerMech got a lucky AC/5 hit on Xenon’s mech’s head as Xenon shook his head to clear the cobwebs, he took aim and destroyed the HaulerMech’s hand off. Sergeant Leyretana came in right behind that and destroyed the head and pilot of the same mech.
“Thanks Sergeant good shooting” Xeon said.
“No problem, sir, got to look out for my favorite Battalion Commander” the Sergeant said.
Just then he saw one of his own, an Excalibur blow up, fortunately the pilot was able to escape from the blast due to his ejection seat.
Firebase Alpha
Both teams finally entered the base and most of the turrets destroyed the 4th Guards can finally focus on the real objective. Devlin was about to reach the middle of the base where there was a secondary defense wall with several mechs and the commander of the 12th Sun Zhang Cadre for the region in his Atlas. When another one of the Banshee went down by way of a Gauss Rifle to the head. The Two squadrons of aerospace fighters made another pass and dropped the rest of their bombs. Destroying an enemy Marauder in the process but two of the Thunderbirds were hit by ground fire destroying them in the processes luckily both pilots ejected and landed safely. Corporal Tina Andrews stomping around in a Goliath saw an opportunity to stomp on a bug, A Locust to be exact as he crushed down on top of the little mech its Gyro, left arm, right leg all crushed to a flat piece of metal. As the Goliath kept moving the pilot of the locust laid in the mud just a few feet from his Locust knocked out.
City of Gannosu
Xenon then targeted the HaulerMech that just took down the Excalibur blowing the left leg off by way of the kick.
Sergeant Leyretana did the unthinkable for her skill level but she really saw no other way, she targeted two different enemy units on either side of her. She spread her arms out and fired a single large laser from each arm to the targets then at the same time she fired her third large laser from her chest to yet another target in front of her. There were just so many industrial mechs out here and several of her buddies have already gone down because of it. Her left arm laser and the front laser hit both their targets in the chest burning holes right through the engine compartment. The right arm laser hit an enemy’s left leg taking it completely off.
The last three armor tanks of the Sun Zhang Cadre broke and started to retreat a few seconds later the industrial mechs started to retreat when one of the armor tanks exploded from an AC/5 hit by Corporal Reynoso in his Striker STC-2C. A lucky shot from a Quasit MilitiaMech was able to finally take down Xenon by way of severing his left leg from the rest of the mech.
The battle was over, and Xenon made an all call to stop pursuit and secure the town for the night. All in all, the enemy lost six Armor tanks and Thirty-nine industrial mechs and the 4th Skye Guards had completely lost four armor tanks and three mechs one each in both mech lances. The rest were severally damage. Well, it is a good thing we are not making any more moves until the rest of the unit shows up in two days since I doubt, we are combat ready over here. Better call the General and notify him of the costly victory Xenon thought to himself.
Firebase Alpha
The harder the Guards pushed into the base the harder the Cadre and Militia pushed back. Even though Whiskey was prone due to missing body parts he was still able to shoot his AC10 at the enemy taking off arms from several different enemy mechs. Yelling at his company to move this way or that pushing the enemy out of their comfort zone in the middle and out into the open.
The Commander of the 12th Sun Zhang Cadre was able to take down a Victor and then a Zeus. So Devlin decided to push even harder forgetting the other enemy mechs in order to get a good shot on that commander. Leutnant Gerratanna got there first with her Battlemaster and alpha strike, SRM 6 hit the head of the Atlas and he blacked out. A Firestarter got in the way of Kreedo which baffled him as he Gauss the Firestarter Right Arm off spinning the mech around causing it to fall flat on its face Kreedo continued to move to the enemy Atlas. Same thing happen to Leutnant Gerratanna with a Trebuchet that had some chest damage stepping in his way so the Leutnant kicked it and destroyed the AC/5 ammo causing the destruction of the engine which in turn failed its safety measures. The explosions caused damage to all mechs around it and also killed several down MechWarriors. Corporal Ann Setien in her Victor rounded the corner behind the General and found a perfect solution for her AC/20 hitting the enemy commander in the left torso destroying the LRM Ammo and killing the mech and the enemy commander.
“General, this is Xenon the city is ours it was costly we lost several mechs and tanks but the city is ours.
“Good, keep the armor there for control and bring the other two mech companies to the firebase. Their commander just went down so the firebase is almost ours.”
Without a commander the enemy broke and ran out the north gate for freedom.
The next day Sergeant Luya Leyretana was promoted to Staff Sergeant and awarded the order of Katrina Steiner Medal for her acts of bravery and deadly accuracy with 8 killed and 7 crippled mechs.
All the companies were heavily damage, so the General decided to not push the enemy, stop here to wait for the rest of the unit from space.
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Chapter Eleven
Fire Base Alpha
General Devlin’s office
January 16, 3030
Devlin was looking over battle and damage reports when there was a knock on the door. “Enter”
Leutnant Gerd Willemsen walked into the room and gave the general a sharp salute. “Sir Leutnant Willemsen reporting sir”
“Gerd I didn’t ask for you, at ease take a seat, what’s on your mind Leutnant?”
Leutnant Willemsen sat down and looked like something was on his mind but was uncomfortable about talking to the General.
“Sir, I just took and passed my training simulation for MechWarrior.”
“So Leutnant you want to be a MechWarrior, you are the best Admin person I have and you want to be a Warrior and have a chance to die sooner. Why?”
General I might like the job I am doing and I am still willing to do this in-between battles, but I always wanted to be in the battle in the mix of things. I want to rise through the ranks due to my warrior skills not paper skills.”
“Ok Gerd, keep practicing in the sim and when a mech and spot opens I will have the XO plug you in.
Five days later
The unit was repaired as much as it could in a short five days. It was time for the unit to continue up the pass through the forest, a trap might be there but the 4th will prevail, thought the General
“Xenon this is Devlin get the unit ready that are here and let’s move out.” General Devlin announced through the comm.
“Roger the unit is ready and anxious for a fight.” Xenon said.
Next day
8 Mech Companies of the 4th Skye Guards marched up the highway that joined Firebase Alpha with the Town called Ryugudai which by the way happens to be the gate way to the Kamae Bridge a bridge that is 10 miles long and the only way ground vehicles can cross into the next continent. General Devlin knew he could just load up on the DropShips and drop on top of the Capital, but in doing so he would leave countless companies of the enemy to go into hiding and start guerilla actions. The best way to prevent that? Destroy the enemy while marching to the Capital.
If there was a trap this is where Devlin would spring it about a mile to the north lays the open sea. The forest was only about 300 yards to the south, something about the forest did not feel right thought Devlin.
Devlin turned flip the battle-net and said “Guards watch the forest if there is a trap it wou…”
Right then a bunch of Harvester Ant industrial mechs jumped out of the forest and started attacking the column.
“… never mind outside columns turn and protect the middle!”
Six Harvester Ants actually rushed the end of the column to try and hit the guards in the back. Unfortunately for those Ants, an Atlas and Banshee was bringing up the rear destroying the six ants. Hauptmann Broadberry came across the unit net.
“Scratch 6 ants the WolfPack got your back.”
“Thanks for having our backs WolfPack” General Devlin replied as he took out an Ant himself with a large laser to its head. The mech beside General Devlin went down from a lucky shot to the head by one of the cadre’s Griffin. Fortunately, Devlin saw the ejection system activated and watch Dohon fly to safety.
The sensors lit up like a Christmas tree and when Devlin looked out his cockpit it looked like hundreds of Ants and Lumberjacks were attacking but the radar showed only 85 enemy mechs including those from the Cadre and Militia. Most of them were coming out of the tree line to the south.
“Guards, form up a firing line on the south side of the highway let’s take these bastards before they cause any more damage. WolfPack protect our backsides there are still a few to the north.” Devlin ordered.
The enemy mechs just kept coming and Devlin notices his expendable ammo is getting low, “Guards check your ammo sound off and pair off if your ammo is getting low.” Devlin said.
As the enemies mechs keep falling Devlin orders the unit to move out towards the forest he looks at the battle computer over 40 enemy mechs down only 4 of the Guards units had been incapacitated, yet the enemy kept coming. This has to stop what is making these guys in industrial mechs to just throw their lives away.
As the Guards made their push into the main group, an Enforcer from the Kessel militia was able to get a AC/10 shot that took off the head of a Ostroc fortunately Corporal Blair MacTavish was able to eject safely.
Valery Efroimson in a Victor was able to move to the Enforcer that just took out her buddy “don’t worry this Enforcer is dead” and then she kicked it in the right torso destroying the ammo and the mech with it. The pilot of the Enforcer was thrown from the mech instantly dead and then the ammo explosion was so massive it damaged two mechs and killed Corporal Bair MacTavish. Valery was stun her buddy was dead and technically it was her fault.
General Devlin set his sight on a Lumberjack he fired his Gauss and took out the left arm then he fired his PPC and took out the Lumberjack’s right leg, then he fired his LRM 20 all 20 missiles hit all of them in the center torso causing the mech to fall and blow up. Then Devlin had the radar lock warning coming from his right side when he looked over his shoulder only to see 5 medium lasers hitting his right arm, shoulder, and torso. It was the first real solid hit on General Devlin and so not much damage was done to his Atlas. Staff Sergeant Hoyt Rostad saw this and fired his AC/10 from his UrbanMech making a deep hole into the left torso causing the hunchback to topple onto its back. Finally General Devlin got some Intel about where the commander of the enemy was located. Luckily, he was in range and committed to an Alpha Strike killing the commander. Seeing their commander destroyed burnt to a crisp hanging halfway out of the mech since the top of the cockpit was destroyed, the rest of the enemy units scattered and ran.
Kessel Battlefield MOB—Mobile Operation Base
January 25, 3030
0530 GST
General Devlin sat back in the chair and looked at the office in this moving MOB construct, the MOB was a modify version of the familiar MFB(mobile field base), just bigger, when on the move it formed a caravan of 40 individual vehicles that carried 300 tons of equipment each along with 40 transport trucks with ammo. When in a stationary mode the 40 vehicles combine making a mech hanger of sorts so that the techs can work on any equipment without being in the elements. That is where the General was at now in the makeshift office of the chief technician sending a message back to the dropship Thunder of Skye they in turn will send it in a packet to the HPG to send back home. He loved being in service for his nation and being an important part of it, but at the cost of not seeing his loved ones tugged at his heart every day.
It has almost been 10 days since the 4th’s last push into enemy territory, patrols show no unusual sightings, almost like there was not a war going on. That is fine, Devlin thought as he looked out at an Atlas getting its arm replaced. He was deep in thought when the door slammed open, shocking him and the new person that rolled in as Devlin jumped up with hand on his holster that carried his vintage colt 45.
“Holy shit!!! Sorry general you startle me, I was unaware that you were in my office” exclaimed Sergeant Major Alanna Wyse.
“No worries it’s my fault this is your office you are the chief tech I was just looking for a quite spot for a second, I am over it. How are the repairs going?”
“Sir, everything is going good most of the mechs are bandage up some are short on ammo but a supply convoy just showed up so we are loading now.” She said as she moved a long black lock of hair from her face that had fallen out of her bun.
“Good because we are making a push around noon into the city” with that the general walked out of the office and into the bay full of an oil and grease smell.
Excerpt of communication between General Devlin and Hauptmann Dehmel commander of the 2nd Armor Company located south of the MOB.
“Ok Jack, you have the green light to go in and take care of those units that have cornered themselves into a tight spot. You have operational command of your company and of the 3rd Armor Company, it has been noted in the log.”
“Yes, sir I will notify you when it is done.” With that the line went dead.
Kessel
Battlefield
Devlin’s Atlas
January 25, 3030
0830 GST
Devlin looked out at the coming battle and saw that there was a problem, mountains. There were only two passes into the city of Ryugudai he hated splitting up the companies but a need for jump mechs had overridden the need to stay in formation.
“Guards, Devlin I want all my victors to go left straight north and go over that mountain and then swing back and hit them from behind. Hauptmann Weir ‘Deagin’ take the other 5 Victors and make it happen”
“Roger that” Deagin said
“The rest of the jump capable mechs take the middle mountain and provide fire support for the heavies.” Devlin said.
“All assault mechs with me through the north passage and the heavy and non-jump mediums go through the Northwest Passage and let’s hit them hard. Remember this is a major city with a port of call that should have some much-needed supplies so try not to destroy the city.”
“Yes Sir!” was the reply from the guard, all at once….
****
200 miles south of Ryugudai City
“Hauptmann Luna this is Jack we are a go for the attack take your company and hit the enemy from the left I will take the right, your my XO for this operation let’s make the General proud”
“Roger that, going left see you on the other side” Hauptmann Luna said.
As the two companies of Armor rolled into target range of the nearly destroyed enemy they fired a volley of missiles, armor piercing rounds, and lasers into the oncoming enemy doing serious damage to the enemy mechs but not destroying any of them.
“Keep it up guys, we need to wipe them off the face of this planet!!” Jack said over the net.
After a few more rounds of fire Jack notice that the enemy was breaking, one by one the industrial freak mechs with weapons fell, first it was a lumberjack then the von Luckner tank blew up. Shortly after that another lumberjack exploded falling on top of a carbine construction mech smashing it to pieces. This battle will be over in about an hour thought Jack.
Just outside Ryugudai City
The move was on but no one was firing, whoever the commander was in the city he was showing great control over his men and discipline, no one had come out of the city, they were all waiting to fire at the two choke points Devlin thought. He then saw that there was some kind of slick liquid on the road.
“Guards they have treated the roads slow down and be careful” he announced.
It was too late because a Grand Dragoon slipped and fell hitting the side just right to cause an ammo explosion, luckily corporal Lyons got out of the mech safely. If that wasn’t bad enough Hauptmann Lepine slipped as well destroying the mech.
“Guards Slow the F down or all of us will be dead before one shot is fired!!” yelled the General.
Devlin has never been one to fight a war in an office, he was the third mech that went through the choke point his radar flared up as targets of opportunity
lit up his board. Taking careful aim, he fired his PPC and Gauss into a Harvester ripping it into two along with the pilot. The Zeus next to Kreedo fired most of her weapons at a Grommet D90 that was sitting in a 3-story building as the building crumbled around the mech crushing it and the pilot with it. At the same time an enemy locust which was way too close to the Guards for some reason tried to run only to find the foot of another Atlas crushing it like a bug.
“YeeeHaaa I love squashing little bugs” Corporal StirZacre said. “Oh, and great shooting there Zhao, I am sure the cost of that building will come out of your paycheck”
“Shut up Stir or the next building will be on you” Corporal Sung-ah Zhao said
“Congrats on your first kill Zhao now cut the chatter and try not to destroy any more buildings.” General Devlin said
****
200 miles south of Ryugudai City
Hauptmann Jack Dehmel was dripping with sweat not because his tank was hot but just from the excitement of destroying the enemy without any mechs help. He looked at his board all the enemy on left was destroyed, there was not that many there to begin with that is why he sent the 3rd Armor Company over there.
“Luna, Jack good job over there now move this way, there is another Von Luckner on the hill that is causing us problems and most of the enemy ran into the town.” Jack said
“Roger, moving your way’
With that, one of his AC/2 Carrier was destroyed by a volley from that same Luckner tank. Fortunately, though just before it was destroyed the Carrier took out couple of QuasitMilitia enemy mechs along with a militia Bruke defense tank. Then another AC/2 Carrier got in range, fired and destroyed that tank on the hill.
“GO GO GO into the town and weed them out!!” Jack said in an attempt to light the fire under the butt of all the guys in his command.
Several more Quasit mechs went down and Jack breathed a sigh of relieve when the last enemy mech went down by way of a PPC shot from a Manticore Heavy Tank. Time to call the General, thought Jack, with the good news.
Ryugudai City
As the 4th Skye Guards pushed in from the choke points many of the mechs were damage but none destroyed, yet. Three mechs Devlin saw were crippled with missing legs, they had powered down in hopes to save their mechs for another day. The fighting was heavy in the Southside of the city, of course that was where he was at, right in the middle of it. One of his mechs in front of him, an Excalibur just got decapitated by an AC20 to the head from one of the few real mechs out on the field, a hunchback, must be a militia mech thought Devlin. A scavenger mech came into view and Devlin fired his PPC and his last Gauss shot into it destroying it, the scavenger got some lucky shots off though and Devlin’s mech told him as much when he lost a heat sink and most of his armor in his leg. A Copper SecurityMech fired all of its weapons and hit 100% on Devlin’s arm destroying his PPC and all the armor. With the heat building and Devlin sweat was dripping down his face he re-focus his aim fired his SRM, and two medium pulse laser destroying the same Copper SecurityMech that just damage him.
“Nice shooting general” Corporal Bertrand MacWilliams said as he himself fired his two large lasers at an Enforcer mech destroying it.
Devlin saw that the pilot from the Excalibur was still alive and called in the medvac VTOL.
Leutnant Russell Hill always wanted to be in battle creating glory for him and his family name. Along with his brother they joined at the same time and so happen to be assigned to the same unit out of training, the 4th Skye Guards. Now they found themselves on a Kurita planet in the middle of a war, but he was bored. Why was he bored? He was a pilot of a VTOL Medvac hovering 2 klicks from the actual fighting he was in Squad One of the Rescue wing and his brother was in another VTOL as a gunner/medtech. Russell was nodding off when the call came in.
“Medvac, Devlin here, we have a 4th warrior at grid 1421 he is alive and moving, be advise he is right in the middle of battle, there are also several enemy pilots down if we can capture them that would be a plus.”
“Roger that sir I will have my Squads penetrate the AOR in 5 mic.” Hauptmann Ana Jayakar commander of the rescue wing said.
“Ok guys you heard the man let’s go do our jobs, fly low and fast watch the mountains and the stray laser, pick them up fast and hard.” Ana announced.
Russell called out to the back for Joakim his gunner/medtech to strap in because it was going to get rough. Now this was more liked it as Russell moved side to side flying through the small valley in-between the mountain, maybe today won’t be so boring he thought. He saw the flare for pick up rushed down landed as soon as Joakim gave him the signal to take off he did. Another Medvac, callsign med 2, had just picked up the other 4th pilot that had tripped the mech’s feet and destroyed it without the enemy hitting him, that pilot was a Hauptmann no less.
“Med 3 has picked up Leutnant Kiptoo, health report is laceration to head, sprain leg, broken arm but stable. Headed back to safe zone” Russell announced of the Rescue channel.
“Command this is Med 5 we are taking fire they are shooting at us on purpose please be ……………………..” the line went dead.
Shit thought Russell if the enemy is shooting at VTOL with the universal medvac symbol on it then they have lost their mind or their eyesight. As he took off and started to fly away another transmission of yet another VTOL being targeted and shot down. Then Machine gun fire hit his VTOL as the instruments went crazy, he struggled to maintain the integrity of his ship. After he was successful, he called out across the net.
“Med 3 was hit by machine gun fire we survived, passenger is safe we have cleared the AOR and will be there in 5 mic”
“Roger that as soon as you land we will patch up the holes so that you can go in again.”
Great thought Russell it went from a boring day to a day of let’s try to commit suicide by way of flying into a gun fire.
****
“General Devlin, this is Hauptmann Dehmel we have secured the Southside of the Green life forest all enemy mechs and tanks destroyed.”
“Roger that Jack meet up with us at the rendezvous two days from now.” Devlin said.
Xenon commander of the 2nd Battalion broke free of the combat line on the far-right side. He ordered the other four mechs that was with him to follow and rush the right flank. He cleared a path by taken down a Harvester and LoaderMech. On the other side of the battle Deagin with his makeshift force of Victors slowly pushed inward creating a vice that Devlin knew would soon pop.
The modify industrial mechs were falling like flies even though they put up a good fight it was just impossible to win once the full force of the guards cleared the two passes and spread out in the city. The key for Devlin he thought was not letting any of them escape, anything else and he would not classify it as a victory. Devlin was thinking on this, a volley of LRMs hit his mech with one arm gone both legs in the red for armor and the other arm with no armor he knew that he had to be careful or lose his mech to the enemy. The enemy was getting desperate they knew their time of fighting was almost over the question was would they give up or make a run for it.
The answer was they were going to make a run for it, a core group of militia mechs were still alive, they gathered up as many industrial mechs that could be mustard and made a push on the right side of the combat line. With lucky shots to the head by an hunchback and harvester they took out an Ostsol and Wolverine creating the hole they needed to escape.
“Stand down Guards we have a lot of damage to fix before we can pursue but at least we have another town liberated for the Lyran Commonwealth.”
****
Kessel
Battlefield
Scenic Hill overlooking the Kamae Bridge
January 27, 3030
0330 GST
Devlin looked through his military issued Rangerfinder Binoculars at the bridge and how the enemy was deploying, using the night vision feature, he noticed that the enemy was splitting up on several ‘islands’. What was the commander over there thinking? Devlin thought, it is hard not to get cocky when the enemy command decisions have been horrible. Why are they always spread out and unorganized? He supposed that it has worked out for the best since the 4th is kicking butt. Even with all the success the 4th Skye Guards have had on this planet Devlin was worried about the upcoming battle. With a major storm system sitting on top of the Guards Headquarters none of the aerospace fighters nor the DropShips can take off. The Kamae Bridge was the only option, this bridge stretched over ten miles long and connects about ten smaller islands. This is where crossing the bridge is the most dangerous because being bottleneck trying to get off the bridge on an island with the enemy mechs hidden in the tree line could be deadly.
Kessel Militia HQ
Hotel Dragon Penthouse
City of Shimonogo
Tai-i Massato Ito was drunk, and he did not care, he was not even sure if he wanted to live anymore. Prior to the Steiner bastard’s invasion, he had a great life, he was the big dog in this region of Kessel he had made a lot of money on the side using his status of a Tai-i, now it is all gone. As he was thinking on this, the vidfone came alive, great as he looked at the caller id its Tai-sa Schifferer the commander of all the militia.
“Hail the infamous leader” Massato said as he tried to stand up “what does his majesty require from me.”
The leader of the planetary militia looked down at the drunk with disgust, “So this is why the Steiner scum has not been eradicated, because a drunk is in charged over there.”
“No, we are losing because you won’t give me all the troops I required.” Massato said as he burped.
“You don’t dictate to me what you think you need; you are the reason why we have lost as much as we have. You are relieved of duty and will…” just then Massato put his laser pistol to his head and ended his life. “…huh” said Schifferer and the screen went black.
Tai-i Janina Nejedly was cleaning her pistol for the fourth time when she heard the discharge of a laser pistol in the next room. Great she thought the stupid drunk probably shot a hole in his bed as she walked into the room, she saw the blood and brain matter all over the wall, well she thought at least she won’t have to listen to him throwing up the next morning. Then her phone started to ring.
“This is Nejedly”
“Yes, Tai-i this is Tai-sa Schifferer you will oversee the bridge defense now defend it, force them to move their troops in dropships.”
“Yes, sir I will.” Janina said, damn it she thought the night went from boring, to promising and now to impossible.
Battlefield
Scenic Hill overlooking the Kamae Bridge
“Xenon, Devlin order the 6th and 5th over the bridge and have the 1st and 2nd on standby in case we need them.”
“Roger Commander, I will inform the company commanders” Xenon said.
As the unit moved out Hauptmann Greymane went over the net to talk to the other company commander Hauptmann Milde.
“Blis, this is Whiskey hey I will take the north bridge meet you on the other side, bet I will get there before you.”
“Whiskey, I doubt you can walk on the bridge without falling off, the bet is on, and you will lose Blis out.”
As the 6th Company arrived at the second island to the north, Hauptmann Greymane ordered his unit to spread out as fast as they could once off the bridge and rush the enemy’s firing line. Corporal Bishop piloting his Awesome fired all 3 PPCs at the first enemy he saw, a Demolitionmech which was destroyed with a hit to the head. 5th Company reached their target island to the south Hauptmann Milde ordered his unit to engage. Then something unexpected happen all the enemy mechs turned and ran.
“Actual, Blis sir the enemy has turned and ran. I think we have won the battle already; we are pursuing.” Hauptmann Milde said
“Actual, Whiskey we are seeing the same thing all mechs are running.” Blurted Hauptmann Greymane.
“Roger that guys, move with caution there is something more to it, I am ordering the 1st and 2nd unto the bridge for support.” Devlin announced.
Battlefield
Kamae Bridge Kessel Militia
Tai-i Janina Nejedly was pissed as she flew over the battlefield, she saw how messed up, dysfunctional, and spread out her troops were. Damn it she thought well at least the old commander killed himself. As the VTOL landed, she darted across the field and into her Grand Dragon.
“All Kessel Militia and all resistance fighters pull back I repeat pull back consolidate at sector 7515 and 7545 Now!!! I am in command now obey or die”
Battlefield
Scenic Hill overlooking the Kamae Bridge
Devlin was not liking what he was seeing, just a minute ago he saw a VTOL come screaming to the back of the battlefield then the whole dynamic changed, all the enemy mechs turned tailed and ran while the other mechs on the far side of the bridge moved up by sprinting. If Devlin hazard a guess a new commander had taken control of the enemy. One that may prove to bloody the 4th Skye Guards nose.
Kamae Bridge
2 km marker
The enemy stop running at least thought Hauptmann Greymane but now the 5th and 6th companies are bogged down into a shooting match, with all the militia
mechs bunched up, and his bottlenecked on the bridge this might take a while. Then on the horizon Ulric saw 6 little dots at the same time the battle computer ping them as enemy aerospace.
“Guards, incoming Aerospace watch your topside” Ulric announce on the all guard net.
As Greymane said that he put his targeting sight on a locust and blasted it hell. Damn bugs he thought.
Slowly the 4th Skye Guards 6th Company was taking down the industrial mechs that were dug in on the north island. The 5th Company on the south side was having some trouble. None of the militia mech had succumb to the might of the 4th Skye Guards yet and three of the Guards were in a prone position one was on the bridge blocking that side. Devlin had the 1st and 2nd companies move in to support the 5th on the south side and then took his lance onto the bridge to engage the enemy.
The wind was picking up and with all the mechs on the bridge was causing it to sway slightly. Hauptman Ring commander of the 1st Company called out to his guys
“Pathfinders!! Get off this bridge ASAP I want an end around blitz on the enemy firing line, GO GO GO” Hauptman Ring announced. At the same time Hauptmann Lepine was trying not to skid off the bridge in his new Excalibur like a couple of his guys already had, with the bridge being at a height of 4 measures and the water deep enough to fully cover a mech he did not want to lose another mech due to pilot error. As the Aerospace fighters strafe the 4th that were stuck on the bridge an Ostroc at the back of the group fired his three large lasers at one of the centurion Aerospace fighter, two of the lasers were direct hits on the wings and the other one bounced off the cockpit sending the fighter in a spiral path downward hitting one of the support beams for the bridge causing the plane to explode. A Kessel Militia Longbow started launching everything he had at Leutnant Punj’s Awesome she went from a pristine mech to one with yellow alerts blaring at her, the force of having 35 of 40 lrms hit caused her mech to fall over. As the Awesome fell it tripped a Panther that was on the move causing it to fall off the bridge, Sergeant Wayman screamed as she fell off the bridge. Fortunately, her training kicked in and she activated her panther’s jump jets allowing the mech to fly up and land back onto the safety of the bridge. At the same time, she fired her large laser and SRM 4 wildly at the enemy killing a MechWarrior who had just escaped from their down mech. By now the North Island had been cleared of all industrial mechs so Hauptmann Greymane order all jump capable mechs over to the South Island to lend an assist, he had hoped that they could get
behind the enemy firing line and cause a crossfire event. The militia’s longbow was still causing problems downing three mechs none of the 4th’s mechs were destroyed but being prone on a bridge was just as bad. Corporal Chandiramani in a Victor took aim with his AC20 and destroyed the head of the Longbow that was being a pain in the ass. The Corporal had little time to celebrate because shortly after he killed the longbow his mech was down and destroyed by a militia Grand Dragon AC5 to the Victor’s head destroying it.
Battlefield
Kamae Bridge
Kessel Militia
Tai-i Janina Nejedly knew this was going to happen there was just too many Steiners here, how did command think we could stop them with such few resources was beyond her pay grade. She only six real mechs left and the enemy still had four companies it was a no brainer.
“Militia pull back retreat make haste” she said over her battle net.
Kamae Bridge
4 km marker
The 4th Skye Guards won another battle but at a high cost, while no warriors died five mechs are being scraped, twenty mechs are at cripple status. The City of Shimonogo was about two miles away but they are defenseless since everyone that was part of the militia left and went to Nobeji a town about 100 miles south. As much as Devlin hated sitting around the unit needed some down time. Once the armor units catch up he will send them ahead to secure the path to the capital. The militia did not destroy anything on their way out so the penthouse on top of the Dragon Hotel was now the new temp HQ for Devlin at least it had a link to the HPG. He was finally able to give a complete live report to his benefactor Nondi Steiner
“…so General that is how the 4th Skye Guards are doing.” Devlin said finishing up a long and thoughtful report.
“Good General Devlin I am glad that my faith in you has not ended up in disappointment. The 1st, 4th, 10th, 17th, 22nd, and 25th Skye Rangers are all engaged in battles of their own keeping all personnel from the Skye region busy if there is anything you need just let me know.” General Steiner said
“Yes, Ma’am” Devlin said
“Oh, speaking of support, you will be having a special delivery coming your way. In fact, it should arrive any day now. I have attached the message from the owner of the cargo. You got some pretty good friends General have fun with the cargo, Steiner out” and with that the screen went black for a moment and then it was replaced with the Freedom Federation symbol, and on the far right bottom hand screen a rotating shield that was blue red and gold strips and a white star on a blue background, it was then replaced with a familiar face.
“Hey Devlin, I was in-between planet invasions and I thought about you. My cousin finally put out the first of many mechs from his factory. This first line is an ultra-assault mech, in fact as a show of good faith and the first installment of payback that my country needs to give to the Steiners I have sent four of these bad boys along with spare parts to you, each one is worth 48 million C-bills so use them but try not to destroy them. Talk to you soon Chappy out”
Mmmm thought Devlin, General Chapman gave him another gift first it was coffee now it’s mechs. Just then a loud boom sounded overhead with a overlord dropship screaming down about a mile or two away from the city.
-
Two miles from Hotel Dragon Penthouse
Temp HQ 4th Skye Guards
City of Shimonogo
Devlin watched from his cockpit ready for a trap, as the bay doors to the Overlord open. What came out of the dropship was what Chappy had said would, four mechs, what Chappy did not explain thought Devlin was what Ultra-Assault Mech meant. As these four mechs walked past Devlin he never felt so small which saying that in an Atlas is just plain stupid. Devlin scanned the mechs technical data that was sent to him, 200-ton mech, damn who in their right mind would build a 200 ton mech he thought. Along with the 200 tons the mech came with two Gauss Rifles, two AC/20, LRM 15, four medium lasers, and AMS the enemy is either going to shit their pants in fear or throw every weapon they have to take down these mechs.
“Devlin, Xenon dude your friend be craaaazy to build mechs like this, but he gave us four they could make for a good Steiner scouting lance hehe.”
“Just for that Xenon you will be the first pilot to play in this mech”
“Damn” was all Xenon could say.
Four days later
The majority of the MechWarriors where standing tall in formation with General Devlin talking about honor and duty, this was an awards ceremony to Hauptmann Ring it was kind of silly to be doing this in the middle of an invasion but he understood that it is a morale booster also. Ring shook himself internally and focused back on what his boss was saying.
“…with that said the Dragon Slayer Medal has been awarded to those that have shown exceptional aiming ability against the Kurita military might. These individuals have over ten kills in the first month of fighting they are
Leutnant General Edward Devlin for twenty-one kills Hauptmann Joshua Ring for sixteen kills Hauptmann Nicholas Robel ‘Xenon’ for twelve kills Hauptmann Ulric Greymane for twelve kills First Leutnant Philippe Cabaos for ten kills Staff Sergeant Luya Leyretana for ten kills Corporal Evon Roberts for ten kills
Also, for service that showed exceptional valor while engaged in military combat operations against an enemy force. For their Valor, heroism and achievement to overcome the enemy fire while on a bridge during Operation Bushwhacker these following individuals displayed the highest degree of professionalism, sound judgement, and technical and tactical competence during extremely critical time under fire. Their exceptional performance combined with their untiring pursuit were major factors in the 4th Skye Guards ability to accomplish their objective. Through their distinctive accomplishments they reflect great credit upon themselves and the 4th Skye Guards/Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces.
The Honor of Skye is awarded to
Hauptmann Eugen Broadberry and Leutnant Vera Stanton
NNN (Niles News Network)
February 1st 3030
General Chapman Just announced that a new Charter and Constitution has been created and ratified by members of the Planetary Congress. The New Freedom Federation nation will have a fully functioning government by the end of March. Rumor is that our own Malik Henry will be named as intern President. This is a glorious time in our planet’s history.
INN (Interstellar News Network) Report Release
February 1st 3030
Today the Federated Suns News Service just reported that the Freedom Federation has just ratified a new Charter and a Constitution.
INN sees this as a ploy to cover up the unprovoked attacks from several mercenary groups in league with the First Prince of Federated Suns.
VotD (Voice of the Dragon)
February 1st 3030
Today the rogue mercenaries that has attacked our great nation with no honor, has declared themselves a nation. Everyone in the Combine knows that they are just the lackey dogs of the despicable Fox.
-
Sorry
the chapter was too long for a single post had to split the chapter into two post.
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No worries, many fan stories sometimes do that.
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Agreed! Limits on posts are really not optimal in so many ways... Readers can skip easily, so why limit what writers can post? ???
Seriously... if we can pass the "are you human?" tests, why limit us? ???
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Chapter Twelve
DropShip
Bounty of Blood
Inbound Alegro
Operation Enduring Freedom
19 February 3030
06:25 GST
A month and a half of traveling and it all boils down to this, if they can win the space battle with no damage to the Dropships then the planet will be theirs in a matter of weeks. Because the ground forces are weak, not weak in mind or spirit just weak because there is not a lot of firepower on the ground according to the Intel report. With the battleship running the show the space battle that was about to start should be easy (in the mind of the colonel) as long as the enemy does not get lucky. Even though Colonel Sanzgiri was the overall commander of the invasion. The Commander of Vengeance of Sherry was given complete authority in this battle, in fact all unit members of the ground force were in their sealed cockpits or suits in case the dropship that they were assigned broke apart. So, the colonel had to rely on comms to keep him updated. The plan was simple the fleet deployed in a V formation with DropShuttles in front the assault shuttles in a V formation right behind them. Then the Vengeance and then the dropships followed behind the battleship. As the fleet got closer to the enemy, the squadron of heavy fighters called Aces and Bases launched and attacked with the DropShuttles and assault ships lending cover. At the same time the battleship went to full thrust, the advantage that Vengeance had was its range. When she came into range of the space station the guns on the battleship ignored all other enemy ships and just did a non-stop barrage of laser and AC fire while still moving in closer and closer. Meanwhile the rest of the fleet was weaving in and out of the enemy’s fighters, slowly the advantage in numbers leans towards the Renegades as Outworld Alliance fighters slowly were destroyed. Then the first wave off assault shuttles rushed the space station with the intention of dropping the space marines off in hopes of taking over the now slightly damage station. “One more salvo on the station weapons and then we will cease and focus on the fighters while the marines’ board!” Commander Silerio said. “Roger commander focusing fire on port side by the docks” Commander Madhabi the weapons officer on deck said. At that moment four beams of laser and 5 AC cannons shot out towards the station. Either it was a mistake to fire all those weapons or just a few lucky shots what ever happen, it was totally unpredictable, but Silerio would realize her mistake later was ordering that last salvo. The mistake was just taking fruit in the viewpoint as Commander Silerio watch in horror as the battle station started to break up and explode into smaller pieces. Pieces in which flew across space to unexpected Assault shuttles most of them could weather the storm of debris, but several were damage and three were destroyed along with the several lances of space marines. With the destruction of their battle station what remained of the enemy’s squadrons retreated into the atmosphere of the planet to fight another day.
The colonel slammed his fist into his seat, he wanted that space station intact so that operations could be run from there. Well, that is fine all his dropships survived so he can still accomplish his mission in a few weeks, but that blonde was going to get a piece of his mind…after a few fingers of whiskey that is.
DropShip
Bounty of Blood
Inbound Alegro
Operation Enduring Freedom
19 February 3030
08:21GST
Even though the Colonel was furious about losing the Battle Station he still had a job to complete, as the dropships started to make their way to the planet surface, he recalled the battle plan. He had six dropships all various sizes. Each one had a set zone that they were to land and establish a mobile base, if all goes well then, the dropships will make a kind of circle around the capital at about 200 miles. Then the forces will push in and crush the militia, such as it is, Colonel thought. The planets defenses composed mostly of infantry with just a company of mechs and fighters. On the BattleNet he could hear the fighting going on outside of the dropship, enemy fighters swarming the dropships and assault ships. Helpless in his cockpit the colonel could only listen to the battle, the ebb and flow of men dying, of men screaming of joy at a quick victory in a dog fight, or of men screaming as they slowly burn alive when their ship is hit. Every time one of their own was destroyed he took a shot of whiskey honoring their sacrifice, or so he told himself. The DropShip itself seemed to be taken on damage, it was one of the roughest rides down the gravity well he had experience, especially when he kept spilling his drink. The alarm sounded for a hard landing and then not more than 10 seconds later he felt the jolt from his feet to his head, and the wetness from his spilt whiskey on his chest from that open container that he just took a swig out of. The alarms went off a second time for the Bay doors opening sunlight started to shine in making it at that moment impossible to see outside but with the chatter on the Battle Net the Colonel new the enemy was near. “Command Company, and 10th Armor get out the door and head north, 11th and 12th Armor form a protective perimeter around the Bounty and infantry try to cause as much mischief as possible. GOGOGO” the Colonel announced. It was always an amazing sight to see all the mechs and tanks move out of a dropship looking from the inside out the Colonel could only imagine what the enemy commander was thinking about how the same scene looked on his end.
As the Colonel passed the relative safety of the hanger bay and into the chaos of battle, he took a second to look at his command board. Radar from the fighters and dropship showed most of the militia ground troops up north in the hills and their medium tanks in the town. The plan was going great with all the dropships splitting into six different zones it forced the militia to split up to cover the landings. Within minutes the six medium tanks were burning, seven more militia fighters were broken and burning, and what was left of the troops disappeared with no fight left in them. The same thing was happening all over the planet, with no real force to protect them the militia just fell apart or withdrew with light losses hoping to meet up with other units for a bigger stronger defense against the Renegades. After the first day of battles the Duncan Renegades did suffer losses but most where during the entry of the planets gravity well so the Colonel thought it was a smashing success.
Colonel Sanzgiri set up a temporary Command headquarters in a half-destroyed city hall only because he hated being in a dropship, he always felt trap and it was also harder to drink on a small, closed ship. As he sat in the former mayor chair the Colonel took another gulp of the ex-mayor whiskey, it was very fortunate that he had some in the office since Colonel Sanzgiri ran out during the battle. In two days the six battle units will start marching toward the capital if all goes well the planet will be his at the end of the week.
Fields of Flowers
Outside Capital of Alegro
Operation Enduring Freedom
24 February 3030
10:44 GST
Colonel Sanzgiri was marching his unit through a field of flowers just east of the small capital, hopefully the enemy will give up the planet after this battle especially when he breaks the only mech unit they have. His unit was just coming over the hill and an unexpected obstacle a field of mud appeared. The mechs that were jump capable easily bypassed the mud but him and eight other mechs were stuck. Timing was everything so he called out, “Strike Lance move forward the rest of us will be right behind you as soon as we walk through this crap” the Colonel announced. “Roger Colonel we will try to save you some” Captain Whearty said.
As the Captain survey the battlefield he saw the weak points and hard points of the enemy with most of the force stuck in the mud he was not sure about pushing into the capital. Even though the militia should be easy one should never take that for granted.
“Lance concentrate fire on that raven in sector 2415, we need to get rid of the ECM” he said. After a couple of attempts to take the Raven down other enemy mechs noticed and came to the rescue of the embattle raven. “Lance fire at will all best targets let’s stay alive till the rest of the company shows up” Captain Whearty said. As Captain Whearty watched as another lance turned their attention to him he went on to the Company Battle net. “Actual, Striker we need artillery support in sectors 2514 thru 3214 urgent!” “Roger Striker Bombs in bound artily about 20 min out.” First Lietenant Phong announced from Fire Base Alpha. Captain swapped back to the lance freq “lance hold this fire line air and shells coming soon.” Three clicks came across the radio acknowledging the order.
As the four thunderbirds flew across the field of battle they dove and dropped 10 HE bombs each on the enemy mechs with most of them hitting on target. As the fighters went around for another pass the captain and his team fired all weapons into the enemies’ firing line, destroying three mechs. Just then two PPC lashed out from the enemy taking out the head and killing Command Sergeant Handi Baykurt in his Champion. No time to morn his command sergeant as the enemy started to push harder when all of sudden the Captain heard several big booms behind them and then heard the massive Artillery shells fly overhead.
The speakers in Captains ears crackled to life “Striker, Command we are here right behind you and coming up fast, looks like you saved us some metal, thanks” Colonel Sanzgiri said
“you guys are a welcome sight, command, we soften them up they are all yours” Captain announced.
Shortly after that the militia line started to break, the colonel thought time to push “All units push destroy all enemy forces now.”
As soon as the militia fire line broke another one formed up just south of the original one and destroyed Captain Whearty’ s Rifleman at the same time a militia Archer downed one of the Thunderbirds Aeroplanes luckily both pilots made it.
A pocket Titan was giving the unit a hard time by destroying a wasp and coring out a Warhammer so the Colonel placed a target over its head and announced to kill it. Five seconds later the head pops off due to a Black Knight’s medium laser. “Good job Private Burnard” the Colonel’s fire line edge closer to the city it was evident that the city was going to fall, by now half the infantry for the militia was dead or ran away and only 4 militia mechs were left that could put up any resistance. So, he went across a general radio freq and asked for the militia and the government surrender. With no hope of salvation what was left of the militia laid down their arms and surrendered. The government was quick to follow with an act of mass suicide in the court chambers of the top military and government officials. The planet was officially their now, it only took around 5 days to accomplish this. After about two weeks of repair, RR, and getting a militia set up to rule the planet until a proper government can be set up their next planet for invasion was Dindatari. Until then the Colonel got out his flask and drank some whiskey.
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Chapter Thirteen
Kessel Hotel Dragon Penthouse
Temp HQ 4th Skye Guards
City of Shimonogo
March 3, 3030
0030 GST
General Devlin laid in bed but could not sleep he was restless with numbers and reports constantly going through his mind. O-Dark-30 and wide awake, well might as well get up and do some work he thought to himself. As he got up his bones crackled and pop, reminding him that he was not getting any younger. General Devlin picked up his pad and went to the balcony for some light reading…The Intel report on 12th Sun Zhang Cadre. It has been a little over a week since the last battle, which was for the bridge, and now it looks like if several Cadre companies are on the move again. Devlin thought back to his academy days and remembered how those guys felt…well the ones that lost all the time in Sims, these Sun Zhang guys morale must be on the verge of breaking the general thought. How he thought, how was he going to take advantage of this. He then pulled up the Maintenance report for his Guards and slowly looked at the numbers.
Hauptmann Joshua Ring downed another whiskey as the cheers went up, he thought who knew, that the snakes would have an Irish pub. As he slammed his shot glass down, he yelled out.
“1st Battalion here’s to the 2nd and 3rd and the battle they have won. Here’s to the 4th Skye Guards colors the colors that never run.”
Hauptmann Ulric Greymane and Hauptmann Eugen Broadberry both looked at Ring and then looked at the twelve shot class in front of him and started to bang on the table. They both took their shot class and downed theirs saying a similar toast.
Joshua looked at the two his head was slowly starting to spin and said.
“Ulric, Eugen succumb to the liquor you know the 1st Battalion always wins”
“No never Joshua” said Ulric, “they don’t call me Whiskey for my health” he said as he picked up the shot of whiskey number thirteen.
“Here’s to the soldier who fights and loves, may he never lack for either” and downed his drink. The other two cheered and repeated the toast and took their shot, which is when Eugen slipped off his seat and passed out on the floor. Everyone at the pub inside and out started to chant.
The three Battalion commanders just shook their heads and turned back to each other at a table on the second level overlooking the pub’s floor.
“Well, your man is down again, looks like the 3rd lost the drinking wars again.” Hauptmann-Kommandant Ricardo Stedstrom said.
“Yeah yeah yeah, not all of us can have slushes as company commanders can we Ricardo” Hauptmann-Kommandant Kalegg Vogun shot back, all three of them started to laugh as they took shots of their own.
“This down time has been good for the morale and whiskey sales!!” yelled Hauptmann-Kommandant Nicholas Robel, as another round of the whiskey war between the two company commanders in the lower lever went off without someone passing out.
“Yes Nicholas it will be good to get back on the field!!” Kalegg yelled, as another round went off without a winner.
Ring was now seeing double, and seeing double of Ulric was almost enough to make on puke he took shot number sixteen held it up to block Ulric’s face and said,
“Here’s health to you and the Guard, which we are proud to serve, in many…. That is when Ring head plopped on the table as he passed out, Cheers and boos went out as Ulric was once again the winner and undefeated champion of the whiskey wars.
General Devlin was studying all the maps and Intel report when he heard the soft rippling of cheers and boos coming from the pub down the street. Even this high up he could still hear the drinking games of his men. He would put good money that Ulric won if it involved whiskey. Devlin went back inside and shut the door, he had a plan now, and if this succeeded the Sun Zhang might not recover. If it failed the guards would be crush and he would have to order a withdraw, having six battles stretching over two continents is a risky move but the rewards outweigh the risk. He sent his battle plan out to his three Battalion commanders and set it for execution by 1600 and went to sleep.
The plan was a simple one, instead of letting the enemy out flank them General Devlin sent the 2nd Battalion to deal with the three companies of mechs. He sent the 1st Battalion to attack Firebase Beta located about 200 miles south and then he sent the 3rd Battalion to attack the city of Nobeji. Spreading his forces thin General Devlin thought he saw another way to push the enemy to the breaking point, he called the armor battalion commander and told him to load up on the dropship Concordia along with three squadrons of aerospace loaded with bombs and his command lance they set off to attack yet another target. Six targets in one day, yup thought Devlin spreading the guard thin. So, he called up the reserve/training company to tell them they were to join him. With all those pilots ultra-green it should be an exciting time for them in their first battle. Well Devlin thought you got to get your cherry pop sometime might as well be with him in battle.
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Chapter Fourteen
Kessel
Battlefield
March 4, 3030
1630 GST
Vogun looked across his command board, good all present and accounted for, “Stallions!!! Hopefully last night has disappear from your memories and you are clear minded. We are about to enter the town don’t take the industrial mechs lightly this is our first battle except for Broadberry’s company so keep sharp and let’s show that the third battalion is the best, Vogun out”
As they entered the city the first few blocks were a ghost town and then it happened about a dozen mechs attacked the 4th Slayer took aim in his new mech fired both gauss slicing a LoaderMech into two. His wing man at that time fired his two LRM 20 at another LoaderMech destroying it.
Grass field 400 miles Northeast
Hauptmann Greymane was the first to notice the radar hits, his head was pounding though, while last night was fun and he successfully defended his drinking title he was paying for it now. Ulric shook his head wondering if General Devlin did this on purpose. Luckily this battle will be quick out in the
open and no cover for the enemy, “Enemy right in front of us engage and destroy” with that the closest MechWarrior Corporal Kolwezi fired his AC20 at a mercury mech and blew its head off. “Nice shot Corporal keep it up” Ulric said.
Grass field about 100 miles further east
Leftenant Punj saw the enemy first moving due south, it looks like 5th Company got the upper hand she said to herself. After she relayed it to the rest of the company she awaited orders from her superiors, and then it came in the form of gauss guns and LRMs and the tag along 2nd Battalion Commander, “Company this is Xenon fire at will at the targets painted by Leftenant Punj and fired upon by myself.” Right after that Punj saw that the Awesome Xenon fired at blew up with a ammo explosion. Leftenant Jatoi fired next in her Awesome seriously damaging a Warhammer she went up to it and gave it a good kick in the chest exploding the machine gun ammo which killed the pilot, the militia commander.
Grass field 300 miles south
The 4th Company was entangled in a heated battle with a company of 12th Sun Zhang Cadre. Hauptmann Weir was one of the lucky ones he went home early last night, unfortunately he noticed that his unit was a little lose/tight. “4th Company get your ass in gear or you will lose it, these guys are no pushovers wake your asses up!” Right as he said that Private Ai in his Hatchetman left leg was blown off. “I am ok” the private said over the net “just a bump on my head.”
Firebase Beta
Arithion looked out towards the base at the very narrow cross way and knew that this could be very bad luckily it was not as heavily defended as the Intel reports suggested. The whole 1st Battalion was here three full companies although Arithion knew that one commander was under the weather.
“Ring take you company and swing right after we cleared the isthmus and Badger you take your company and swing left, Dohon take your company and follow me up the middle” three yes sir replied back.
Leftenant Stanton in her Longbow fired all 50 lrms at long range, she was known as ‘dead shot’ and her nick name did not disappoint with 41 of 50 hitting a grand dragon destroying it as the dragon’s ammo blew up.
As Ring’s company cleared the isthmus he lost his signal and communication with the rest of the unit. His training kicked in and he followed the plan hopefully the rest of his company sticks with the plan. Ring then starts actively search for the mech that could have an ECM package on board.
30 minutes later
At Nobeji City
The defense of the city was breaking most of the industrial mechs were destroyed or abandon. Corporal Gautier ‘Miss Skye’ (a few years ago she won the pageant) fired at the grand dragon hiding behind a school building she took out his left leg and right arm. The Grand Dragon’s ammo exploded but did not kill the mech instead the explosion killed three MechWarriors on the ground and an industrial mech. That Grand Dragon was the Commander of the base when he lost his leg and arm his comm went down and the defense of the base was over.
DropShip Concordia and Dropship Piercer
General Devlin with his mix bag of units took off from the spaceport on their way to attack a base that was about 500 miles away from the planetary capital on the main continent. On the way over a company of infantry shock troopers being carried by Cobra Transport VTOL connected with the dropships and the wing of fighters. Intel showed that some of the Skye Guards MIAs were being held prisoner at this base so the plan was to distract the enemy with aerospace bombing and then Devlin’s command lance and the reserve group which numbered nine heavy mechs all green as green can be would drop and cause additional distraction. Then the troops were to go in and rescue the prisoners. General Devlin was watching the other battles take place due to combat satellites being place around the planet. Nobeji City just fell so Devlin turned his attention to the battles in the grass plains they all looked pretty much wrapped up with minimum lost to the Guards. Firebase Beta was still going on, so Devlin tuned to the freq and listen in to the 1st Battalion in action Arithion was talking on the net.
Firebase Beta
“…must find the ECM mech and take it down all warriors that is your goal when you move into the affected area, we have to get communications back with Ring’s group.” Hauptmann-Kommandant Stedstrom announced.
An Atlas released most of his weapons at a locust destroying it by taking off the whole right side of the mech as the little locust fell Private1st Class Ozon had hope that was the mech that was carrying the ECM package, but it was not damn it his first kill ever and he could not gloat about it over the net.
On the other side of the base 2nd Company was making good progress once they got out from under the ECM bubble. A hunchback for the 4th destroyed a Grand Dragon causing a LRM Ammo explosion destroying the Sun Zhang Panther in front of it.
Corporal Dorner was getting frustrated when he saw that some of his classmates from the academy were getting kills, so he was determined to get some. That is when a Kessel Militia Lancelot turned and fired on him, he had just enough time to eject before his mech was blown to pieces.
Ring knew he had to find the ECM mech the missile lock alarm started to scream at Tiny he turned his mech to the left and saw a Stingray diving in his direction. He waited till the last moment taking serious damage to his left chest before he fired his large laser and AC10 just as the Stingray flew over, the hit from both weapons forced the aerospace into a spin and crashed into the ocean. Ring then turned his sites on the rifleman that was firing at him, luckily for him the Cadet was missing. He then moved to the right for a better look at the Rifleman and fired another round of AC10 and the large laser, the later hitting the head and downing the Rifleman.
Some of the 4th Skye Guards were not doing so good three pilots overheated their mechs to the point of explosion.
Hauptmann Von Wolfhouse fired all four of his medium lasers from his Javelin and took out Dragoon mech and then the ECM bubble collapse, the Dragoon exploded and killed the pilot, the commander of the militia.
A second later a window open up for Arithion and he fired his two gauss and two AC20 at the Longbow that was sitting on top of the main building. This Longbow had caused several Guards mechs to overheat trying to take him out. All weapons from Arithion hit their target blowing up the Longbow with the commander of the Sun Zhang Cadre for this battle in the mech. Just like that the enemy scatter like roaches when the light is turned on and the 4th Skye Guards won another battle.
Dropship Piercer Leopard Class
General Devlin saw that all the battles were going well and was really entering the mop up stage when the alert sound for five minutes out sounded. Devlin rushed to his mech and powered it up putting it in standby for the assault drop.
Building 443 Firebase Puma
Tai-i Coskum looked on at the sorry lot of these 4th Skye Guard scum, how could they have destroyed so much so fast if only he could be on the front lines and not babysitting/torturing/killing these animals. Today he had the 12th Sun Zhang Company Armor Commander with him watching the event and the dude already threw up twice. Good for him he needed a reminder that war is real. The Militia Commander looked at the current torture victim,
“Tesia, how is the flyboy” he asked Heishi Tesia Franczak a female that knew how to get info from men.
“Sir this one is dead that makes seven of the fourteen that prefer death over giving up intel I am sorry, but this lot is tougher than we was briefed.”
“No worries, Tesia just move on to the next one we still have seven maybe one will break if not at least we won’t have to feed them anymore” the commander said.
The alarm started to sound and the radio on the commander’s belt went active. “Sir unauthorized flyers looks like several aerospace, VTOLs and two dropships!!”
“Activate all personnel we will kill them,” yes thought Coskum finally I will show my superiors that I should be fighting and not babysitting as he ran out the door to get into his Excalibur.
Dropship Piercer Leopard Class
“Guards this is Devlin remember the building on the east side of the complex is where Intel says our guys are being held, we must not damage that building. Squadrons will bomb and harass the enemy that are in the middle of the base, My command lance will drop just outside of the base along with the other mechs from Concordia then she will land by the front of the base and unload the armor companies. WE will rescue our brothers never leave a man behind!” With that he terminated the link and waited for the drop.
The Aerospace squadrons were the first ones there and they all dived bomb all eleven planes dropped half of their payload, as they all pulled up at once and inspected the carnage on the ground four enemy tanks were destroyed six enemy mechs had moderate to heavy damage on them.
Leftenant-Kaptain Raksha saw the success of his units, “well done Wing, well done. set up for another pass and attack”
As the wing was setting up for another pass Devlin and his command lance landed from the assault drop and made their way to the front passage (the only way in and out of the base by foot).
On the second pass the Aerospace Fighter used their lasers and strafe the enemy still another heavy hover transport and a blackjack blew up. An enemy mech decided to go outside the wall to see what was going on, Devlin suppose, but it ended up badly for him since Devlin lined up his powerful weapons and destroyed the Hatchetman with hits from a gauss and AC20.
The Cobra Transports were coming in low across the hills trying to avoid enemy fire the shock troops were ready, being in the infantry in this time period was the most dangerous and it took a special man or woman to step out on the battlefield with 100 ton bots moving around. Today Leutnant Klaeber had a mission that he could get everyone into, saving Guard members.
“As soon as the light turns green we jump and make our way to the building is that clear” Leutnant Klaeber said to his troops what he heard coming back on the infantry battle net made him proud…..”huuuuaaaahhhhhh, huuuuuaaaaahhhhh,huuuuuuuaaaaaahhhhh……….” The chanting continued until the enemy started firing at them.
The Aerospace Fighters were causing the most damage and the enemy seemed to have no way of stopping the Wing peeled off in pairs and just rolled in destroying at will within another ten minutes five more armor and three more mechs were destroyed. An enemy Hunchback did get a lucky shot off destroying one of the cobra transports as they were entering the base proper destroying the VTOL and all troops inside. The other ten VTOL dropped their cargo off safely and moved to a safe distance hoovering for the call to come back in for pickup.
All the fighting was now taking place at the front entrance, Militia Tanks and Mechs were being destroyed along with the Sun Zhang force but an Ontos heavy tank for the12th Sun Zhang had a target solution on the dropship that landed a few moments ago Closing his eyes the gunner fired all medium lasers all hit at the exact location penetrating the Dropship taking out her power and the bay, causing 90% of the Skye Ranges Armor to be stuck inside a tomb.
Devlin moved his 200 ton mech into the entrance of the base and just started to cripple everything in his sight, destroying a Devastator Heavy tank and a hunchback along the way
The infantry made it to the door of the building penetrated it using shape charges, upon entering several troops threw up in their helmets. No matter what type of man or woman you were, no matter how much cold steel you
think your blood is, nothing prepared anyone for the sight they saw. Seven bodies piled up in a corner cut and mutilated, flies were landing on the dead bodies. One female stripped naked with her legs and arms broken and slashes all over her body was hanging up and six other prisoners where huddle together in a 5x5 cell. One of the troopers called out “sir she is alive!!!! We need the medic over here”
Devlin was punishing the enemy when he heard the battle net crackle and come to life
“We have our boys come get us, seven dead one critical the other six will be ok. Sir they tortured our guys, I mean it is sickening.”
The enemy must have known that the prisoners were rescued, the mechs all moved to the south side and jumped the wall running away, none of the enemy armor survived.
Next day
General Devlin looked over the new Intel report, looks like the Sun Zhang estimated losses sits at almost 2 full mech battalions and 2 armor companies, let’s hope this breaks them Kreedo thought.
Capital City Amagi
Chu-Sa Petrovich DiLenardo sat in the bathtub with rose pedals floating on top, how did it come to this she thought. Maybe Mies Kuria was right she was not fit for command. Her unit had lost so much, all just cadets. She looked at the pad in her hand and signed the order, the order to retreat to move off planet, once they left, all that would be left is a battle torn world and a militia that could not defend a grocery store let alone a planet. The 12th Sun Zhang Cadre will move to the planet Shitara, under the command of her XO Sho-Sa Himiko Kogawa. As Petrovich got out of the tub she moved over to her display of her family swords. Slowly caressing her Katna she moved over and took her small samurai Tanto blade and thrust it into her gut thereby fulling a family honor tradition. In her dying moments she thought at least I got my suicide right.
Tai-sa Schifferer was woken up by the thunderous sounds, he jumped up and ran to his window what he saw was all the 12th Sun Zhang dropships taking off.
“Command Room! What in the hell is going on!!” Schifferer yelled
“Sir, they said they had orders to leave just before they took off a security team busted into Chu-Sa DiLenardo’s apt and she was found in the bathroom naked, dead from an apparent Seppuku.” The voice said over the speakers.
“And you did not think to call me!!” Schifferer replied
“Sir, you beat me to it.”
Schifferer ended the call and made a mental note to kill that person he was just talking to.
“Sir”
“Yes?” General Devlin replied
“Sir reports from orbit the 12th Sun Zhang dropships left the planet”
“Thanks Sergeant”
Well, that worked General Devlin thought now if only the militia would just surrender.
Kessel
Firebase Puma
March 6, 3030
0800 GST
General Devlin looked out from the command perch and surveyed the furious work that was going on, had been going on since late on the 4th of March after the last militia mech went down or ran away. Something was not sitting right with his gut, and over the years he had learned to trust his gut. He reached for his SAT radio.
“Hauptmann Grossman and Lewis come in over”
Both of them said “yes sir” in almost the same time.
“Mcjomar, Oblivious nice to hear from you so quickly, SITREP” Devlin asked
“Sir, Grossman here, we just unloaded from our transport, and we have about a five hours’ march left before we arrive at your location.”
“Ok try to get here as fast as you can, we are shorthanded on Dropships until the others return from the JumpShips with supplies so you will have to run those mechs, I have a feeling I will need you two soon.” Devlin announced
“Roger sir, out”
Kessel Capital City Amagi
Tai-sa Schifferer was still furious, even after he shot that dumb ass that failed to notify him about the 12th Sun Zhang departure. As he looked over the satellites imagines he was glad that the satellites were still secure even though the Steiner scum kept trying to break the code. He then noticed something, the first mistake that the enemy commander made, his forces were stretched thin and four of his dropships where not on planet at the moment. Mmmm he said out loud to himself since no one else was there, if I muster all my forces and attack I will outnumber the guard three to one and if I can kill their commander the Guard will scatter like roaches exposed to light.
Kessel Firebase Protection (formally known as Puma)
General Devlin hung up the SAT radio and sighed a little and thought to himself glad that is taken care off. Then Corporal Busca knocked on the door jam, “Sir, call is coming in from Lyran Command” “Thanks Busca” Devlin turned on the view screen and General Steiner’s face was already there.
“General Steiner, what can I do you for?”
“General Devlin it is I that will be doing you a service” she said “It is my understanding that four of your dropships are currently docked at the JumpShip Agir”
“Yes, General your Intel is very accurate, they are picking up supplies and a couple of replacement MechWarriors, four Lieutenants to be exact.” Devlin said.
“Very good General, there will be a week’s delay on their return back to you” as she let that sink in she continued, “reason being is that a mercenary group called BlackJack will be coming with them on their dropship, they will be garrisoning the planet. If you have not won the planet by the time they get there do what you want with them, the commander understands and will comply, Steiner out.”
General Devlin just looked at the blank screen, Nondi Steiner never stops surprising him, sometimes he wonders if she enjoys the looks, she gets.
Corporal Busca showed back up at the door and Devlin thought boy she is a sneaky person.
“Sir, Intel report from our forward guards, the militia is making a move looks like everything they can muster and then some heading this way.”
“Thanks, Corporal sound the alarm and have Hauptmann-Kommandant Robel report to me.”
Battlefield
2 hours later
General Devlin was thankful for the rain, simply because it had slowed the advancement of the enemy as the dirt gave way to mud. He would give credit to the militia they knew how to build a firebase; the main part of the base was concrete surrounded by a wall of concrete and dirt. What was even better was the only safe and quick way to the base was through a series of man-made
valleys only jump mechs, infantry and aerospace could traverse through the mountain ranges that towered over these valleys, and now mud. His troops were on top of the mountains spotting for artillery although due to the nature of the mountains and the man-made valley landing hits on the enemy was still a problem. Radar showed that enemy fighters were inbound, so Devlin order his three squadrons to intercept and destroyed, with second objective to drop bombs on the enemy. The initial contact between the two aerospace units was just amazing. Contrails crisscrossing the sky and explosions. He watched as one of the Guards thunderbirds did a maneuver to knock anyone’s socks off and position himself right behind a militia guardian fighter destroying it midair. On that first contact the guard destroyed four militia fighters without much damage to themselves.
Things were starting to get hairy for the infantry, so Devlin order the cobra transports to go pick them up and bring them back to the barracks the enemy was about twenty minutes away from being in line of site. A fog rolled in after the rain anyway preventing the infantry from doing an accurate spotting job.
The fighters broke free and started to bomb the tanks. Guard’s Aerofighters took out seven enemy tanks that were coming up from the south passage, but the militia was able to destroy five of the guard’s various tanks. Xenon took aim and destroyed an enemy mechbuster fighter with his gauss rifle and Devlin followed suit by destroying a mechbuster also with the gauss rifle. The enemy fighters were able to drop several HE bombs onto Devlin some of the damage was to the head of his machine as sparks fly in his cockpit a large medal sheet fell from up above causing a laceration on his right arm, thankfully it was not too bad. When Devlin looked at his status expecting the worse having five HE bombs dropped on him he saw that his arms and chest armor were still well over 90% intact the only thing he would have to worry about is his head he had lost nearly half of his armor in that attack. Devlin twisted his torso about 140 degree and waited for that fighter to come into range as soon as it did he fired his gauss again destroying it.
Out of the fog on the east side came something Devlin did not expect nor did he know it was possible a secret passage through the mountain that only locals knew about, in just a few moments what was a clean and peaceful plateau became crowded with 40 industrial mechs firing LRMs at his position. Damnit, he thought I really hate industrial mechs. Two of the Guards mechs went down and stayed down they weren’t destroyed just cripple to the point of not being useful. Devlin was happy that he was in this mech and jump off the wall into the valley below to make a push towards the industrial mechs he sent a message to his armor and what was left of the mechs to focus on the enemy’s armor and mechs that he will take on these industrial mechs himself and then proceeded to
destroy an industrial mech mid-sentence. What was left of the squadrons helped Devlin by strafing the industrial mechs softening up their armor for him.
One Hour Later
The 7th and 9th companies showed up for the fight from the north valley and rushed to engage the enemy mechs that was pushing in from the east. Things were looking up for the Guard The General thought as he punched a hole through another industrial mech making it the 7th mech destroyed by his gauss rifle. Pretty soon he will close enough to use his fist he thought. Then an alert came across his battle computer 40 more enemy mechs coming in from behind the 7th and 9th company. When he went to make the call his radio went to static, an ECM unit is around, Damnit Devlin thought hopefully the commanders over there notice what was sneaking up on them.
Tai-sa Schifferer thought his plan was working perfectly his armor unit even though being slowed by the mud and bombs were making progress the local civilians showing up through the passage with their industrial mechs was brilliant. His two companies of mechs where about to the intersection and then he would be in range to fire against the enemy commander. The only issue he was having which the other commander was surely now having was that these man-made valleys caused an almost perfect block to any communication outside of a few meters causing an almost natural ECM affect. For that reason, he almost shits his pants when his unit got to the intersection only to run into more enemy mechs. Where in the hell did these guys come from? They were not part of the initial count for the enemy, they must have just got here ahead of the security mechs being brought in from the factory. As the 9th Company of the 4th Skye Guards engaged the two companies of enemy mech units the 7th Company of the 4th Skye Guards were moving into position to engage when one of its Atlas’ on the back row fell over. When Hauptmann Grossman notice he called over the net.
“Company this is ‘Obvious’ what is going on”
“Sir, about 44 mechs just showed up behind us they are only firing machine guns guess they found a weak spot in the back”
Right as he said that a victor went down that was right beside the Atlas.
“Ok 7th Company turn around and take care of these guys.” Hauptmann Grossman said over the com.
Things were looking bad now for Guards the General thought, four more mechs from the reserve unit was down Xenon was out of Gauss ammo and was
running low on AC20 ammo. The 7th and 9th companies were being overrun, and the armor unit was almost whipped out and still the enemy was advancing. The only positive was because of him and his air support almost all the industrial mechs were destroyed, he was up to thirteen kills and the day was not even over yet. As the last of the industrial mechs went up in flames General Devlin turned his focus on the enemy armor battalion that had been whittled down to about a company and a half but was still coming. His left arm was in the red and his left leg in the yellow, all his gauss ammo and LRMs were gone but he still had his lasers and a few AC20 ammo left so he moved as quickly as possible toward the tank battle to lend a hand to his tank personnel.
Xenon was moving as fast as he could in his big fat mech 200 tons sounds really good but not when you need to be somewhere fast.
With Devlin softening up the tanks the Guards tanks (what was left of them) were able to make a push and started to rack up the kills. Just then the radio broke the static and a woman’s voice became clear.
“I repeat this is First Leftenant Dorothy Guevarra of the Dropship Ajax we are inbound and will be dropping off the 2nd Battalion in 5 mic. I repeat this is…”
“Leftenant, good to hear your voice this is General Devlin drop the men off at point 1819 land and lend fire support over”
With the showing of the dropship Tai-sa Schifferer knew it was over the planet was lost and his gamble was a bust right as he was thinking this a Warhammer from the 4th Skye Rangers put lasers into his cockpit killing the commander of the militia instantly.
Kessel
Capital City Amagi
Main Street
As Devlin marched down main street in his war torn mech with all three battalions of mechs following behind him a sense of pride overcame him. In the 4th Skye Guards first real action as a regiment they came out on top. It took 31 days, he had lost 162 men mostly infantry and lost several mechs. But he gained a planet back from Kurita for the Lyran Commonwealth, gained about 20 mechs from the militia and 12th Sun Zhang that will be refurbished and used in the next battle and several of his people received awards and recognition for the deeds that was done in battle. As Devlin stopped at the foot of the capital building he exited his mech and went to the mic that was prepared for him.
“People of Kessel rejoice do not be scared, the Lyran Commonwealth is back Kessel is now free under our flag instead of being occupied by Kurita. The governor has been removed and the rightful ruler has been placed in his stead.”
A week later the Dropships showed up from the JumpShip as the passengers came off the transport they were greeted by the General and his XO of the 4th Skye Guards. “Hello and welcome to the fourth.” As General Devlin shook the hands of the four lieutenants they gave their name rank and callsign to him.
“Sir, Leftenant Markus Caspersen callsign Davash at your service”
“Sir, Leftenant Callum Wraight callsign Swordlord at your service”
“Sir, Leftenant Calum Evered callsign Phildor at your service”
“Sir, Leftenant Ricard Holzman callsign Lorentz at your service”
General Devlin looked over the men and nodded approval. “Good my XO here will get you settled I have pressing matters to attend to, once again welcome and don’t worry this planet is won but I am sure there will be other planets and battles to fight.” With that Devlin walked away and right to the mercenary commander.
“Hello Maj McGirk, a long way from the periphery and pirating ways I see”
Jack McGirk was actually taken by surprise he did not think anyone in the Lyran Commonwealth knew about his past.
“Um yes sir it is but I am here now in service of the Lyran Commonwealth with the hopes of kicking some snake tail.”
“All in due time I am sure once you get the new militia up and running here that the Steiner’s will make use of your hatred for Kurita.
“Yes General” Jack said also “I have a data crystal here for you from General Nondi Steiner” With that he gave a sharp salute and left.
General Devlin inserted the crystal when he got back to his office and read the message.
General Devlin I have two things for you, first is at the end of the month pack up your things and move on, your next target is the planet Vega. The second
item is that I am leaving to personally oversee the Marik battlefront. I am leaving in charge an old friend of yours, he will be in charge of the Kurita front and has all the authority as I would. Please welcome Hauptmann-General Alexandria Fury when you get a chance, I am sure he will be calling in on you soon.
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Chapter Fifteen
Capital City
Shiloh
HQ 1st Sirian Lancer
CO office Colonel Ginny Ebaugh
10 March 3030
12:00GST
Colonel Ebaugh eyes were tired, she toss the last report down on her table and sighed. Standing up and stretching her aching body she said out loud, “Three months into this war and looks like they are going to ignore the Free World League this time, I don’t know if I should be happy or offended.” She proceeded around her desk and thought to herself that it was lunch time, she was hungry and was going to the restaurant down the block. The door almost hit her in the face as her aid rolled into the room not expecting his commander to be by the door.
“Oh, I am sorry Colonel, I did not realize you was standing by the door.”
“Lieutenant, what in the heck are you doing, I was headed out for lunch what is your rush?”
“Colonel, Lyran Commonwealth dropships are inbound they are around 7 days out according to our long range sensors.”
“Shit,” the Colonel said. “What about our outpost they should have made contact way before now.”
“Ma’am they weren’t due for a check in for two more days, when we tried to contact them there was nothing but static.”
“We will morn them later after we defeat these Steiners, do we know who is coming? And how many dropships are coming?”
No Ma’am we still don’t know who they are, but it looks like eleven dropships are inbound.”
‘Ok Lieutenant, order the unit on high alert we won’t redeploy anyone until we can tell where the dropships are coming down.
DropShip Aether
Command Bridge
Six days out from Shiloh
11 March 3030
Hauptmann General Ryan Hawkins loved being in combat but there was several things or phases if you will that he hated, first was right now the spiral down to the planet from the Zenith Jump Point sometimes took forever, like this one which is 25 days of full thrust. Assault Drops are not fun either since you have no power to alter course from the enemy firing on you, and finally the other last thing he did not like in combat is his troops dying. As he contemplated this his aid knocked on the door jam. “Sir, I have communique from our operatives on the ground.”
“Thanks, just lay it on my desk and close the door, I am going to look over this report, don’t disturb me until I am done.”
“Yes, sir”
When Hawkins was first given the task to invade Shiloh, he had four of his most trusted operatives penetrate the planet and gather information. It has been two months since he heard from them, so it was good to get this now.
Hi dad.
Mom is upset, she has all her chickens spread out on the farm and just heard you are coming home. She has not figured out where to put the coup for the chickens, but the eggs are still in the house, Rosters are spread over certain areas to. Love you cannot wait for you to get here hurry up before mom figures out exactly when you will be here, I want her surprised.
Your son
Jeb
As Hawkins read that letter, he thought about what it really meant. The commander of the 1st Sirian Lancers still has her troops protecting all major towns on the planet and the troops are still in the capital. In three days, the commander of the Lancers will see the pattern of the dropships and predict where those ships are landing. If she saw all twelve together, she would have over a day to move mechs to the capital. So, he decided to have the four Dropships with all his mechs land in the capital and then split up the other 8 around the planet maybe this will keep the commander at bay and not move any heavy equipment to the capital.
Colonel Ginny Ebaugh ordered her troops out to the possible 10 sites that the DropShips appeared to be heading. With double the defense force at the power plant 200 miles south of the capital, since three drop ships seem to be targeting it, which made since because it was the main power source for region. In the back of her mind though she thought something was not right about how the DropShips deployed and made their approach obvious.
DropShip Aether
Mech Bay
Hawkins in his Atlas Cockpit
Entering Shiloh atmosphere
1145 GST
17 March 3030
The waiting, he hated the waiting, he also hated the dropping out of a functioning dropship being hit by flax and lasers before he landed. The BattleNet came alive with the commander of the dropship.
“General Hawkins, this is command deck we are approaching the upper atmosphere is maneuver Beta still a go?”
“Yes, notify all commands and get us to assault drop ASAP”
“Roger that sir, command deck out.”
Now for the wait before all hell breaks loose.
Shiloh
Power Plant
Col. Ebaugh
cockpit Commando
1201 GST
17 March 3030
Col. Ebaugh was tapping at her console the enemy had entered the atmosphere around 15 minutes ago, where the hell are they, there should be three dropships in view of optics by now. Then the radio screeched and the voice on the other end sounded confused.
“Col Ebaugh come in, Col Ebaugh come in please”
“Ebaugh here identify yourself.”
“Sorry Ma’am, but we were wrong four dropships including the ones that were supposed to come to you are headed to the capital, the other dropships have taken to an orbit posture. In fact, looks like they are landing right on top of the ca…………….“ the man’s voice disappeared in a sea of static. They must be jamming the signal she thought. She opened the battalion BattleNet signal.
“Lancers we have been tricked we must make full haste to the capital; it is under siege.”
Even at full haste due to some of the slower mechs it will still be around 3 hours before they arrived.
DropShip Aether
Mech Bay
Hawkins in his Atlas cockpit
1230 GST
17 March 3030
The bay light turned from red to yellow meaning the assault drop was about to take place. When the command deck called Hawkins and notified him that the maneuver worked the closest mech group was around two to three hours away, but the enemy was able to concentrate most of the infantry around the government building in the middle of the city. Also, the Fighters arrived and had started to drop bomb on the infantry and city.
The light turned green the mech bays open and because he is who he is the commander of the 4th Skye Rangers Hawkins was the first mech to jump out.
Capital City
Shiloh
17 March 3030
13:30 GST
As Hawkins fell through the air preparing for the sea of infantry hell, he saw his Aerospace Wing swoop in and start their bombing run. The general really did not want to destroy the capital but unfortunately the Sirian Lancers were set up inside buildings all over the city. With the bombing hundreds of troops were dying. As he got closer to the ground some of his other MechWarriors landed early due to their dropships being closer to the ground. One of his troops, Maria-Lourdes Rondolo landed off target landing on a building crashing through the roof and causing the rest of the building to cave in on the Zeus.
“Recruit Rondolo! Are you ok” General Hawkins yelled in the microphone.
Maria shook her head and took notice of her situation; her Zeus right arm was critical damage.
“General, I am ok a little shaken and my machine’s right arm is damage, but I am ok.”
Some laser fire bounced off Hawkins’ Atlas, only a little armor was destroyed but nothing of importance. He continued to watch as the fighters dropped bombs in the city destroying both men and buildings. Several infantry troops targeted a Hunchback that had just landed and was moving out to engage them. The Trebuchet that was next to the Hunchback took a hit from an Autocannon to the head but stayed upright. The pilot Private 1st Class Myong-Suk Sletvod took a hit to his body when a piece of metal cut his arm from his elbow to his shoulder he was still moving forward looking at his arm when a Zeus came barreling out of a destroyed building, right then an Autocannon, meant for Sletvod hit the Zeus in the head knocking Rondolo unconscious and causing the Zeus to fall back into the destroyed building. Another Autocannon fired out and took out the Gyro of Private 1st Class Cardenas Hatchetman.
General Hawkins saw all this happen in a matter of minutes while he was still dropping, he had wanted to be the first on the ground, but some dropship pilot got frisky and dropped his troop lower causing damage to the dropship.
“Wing commander, this is Hawkins target sector 3245 to 2745 there are some heavy infantry artilleries chewing us up there.”
“Roger Zipper, this is Cieoco will be bombing them to hell in 2 minutes”
Sure, enough the building and troops were gone from that area 3 minutes after Hawkins order the bombing run.
Hawkins even though he knew what was coming still was not ready for the carnage. The enemy infantry was so busy focusing on the mechs that had dropped, that they did not notice the DropShips had stopped dropping mechs instead started coming down hard and fast for a landing.
Hawkins watch in horror as the DropShips landed on the enemy infantry all four DropShips landed at the same time with a loud crunch killing hundreds of enemy troops by smashing them to death or burning them to death with the engines.
As the rest of the 4th Skye Rangers started to pour out of the Mech Bays the enemy tried to make a stand, by forming a firing line on the northeast side of the city. They were able to cripple several mechs before Hawkins’ force overpowered them. Meanwhile the fighters were flying back for another bombing run and now the DropShips were able to target ground forces with their side laser/LRM/cannons. They always say the first ones on the ground always get hit the hardest, hence the reason Hawkins wanted to go first. As he watched the Zeus tried to get back up but a dedicated heavy guns infantry unit that was hidden hit the Zeus in the head ripping the head off. Zipper saw the body of the pilot Rondolo draped over a destroyed beam her body itself was laying there cut in half. About 50 feet away Leutnant Huggett piloting the Hunchback that made first contact blew up because the engine safety shutdown failed. Hawkins and the first MechWarriors that drop were in the middle of the city with the capital building to the left it was chaos, and carnage. Dead bodies litter the streets. He had just lost three mechs right here in the center. Reports from the other dropships were extremely better with no loses yet. General Hawkins tracked his next target it looked like there was an infantry unit on the roof of the capital building, and they were tracking something. As soon as General Hawkins fired his PPC, medium lasers, and SRMs the infantry fired off their cannon, while the infantry unit died by Hawkins perfect aim, one of the Skye Rangers medical EVAC VTOLs on its way to rescue a MechWarrior. The VTOL fell from the sky crushing Leutnant Jeanette Finnoy the very MechWarrior that the Medical EVAC was trying to help. The battle continued and then within a matter of minutes the enemy broke and started to scatter. From the time Hawkins dropped out of the Dropship until the enemy turn tail and ran it was 45 minutes.
Capital City
Shiloh
17 March 3030
14:10 GST
Colonel Renard Lake the commander of the 1st Sirian Lancer infantry division was in trouble. Him and what was left of his command lance was on top of the capital building when all four of the enemy’s dropships just dropped out of the sky and landed. The view that Colonel Lake saw almost caused him to have a mental break. Something happen though when those dropships landed, the jamming was over and he was able to finally call his commander.
“Colonel Ebaugh come in Colonel Ebaugh come in this is Lake”
Colonel Ebaugh had her lancers at full speed running through the plains of yellow just south of the capital she had about hour left but she already lost a mech due to the idiot pilot tripping over some farming equipment tearing the foot, knee, and hip actuator she was shaking her head in disappointment when her radio crack expectantly since that net was associated with the units within the capital.
“Colonel Ebaugh come in Colonel Ebaugh come in this is Lake”
“Lake this is Ebaugh looks like the jamming has lifted report.”
“Ma’am we have taken heavy loses these devils have landed right on top of my men in the middle of the town.” In the background she could hear the fighting going on, one of his staff members yell and she could hear it as the Colonel paused from his report.
“Sir! We have a lock on a ship flying towards us” said the unknown soldier.
“Don’t ask permission fire on it NOW!” “Sorry about that Colonel Ebaugh, anyway I have lost almost 2 regiments of troops and………..”
The radio went dead but it was not the jamming starting again, it was as though Colonel Lake was not there anymore.
The radio went live again with a new female voice.
“Colonel Ebaugh this is Lt. Col Raimundi commander of the 8th Battalion, the commander is dead the Capital roof which is where he was at is destroyed, I think I am the highest ranking officer what is your orders ma’am”
Colonel Ebaugh thought about it for a second and then said, “retreat move out of the city we will be there in an hour thank you for trying we will take it from here.”
Capital City
Shiloh
17 March 3030
14:30 GST
Hawkins looked at the carnage and knew he did not have time to clean the city up. He ordered his troops to form a picket line in the south side of the city since there was a battalion of mechs coming up from that area.
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Chapter Sixteen
Capital City
Shiloh
17 March 3030
13:30 GST
Colonel Batten took his 1st Battalion to the edge of the Southside of the capital, most of his men where already there and about seven out of the forty mechs he had, were moderate or heavy damage the rest were good, but no one had the chance for resupply. So, depending on what type of enemy mechs will depend on his success.
“Command, 1st Company I really hate this Locust, when will we get better and bigger mechs boss.” Captain Trydal said.
“Stop bitching and just do the job with the mech you have, and don’t play the pudding song.” Colonel Batten replied.
As Batten waited for the enemy, he stole a quick moment to think on his company commanders.
1st Company, Hauptmann Trydal, smart kid, loves the pudding song too much, he is a better LRM heavy mech pilot but he needed to learn to adapt to all types of mechs. So overall an average pilot
2nd Company, Hauptmann Bugti, quite kid, not always around but when you need him, he shows up. Above average pilot
3rd Company, Kommandant Onishi, perfect commander. great pilot
He was still thinking about his men when his radar started to go wild.
“1st Battalion the enemy is here let’s go say hello” Batten announce of the BattleNet.
The first thing he noticed after leaving the city and moving into the plains for better sensor coverage was most of the enemy mechs were heavy and assault which was not good for his light and medium battalion.
“Command, Batten we have a big problem, the enemy outclasses us by a several tons, they are mostly heavy and assaults.”
“Col Batten this is Hawkins I will send the Aerospace fighter for quick reinforcements, but most of Regiment is on the other side of the Capital, will send 2nd battalion but ETA is unknown at this time.”
“Roger sir we will do our best, Batten out”
Batten changed the net freq to his own Battalion number, “Ok Rangers we are on our own for a few let’s give them hell.”
The enemy was charging so Batten had 1st Company go south to try and flank right with the 3rd company going Southeast and try to flank the enemy on the left. As the 1st Company tried to use the hills as cover a couple of the enemies mechs were able to track them and got lucky with a hit on a Commando’s Ammo exploding the mech by blowing off the arm and damaging the engine enough for an engine explosion.
Then an enemy Griffin was able to destroy Trydal’s mech with a PPC to the Chest that had some ammo damage already from the previous battle, Trydal was able to escape though. The Rangers were getting slaughter four more mechs went down as the enemy kept pushing. At this rate the 1st Battalion will be destroyed Batten thought, where are those planes.
Right about then the Aeroplanes came streaking in and started to dive bomb the enemy mechs destroying three mechs in the process. Even with the help of the Aerospace fighters the 1st Battalion was getting hit hard. Batten ordered focus fire, having the lances gang up on a mech. His first Company commander just lost his mech along with the whole lance that was with him.
Ten minutes into the battle the 1st battalion had taken heavy losses but at least now the enemy was taking losses also specially with the help of the Fighters bombing when they can and then using their laser when the enemy was in close proximity to the Rangers, all they needed to do
Batten thought was old out a few more minutes for the 2nd and 3rd Battalion to show up
Another moment pass
The Rangers were giving out as much damage as they were receiving. His third Company commander Onishi’s mech was destroyed luckily, he was able to get out of the mech. Onishi’s mech was destroyed by a Gauss and two large lasers from an Atlas, even after two bombing runs the enemy Atlas was still standing tall.
Another minute pass and still no reinforcements nor any comm chatter on the nets. More mechs on both sides fell one amazing thing was a Ranger Firestarter pilot Private 1st Class Julia Lekov, was being chased by a spider into a ravine unfortunately on the other side of the ravine was that same Atlas. She fired ever thing she had, and every single shot hit but only took some armor off the Atlas at the same time the Atlas fired its weapons all of its weapons missed except for the SRM 4 which ended up not doing much damage to the Firestarter thanks to the piloting skills of Lekov and she was able to get away from the Atlas.
Another minute went by, and four more Rangers went down the force has been reduced by half with no leadership other than what is left of the lance commanders. As the fields start to catch on fire a large cloud of smoke started to fill the battlefield.
Thankfully the planes were still dropping the last of their bombs and conducting Strafing runs on the enemy.
The MedEvac VTOLs where in full operation, down one of their own due to the last battle they were in were still running strong and brave. The MedEvac VTOL with the callsign of Med103 was on their tenth run, thankfully this MechWarrior they were about to pick up was not injured and alive, their last pick up was not so lucky. Trydal wave at the VTOL coming down to rescue him, as he climbed in he noticed there was two dead bodies covered up on the side of the VTOL. He was curious who they were, so he snuck a peak, and it was two lance commanders from the rank on their shoulders but he did not recognize them. Their name tags showed that only one had a callsign ‘Manchu” Trydal did not know him but he still mourned for him and the other Lance Commander. There were several other MechWarriors on the VTOL and since it was full, they decided to go back to the makeshift hospital. As they flew over the battlefield dodging their own fighters and stray lasers, he saw the destroyed mechs on both sides but what he found strangely comforting was the Fighters diving and bombing or coming in close and firing all their lasers. Without those fighter jockeys the 1st Battalion would have been completely wiped out. In fact, he saw that the enemy was slowly retreating he looked at the medic and ask. “Could you tell the pilot I need the radio?”
“1st Battalion 1st Battalion this is Hauptmann Trydal up in the MedEvac the enemy is retreating stand down we are hurt too bad to give chase. When he looked over to the city he saw a battalion of Ranger mechs on the verge of exiting the outskirts of the city to help the 1st Battalion, but it was too late.
18 March 3030
Field Medical Hospital
The battle was won but the cost was great, over half of the 1st Battalion mechs destroyed, four MechWarriors killed ten others are in the hospital. As General Hawkins walked through the makeshift hospital that was servicing both sides of the conflict, he shook the hands of every one of his troops. Thankful that they were alive, and ready to go back out on the field to win glory for themselves and for the Lyran Commonwealth, reports show that the 1st Sirian Lancers lost their commander a Colonel Ginny Ebaugh in the second battle. The Lancers are scatter throughout the planet with no real leadership now. Which really makes them dangerous especially for guerilla warfare. However, within a few weeks the planet was under complete control of the Lyran Commonwealth.
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Chapter Seventeen
DropShip Bounty of Blood
Jump Point Dindatari
Operation Liberate
20 March 3030
18:00 GST
Another month in this God forsaken DropShip, even though he had access to the Vengeance of Sherry he was not a fan of her captain, especially after she blew up the space station in their last mission. In a few hours, if the battle plan goes according to plan, he will be back on the ground. With that he poured another two fingers of whiskey and downed it, this planet should be easy also, all he had was a militia to deal with and Intel reports indicate that detachment from the 1st Alliance Air Wing calling themselves the Elephant Ballet just arrived in system about two weeks ago. With them just arriving, the contact on the ground had very little information about the commander or their habits so their tactics were unknown when it comes to defending a planet. Only time will tell the Colonel thought, as he took another drink of whiskey.
Capital City of the planet Valentina
The Steps of the Capital Building
23 March 3030
General Matthew Chapman stood behind a podium, in front of him was about thousand civilians affected by the last month of fighting, his men was standing in full colors off to the right and left of the civilians. General Chapman had just started his victory speech, which was being recorded and broadcast throughout the region, he had not intended to announce any future plans but, as he looked out, he saw hatred, loss, and no hope in the civilians and he knew what he had to do, it was time so he closed his note pad and moved away from the podium so all that was viewing him could see him clearly. There was a light whisper throughout the crowd, not knowing why this invader had invaded, why he was making a speech after completely destroying the 4th An Ting Legion, or why in the middle of his speech he stopped and moved away from the podium closer to the people.
Even though an untrained eye would not see the Chappy’s Revenge unit become more rigid Matthew did, he looked at his men made the gesture to calm down and said. “Men under my command at ease, relax because these civilians are now part of the Federation.” He then turned back to the people and started his speech again. “People of Valentina and the people of Niles, citizens of the inner sphere. Freedom Federation has of 1800 yesterday tripled its size with the liberation of Valentina and Alegro. Why have I called it liberation? Because I believe that the citizens should control their own destiny, their own government, with this in mind each planet that is added to the Federation will be able to elect their leadership, true election from the population not a pretend election or rigged election and not a noble cast in which rulership is handed down to their offspring. I am not going to go into details right now on how that will look for this planet and others, but I will say that once everything has settle down and my engineers have repaired the infrastructure you will be able to elect your new leaders. Therefore, I am announcing that as of right now the intern president for the Federation as a whole, will be a man that I admire and will follow while he is the president, Malik Henry.” Gasp from the audience confused the General, so he continued “People I know it is hard to believe and many of you thought that I was to become a warlord of such, but my resolve is strong and it is pure I am here to give freedom to the people of Kurita and Outworlds Alliance so that you can be in control of your own destiny, to make sure that everyone has the right and the ability to move up in status. The right to elect leaders that will listen and that will work for the best interest of the people, and if they don’t listen then the right to vote them out of office. Therefore, President Intern Henry will only be in the office for three years. Then there will be an open election for the office of the president for a term of 10 years. In which if he choose, he can run against other qualified candidates. Other specifics will be announced on the net. Anyone that qualifies can run no matter what their social status is. Now I can tell you that as long as I am alive, I will strive to keep the military under Federation civilian control and put into place safety measure to ensure that the civilians that are in charge don’t abuse their power.” General Chapman continued for a few more minutes talking about patriotism and other info when he was finished, he stepped away from the podium to a hush crowd as he left the stage slowly clapping started and then the wave of clapping and cheering took over.
His wife looked at him as he left the stage, “good job, Matthew” the general looked at his wife and shook his head, “no, no it wasn’t it should have been more” and then he walked away.
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Chapter Eighteen
DropShip Bounty of Blood
Dindatari Orbit
Operation Liberate
Freedom Federation
26 March 3030
09:50 GST
Well, the enemy did not meet them out in space nor in the orbit let’s hope they decide to wait tell he was on the ground. Even though he always hated those aerospace units dropping bombs on his guys he would always prefer fighting on the ground instead of in the air by someone else’s hand. It made since that their forces did not come out to meet our forces in space the Colonel thought simply because the battleship would have blown them away.
As the Bounty of Blood penetrated the upper atmosphere the radar tech called out to Lieutenant Douglas Commander of the dropship “Sir, radar activity heavy and fast coming toward us!” Lietenant Douglas turned around and clicked on the intercom. “Attention crew and passengers, enemy has been sighted coming towards us fast and from the looks of it 3 squadrons.” Well, the colonel thought as he sat in the cockpit of his Lancelot taking a swig from his flask the easy day just got a little difficult. "Ok guys you heard the man prepared for a rough ride. We are going to assault drop as soon as we are able, so stay frosty” Colonel announced through his battle net to all of his command staff across the 6 dropships.
As the Dropships made their way to the surface the enemy fighters came into view and started to attack focusing most of their firepower on just two of the 6 dropships. The Renegades slow but very powerful fighters were coming into range of the enemy fighters and started knocking a few down within seconds of engaging in battle. The Colonel hated space battles with the 0 G atmosphere and not in control of what people do, but what he hated the most was when the Dropships enter the atmosphere in order to delivery military assets to the ground. Why did he hate this part of the invasion? Because in truth it might be the most dangerous for a MechWarrior simply because if a dropship blows up in the air or crashes all assets inside could be destroyed or seriously damaged. Such is the case right now as two of the six dropships the two that the enemy targeted reported they lost control of their systems and are crashing. Which is terrible for the Renegades since one held most of his tanks and artillery and the other has two companies of Mechs in the bays. Nothing was coming out of the two Dropships although they both looked intact the comms must be down. As the rest of the Dropships landed Radar picked up hits coming from the Northeast, it looked like all the militia had decided to come say hello. That the Colonel thought was the best news he could receive, now if he can crush the militia here the planet should fall in a matter of days.
DropShip Bounty of Blood
Dindatari Assault drop
Operation Liberate
Freedom Federation
26 March 3030
12:05 GST
The light within the Dropship turned red indicating that the assault drop was going to start within 15 seconds. All mechs powered up and when the light turned green the first four jumped. Along with his Lancelot, a Grand Dragon, Archer and Black Knight jumped out first. “Enemy mechs and fighters coming out of the northeast” announced Lt. Douglas, “good luck and good hunting” “roger that” Colonel replied back.
Fortunately, the enemy was still several 1000 meters away, so his command lance and strike lance made the assault drop without any enemy fire on them. Progressing through the hills and light woods the colonel noticed that the dropships that crashed were able to open their bay doors and slowly the tanks and infantry men were exiting the dropships. Excellent thought Colonel Sanzgiri, they made it hopefully the Dropships did not take too much damage.
More mechs were jumping out and filling the battlefield. The Colonel then orders them to go around the mountain splitting the force into two groups, the armor and infantry around the south side and the mechs around the north side. Staff Sergeant Jeff Manglorkar was the first in the Colonel unit to take first blood by firing two medium lasers into the chest of an Eagle, he was able to follow up with a LB 10-x AC right into the same gaping hole destroying the Eagle’s engine. Right after that though several armor units were destroyed by a pocket titan.
“Lances target the Pocket Titan he is too good to ignore” Colonel announced. Everyone said Roger and started to target not only that mech but all mechs around that sector, with that being said not only did the Pocket Titan go down but so did a Charger and a Raven. As more of the Renegades poured out of the Dropships the enemy militia new it was a hopeless battle even though they had air superiority, but the militia with only 6 Lances of mechs against a battalion of mechs and armor pouring out of the dropships was just too much for them. As predicted, the Colonel watched as three mechs in the back of the fire line turned and ran. This battle might be over today if this keeps up the colonel thought. As he was fantasying about that, one of the Fighter Squadrons from the well discipline Elephant Ballet dove and fired everything they had at the Behemoth dropship several of the aerospace fighter blew up due to the anti-aircraft fire but to them it was worth it as the dropship landing struts gave way and the massive ship toppled over in a fire ball that reached out and licked the surviving fighters flying over the wreckage. “All units press, make them surrender or destroy them NOW” the Colonel said over the battle net. “Roger” was all he heard back. Then another unexpected twist of bad news when Major Alex Maxwell came across the battle net. “Damn it!!! Sorry I stepped in quicksand my Rifleman is sinking fast, cannot move or control any functions!!! I am punching out!!” Damn the colonel thought the commander of Alpha Company taken down by quicksand that might not be good for the major’s career. At that moment a large laser hit his cockpit bouncing off in a glancing blow, damn he better be careful, or he might be done before this started. The colonel lined up his targeting site and launched everything he had towards an Archer and took out the Archer’s right leg and right arm. Other than the quicksand mech the only other pieces of equipment that were being destroyed was his armor Battalion, already seven tanks were smoking holes on the ground.
As his unit pressed, the militia broke and finally the rest of them took off north by northeast. “Renegades do not pursue let’s set up the base and repair our equipment and tend to our wounded, we destroyed half their force in a matter of minutes. Victory will be ours in a few days,
Outside the Capital
Dindatari
Operation Liberate
Freedom Federation
29 March 3030
15:35 GST
Things could not be any better. The enemy ran and ran hard back to their capital which was fortified but still should be easy to overcome according to the Intel. If his forces can overcome and overpower the militia in this battle the planet will fall. The Colonel always wondered after seeing the plan for conquest why the Federation would be worried about these small insignificant planets, that at the present pose no threat to anyone. After fighting though he did see the need for it now. If the Freedom Federation had overlooked these planets, later on they could be a threat after the General’s forces were spread thin in the center of the nation with all front line units out on the edge. This way the new militia built by the fed will have been here and will have shown that freedom is better than the tyranny of the Draconis Combine or the lack a dazzle attitude of the Outworlds Alliance.
“All right Warriors, let’s kick butt destroy heads and legs and win this planet.” Colonel said over the BattleNet. “We are a green for the attack so GoGoGo!!!” As the mechs and armor companies started across the massive corn and wheat fields towards the out skirt of the capital radar from a satellite feed showed that the enemy had concentrated their torrent defense on the outskirts/corner of the city with the rest of their unit spread out through out a 45 by 45 radius. Sometimes he just did not understand militia.
As his company moved through the corn field destroying someone’s lively hood, he notice the fighters before he heard them. Two enemy squadrons start to fly out of the clouds setting up for strafing runs against his mechs. “Renegades, bandits at 12 o’clock about 500 meters up” Colonel Sanzgiri said. “Roger” everyone came back. Colonel then announced, “Company form the V formation and protect each other destroy all fighters they are keeping their mechs from us at this moment.”
With his mech in at the tip of the V formation the unit moved toward the city. The armor battalion moved around to the south side of the city outflanking what defense the militia tried to muster. The two enemy squadrons made their attack run and paid dearly for it. Five Renegade mechs were downed by the fighters with all pilots surviving but only three fighters survived the onslaught of Renegades and those three fighters had to head back to the airfield for repair. With air support gone and over half of the militia destroyed three days ago they did not stand a chance; however, they did not fold, fought until the last unit standing, but in the end the planet was liberated by the Federation.
NNN News (Niles News Network)
April First and the Freedom Federation has just liberated the nineth planet, this time from the Draconis Combine. The only comment from the War Department was that the timetable is ahead of schedule. We here, at your fair and balance news media have no idea if that means the war will end sooner or if they will just make plans to liberated more planets and bring complete freedom to all of the inner sphere.
INN news (Interstellar News Network)
Monthly round up Report
The war is going into the fourth month of the new year with no end in sight. The self-called Freedom Federation has now conquered nine planets both in the Draconis Combine and the OutWorlds Alliance. No one knows when the unprovoked tragedy will end.
On the FedSun and Combine battlefront the FedSun has conquered ten planets. The Combine at first seemed caught with their pants down again just as they had in 3028. There are some signs of their defense stiffing and even rummers of a counterstrike.
On the FedSun and Capellan front, the Confederation is running scared with seventeen planets falling and units abanding their post it looks like the Confederation will be completely destroyed sooner than previously thought.
The Free Worlds league as also joined into the destruction of the Confederation and has conquered two worlds with rummers of more operations in the future.
Lyran Commonwealth is fairly quiet with the formation of the Free Raslahauge Republic there are only a few planets of opportunity and the military are putting forth their best effort. For the millions of civilians that are caught in the cross fire we are truly saddened.
The Draconis Combine Coordinator has called upon COMSTAR to intervene against his enemies.
VotD (Voice of the Dragon)
Even though the military might of the Combine is doing well against its enemies, today our mighty Coordinator has called for COMSTAR to intervene and interdict a com lockout against the FedSun and Federation nations.
Communication between First Prince Davion and General Chapman.
Matthew, if the Combine gets their way our communication will be down. The Archon of the Commonwealth, my mother in law has given me a device called the K-1 its lost tech, that will help.
My Prince, the Chapman family and all its assets has a means of communication without COMSTAR for hundreds of years, its slower but effective. In fact its roughly the same technology that the Archon has given you. You forget that some of my people have never been caught up in this fighting over the centuries and have not lost any tech that the original star league had.
Matthew, why have you not shared this technology with me?
My Prince, there are secrets that even I cannot reveal.
General Chapman sat back after he sent the last transmission. As much as he wanted to tell his best friend everything about the Chapman Family and the legacy, he just couldn't. Matthew shook his head the Prince must understand he has state secrets that he can’t tell anyone. Shifting gears, he decided to read intel reports of the next planet to liberate.
-
Chapter Nineteen
36th Avalon Hussars
Huan inbound
Operation Dragons Tail
Federated Suns
11 April 3030
09:00 GST
Due to transport difficulty and availability the 36th Avalon Hussars were already a month and a half behind schedule. It’s been three months since the operation officially started, and already ten Kurita planets and seventeen Capellan planets has fallen to the AFFS. In a surprising turn of events that no one, except maybe the First Prince, expected was how successful the new nation called Federation of Freedom was. Kurita and Capellan were still stunned about the recent outcome of events, but General Skidmore knew that they would overcome the shock and strike back.
Intel Reports were finally accurate as the DropShips sped closer to the planet the communication specialist was able to hack into the network and took over all live feeds. As the DropShips came closer to the planet the General noticed and confirmed with the flight deck that the enemy was not going to meet them in space. “Kaptain Lugin, General Skidmore, I want to change the plan everyone holds up here except for the Golden Harp and the Atreides we will go down and secure the landing Zone all Aerospace fighters accompany us to the ground.” “Roger Leftenant General understood and redeploying” the Kaptain said.
“General three squadrons of fighters are coming from the southeast, but they are too far away we should be ready to drop you in 2 mics.” A voice from the radio said, “Roger that flight deck”, so it begins finally, the General swapped her radio settings. “Ok nuggets let’s get on the ground and secure this landing zone. Intel and satellite feeds show three squadrons of fighters coming, a company of mechs, troops, turrets, and also a company size security force for the factory. Time to jump out and take a victory for the 36th Avalon Hussars.” As they started the jump, flack started to pound the air around the mechs then the dropship Golden Harp announced, “problem on bay two door will try to correct limited drops for now.”
More mechs were dropping and the General could feel the tide turning as if there was ever a chance that the militia here on Huan had a chance anyway. Then as the moment of thought pass, Hauptmann Benetti got the first kill when his PPC stuck the Dragon in front of him right through its head as the mech started to fall she could hear Benetti whoop a cry of joy.
The Colonel notice that the militia was trying to form two fire lines one east and one south “32nd Company move south take out their line, command company take out the east fire line.” The Colonel announced as she moved her mech towards the east line. The mechs in her unit start to focus on their objectives the militia mechs started to show signs of breaking in the east, a marauder went down and three others were prone. Unfortunately, the south side fire wall was standing tall, and was giving her guys a very hard time of it.
The militia fire line finally broke in the north and with that all the militia forces started to pull out of the area. Helicopters broke from the south going north keeping the buildings as their cover when they finally came across the final building the General was startled for a second until she realized they were M.A.S.H. transports. “All units do not fire on the transports in front of us they are MASH” she said over the comm channel.
It was slow going through the outskirts of the town, the General had strict orders to limit the damage done by her unit, so even though she could see the infantry moving in and out of the buildings trying to escape she gave no orders to attack. Now that the militia was just infantry and gun placements, she turned her focus on the main object…the water factory.
Fifteen minutes had past, and her unit was still not to the other side of the city, they encounter something that was not in the Intel brief, mines, the militia had buried mines on the north and south side of the city she lost three mechs due to leg injuries before they realized this new threat. With her standing orders she had to go through the mines or waste more time by going around the mines away from the city. Finally, though they made it around the corner only to be met by 10 UrbanMechs all with AC/10s and all firing at them. After the initial attack that left her and a couple of others with one of their arms destroyed the General went across the radio. “Hussars, rush them lets finish this now.” That is when the other company of mechs emerged on the south side and started to fire at the UrbanMechs. The enemy saw that they were being pinched from the north and south so when three of their ten mechs went down they turned and ran away. “Factory is ours good job, now let’s clean up and get ready for the next phase in action.” General Skidmore said.
36th Avalon Hussars
Planet Huan sector 1307
Operation Dragons Tail
Draconis Combine Territory
19 April 3030
11:00 GST
General Skidmore was examining the work being done in the water bottling factory when her aid Sergeant Stanescu showed up with a communique. “Sir, this just came in for you.” “Thank you, Sergeant,”, the general said. As she opened the communique, she saw a most unsuspected surprise. The Intel dept. discovered a warehouse district by the docks full of army surplus supplies on the coastline in the small town of called Harmi Grundnelse Deheges. Perfect, she thought we need parts and supplies to bad the Intel was fuzzy on what type of supplies are in the warehouses. The General looked at the roster and the battle readiness status on her noteputer, the 2nd battalion was full up, of course that unit would be, she is slightly torn though without full Intel on the enemies’ size and what is in the warehouses she could be sending some of her men to their deaths for no reason. Especially Cisco, she had already placed the 2nd Battalion for the mission but during the journey to Huan she discovered that she had feelings for Lt. Col Cisco Romero, not that she would ever say anything to anyone nor tell him. She had work too hard to get where she is to throw it all away on passion, and she did not like this feeling of despair sending him into battle, but she will and she must, so part of the 2nd Battalion will go and capture the town with the warehouses intact. 21st Company to be exact but if she knows Cisco, he will take his command lance with them to get some kills of his own.
Few hours later
19 April 3030
16:00 GST
Cisco sat in his mech about 20 miles outside the town of Harmi waiting on a scouting report from the recon unit about the size of the enemy forces and hopefully where they were located. For four years he has been with the 36th Avalon Hussars and for three years he has been in love or lust, whatever, with his commanding officer. Sometimes being in the military sucks, or he should say being an officer sucks the enlisted have relations like bunnies throughout their rank structure, but heaven forbid an officer having feelings for another officer of a different rank or for an enlisted for that matter. Oh well Cisco thought at least now he is in charge of a full battalion, and he was antsy waiting there for a recon report.
Hauptmann Moore, pilot of a Marten scout VTOL scouted the city and port district for the upcoming battle. As she looked over the sensors she determine that there was at least six mechs of various sizes and about two company size infantry units with some turrets, ok town scouted, she turned on her tight laser beam radio “Shade, Eagle mission complete RTB” , “Roger, Eagle RTB” Leftenant Tiel said. Leftenant Tiel was the pilot of a nightshade ECM VTOL that was covering Moore’s six, as they both turned and headed back to base all Moore could think about is how easy this upcoming battle was going to be for the stud muffin commander of the 2nd Battalion. Two minutes later as she flew over the 21st Company that was waiting for her report she sent a burst message to Lt. Col Romero detailing all the information discovered on the recon mission. She ended the message saying “I would say good luck but I don’t think you will need it.”
As Lt. Col. Romero watched the three VTOL’s of the scout lance from the VTOL command unit fly by he received his long awaited report. Romero just shook his head as he finished it, and said to himself, VTOL pilots are too stupid to understand that all it takes is one lucky shot to end your life on an easy mission, maybe that is why they can fly those things into battle they are too stupid to know any better, give me a 100-ton mech any day he thought to himself. He then switched his radio to the command freq, “Jean we are a go get your company ready” “roger Colonel” Hauptmann Jean Lenoir reply.
Sho-Sa Maresuke Carras of the Huan Planetary Defense Force was as he put it very unfortunate, he had only 7 mechs including himself two lances of turrets and what was left of the infantry from the failed defense of the enemies landing zone. Now scouts (mainly civilians) report a part of the enemy’s force was marching this way. The only reason he was here was to ensure that the warehouse stock was moved to the cargo ships, which had not arrived yet. So, in a move of desperation Carras gathered as many trucks as he could so that they could be slowly loaded now, in hopes that they could get free before the attack began.
Col. Romero order half his forces over the river, about 10 clicks out, that way the goal of taking over the ports and blocking any escape would happen quicker.
Sho-Sa Carras saw the enemy coming in from the north but unfortunately another blow to him in defending this town, they were coming in from both sides of the river.
As Col Romero’s unit entered the town his mechs started to rain pain down on the militia units then Leftenant Johansen got a head shot on a dragon and down it went. He must have been their commander because any coordination if any ceased to stop with the militia. On the other side of the river another militia unit was destroyed.
Sho-Sa Carras an instant before the laser hit saw that this was going to be the end of his Dragon, so he punched out barely making it out the mech, all was doom, of course he thought as the ejection system took him away from the destroyed mech, it was doomed the minute the enemy landed on Huan.
As more of the militia mechs were destroyed more chaos was happening infantry broke from their protective embankments in the buildings and ended up being mowed down. Everything was looking good, Col Romero thought except for one thing, the trucks that were leaving the dock area trying to escape. “All units, we need to focus our efforts on the trucks that are trying to leave I don’t want them destroyed just stopped, they may have the supplies we came to get.” As the unit shifted focus from the two-remaining militia mechs to the trucks they started to fire all their missiles and energy weapons at the trees and ground in front of the path that the trucks were taking forcing the drivers to stop and surrender.
Sho-sa Carras failed, he knew that failure was his destiny when the enemy showed up two days before they were supposed to. He had hoped to save his honor by getting the flatbed trucks filled with the supplies out of town and away from the Davion invaders, but he failed at that. Honor was lost, his mech was lost, all but a handful of infantry men and one mech lost, now his life is lost as he placed his katana hilt on the ground with the blade up and lunged on it causing the blade to to slice through his stomach and severing his lower vertebrae in two, within seconds he died.
Lt. Col. Romero looked at the supplies from both the warehouses and the trucks he recovered, two warehouse were completely empty, assuming that the flatbed trucks were carrying all the parts from those warehouses they recovered about 70% with the others destroyed from battle damage. Two other warehouses had engine supplies in them. In all only one of his mechs was destroyed but all MechWarriors survived. Very successful mission, even if he himself had only one kill.
-
Chapter Twenty
36th Avalon Hussars
Planet Huan sector 1408
Operation Dragons Tail
Draconis Combine Territory
21 April 3030
18:00 GST
The 22nd Company commanded by Hauptmann Brett Sahar arrived at their designated sector two days late. The going was tough, and he now sees the wisdom in only sending a company in advance to the town Retme. Retme was nestled in the valley in-between to major mountain ranges. This town will be one of two cities that will serve as a way station for the final phase of the invasion. Since Operation Dragon’s Tail was a massive undertaking dropship support was nonexistent until May 15th 3030 so marching 1000 miles through a jungle was slow going. The General used the 22nd Company to make a path for the main force causing most of the unit staying together. So far from the reports that Hauptmann Sahar has read the militia has not put up much of a fight, but that could all change the closer that the Hussars get closer to the capital.
“22nd Company form on me formation will be the v wedge, GOGOGO!” Hauptmann Sahar said.
A few minutes later, “Hussars, target dragon in coordinates 3742” announce Sahar.
Missiles and lasers started to hit the Dragoon the pilot for the Dragoon was taken by surprise and was destroyed before he was able to radio back to headquarters in the city. Hauptmann Sahar saw an opportunity knowing that if he waits for the rest of the regiment the element of surprise will be gone. He orders his company to move into the city expecting a fight he got nothing.
“22nd we will bed down here for tonight and wait for the rest of the regiment. Put a watch at the edge of town just in case.” Sahar said over the net.
Meanwhile
Leftenant General Skidmore was marching her unit towards the 22nd Company through the forest via the makeshift path that the 22nd Company made. She left behind the 11th company at the beachhead base to protect the regiment’s supplies. Then about 400 miles into the march she had the 4th Battalion split off and make a march east across the plains of Serenity to attack the eastern town that was on the opposite side of the mountain range. The Capital for the planet was right in the middle of this mountain range and she hoped she could attack from both sides and cut off all escape. Unfortunately, the 22nd commander entered the western town six days too early, even though there was no sign of the enemy the timetable was messed up, and how she loved time tables and organization.
By the time her regiment was in place in both cities the planetary government surrendered, and the planet was now under Davion control.
New Avalon Capital of Federated Suns
Operation Overlord
AFFS HQ deep underground
May 15, 3030
First Prince Davion was looking at the reports that were coming in and was amazed by what was happening. First, his friend General Chapman had not disappointed him, in fact with the number of planets that the General was ‘liberating’ in such a short time was astounding. The Prince thought that his own forces were not doing too bad with three new planets on the Kurita border under Davion control and four planets on the Liao boarder within the last week. What he was most surprise about was the Wolf’s Dragoons mainly their leader Jamie Wolf. After Kurita nearly destroyed them, a few years ago, the Prince open a line of communication with Colonel Wolf and convinced him that the Federated Suns would be a friend to him and his unit. The Prince noted that upon finally meeting Jamie Wolf face to face the Colonel had a great presence about him, this guy could be a leader of any of the great houses thought the Prince at the time of the meeting. The Dragoons were nearly destroyed and needed a place to repair and rebuild, Federated Suns provided that. When the First Prince decided to attack and wipe out Liao once and for all he knew that his Kurita border was going to be open to attack and so he went to Jamie Wolf to asked him if he could help, the Prince still remembers the conversation like it was yesterday……
June 3028
Planet called Inner End on the border of known space and Outworlds Alliance in the conference room somewhere in the capital building two powerful men meet and shook hands. “Hello Colonel Wolf” said the first man. “Hello First Prince Davion, how can I help you?” said the second man. As they both sat down and had a drink of the clear water at the table Davion started off.
“Colonel Wolf, I know you have a grudge or an vendetta against the Coordinator Kurita, so I am informing you of my plans to see if you want in.”
Jamie Wolf lean forward and looked right into the eyes of the Prince, “What do you have in mind?”
Well, I want to wipe out the Liao leadership and nation. To do that I am going to have to pull some forces along the border of Kurita, even though there will be selected targets on that boarder it will still be weak. So, I am asking if you have rebuilt enough in the last few months to do garrison duty along the border and if Kurita attacks you can take your revenge.”
Jamie looked at the First Prince and just smiled.
The First Prince saw something that intrigued him and frightened him in the smile that Wolf was giving him. Jamie Wolf finally opens his mouth, “My Prince tell me five planets in which you want to invade, and the Wolf Dragoons will invade and destroy Kurita.”
The ‘Fox’ as people called him was truly surprised, “five Planets? How have you rebuilt fast enough to support that?”
“My Prince I have five full Regiments waiting to take vengeance we can support this action; we had people in reserve that was not in Kurita space when they betrayed us.”
“Ok well these are the planets for the first wave and depending how the rest goes will depend on the next phase, here let me show you the complete plan and the allies we have for this endeavor.”
One name caught Jamie Wolf attention and he pointed to that name, “This guy I would like to meet him one day…His surname is familiar to me and my people.”
Present day
The First Prince still had no idea where the Wolf Dragoons got their men and equipment and he suppose that he did not care as long as they carried out the attacks they promise to do.
Jamie Wolf did not like dipping into his secret cache of mechs and men, now there was an imbalance between inner sphere equipment and men and the other source, the more he pulled from the other source the harder it will be to maintain his unit secret and the itchiness of his warrior bothers from elsewhere. The last betrayal had made him rethink his tactics and standing in the big picture, he was grateful for the First Prince, and was happy that the Prince did not push him to give up his secret, for that his unit wouldn’t disappoint the Federated Suns. This invasion though he instructed his commanders to do battle the old way….
08 May 3030
An Ting
Governor Communication Center
“Sir, we have a communication from the leader of the Wolf’s Dragoons, looks like he wants to talk to the governor” said the enlisted in front of the communication array.
“Sir!! Four JumpShips just entered known space” the enlisted in front of satellite image said.
The Major took it all in, “get the governor down here now, open communication with the Dragoons JumpShips and let’s see what they want.” With war erupting all over the inner sphere the last couple of months the Major thought to himself hopefully they are friendly.
“Governor” Jamie Wolf said with a smile, “I am going to offer you a deal, one that your leader never gave us.”
“What is that General”
“A chance, I have a full reinforce regiment here, instead of landing 140 mechs 80 tanks 30 aerospace and 2 battalions of infantry, I will land 50 mechs, you can throw everything you have against them and the DropShips that will transport. If we win the battle the planet is ours if we lose we will leave and never come back.”
The governor was in shock what kind of treachery is this he cleared his throat, “Why do this I don’t understand how can I trust you that when we win you will leave.”
Jamie Wolf smiled, “well you might have two battalions of mechs and another in tanks, but you won’t win, I am betting that my men are better than Kurita scum.”
AFFS HQ deep underground
May 15, 3030
First Prince Davion finally got to the Wolf’s Dragoons report, mmm interesting Hanse thought why would he tell the planet militia how much men and equipment he was bringing and where he was landing so that they could bring all their defenses to bare, and why in the hell did he only take 50 mechs….good thing they won the battle and the planet it seems in one day, Brilliant I guess the Prince said to himself. Something is different about Jamie Wolf the Prince thought to himself, the near destruction of the Wolf’s Dragoons by Kurita forces seemed to make Wolf more direct and more focus than before. The other reports were going well too, in fact Capellan forces are in a flat out retreat after the stunning victories in ten of the fifteen planets that Davion forces invaded and the other five planets were about to fall. If his force could continue to push without outside influence, mainly Marik and ComStar, Capellan could completely fall within two years.
The Prince took another look at the new power that he helped create. While he always knew that General Chapman could deliver something, in the back of his mind started to tingle. Even though the General put in place checks and balance to ensure the loyalty of the Federation to the Federated Suns something started to worry the Prince, the what if…what if the General is killed or when he dies, will the Freedom Federation pose a bigger threat to his nation. What if, and that is when he started to formulate plans to take care of the Freedom Federation if it comes to that.
Draconis Combine Palace
Luthien
May 20, 3030
Coordinator Kurita stood over the five Sho-shos that he perceived failed the Combine. “You Sho-shos, I hold responsible for the failures of these last five months, all five of you advised me that the Federated Suns would not attack so soon after the last war, one Tai-sa knew and now he is dead. You owe me your honor.”
Every General went to their knees unsheathed their tantōs and committed Seppuku, as the blood ran together, wild like a river, on the marble floors of the palace. Coordinator Kurita took a sip of his wine stood up from his throne and looked at the subordinates of the dead Sho-shos, “You are now in charge of the war, I suggest that you five serve me better than these men did.” Coordinator Kurita said with an insane glare in his eyes.
Sian Capital of Capellan Confederation
Palace Maximilian Liao
20 May, 3030
Chancellor Liao sat alone in the Royal Palace bathing pool; he had already shooed the handmaidens away after the report from the front lines was presented to him. How could his people, so prideful, run away from a fight, traitors all of them slowly he started to see conspiracies at every corner.
Concerned for her father, Romano did the unthinkable by going into the Royal bathing pool, “Father the water is cold you need to get out.” The Chancellor looked at his daughter without really seeing her and screamed for her to get out. As she left, she noticed the dead aid’s blood starting to drip into the bathing pool and her father’s knife in the heart of the aid, with intel report on the pad that was lying next to the aid. She snatched the pad up as she left and discovered why her father was being this way.
Atreus Capital of the Free World League
Palace
Command Center
May 20, 3030
Janos Marik was intense, five months had gone by, Steiner ignored the Free Worlds, and was concentrating on Kurita, he would show that Archon not to forget Marik. His generals entered the chamber and did not have a plan for invading the Lyran Alliance, instead it was this nonsense about military preparation. Then a creak of a chair as an old woman stood up from the far-right side of the table, it was the Duchy of Andurien Dame Catherine Humphreys, even at 69 she was still a formable foe. “Excuse me general, and if it pleases the Captain-General Marik I would like to say something.”
“Go ahead Dame Humphreys, I would be honored to hear something other than excuses.” Janos replied.
“Thank you” as she bowed slightly. “Everyone it seems are afraid to attack the Lyran Alliance, well I am not and would send my forces if the Captain-General request it since my forces are ready, unlike all of yours.” She surveyed the room and not too many would look at her in the eye so she continued, “Like I said my troops are ready, but instead of Lyran invasion I would like to add another option. We attack the planet Betelgeuse in Capellan space and siege the factory there, with the Federated Suns taking planets from Capellan by the handful we need to set up a barrier between us and them, using Capellan planets that we conquered.” As she sat down everyone turned to look at the Captain-General to see what Janos would say, “Interesting, my Dame, I know that you and others before you in your family have always desire the planet Betelgeuse, I agree we need to have some planets as a buffer against the Davion expansion. We had an agreement called the Concord of Kapteyn but now that it looks like Liao is going to fall we need to protect ourselves, send your troops My Dame and I will also authorize some mercenaries to invade a few planets as well, the rest of you need to be ready for action within the next six months no matter what.” With that Janos Marik got up and left the table.
AFFS HQ deep underground
June 1, 3030
First Prince was walking down the long hall leading back to the palace and his Throne Room. News of success in all fronts had him feeling excited, enough so that a plan started to form on a particular planet to conquer, Dieron, if the he could conquer that and maintain control over planet, it would be a major blow for the Combine. He would need units from the Davion military and Lyran military. A thought crosses his mind what if he could get his old friend to lead the invasion. In his mind he already had the 4th Skye Guards and the 4th Skye Rangers for the Lyran units and then his 36th and 56th Avalon Hussars. Could he though get General Chapman and his command regiment to travel that far away from his own war zone to participate in the battle of the century.
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Chapter Twenty-one
Planet Sinope
Operation Enduring Freedom Wave Two
MOB Chappy’s Revenge Command Regiment
Office of General Chapman
6 July, 3030
Sneaking in and landing on the planet without any contest was easy, or Matthew thought too easy. While his dropships and all support personnel were relatively safe a few hundred miles away, his MOB (Mobile Operating Base) was not. The 31st Galedon Regulars met them out in the desert and hit his unit hard. So hard in fact he had to call up his reserves to bring his units on the front line back up to full strength. Worse yet, with the high winds in the atmosphere and storm season coming he was unable to bring in the support with dropships instead they had to march making the supply lines slow and hard to maintain. Two main objects for the next week or so were the invasion of the towns Heffe and Ukron, Heffe was on the coastline to the west and Ukron was on the coastline east of him. Splitting his unit up was never a good idea, but the thought of going back and forth wasting time just made him lose sleep, so splitting the unit up it was. With most of the 3rd and 1st Battalions going to Heffe and the 2nd Battalion, Command Company and two Armor Companies going to the east toward Ukron. The main base of the 31st Galedon Regulars was past the mountain range north of Ukron. As General Matthew Chapman looked at the map and then looked at the predicted winds and storm strength, he cursed to himself. No battle plan goes as planned but having all his air assets grounded because of weather was not how he envision his defeat. The General already had some stunning losses at the company level losing several mechs and MechWarriors. Once his mobile base caught up with the main force, he took some of the reserves to fill in the ranks of force. Chapman had to figure a way to turn the tide, as he looked over the battle plans for the city Ukron he noticed one thing, the city streets were narrow but straight, and the enemy forces that were shown in the flyovers were few.
“Nicki come here and tell me what you see in this intel brief” he said to his wife and XO of the unit.
As Colonel Nichole Chapman looked at the Intel and the map, she noticed something.
“Sweetie look at the roads and the type of equipment that has been identified. If we roll up in formation with all five companies, we will be bottlenecked and picked off.”
“Yeah, that is what I was thinking Nicki, how about if we place a company here, here, here, here, and here splitting it up having 5 entry points and then meet in the middle at the capital.”
Nichole looked at the new plan and shook her head yes, “I think that would work spread our forces out, and it will spread the enemy even further. When is this weather with the strong high winds going to end so that we can transfer our dropships up here, our supply lines are getting thin.”
“I don’t know for sure; forecasters say a few weeks or sooner, hopefully sooner. I would like to have our dropships here within a week or so.”
15 July 3030
Just outside Ukron
As all five Companies started to penetrate the city in five different points Matthew was glad that he had his forces maneuver into the city this way, sensors showed that the enemy was not truly ready for this action and scrambled to try and meet all five companies at once spreading their forces so thin that they had no real hope of defending. Each company of Chappy’s Revenge were met with three to four mechs from the 31st Galedon Regulars, some industrial mechs, turrets, and about a company worth of infantry from the planet militia. Even with superior numbers in way of material the enemy, especially the militia fought with conviction and would not back down, causing several of the Chappy’s Revenge mechs to be downed. The enemy continued to aim for the heads of the Revenge. The strongest enemy resistance was where Matthew had decided to take his command company just because he loved a challenge. As Matthew lumbered his 200-ton mech into the city and because he was so heavy Chappy was also one of the slowest pieces of equipment on the battlefield. With that being said though his mech was top of the line with the newest tech that his corporation produced, one of five new mechs models being used for trial run on this mission. There was a sense of invincibility when in this mech Matthew thought but as with all mechs all it would take is a couple of good shots to the head and the mech would be dead. Matthew refocused and took aim with his two Gauss Rifles, both large lasers and the AC20 at a Warhammer effectively stripping most of its armor, both arms and most of its weapons destroyed. The Warhammer though was able to get off two PPC that both hit dead center in the chest even causing a critical hit on the engine before the Warhammer fell and was done. As they progressed further into the city a 15-story building was weakened from laser fire that missed their targets started to collapse crushing one of the Revenge mechs, a Zeus, buckled under the tons of concrete and building materials. While Matthew watched in horror the mighty Zeus disappearing in rubble, he targeted another Warhammer, fired all weapons, and cored the mighty machine dead center. Matthew decided that this battle was almost over, so he went to the satellite feed to check on how the other units progressed in penetrating the city. Within an hour of fighting Chappy’s Revenge had progressed 5 miles into the city and two of the companies were on the verge of DropPort that was situated inside the city. The command company took the lead to take control of the DropPort, there were several dropships that were grounded due to weather and damage. Although there was one Dropship that was still fully active, it decided to pick the biggest mech out on the field and destroy it. As soon as his unit was in range Matthew ordered everyone to focus on the Fortress Dropship and then warnings in his cockpit of impending missiles alert Matthew that the dropship commander had focused all fire onto him. Matthew raised his mechs arms to try and protect the head but even then, as 100 missiles and several PPC and AC hits his mech went down. As he ejected from the mech he noticed that the dropship also went up in a ball of fire damaging most of the enemy mechs that were right in front of it.
17 July 3030
City of Ukron
The city has fallen but the weather was still not allowing the air assets to fly, but it did not really matter because the planet was all but conquered anyway.
Planet Sinope
MOB Chappy’s Revenge Command Regiment
Office of General Chapman
6 September, 3030
General Chapman was in the middle of watching the new recruits play wargames on his wall monitor when the door burst open. Standing in the doorway was Lieutenant Colonel Teresa Holder, Chapman could tell she was angry because her ears were beat red and compared to her porcelain doll skin was kind of funny to look at. “General Chapman, may I have a moment of your time.”
“Well considering you busted down my door, I guess I don’t have a choice.”
As the Colonel stood there her eyes drifted towards the wall monitor and noticed one of the pilots in a Marauder wiping the ground with the other pilots. She nodded at the monitor, “got people practicing? What unit?”
General Chapman glance back to the monitor, “These are the new recruits, I am looking to see where the MechWarriors can be placed if I hire them.”
The Colonel started to get mad again and stormed further into the office to sit down in the plush leather chair in front of the General desk.
“By all means Colonel make yourself at home.”
“Sir” Lieutenant Colonel Holder started to say. “I realize that this is your command but messing with my Battalion leadership without consulting me just seams unprofessional.”
Even though Chapman already knew why she was here it still ate at him that she had the balls to talk to him this way.
“Colonel, may I remind you I can do anything I wanted and could just remove you right now. So, what is your issue with the change of leadership for the 9th Company.”
“Sir, you took my most experience MechWarrior and Commander and replaced her with a new recruit.”
“Well Colonel, that new recruit is the same one destroying everyone else in that simulator.” As he said this, he pointed to the wall monitor showing the score that Recruit twelve had terminated thirteen other recruits as of a second ago and recruit twelve was well on the way to number fourteen, and all weapons were still operational.
“Fine” Lieutenant Colonel Holder said, but I tried to look up her profile and it was blank.
General Chapman stood up and picked up a packet, tossing it to Holder “This is her dossier, ten years ago she was the best MechWarrior I had ever seen and lost to her several times in the sim.”
Holder just looked at the General and said. “That is fine and dandy but that was ten years ago what about the last ten years.” She opened the dossier and saw Ms. Burton test scores, looked at her picture and thought she was very pleasant to look at with blonde curly hair big blue eyes and perfect lips.
“Holder that is a story for her to tell, all I am willing to say is that she married her child’s father and now that he is dead, she wants back into the seat of a mech.”
They both looked at the monitor when it buzzed showing that the match was over, and that Ms. Burton won ‘killing’ all the other recruits. The panel then changed to the control room showing the recruits getting out of the training pods.
When Fanua Burton exited the pod, Holder was taken a back with the face came a body that revival it with long sexy legs and an hourglass figure that made you want more visual stimulation without the clothes on, Holder secretly hoped that Burton liked girls.
General Chapman picked up a mic and said, Fanua Burton please come to my office, Chapman out.” He turned to the Colonel “it is time for you to meet your new company commander, the old one has been transferred and given a promotion, so you have no choice.”
Fanua was nervous, she knew she excelled in all the test and kicked ass in the sim, but this was General Chapman. So many years lost, she did not regret the time away raising her daughter but when her husband died, she saw the chance to enter this life again since he had forbidden her to fight while he was alive. As she walked closer to his office, she noticed his door was open and another officer was with him, she recognized her from the intel that the General had given her.
“Sir! Candidate Burton reporting as order, Sir!”
General Chapman shook his head and said, “no Fanua you are now a Captain” He then tossed her a box containing Captain bars and said, “you are out of uniform the next time I see you, you better be in uniform and your body covered up before all the men and women fall in lust with you, dismiss...Oh by the way report back here at 0730 tomorrow for the daily brief and to announce you as the commander of the 9th Company.”
“Yes sir” as she gave him a big smile and smart salute.
Chapman then turned to his 3rd Battalion Commander and said, “after the brief get to know her, she is very intelligent and very resourceful I have yet given her a job she could not handle.”
“Yes sir” Lieutenant Colonel Holder said and then left the General’s office also.
Planet Sinope
Civilian DropShip
The Traveler
ISNN reporter Cecilia Richards
September 13, 3030
As Cecilia Richards sat down in her first-class seat waiting for takeoff to carry her to Civilian JumpShip, that will bring her back to the regional headquarters of ISNN. She started to reflect on what had just happened and decided to listen to the interview that she just recorded.
Cecilia: “Thank you for letting ISNN conduct this interview, it has been a long time coming. For the record, please state your name and position you hold.”
Matthew: “Thank you as well Cecilia, for giving me this opportunity to correct miss conceptions out there about the Freedom Federation. My name is Matthew Chapman I am leader of all four regiments of Chappy’s Revenge, I personally go into battle as Commander of Chappy’s Revenge Command Regiment, and I am also the Overall General of the Freedom Federation Armed Forces.”
Cecilia: “Wow you have a lot of hats that you wear.”
Matthew: “Yes, but I have a lot of help from a staff that I fully trust.”
Cecilia: “In your introduction you mention miss conceptions care to expand on that?”
Matthew: “Why don’t you ask me your questions, those based on research, and even the rumors and I will straighten everything out by weeding out those that are false.”
Cecilia: “um ok, first is your unit Chappy’s Revenge, there are a lot of rumors out there about how you existed prior to the Federation. Some rumors have your unit as a secret Federated Suns unit, yet others say you came back from beyond the inner sphere. Can you tell me a little about your unit history?”
Matthew: “In a few months, we will be opening a museum on Niles about the history of my unit, it’s a long story that stretches a few hundred years. It started when General Kerensky left the Inner Sphere, my ancestors split the family up, some went with him and some stayed. The most influential person that left with Kerensky was a vice admiral, he was sad that his son, which I am named after, stayed behind so he left him several gifts and gave his son the clues to find those gifts.”
Cecilia: “Gifts? What type of gifts?”
Matthew: “His son was a well decorated MechWarrior also and was at the time of the departure a Captain in one of the SLDF regiments. The Admiral’s gifts were large secret cache of SLDF equipment and supplies mothballed in 5 locations that he was supposed to pick up on the way out of the inner sphere but left them there for his son, in hopes that his son could do what he never could and that was fulfill the dream of the family.”
Cecilia: “Family dream? What was the family dream?”
Matthew: “The dream that I am building now, you see my ancestor left the service of the SLDF and started a merc unit called Chappy’s Howling Siegers, it was only a company and transportation was limited. So, it took him a long time to gather up all the supplies and hide them in a secret location that was kept off of all the star maps, a planet that was a top-secret research facility that had a mech factory and shipyard for the SLDF, it was unknown to even the newly form COMSTAR. When the first succession war broke out all such facilities were forgotten. There he gathered the equipment, there is where I still tap into for supplies and mechs that is how much was left over the years (almost 300) my ancestors had use that planet resources sparling in hopes of one day of bringing peace and self-rule to the people. Up until recently we kept the merc unit only engage in one contract at a time, and at least 80 percent of the employees had families that had been with us for generations. Only a select few knew how big the organization was, in fact it wasn’t until my father passed away that I knew the full capability of the organization. We also have several industrial companies that sell mainly to the Federated Suns and of course now to the Freedom Federation, so it was easy to maintain everyone’s living cost without becoming famous like the wolves or the Hounds. So, the dream is simple, one of freedom and with the success the nation has had the last nine months I am here to tell our enemies that the Federation is strong.”
Cecilia: “That is an amazing story one that I am sure has many more details, and one of which is actually more fantastic than the rumors out there.” (she laughs an awkward laugh)
Matthew: (smiles back and shifts in his seat)
Cecilia: “So, family you mention that, is yours fighting alongside you?”
Matthew: “Yes, my wife is a Battalion Commander and all four of my children are Company commanders of special strike forces.”
Cecilia: “Anyone else?”
Matthew: “Yes, I have several of my lifelong friends in charge of their own units, the most notable one is Duncan Bovet he has a strong merc unit called the Duncan Renegades that have now become an house unit like my unit has. His family has been with mine from almost the very beginning. Then my sister-in-law is a company commander, Captain Burton will go far in the ranks. There is also my friendship with the First Prince of Federated Suns in whom this would not be possible.”
Cecilia: “Yes, I was hoping we would be able to cover that topic. The official word is that for whatever reason he gave you a planet and then acknowledged your new nation. Why?”
Matthew: “I have talked to all parties involved and I am authorized to give some more details about this. (He paused and straighten out his jacket) While my father was trying to solidify a permanent contract with the Federated Suns he became an ambassador for the Suns, at the time, First Prince Andrew father of Hanse did not know about the connection that my family had to a merc unit that was almost always in contract with the Federated Suns. Anyway, during that time, I grew up on New Avalon and became friends with Hanse. Later when my father died, by the hands of the Kurita family, I found out the full scope of the Chapman dynasty between the corporations, and merc unit. I confided with First Prince Hanse about all my holdings and the dream of the Chapman Family. That is when we came up with a plan to fulfill my family dream and to set in motion the First Prince plans. This was before the universe knew about his deal with the Lyran Commonwealth and the marriage to Melissa. This plan that he had took several years to foster until the time was right. Not only did he succeed a planet to me but he also succeeded whatever military equipment was on planet at the time, it just so happens that a supply envoy of several mechs and supplies happen to be on shore leave on Niles and was subsequently enlisted into the nation’s army. Not only that but the Archon of the Lyrans donated a significant amount of money for the new nation to live on and carry out its destiny.”
Cecilia: “Destiny? What is the destiny of the Freedom Federation?”
Matthew: “Its two-fold first part is to allow people to self-govern and end the era of tyranny. The second part goes hand and hand with the first and that is to eliminate the Kurita family power to rule.”
Cecilia: “Then why have you invaded the Outworld Alliance, some say you have bloodlust or are a warmonger.”
Matthew: “I needed the Outworld Alliance to establish a strong nation, I wanted its people to realize what they have been missing and how much oppression they were truly under with that form of government. I have tried very hard to limit the destructive nature of war to just combat units trying for the most part to not have civilian casualties. Also, most of my assets were in the realm of the OA so adding all those factors it made sense.”
Cecilia: “Are you surprise by your success; you went from one planet to almost 50 in 10 months?”
Matthew: “No, I am not and remember 27 of those planets chose to be part of the Federation, not one shot was fired in the transfer of power of those planets.”
Cecilia: “That was an amazing development, are you going to pursue the former leader of the Outworld Alliance, it is said that him and his followers have set up somewhere beyond the peripheral on several planets.”
Matthew: “No not at this time, those are his strongest supporters I doubt that they want to have anything to do with my new government and the way that the average citizen will have the responsibility of picking their own leaders. So, if they don’t bother us, we won’t them for now.”
Cecilia: “Why do you think those 27 planets turn their back on the OA and signed allegiance to you? Some outside the realm (Kurita) claimed that you threaten to bomb the planets to non-existence, others say you bribed the politicians. The few citizens from those planets that were interviewed claimed they wanted to be part of the dream, speaking of which you have mentioned the dream of self-rule, yet you have appointed someone as President.”
Matthew: “I needed to set up the government, I did not want to be that leader while also in charge of a war, so I appointed a person to run the day-to-day stuff. It is only for 10 years, at that point all the planets that qualify will elect the next ruler and will continue to do so from that point on. So, while yes initially the people will not be “self-rule” for the nation for a few years, they will be running their own planets how they see fit minus the defense department.”
Cecilia: “I know you answered the question about the gifts your ancestor had, but not really in detail. Would you care to expand? I mean there are reports and rumors about warships on a scale that most of the known universe had not seen in years.”
Matthew: “Listen, I am not going to give exact numbers, not now at least, but my ancestors left several units enough for several regiments and left several warships, JumpShips, and dropships at an orbital factory at the planet I mention before that until now was hidden, it is also the headquarters for the Chapman Corporation. Like I said before the planet was untouched by the succession wars, but they kept building, training, mothballing, advancing, and waiting until this era of freedom. So, when I say we have a fleet of naval warships that rivals most of the inner sphere put together I mean it.”
Cecilia: “All this sounds good but what happens when you are gone will the Freedom Federation……..”
A Captain in a sharp crisp uniform bust in the room and whispered into the ear of the General. “I am sorry Cecilia this interview is over, there are pressing matters that must be attended to.” With that General Chapman got up and left.
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Chapter Twenty-two
Planet Sinope
MOB Chappy’s Revenge Command Regiment
Office of General Chapman
1 October, 3030
The General was looking at Intel reports, more and more planets of the Outworld Alliance continue to capitulate when his forces would show up in system. Fifty systems are now part of the Freedom Federation another ten systems are being contested and with all indications coming out of the Outworld Alliance capital the government itself might collapse. He had three units invading Mitchella, they had been there about a month, a major planet for the Outworlds Alliance that will be the main base for the invasion of the Capital planet, the alliance forces have been putting up heavy resistance though. So, Matthew went over the logs of the battles for Mitchella, there was a disturbing trend, therefore he made a note to his intel people to keep an eye on the commander of the 1st Regiment. Even though she was a close family friend some of her decisions have been questionable.
On the other side of the nation, where he was at, things were still ok. Today the Command Regiment will be leaving to their next mission and he also issued a recall to all his children commands to join his regiment. The Draconis Combine defenses were starting to stiffen up, with the Davion’s slowdown on the border, and the war with the Alliance seeming to wind down, Matthew decided to move more assets over to the Combine’s border. Also, started to make plans for exploration of the lost planets. Sometime after the first Succession War over half of the Planet in the OA region went dark, it was almost time to find out why.
Nightly News
FNN
New Avalon, Federated Suns
15 October 3030
The last month has seen a major shift in power across the known universe. First there were rumors of a Draconis Combine full pull out of the old Rasalhague district, also the full military pull out in the same region of all Lyran Commonwealth worlds. Then just yesterday it was announced that a new nation in that region called, Free Rasalhague Republic had been formed. If that was not enough the total collapse of the Outworld Alliance happened with all but three planets announcing allegiance to the Freedom Federation. With that, the experts suspect that General Chapman will now be able to focus all his efforts on the Combine leaving our Prince to focus more on the collapsing Capellan Confederation. It seems that the Combine Coordinator has done an about-face from his previous position when he tried to wipe out the Wolf’s Dragoon and in a stunning announcement, he has issued a call for mercenaries to help him against the Federated Suns and Freedom Federation. The situation must be bad in the Draconis Combine for him to shallow his pride and call for help.
*********************************************************
Capital Building
President of Outworld Alliance Office
Neil Avellar
Alpheratz
1 September 3030
The Director of the Avellar Guards laid out the ugly truth, people are losing faith in the Outworld Alliance. The Guard though was loyal to Neil and if decided to stay and fight or flee and become Mercs, they would follow him. Neil was thinking about it, While one of his commanders was giving a brief, something brought Neil out of his deep thinking, the commander had new info about a discovery of significance, an old star league star map, showing several planets that are not on any of the current maps, by this commander’s order they were scouted. Turns out seven planets were still viable, and if the Outworld Alliance escaped to there, they would be safe to live the Outworld Alliance principles. Secretly this Commander was in love with Neil’s sister, and his unit plus eleven other units where loyal to the principles and not to the man if Neil decided to be a merc then he would withhold the rest of the info and give it to Neil’s sister, it all depended on what Neil was going to do, after a few moments in thought.
“I don’t think the OA can survive.” Neil said. “Merc life it is”
With that the meeting was over and three weeks later the Avellar Guard disappeared. At the same time 12 units from around the region disappeared headed for 7 planets in an unknown region that will eventually be known as Outworld Union. What was left of the Outworld Alliance consolidated under Teddy Avellar flag on three planets; Alpheratz, Quatre Belle, and Mitchella, calling themselves the Outworld Remnant.
1 October 3030
The official date that the Outworlds Alliance collapse.
Tharkad Capital of Lyran Commonwealth
Private bedroom
Palace
2 October 3030
Katrina looked at her daughter, they had been in a heated argument for the last few moments about the new husband, the fox. Katrina was mad and disappointed, the war that she thought ended last year was still going on, even though most experts are calling it a new war, it is still a war. A war she did not want, she wanted peace.
“Look, honey I am just saying you need to use your station and get him to stop this war, we must have peace. Your child little Victor is almost six months old, we need to stop this war for him.”
Melissa was rocking baby Victor while she was feeding him, “Mother, again I am going to tell you he is his own man. I cannot tell him what to do, and I am not going to use sex to get what you want. He wants to use two units from each military to invade and take over Dieron, he swears that if that invasion is a success he would make peace with the Combine.”
Katrina looked at her daughter then picked up the PAD that she had brought with her, she signed her name tagged it to send and then tossed it to her daughter, “heads up, because you won’t help to bring peace to our people, I have decided to at least bring peace to 90% of the border between us and the combine.”
“Mother what did you just do” Melissa looked at the document, a document that was succeeding planets to form a new nation the Free Rasalhague Republic.
First Prince Inner Chamber
New Avalon
15 October 3030
Hanse saw this coming, after watching the news finding out about a major event that even his intel people did not know about, he should be steaming mad at his wife for not telling him and his mother-in-law for doing what she did. He saw this coming years ago, what he saw back then all made sense now. Even though it cut off most of the Draconis Combine planets on the border of Lyran space, it also secured that border and will make it easier to deal with his enemies, not only for him but for his son, Victor.
Hanse went back to the Intel reports, and he kept going back to one that had nothing to do with his attempt to eradicate his enemies. On a planet located deep in the periphery called Granada owned by a small nation called Nueva Castile an unknown force invaded and won. No other information has come out of that region other than the tech the enemy had was high, new, and different. Right now, he decided not to give much thought but soon he will have to since eventually the Lyran Commonwealth will be part of the new Federated Commonwealth.
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Thank you, wrangler, for being my publisher and a voice of reasoning when it comes to my timeline...next post is the fix version of chapter 22 I have a lot of moving parts in this book and my timeline was messed up. sorry for the confusion...
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Chapter Twenty-two
Capital Building
President of Outworld Alliance Office
Neil Avellar
Alpheratz
1 September 3030
The Director of the Avellar Guards laid out the ugly truth, people are losing faith in the Outworld Alliance. The Guard though was loyal to Neil and if decided to stay and fight or flee and become Mercs, they would follow him. Neil was thinking about it, while one of his commanders was giving a brief, something brought Neil out of his deep thinking, the commander had new info about a discovery of significance, an old star league star map, showing several planets that are not on any of the current maps, by this commander’s order they were scouted. Turns out seven planets were still viable, and if the Outworld Alliance escaped to there, they would be safe to live the Outworld Alliance principles. Secretly this Commander was in love with Neil’s sister, and his unit plus eleven other units where loyal to the principles and not to the man if Neil decided to be a merc then he would withhold the rest of the info and give it to Neil’s sister, it all depended on what Neil was going to do, after a few moments in thought.
“I don’t think the OA can survive.” Neil said. “Merc life it is”
With that the meeting was over and three weeks later the Avellar Guard disappeared. At the same time 12 units from around the region disappeared headed for 7 planets in an unknown region that will eventually be known as Outworld Union. What was left of the Outworld Alliance consolidated under Teddy Avellar flag on three planets; Alpheratz, Quatre Belle, and Mitchella, calling themselves the Outworld Remnant.
Planet Sinope
MOB Chappy’s Revenge Command Regiment
Office of General Chapman
1 October, 3030
The General was looking at Intel reports, more and more planets of the Outworld Alliance continue to capitulate when his forces would show up in system. Fifty systems are now part of the Freedom Federation another ten systems are being contested and with all indications coming out of the Outworld Alliance capital the government collapse. He had three units invading Mitchella, they had been there about a month, a major planet for the Outworlds Alliance that will be the main base for the invasion of the Capital planet, the alliance forces have been putting up heavy resistance though. So, Matthew went over the logs of the battles for Mitchella, there was a disturbing trend, therefore he made a note to his intel people to keep an eye on the commander of the 1st Regiment. Even though she was a close family friend some of her decisions have been questionable.
On the other side of the nation, where he was at, things were still ok. Today the Command Regiment was scheduled to depart to their next mission and he also issued a recall to all his children’s commands to join his regiment. The Draconis Combine defenses were starting to stiffen up, with the Davion’s slowdown on the border, and the war with the Alliance seeming to wind down, Matthew decided to move more assets over to the Combine’s border. Also, started to make plans for exploration of the lost planets. Sometime after the first Succession War over half of the Planet in the OA region went dark, it was almost time to find out why.
1 October 3030
The official date that the Outworlds Alliance collapse.
Tharkad Capital of Lyran Commonwealth
Private bedroom
Palace
2 October 3030
Katrina looked at her daughter, they had been in a heated argument for the last few moments about the new husband, the fox. Katrina was mad and disappointed, the war that she thought ended last year was still going on, even though most experts are calling it a new war, it is still a war. A war she did not want, she wanted peace.
“Look, honey I am just saying you need to use your station and get him to stop this war, we must have peace. Your child little Victor is almost six months old, we need to stop this war for him.”
Melissa was rocking baby Victor while she was feeding him, “Mother, again I am going to tell you he is his own man. I cannot tell him what to do, and I am not going to use sex to get what you want. He wants to use two units from each military to invade and take over Dieron, he swears that if that invasion is a success he would make peace with the Combine.”
Katrina looked at her daughter then picked up the PAD that she had brought with her, she signed her name tagged it to send and then tossed it to her daughter, “heads up, because you won’t help to bring peace to our people, I have decided to at least bring peace to 90% of the border between us and the combine.”
“Mother what did you just do” Melissa looked at the document, a document that was succeeding planets to form a new nation the Free Rasalhague Republic.
Nightly News
FNN
New Avalon, Federated Suns
15 October 3030
The last month has seen a major shift in power across the known universe. First there were rumors of a Draconis Combine full pull out of the old Rasalhague district, also the full military pull out in the same region of all Lyran Commonwealth worlds. Then just yesterday it was announced that a new nation in that region called, Free Rasalhague Republic had been formed. If that was not enough the total collapse of the Outworld Alliance happened with all but three planets announcing allegiance to the Freedom Federation. With that, the experts suspect that General Chapman will now be able to focus all his efforts on the Combine leaving our Prince to focus more on the collapsing Capellan Confederation. It seems that the Combine Coordinator has done an about-face from his previous position when he tried to wipe out the Wolf’s Dragoon and in a stunning announcement, he has issued a call for mercenaries to help him against the Federated Suns and Freedom Federation. The situation must be bad in the Draconis Combine for him to shallow his pride and call for help.
*********************************************************
First Prince Inner Chamber
New Avalon
15 October 3030
Hanse saw this coming, after watching the news finding out about a major event that even his intel people did not know about, he should be steaming mad at his wife for not telling him what her mother had done, and mad at his mother-in-law for signing the treaty without consulting him. He did however new in a way this was coming years ago, what he saw back then all made sense now. Even though it cut off most of the Draconis Combine planets on the border of Lyran space, it also secured that border and will make it easier to deal with his enemies, not only for him but for his son, Victor.
Hanse went back to the Intel reports, and he kept going back to one that had nothing to do with his attempt to eradicate his enemies. On a planet located deep in the periphery called Granada owned by a small nation called Nueva Castile an unknown force invaded and won. No other information has come out of that region other than the tech the enemy had was high, new, and different. Right now, he decided not to give much thought but soon he will have to since eventually the Lyran Commonwealth will be part of the new Federated Commonwealth.
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Just spotting some stuff, no biggy. :thumbsup:
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Chapter Twenty-three
Freedom Federation Warship
Beast of Terra
VIP suite
General Chapman Quarters
October 15, 3030
General Chapman was still in awe of the history of this warship, the countless battles it was involved in both as a SLDF warship and then in service of his ancestors. He looked over the reports of the last few months from two units.
Planet Dante
Duncan Renegades 2nd Group
1st Battalion 3rd Company
In the fields of Continent Petrarch
Outworlds Alliance.
September 6, 3030
Major Shaheed Ghuman Cockpit time 13:06
Major Shaheed Ghuman was at the same time nervous and excited. This will be his first battle as a company commander. Sure, there have been plenty of simulations on the trip to this planet but as one knows simulations and reality are two different things. Like himself his company was an even mix of green and average MechWarriors. Intel showed that there’s a company across the way that are veterans from one of the few regimental mech units called 2nd Long Road Legion. Of course, Shaheed never really trusted Military Intelligence, ever since his four-year stint with the Federation Suns. Now that he is an officer with the Freedom Federation—a newly formed faction closely tied with the Federation Suns—he truly doesn’t trust the capability of Intel gathering. The plan from their perspective was to rush through this company and establish an FOB (Forward Operating Base) just outside the provincial capital on the continent Petrarch. The 5th Company under the command of Shaheed’s good friend Major Bernadett Moen already took over the only factory on this planet two days ago. Once this Continent is under control it will be only a matter of time before the rest of the planet succumbs to us. Shaheed’s thoughts wonder to Bernadett and her brown eyes and hair while his unit marches toward the AOR (Area of Responsibility). Luckily, he snaped out of it and ordered his Lances to split up, 7th Lance under the command of Captain Jose Monteso was to move South east and flank the enemy while 8th (Captain Hanna Duran)and 9th (Captain Bill Martin) Lance was to move east and engages the enemy in the tree line.
Captain Jose Monteso Cockpit time 13:13
After moving due east for several clicks he decided turned his unit due south and after coming out of the North tree line the Captain runs smack into an ECM Atlas. His first thought was this pilot has some big ass balls coming out here alone or was this pilot trying to do the same thing and sneak around the main fire line, whatever his deal is he is blocking the 7th lance. With the initial volley the enemy Atlas takes the Sentinel to his knees by blowing out his left leg. Jose orders his two other pilots to wrap around to both sides of the Atlas.
Meanwhile…
Major Ghuman orders his other two lances to engage all targets and destroy all.
Captain Jose Monteso Cockpit time 13:15
Jose was having issues with this Atlas who is this guy? After two minutes the Atlas destroyed the Sentinel. Luckily the pilot was able to escape so he will fight another day. Not only that but this Atlas almost took all of Jose’s armor off his right leg. Enough is enough Jose decided to just aim for the Head and then fired both large pulse lasers and both LB 10-X, with that the head popped off the Atlas and went down his unit was now clear to continue with their objective after costly minutes was wasted.
Major Ghuman Cockpit time 13:20
The fire line was at a standstill each side stopped in their tracks and they exchanged blows back and forth. His lance command from the 8th was having some issues as Ghuman turns his Atlas towards her, at that moment he saw her mech go up in an engine explosion, but the ejection seat was successful and that at this moment she is alive. So far this battle has been pretty even with him losing four mechs and the enemy losing five
Meanwhile…..
Captain Monteso saw an enemy crossbow break from the line and retreat Captain fired all his weapons, bringing that mech to the ground but not destroying it. Things from his point of view, looking good out of the eight enemy mech left five of them were prone and beat up pretty good.
Major Ghuman Cockpit time 13:27
Several minutes go by with each side hitting and swapping missiles and lasers fire but Ghuman was surprise and impress with how the enemy was still standing and fighting. Then it happen four enemy mechs went down with their pilots never waking up again. Within twenty minutes the enemy lost eleven of thirteen mechs and nine pilots will never sit in the seat again.
Meanwhile
Captain Monteso pushes the crossbow and finally breaks the mech in half as the pilot of the down mech tries to scramble out of the destroy mech and piece of hot burning armor slams into his head giving Captain Monteso a bloody and gruesome end to the battle, as the other two enemy mechs bug out and leave the battlefield.
Major Ghuman Cockpit time 13:28
The Major takes roll call twelve of the thirteen mechs made it and will be whole again with repairs and the better news is that none of his pilots are dead several suffer injuries but at least they all will be able to fight again. Even better news the techs report that three out of five enemy mechs that were captured for salvage can be repaired for use in future battles. An Archer, Atlas, and a Crossbow, two pilots are also in our custody.
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Chapter Twenty-four
Duncan Renegades 2nd Group
2nd Battalion 4thCompany
May 10th 3030 GST 07:30
In the fields of Continent Petrarch just outside of the regional capital on the planet Dante Outworlds Alliance.
Funny thing about being a merc working for a unit whose leader is loyal to a fault to only one faction in the inner sphere, you always get stuck 10000s light years away from anything that is remotely important. That is what has happened to Major Mary Sandvaer a former Hauptmann for the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces forced to resign amidst false accusations of sexual harassment she was forced to sign on to a merc unit, unfortunately the one she choose took her to the other side of the inner sphere to fight Outworlds Alliance pukes. On top of that insult, since she did not have a mech they gave her the only one that was available a freakin Urbanmech UM-R60L, hardly any armor and only a limited amount of ammo for its deadly AC/20. At least the command promised a bigger mech once a salvage one can be made operational. She still not sure if they understood what piloting an Urbanmech does to a true Steiner. Oh well, at least her Company the 4th of the 2nd Battalion was slotted to attack in the next stage of the invasion. The Major sat in the conference room waiting for the brief that will give the go ahead to attack the regional capital she recounts General Duncan’s overall battle plan and how well it has gone. The key was to cripple their Aerospace capability since the Outworlds Alliance favor those flying pieces of crap. To bring one of the few active battleships in the inner sphere into the fray was brilliant and on the first day Dante Militia saw 70 fighters destroyed in space. Since then the Renegades have been making their way across the continent Petrarch, liberated a factory, and now will conquer the regional capital with the next step, after that is the capital city of Certaldo located on the continent Boccaccio.
The rest of the command staff starts filtering in the room and then Colonel Kauko Wrigton commander of the Duncan Renegades 2nd Group shows up everyone jumps up, and Command Sergeant Major Aghamora Eades calls the room to Attention. “At ease guys, and please have a seat” the Colonel says. “We have come to the point of really taking this planet from the Alliance” As he brings up a 2D image of the city, “1st Battalion will be in reserve for this action” lots of grumbling started after this……”Be Still!!!” yells the Command Sergeant, “sorry commander” “no worries Eades, no worries” the colonel says “I know everyone wants to fight every time, but the 1st battalion has several mechs that need to be repair so it’s up to 2nd battalion to take the capital.” The colonel then zooms into the west edge of the city, “Major Sandvaer you and your company will attack on the north side and the 12th Armor Company will attack from the south once y’all meet in the middle here, push toward the center”. “Roger!” Yells Sandvaer and the command of the tank commander. Sneakers started to form in the peanut gallery all directed to the Major and her Urbanmech again the Command Sergeant has to yell “This may be a merc unit but we will have discipline and discipline we will have NOW!!” As the Colonel continues to give out assignments to the rest of the Battalion, Mary stares at the armor commander she knows he was the one to start the whispering against her, well she will just have to prove to him and everyone that a great pilot can run in anything and not just a 100 ton Atlas, or a 100ton tank.
May 10th 3030 GST 08:30
Riverbank just outside of the city
The attack has started in the center of the city with the main force pushing, Mary’s command was to shore-up the flank then push in with the 12th Armor Company to the center of town. She decided to form up her lances each in the diamond formation given each lance an AOR to attack. Messages on the J-Link shows that the Armor Company was about to push past the hill in the south and should be in position in a matter of minutes, so Mary flips on the Company channel and says “Rally up people form lance Diamond formations and press your assigned targets GOGOGO!” Of course the Intel was wrong at no time did they mentioned gun turrets on top of the buildings, she looked up and counted at least 6 AC/20 turrets flipping the command channel back on for 11th Lance. ”Captain Shaw new orders take out those turrets” “roger” the captain maneuvered his lance and in a matter of seconds the Longbow took out the first two turrets. “Good job now for the other four” the Major said.
May 10th 3030 GST 08:35
Comm chatter told the story of the armor company being pinned down, Mary went to the command link “Captains, we have to push in more the little tanks need our help…shit 11th lance a Cicada broke through your lines, Private Shillitto take your Lancelot and take care of that mech.” “Roger,” the private said. At that moment the Cicada was able to destroy the foot of the Longbow while it was crossing the river “Damnit” “Destroy that Cicada now!!!” “Longbow to command three more turrets have been destroy before I went down in the water, I have a water breach in the Right Arm.”
May 10th 3030 GST 08:37
How is that Cicada still alive? Mary thinks, over the comm “really guys he just took out another mech get him NOW!” “Sorry Commander” the Private said “he is more elusive and faster than me…. I am trying”. “there is no try only do Private” Mary said “Now do it!!” as she aimed her AC/20 and peeled of all of the Archer front armor on his right chest. Which made the Archer stumble and fall causing damage to exposed LRM casing destroying the mech, killing the pilot. Just as she was watching the last of the Archer break apart, a volley of lasers and missiles slammed into her Urbanmech striping her completely of all her armor and almost destroying her gyro.
May 10th 3030 GST 08:40
All hell was breaking lose, Mary’s commander for the 10th Lance just lost his mech but at least his life was spared and her mech is just a skeleton of its former self. Luckily it looks like the enemy has suffered more damage than her unit, and the Armor Company has finally earned their paycheck by taking out a Griffin. There was not a mech out there on the battle field that was at full battle ready most were missing arms or legs some are on fire or smoking but they must continue to press. Over the Company channel “All units press engage destroy”
May 10th 3030 GST 08:42
The Armor company broke through and finally destroyed all the enemy’s troops and two mechs that were on the south perimeter with a loss of six tanks they are pushing through the city in hopes to lend a hand. But the Major was determined not to let that happen, she kept pressing the enemy until they broke, as she fired her last shot of the AC/20 into a cockpit of a Battlemaster and watch it go down in its last hurrah, the same Atlas that took all her armor just took out her engine destroying the Urbanmech right as the rest of the enemy left the battle and called it quits. Reports started to come in, only a Hunchback was destroyed to the point of scrapping and also four tanks were totally destroyed. The tech teams were able to salvage three of their mech including an Atlas. Although she was leery about making the call to the Colonel since it looked like only 4 tanks and 2 mechs were going to be able to join the rest of the battle.
May 10th 3030 GST 09:00
The news filtered through the unit comms the city had been overrun and the remaining forces left the continent, one step closer to freeing this planet from the Alliance. One step closer…
Off the coast of the Boccaccio Continent
Dante
Operation Liberate
Outworlds Alliance
May 15th, 3030
07:34 GST
Peaceful, calm, beautiful were the three words that came to his mind as he watched the sunrise before getting into his Longbow, Colonel Kauko Wrighton commander of the Duncan Renegades 2nd Group was eager to get back into the fray of battle. His last action was the assault drop to establish a beachhead on this planet about three weeks ago. A lot has happened since then and the conquest of this planet has gone better than expected. What was progged as a three-month action is quickly coming to a head, and now Intel is projecting that the capital of the planet will be theirs within a week and a half, but first thing is first and that is getting onto the continent that the capital is on. In three hours, his Command Company should be on the beach on the south side of the Continent, there will be two other pushes both further north that will actually be feints, the main goal is to eradicate the enemy company located at his objective so that they can establish a base with a maintenance facility just two hundred miles away from the capital. The two feints will involve an assault drop company size and then 30 minutes later pack up and leave. For him and his company they will be walking along the bottom of Shallow Ocean and entering the beach in a way that should surprise the enemy. Two days ago, all enemy satellite were destroyed so by having the mechs totally submerse in water should create an element of surprise. With the perfection of timing right as the mechs break the plane of water the 3rd Assault Aerospace Squadron should be attacking the enemy, Kauko was very proud of his unit they have performed above the level of experience they report, so he has no doubt that all will go off without issue.
“All MechWarriors rally up into your mechs and let’s go for a swim” Colonel Wrighton announces over the unit comm.
One by one “Aye Aye” came across the net. See, he smiles at himself…just like clockwork the unit.
***
Of course this would happen, if it is not military intelligence screwing up it’s the weather guy, First Lietenant Morrissey had briefed them that it was going to be overcast, but the minute that Colonel Wrighton had eyes on the beach he notice that it was raining, yes raining actually with thunder and lightning accompanying that rain. That meant one thing the grass was soon going to turn to mud if it hadn’t already. Why mud, he hated mud, actually he hated anything that slowed him down or his mech. As the company slowly made its way out of the water thru the beach and into the mall the enemy discovered them. That is when the Fighter squadron blazed over in attack mode and unleased there lasers on an Urbanmech knocking the mechs gyro out. As he climbed up the hill he saw Captain Correena O ’Tracy Battlemaster get hit in the head by a lucky gauss shell instantly killing her and the mech. At the same time off to his left the Urbanmech piloted by Sergeant Kim blew a hole right through an enemy spider center torso causing the engine to explode. As the battle continues Colonel Wrighton notice things were not going good, he had to do something to fix this or him and his whole company will be gone.
“Sergeant Kim” the Colonel said, “Take out that Thorn” “roger sir” within seconds the trusty sergeant aim his AC/20 and blew a hole in the thorn’s center torso and destroyed the mech. “Good shot! Sergeant!”
Soon after that Sergeant Kim took down an Archer then pronounced that he was out of AC20 Ammo, well shit there goes a sure thing. Then past the small hill he saw three Battlemasters and two Atlases popped up and started to rain fire down on his troops.
Colonel Wrighton had an idea “Flank Lance do you thing” he said, Captain Bruntfield knew exactly what that meant and even though he was down a mech since Sergeant Djambek Locust was cut off at the knees, he took his other two mechs and jumped in behind the enemies fire wall. With the Griffin providing ECM protection they were able to get point blank behind the enemy line and open fire. “Aim for the legs boys” Captain Bruntfield exclaimed over the lance comm.
Within minutes three assaults mech were laying on their side and the rest of the 2nd Long Road Legion started to withdraw, with the objective complete and most of his company badly damage the Colonel proclaim. “Good job people let’s call in the plane transports and get our base set up in the north along the ridge line.
Only two mechs from his unit, the Thorn and Flashman came out of this battle unscathed. The rest will take several days to repair with only the Battlemaster totally destroyed. Funeral will be held at 0800 tomorrow for Captain Correena O ‘Tracy, it will be a closed casket seeing that there was only body parts left of her. The only two good news items were that three enemy mechs will be able to be repaired and put into battle within a few weeks. Also, the base has been established and a landing strip has been built for the aerospace fighters.
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Chapter Twenty-Five
Comm outpost Boccaccio Continent
Dante
Operation Liberate
Outworlds Alliance
1st Company or the 1st Battalion Duncan Renegades 2nd Group
May 17th, 3030
09:05 GST
Major Adina Gangadharan was proud of his company, as far as he was concerned they were the best damn unit next to maybe some of the Chappy’s Revenge units. His mission today was to take out the comm relay station 30 miles outside of the planet’s capital. Intel showed that there was a company of mechs from the 2nd Long Road Legion in the area protecting the relay. The problem with that is that in the last few weeks it has been proven that these mechs from the Legion are not typical so even though this battle will be a 12 v 12 they are about 600 tons heavier, therefore, they have their work cut out for them. Captain Dave Le Bris was in charge of the 1st Lance, Captain Jeffrey Nzibo commanded the 2nd Lance, and Captain Yervand Avagimiants was the commander of the 3rd Lance.
“2nd, Actual” the Major spoke. “Proceed to Northwest”, “Roger” Captain Nzibo announced. “1st, Actual ‘step up onto the highway and proceed to the relay” said Major, “Roger”. “3rd Actual head northeast and scout for possible targets” Major announced. “Roger” Captain Avagimiants said.
“Actual, 2nd Contact north hill just beyond the relay station looks like mostly heavies.” Captain Nzibo announced. The Major looked at his board “3rd Actual change heading Northwest double time”, “Roger Actual we are burning ground” Captain Avagimiants said over the battle net. “1st Actual Private Zagvoskin is coming with me, to continue to the relay station and destroy it, the rest of y’all move to the northwest and help the rest of the team”, ‘Roger: Captain Nzibo said.
“Scratch one” Sergeant Leaver announced then seconds later ‘scratch the second one Actual”, in Captain Nzibo voice. “Keep it up Press press press” the Major announced.
As the Major and his wing man reached the comm relay two enemy Atlas mechs popped around the building and started to pepper them with lasers and missiles within in seconds his wingman was destroyed but luckily he made it out and backed up into the woods for more protection.
His unit is starting to get shredded after the 5 Atlas, 2 Battlemaster, 2 Longbows showed up over the hill. This is not good and even though he does not like it, “1st Company control retreat and repeat control retreat.”
“Shit we got to get ou……..” Captain Nzibo said as his mech was completely destroyed with him inside it.
Slowly the unit made it to the extract point but at great cost by losing 7 mechs and 6 pilots are MIA, the only positive thing is the comm relay was destroyed before the retreat.
Boccaccio Continent
Dante
Operation Liberate
Outworlds Alliance
6th Company of the 2nd Battalion Duncan Renegades 2nd Group
May 20th, 3030
10:08 GST
It was a gloomy day today thought Major Jaime Jordan as she and her company of mechs moved about 50 klicks north of the primary base on the main continent. She quickly snap out of it, why does she have to be all gloom and doom she has not lost a battle or a warrior, not like that idiot Gangadharan who lost half of his company marching in half ****** into a fight. Which was the first skirmish lost for the Duncan Renegades in this invasion, if more people like Gangadharan was left in charged there will be more losses Jaime thought. On that note she had her company sound off, the Major was not happy with the compliment of mechs but when a unit is put together quickly like the Renegades were you get what you get. Anyway, she called the lead mech which was about ½ klick in front of her. “Private White how goes it? Any contact with friendlies?” “No ma’am” answered the private. “All right remember there are friends coming in from the east” the major said. The Private replied with a “Rog”. Excellent one day he will be something, that is unless he gets crushed in his little huncy, the major thought.
20 minutes later. “Contact bogie 5 click north by Northwest “Private White announced. “More contacts east by northeast, it’s the 12th Armor division! They are coming up highway 45” exclaimed the private. “Good Captain Qian you are closest contact the armor division tell them of our guest and let’s show these guys that defeating a company of the Renegades was just a fluke” the major said. “Roger!” was said by all twelve MechWarriors almost at once.
They moved north Captain Qian announced “12th armor is on board and heading to the sector that we have painted...battle-com is linked we are ready Major”
As luck would have it a Crossbow rolled in the long range site of the major’s Large laser she shot both laser only one connected, but it was enough….”First Armor!” she announce to the dismay of the company. It was a bet that they always had going into a battle, if she got first armor damage on the enemy then they washed her mech after the conflict was over, if one of her troops got the hit first then the surviving members after the conflict had ‘shore leave’ for the night. Whoever got first kill got a steak dinner with all the fixing served by the major if she got first kill they would just have to try harder next time.
Then a burst in the air over her mech company…Damn it thought the Major as her instruments started going haywire….”EMI burst!” Private White announced through a now static filled comm. This is going to make it harder to hit these bastards the major said out loud to herself.
Her company was starting to get stuck in the middle of town and woods due to an enemy lance of assaults. Then Static blares across the comm “this is*****company request ****tance four assa******** way.”
As the Major’s battle progress with the Crossbow they exchanged blows coming closer and closer then she saw her opportunity and lashed out with a monster kick of her Lancelot blowing a critical hit that took the right leg completely off the Crossbow. She then fires both large lasers taking out the crossbow’s PPC. The major kicks the mech again taking out its other leg now a stump is all that is left but the enemy pilot still continued to fire his medium laser over and over again slowly peeling her armor off of her chest. As they continued to do this dance to the Major amazement the Crossbow took two large laser and a PPC across the torso and still the pilot of the Crossbow kept firing its lasers. Then the pilot of a Victor Private Vallee said “STEAK for me!” as the enemy’s Atlas head in front of him disintegrated with the pilot inside. Right then the Major saw an opening and kicked for the crossbow’s head…but missed by a foot and landed in between the left torso and arm, ripping the arm off and causing damage to the engine in the center torso causing the mech to blow up.
The intermitted Battle Link showed that the armor company was getting shredded but that they had taken out two assault mechs a Battlemaster and an Atlas, still she was concerned for them. With static on the radio she announced, “All units move forthwith to sector 1614 and help out the armor unit now”
The Major’s next target was an Atlas 7-RS sitting in between two hills. A couple of victors had already damaged the mech and moved on after she issued her orders, so to make sure the Atlas did not try to take their backs off she engaged it. By lifting off in attempt to do a maneuver known as Death from Above, she landed on his head and shoulders causing a gyro hit and damage to the engine, at least that Atlas was not going anywhere she thought. She immediately fired two large lasers aiming for the Atlas head, one hit the leg but the other hit the head stripping off all the armor located there. Which infuriated her so she rolled to his left an easy maneuver since he was now prone, she fired two large laser and a medium without aiming. Which amazingly hit the head killing both mech and pilot. “Scratch two” she called over the now clear channel. “Push now end this” she cried out. Right then a small dropship flew over and picked up the four-remaining enemy mechs and left the battlefield. “That my folks is what I call a victory” she said.
The after action reported noted that while all of the 12th Armor company were severally damage all were repairable but one crew was dead and that none of her mechs were destroy but all needed extensive repair. The 6th Company was able to salvage seven enemy mechs four in which will have the Renegades colors as soon as repairs can be made and all where assaults so Major Jordan was very happy with the outcome, very happy indeed.
Boccaccio Continent outside of the Capital City Certaldo
Dante
Operation Liberate
Outworlds Alliance
May 20th, 3030
10:08 GST
Colonel Wrigton sat in front of the briefing room, if he did not know any better he could have sworn he just cut the tongues out of all his RCOM, BCOM, and CCOM mouths. Of course, he said to himself, he knew better, the reason why they are just sitting there dumb founded was the news he just delivered to them. “The enemy is pulling out; dropships are inbound to pick up what is left of the 2nd Long Road Legion. Intel shows they are hold up outside the capital city at the garrison, and I want us to attack that garrison with two Battalions of mechs and a wing of aerospace fighters. The plan will be simple, the two Battalions were going to be combined for this operation to instill inner cooperation since there was some grumblings between the 1st and 2nd Battalion. So, there will be five enhanced companies with six lances in each company, we will surround the 2nd Long Road Legion and converge on the barrack. The wing of Aerospace fighters will give air and ground support with the hopes of grounding the dropships then the ground units can take out the 2nd Long Road Legion for good.
Two hours later as the units march to their destination the comm flared up on the Colonels Console. “Actual, EagleTop, eggs just landed boarding civvies” the voice from the speaker said. “Rog, about to crack some eggs in 15 mic, Actual out.” So, the dropships have landed about an hour earlier than predicted, no problem. “Renegades, Actual step it up eggs are down…eggs are down time to make them scramble Actual out” Clicks of the com was all he heard just like he liked it comm etiquette his way. 1st Company was under his command, Major Jaime Jordan is commanding the 2nd Company, Lieutenant Colonel Ambu Priyabroto is in charge of the 3rd Company, Major Jake Olvarez has the 4th Company, and Major Shaheed Ghuman will command the 5th Company
As they rounded the corner placing most of the mechs out of the small canyons that the roads were locate, all the companies saw the massive structure in front of them half dirt have man made the last stand base walls almost hid the two Lee, and one Black Eagle dropships. Then multiple bogies started to pop up on the radar. “Companies, Actual fighters in bounds looks like they are fat” the Colonel announced notating that all the fighters were loaded with bombs. A second later the fighters came screaming in dropping bombs and firing lasers. A few seconds later…”Actual, 5th wall engaged” Major Ghuman announced. “Actual, EagleTop eggs been scrapped no breakage yet.” Roger Eagle Top fly back around keep scratching” the Colonel said and then the famous click click went over the net acknowledging the commanders’ orders.
Damn it he just lost two mechs due to those darn bombs loaded on the Alliance planes this has got to change, their planes are picking at us while we march on the base and all their mechs hide like cowards. “Eagle Top, Actual change of plans take out the enemies’ planes.” The colonel said “roger that sir” Of course the Colonel was sure he had enough mechs, he outnumbered the enemy 2 to 1 but still planes should not do that it was so….impolite
“Actual 5th we are facing heavy resistance now, they popped over the embankment and started to fire…request aero support their fighter just took out Private Amr in his Urbanmech.” Major Ghuman said. This is really making me angry the Colonel thought I really really hate fighters they should band them from combat. “EagleTop, Actual why have you not taken those fighters out?” “Sir they are planes they are fast.” The Captain pronounced “Grrrr I know that, that is why your guys are in planes too now take them out damn it!!!!” As the Colonel sees a few more of his mechs go down he starts to get concerned, he still outnumbers them but getting to the base and breaching it is taking longer than he thought. The 5th, 1st, and 2nd company were getting tied down with those fighters flying around in the air and the shear firepower of the dropships. Thankfully most of the energy weapons from the dropships are missing or else his unit would be destroyed.
“Actual, 4th we have our jumpers at the wall standby for breached of the compound.” Excellent the Colonel thought finally something was going his way unfortunately when he looked at the command board only five of the nine jumpers made it to the wall from 4th Company so still an uphill battle. At the same time of that call, he saw three enemy planes go down in a fiery ball, about time, “Keep it up press, press!! all units go go go break all formations and charge!” He announced over the net.
“Actual 4th all boats have been destroyed and are pressing the gate we have one toe in” Major Jake Olvarez said.
“Actual 5th foot in the gate I repeat foot in the gate” Major Shaheed Ghuman he followed with “guess who is home hehe”
“Actual 3rd jumpy up and over breach in progress I repeat breach of southeast wall in progress.” Lieutenant Colonel Ambu Priyabroto said proudly.
Finally some excellent news as a couple more planes ran away EagleTop announced they took off for the hills.
A minute later after some intense firefighting on the southwest side of the compound with several mechs legs being taken out on both sides of the field the Major broadcast across the net “Actual, 5th we are through the gate and repeat we are through the gate an advancing. “Still meeting heavy resistance but the enemy mechs that are able are pulling back towards their Dropship.” Then Lieutenant Colonel Priyabroto came across the net, “five mechs in the base meeting light resistance most enemy mechs are making for the dropships looks like a dropship Lee Class is about to take off.” “Actual 2nd, we encountered two snipers that took the legs off of eight units before they disappeared behind the barrier.” Major Jordan announced to her dismay. The Colonel then said ‘we encountered the same thing Major half our unit is down also. 3rd and 5th push we will get there as soon as we can” “Rog”
Then as the Lee class dropship took off it flew over the Colonel position and fired all its lasers at his location. He was able dodge a couple but still enough hit his right arm and leg that it caused him to fall to the ground when his gyro could not compensate. When he fell, his right side of his mech’s head hit the surface of a rock formation that was sticking out of the ground, causing internal damage to his comm and neural interface. As he struggled to get not only his own head fully back in reality, he was also trying to get his comm back on line when he noticed through the broken glass of the cockpit that the other two dropships took off flying east and up. “Damn it” he said out loud to no one, “we won the f-ing battle and I cannot get on comms to see about causalities, damn dropship”
Boccaccio Continent Capital City Certaldo
Dante
Operation Liberate
Outworlds Alliance
Duncan Renegades Command Company
May 22th, 3030
12:00GST
With the retreat of the 2nd Long Road Legion, the takeover of the primary base for the Capital and the complete destruction/takeover of the planet’s Aerospace units the government had no choice but concede the planet to the Renegades who in turn placed the planet under the flag of the Freedom Federation. In the aftermath of the last battle Colonel Wrigton lost ten mechs completely and had another twenty-three mechs with missing limbs. Thankfully this battle for the planet was over and they can rebuild and repair. There were fifteen fighters of the enemy forces that were looted and just need repairs to bring them back to operational status. He only lost one MechWarrior in this last battle, Private Consiglio was killed in the line of duty the funeral is scheduled for tomorrow.
-
Chapter Twenty-six
Mitchella
Governor Mansion
Office of the Governor
28 July 3030
Patricia Avellar sat back down, she had been pacing the floor when she was talking to her cousin on the net. She should have known it was terrible news when the call notification from the Capital of the Alliance was being routed to her desk. As she sat there she went over the words from her cousin.
Two Hours ago
“Hey Teddy what’s up?” Patricia said as she sat down in front of the viewer.
“Neil has went missing along with all the Avellar Guards, reports are coming in that late last night all the Guards dropships left to location unknown. What’s worse more reports are coming in from other planets in which Alliance units were station saying that they have pulled up and left. Those units had a new banner too, one that my sister created.”
Patricia jumped up and started pacing, not knowing whether to scream, throw something, or be concern. She took out her person pad and started typing in request about the units that was on her planet now. “holy crap Teddy what are they doing?”
Teddy had a worry looked on his face and looked like he had aged 10 years overnight. “The Alliance is dead Patricia, only three planets are left with any credible fighting force, the forces on Quatre Belle, what is left here at Alpheratz and what is left on your planet. Everyone else has left.”
“I just put in a request for a meet with the commander of the four units stationed here plus my militia commander, but the 1st Alliance Air Wing just arrived on station last week from a devastating beating they took on Ramora they are lucky to escape at all. I am not leaving my planet and I will stand with you cousin.”
29 August 3030
Governor Patricia had just finished her morning tea when her aid burst through the door. “Madam Governor, Warships and JumpShips just materialized at the Nadir jump point and they are heading this way.”
Nadir point
Lt. Commander Alena Shashikanth looked at the status board and nodded to herself, all five escort warships and three JumpShips successfully made the jump. Long-Range Radar notice that the local fighters were spread out though the solar system, which was good for them but bad for the enemy.
“Com patch me to the fleet.” As she said this the commander of the ground units entered the command section. “Report, Commander what is the status of the mission”
Alena looked at Colonel Scragg Commander of the 1st Chappy’s Revenge Regiment still in awe of how this woman carried herself, being the highest-ranking woman in the organization minus the General’s wife. She had the poise of a strong leader that truly cared for her people and at the same time was still humble and took recommendations from others below her in status if it was a good idea.
“Ma’am, all ships have successfully jumped into the Mitchella system. Long range radar shows that the enemy has separated their forces into three main clusters. I was just about to order two of the escorts to move on the research station while the rest head towards the main planet.”
The colonel thought for a second, “Ok sounds good, tell the escorts not to pursue if the fighters retreat, secure the research facility and then meet up with the rest of the fleet.”
“Roger colonel” The colonel then walked out of the command center and the commander resumed her communication with the fleet.
Orbit
Research Facility
Lieutenant SG Kemsley commander of fighter group
piloting a Blackwasp code B008
Kemsley was nervous there were only three squadrons protecting a research facility that had no weapons. Reports were coming in that two escort warships broke off the main enemy fleet and started a 1G burn here. While most of the pilots under his command had combat experience, it was mostly ground, space battle will be totally different, and he had tried to warn them. As the two radar targets drew closer the enemy size doubled, then tripled. “Squadrons!!, targets dropships and fighters must have just launched I need details on what we are up against now.”
“B011 to B008 my sensors are picking up two Titan DropShips 8 Ar………”
B011 was Kemsley wing man until several lasers hit him and he was no more. “Evasive maneuvers break formation and target the escort on the left. Let’s make it hurt for them.”
Bridge
FFFS Tycho
“Sir, all craft are away contact with enemy squadrons in one minute.”
The commander looked at the main screen. “Decelerate, turn into the path, fire at will” “Aye, aye captain”.
As the main guns fired on the enemy several fighters were destroyed within seconds of each other. Lt. Commander John Ece, Captain of the Freedom Federation Ship sat there in awe, wondering why those fighter pilots thought it was a good idea to stand and fight out in space against his force. From the time he was an Ensign (ten years ago) with the merc unit turned into house unit he always wondered why fighter pilots did not care about their lives. As the fighters passed by and both the enemy and his ships turned and accelerated to match speed, more fighters went up in a ball of fire that quickly dispersed due to the vacuum of space.
Space
B008
destroyed
Lieutenant SG Kemsley knew that in one hour if no one found him floating in his spacesuit he would be dead, no need to panic, it was his fault he did not dodge the lasers from the escort ship, might as well close his eyes and just go to sleep. The 102nd fighter squadron was completely wiped out as he drifted off, he hoped the other two squadron would just run.
A big explosion was heard on the bridge of the Tycho, the front laser bay was just destroyed, and all the armor indicators went from null to green and yellow in a matter of seconds. “Sir, looks like the enemy is focusing on us and ignoring the other ships.” A crewmember announced.
The captain agreed with the assessment, “all right have all ships converge on us and we will destroy the enemy with firepower.”
Command bunker
Mitchella
Command Section
Conference Room 101
Major Wieniawski had been watching with the other commanders the uselessness of what was going on. “Sirs, one squadron has been completely wiped out and the other two are headed that way you must call for retreat. Again, we need to pool all our forces here at the planet if we are to have any chance of defeating the enemy.”
Colonel Roberto Gutierrez commander of all planetary militia looked at the Major as if he was killing her with his bare hands since it was his idea to split the aerospace squadrons to cover the three major assets in the solar system. “Sir” Colonel Gutierrez announce, “Maybe, we should pull the units out and do what the Major suggests, at the time I made the decision to split the forces up I had no information about the enemy having warships with them.
Director Young-Il Xie commander of the ‘suicide kings’ and commander of all the forces second only to the governor nodded his head, “I agree with the assessment call the retreat.”
Commander of the 103rd Squadron was never so grateful as the call she got to retreat and regroup on Mitchella, it was crazy that the boss had them go up against capital ships. In the end 101st squadron was completely wiped out, 102nd had two guys that were really banged up and her squadron had lost two. As the six fighters put their distance between them and the enemy she wondered if the next battle would be any better.
With no defense capability on the research station the crew of Tycho rounded up the alliance staff that was on board and held them in a holding cell until it could be determine who would give up on the idea of Outworld Alliance and accept Freedom Federation concepts and laws. After that the two capital ships minus some personnel mostly guards and extra research personnel that they were carrying, left to join the rest of the fleet for the final space battle in the solar system of Mitchella.
-
Chapter Twenty Seven
Governor’s mansion
Situation Room “SCIF”
11 Sept 3030
As the top leaders looked at the holoscreen the governor thought there was no way that 5 escort ships and some dropships could overcome the force that her generals put together. Among the six commands represented in this room four were able to field either aerospace, dropships, or both for this battle just outside the gravity well of the planet. A little over a hundred ships were headed toward the enemy, in her mind victory was near.
Federation Fleet
Bridge of
White Bear UFFS
1005GST
Lt. Commander Alena Shashikanth turned to the com officer, “patch me to the fleet Ensign.”
“yes,sir…..you are connected.”
Alena straighten up before she spoke, unknown to her why she did that every time she was going to speak to the people under her command, but she always did.
“Fleet, it is time again for battle pick your targets and destroy them, they have superior numbers, but we are superior fighters, when we crush them here, we will have air superiority over this planet, God speed and good hunting. Launch all craft and fighters.”
She looked over the battle plan once more, a four-prong advance hoping to divide their advantage of quantity to a more manageable fight. Pushing the enemy to deal with the threats by spreading them thin along the imaginary battle line.
1006 GST—Charlee Prong
Federation Fleet
Lieutenant Commander Sudani of the UFFS Vigil was apprehensive, this was her first time to be in command of a large taskforce, but she was up against 8 squadrons, around 48 fighters against her 12 fighters, 9 dropships and her corvette. So, her first major command could be her last. As they reached the outer range of their weapons, she ordered the fleet to fire at will and then prayed that they would make it.
Alliance Fleet
Captain Hija Yoofi highest ranking pilot relayed the order from the ground to take out as many dropships as possible no matter what the cost to material or life.
Delta Prong
Federation Fleet
Lt. Commander Hakeem knew what this was about, last week he was caught by the fleet commander kissing her daughter, well in truth she was kissing him, and he had wanted nothing to do with that. Unfortunately, the Fleet Commander walked in right at that moment, so he was screwed. How screwed, well she put his task force up against a superior fighting force, citing that his skill level would meet the challenge and that as soon as the other task forces are done, they will move over and reinforce him. Fat chance on that he thought as his fleet moved to engage the 4th Alliance wing.
1007 GST—Beta Prong
With both sides in range they fired all the weapons that had a firing solution, as a barrage of laser exchange happen, the Commander of the ground defense force aerospace fighters realize that this was hopeless battle, but if they took out as many dropships even if it was one that happen to be full of mechs it would help the troops on the ground. “Defense Force ignore the enemy fighters focus everything you have on the dropships now.”
Charlee Prong
Federation Fleet
Lt. Commander Chojecki commander of the dropship Dawn of the Day saw on the monitor that the enemy fighters were coming after the ships, meaning ramming them. “Evasive action quick move 20 degrees to the starboard now.” Right then an enemy Hellcat flew right where the dropship used to be.
1008 GST – Beta Prong
As the fighters strafe the dropships significant damage was done on several craft but none were destroyed, however for the Mitchella Defense Force the 2nd Squadron lost four pilots and the 3rd Squadron lost 2 pilots. The Federation Fleet all flipped on their axis doing an 180 in a matter of seconds and started a high burn to slow down their velocity in order to gain distance on the near batter defense force.
Delta Prong
Federation Fleet
The enemy fighters came swarming as angry bees trying to inflict damage on the capital ships bypassing the fighters picket line, fortunately for the Federation that tactic did not work since there was minimum damage and 4 of the enemy fighters were destroyed.
Alliance Fleet
Magda Escalante battlefield commander thought this was stupid, screw the orders from the ground. “Fleet fire at your best target forget about just focusing on the capital ships.”
1010 GST – Charlee Prong
Federation Fleet
Lieutenant Commander Sudani tried hard not to show panic in her voice as she gave orders to not only her ship but to the fleet. So far, all her ships have been able to dodge the couple of fighters that tried to ram them, but the worry now, the JumpShip. The battle was slowly floating closer to the invaluable ship, that must be the priority right now to protect that ship. “Fleet protect the Concorde at all cost.”
Alliance Fleet
The fighters were all over the place, Captain Hija Yoofi had lost control of the situation. About ten of her wingmen were just floating away from battle out of control and as of right now out of luck. Yet others were trying to ram their fighters into the DropShips screaming over the battlenet, war has a way of making men crazy she thought. Still, she tried to give movement orders even if no one was listening.
1011 GST–Delta Prong
Federation Fleet
Lt. Commander Hakeem saw the change in the enemy tactics especially when he lost three of his fighters and one assault craft within seconds of themselves. “Target that Union Dropship, destroy it now.”
Alliance Fleet
Magda Escalante was thinking that they may come out of this not only alive but as victors when several of the enemy ships were destroyed but then she noticed her error, her dropship was no match for two escorts and a dropship as they open fired all targeting her as the weapons ripped through the Union dropship structural integrity collapse and the ship was no more.
1013 GST—
Alpha Prong
Alliance Fleet
Horace Ito commander of the Longshots lead DropShip knew that this was useless all of them was going to die but as his ship approached the enemy fleet he saw an opportunity, one that he might be branded as a despicable warrior but one that he was seriously thinking about.
Federation Fleet
The battle was going well but Commander Shashikanth saw that one of the enemy dropships had broken through and was coming dangerously close to the JumpShip Luna Mariner.
Beta Prong
After a second pass by the Alliance Fleet fighters the result was a few damage Federation ships mainly the assault craft and all Alliance Fleet fighter destroyed.
Charlee Prong
Alliance Fleet
It’s all but done, Captain Yoofi thought as she looked over her board, which was dead, as she spun off towards the planet, she could only hope that her thermal protection was still in place as she went through the atmosphere.
1014 GST
Alpha Prong
Alliance Fleet
Ito made his decision. “Weapons as soon as we are in range fire on the JumpShip.” All eyes on the flight deck turned and looked at him and he glared back in his best commander glare, “I said fire on that ship”
“Yes, sir” was all he got and then the lasers shot out toward the sacred ship that was supposed to be off limits.
Federation Fleet
‘Navigator, roll the ship 180 as soon as we past that ship and Weapons fire on it as soon as we get a lock. We cannot let it destroy our JumpShip.” Commander Shashikanth announced.
Delta Prong
Federation Fleet
“Task Force Three and Five, this is Task Force Four we have arrived at your coordinates and will engage the enemy as soon as they are in range, Task force Two is mopping up their zone and will be here shortly.”
Lt. Commander Hakeem sighed, a sign of relieve since most of his fighters were destroyed and the enemy was turning their focus on his capital ships.
“Thanks Task Force four, we appreciate the help.” was all he could muster.
1015 GST
Alliance Fleet
With the reinforcement of the enemy and reports of the battle going very badly for them in the other sectors the acting battle commander ordered the retreat to Mitchella hopefully with the ground forces they will fare better.
Atmosphere
Captain Yoofi saw through her pilot window that other ships were making planet fall also some just burnt up others looked like they might make it, the heat inside her cockpit was getting unbearable until she finally succumbs to the heat and passed out.
Federation Fleet
Lt. Commander Hakeem saw the signs but could not believe it, thank the gods that the other attack prongs did well enough to push the enemy into retreat. Although he doubted that he would ever hear the end of it about how many combat units he lost.
Within ten minutes of the first laser fire the battle was over, space junk floated all over the place and the Federation Fleet maintenance personnel were salvaging as much as possible and taking inventory of what if any Dropships where too damage for the decent down the well of Mitchella.
Three hours later
First Lieutenant Sanat Battalion commander of all techs in the unit hated to brief the Colonel, he knew she wanted to make landfall and now while the enemy was still in disarray, although not nearly as bad as it could have been there is still going to be a two-day delay to fix four dropships to guarantee the survival of planet re-entry and all of them had key components for the invasion, she was not going to be happy. Colonel Scragg took the report, tossed it on her desk thanked the Lieutenant and then dismissed him. It could have been worse thankfully only one enemy unit had any real pilots in it, unfortunately they were still not good enough to kill that low life Colonel that was kissing her daughter. Somehow, he had to die without her being accused of murder, somehow…just then the comm officer on the bridge informed her that the Duncan Renegade Combat Group Four was inbound and would be in orbit in 6 days. Also, the Death Regulators Elite Strike Force was almost done recharging at Sevon and would be in orbit within 11 days. At least the invasion will keep her mind from Hakeem, hopefully.
The next morning
Mitchella City
Hospital of the Healer
Room 204
Captain Yoofi awoke to see a man looking at her, he was either a nurse or a doctor. Her head pounded but nothing else seemed to hurt except for not being able to talk.
“Good, your awake Captain I am Doctor Hector, you were deliver here last night you suffered some third degree burns and a concussion but other than that you are fit and free to go when you feel like it. Oh, by the way you have been transferred to the Suicide Kings as all pilot survivors were, the Mitchella Space Defense Force has been disbanded and all its assets assigned to the Suicide Kings effective immediately.”
-
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Governor’s mansion
Situation Room “SCIF”
12 Sept 3030 1600GST
The governor sat behind her desk tapping her fingers looking at the man in front of her at attention. She started to wonder how long it would take for him to pass out and pushed that thought aside. The defense of the planet was priority although after what happened yesterday maybe running would be priority, or eating a ham sandwich with mustard and pickles, heck she did it again what was wrong with her she thought I cannot keep focus.
“Director Xie, please tell me why I should not ask you to kill yourself, oh wait, it’s because we are not Draconis Combine and even then, even after your failure, I still need you. What have you to say for yourself and what type of defense are we going to get.” She paused a minute looking at the stack of papers and remembered the other issue. “Also, why in the hell did you dissolve the planetary space force and infused their equipment and personnel into your unit, on whose authority did you do that.”
The Director just stood there for a second unsure how to respond, there was something wrong with the governor, but he could not put a finger on it.
“Ma’am I did that because you put me in charge, I did that to help coordinated resistance on the ground. If their ground forces are like their space forces we need to think instead of winning, how much damage can we do to them.”
Hospital of the Healer
Captain Yoofi was in the back seat of a military escort vehicle a matter of moments after the doctor released her. She couldn’t get out of that hospital soon enough. Still shocked that she was now a member of the Suicide Kings, she had some doubt creep in her mind about what they were doing in the first place. During the drive, over to the base she looked at her personal effects still in the plastic cover, amazingly her pad was still operational, as she turned it on there was a message for her, well for everyone, it was a message from the Freedom Federation.
White Bear UFFS
In orbit around Mitchella
The Colonel looked at the Ensign as he gave his report, not knowing if this would have any effect on the outcome of the invasion. Since the Federation was still a new country with radical ideas, the thought was to spread the information about the Federation to the world. The ensign was very proudful about how he could hack into all electronic systems and send the propaganda info out to everyone on the planet.
Mitchella
Captain Yoofi escort vehicle
As she opened the message she asked the driver about it, he replied with a warning that the governor had issued a statement saying that anyone talking about it or caught reading it they would be hung for treason. He said that he would not report her since she just left the hospital and had no idea about the subject. But she read it anyway, and a stirring began inside her, of a life that could be better.
Suicide Kings
Base of Operations
13 September 3030 0800GST
Captain Yoofi stood in front of the Director and gave a stiff salute.
“Captain Yoofi reporting as order sir!”
Director Xie looked her over and said, “Good I am glad you could make it so quickly after your injury. You have been placed under my command, therefor because of your skills and leadership ability I am giving you the rank of Section Leader in command of the 2nd Squadron, most of the flyers are left over from your old unit so there will be a familiarity with them.”
As she walked out of the commander’s office with a new uniform, a new rank, and a stiff walk she wondered what was going on with her. She should be ecstatic, having a dream come true, section leader in the famous Suicide Kings. Unfortunately, she was not, as she walked out of the command building and walked towards the barracks where her unit lived, she kept wondering how it would be to live in freedom and to be done with her mission.
What she saw was total emptiness of hope in the eyes of most of her pilots. Out of the nine pilots six of them was from her old unit the planetary space defense wing, in which they were almost routed to absolutely nothing. Her pilots were just laying around on the tarmac right in front of their new fighters. She shook her head and said, “what are you doing just laying around?”
Her XO looked up lazily and said, “haven’t you heard Section Leader, the Federation dropships are finally coming down the gravity well, location unknown but rumor is that Varnamtown has already taken on a dropship full of mechs and lost in a matter of minutes, the remnant of the 12th company are on a hard and fast retreat. With that being said, boss we are on alert, so here we sit until…” right then the base alarm sounded off warning the personnel that an attack is immanent. “GO GO GO let’s get in our fighters and defend the base!” which was the last words that most of the pilots heard from their Section Leader.
The battle waged as the suicide kings tried to take off, vertical takeoff was becoming dangerous since as soon as their fighters cleared the walls and buildings they were being shot down. Orders were received to takeoff using the runway in all four directions using the wall and then the natural terrain to cover them as they picked up speed to invade the Federation laser fire. The kings were just lining up for their first strafing run when two squadrons of medium fighters appeared from the atmosphere, Red and Green Squadron from the corvette ship, Vigil swoop down and picked off four fighters from behind. The Federation dropship decided to land right in the middle of the runway, effectively cutting off two exit points for the planes that still hadn’t taken off. This caused the king’s fighters to get trapped on the ground with the dropship firing its massive weapons destroying several ships on the ground. Section Leader Yoofi was able to rally some pilots, and after that they divebomb the dropship, causing major damage but in doing so all four kings fighters were destroyed including Yoofi’s. Knocked unconscious again for the second time in three days and major injuries to her right leg and left arm she drifted to the ground after her chute deployed.
Three towns that had Army units were also visited by the Federation DropShips full of mechs ready to fight. All three towns fell within minutes thus making the continent called Big Horn in complete control of the Federation. Within five hours of breaking obit the Federation had a strong footing on Mitchella.
Governor’s mansion
Situation Room “SCIF”
Day One of Invasion 2300GST
The governor was beside herself, none of her military advisors were doing anything to stop the Federation. For the last seven months, she had seen the battle reports about the invasion of other OA planets but blew them off since it was not her planet, but now, now she understood there was something about this unknown unit. Rumors had circulated about a mysterious merc unit with equipment that matched the Wolf Dragoons, as she started to come back from her train of thought she realized that Director Young-Il Xie was going on about honor and such and how he will go to his unit and take over instead of commanding from the bunker. She thought to herself that he should have been there the whole time, as she focused on Xie she took out her sidearm and shot him in the head. When her attendant busted through the door with her gun dawn, she noticed that the governor was ok, then the governor asked her to inform the XO of the Suicide Kings that their commander commented suicide so he is in charge and to notify the militia commander that he has operational control of all forces now.
City of Friars Point
City Hall
Colonel Scragg looked over all the battle reports and was overall pleased with the outcome minimum damage to most units only two MechWarriors died in combat and several prisoners that may one day be part of the Federation Army. Best yet she was in complete control of one continent and had a strong footing on another, not bad for day one of the invasion, not bad at all.
Just outside of the City of Zhukov
10 miles from the Airbase
Amidst battlefield salvage
Section Leader Yoofi was going in and out of conciseness at one point she thought she saw a bird pick at her skin, she had lost all track of time, but it had to have been hours since she lost her ship since it seemed like it was getting darker every time she woke up or was it just her mind playing tricks. A breeze kicked up and the bird flew away, the wind was getting stronger, and a bright light shined on her. She did not believe in an afterlife but for a second she thought she was going to heaven, with the lights and wind and then what look like wings descended upon her, later she would recognize it has the unit symbol for the 1st Regiment of Chappy’s Revenge but for now it looked like an angel.
HeloRescue Flt1104
“Sir, I spotted another one barring 202 distance 100 yards.”
“Roger that Gunner, will make adjustment prepare for rescue.”
As the helo hovered and the gunner sent the rescue team down to investigate, he notice that if not for her injuries she would be one very gorgeous woman.
The next day Section Leader Yoofi woke up again this time in a mobile hospital with at least a hundred most of them in uniforms like hers and her old unit the militia. Then she notices a man standing next to her monitor.
“Ah good you are awake and alert, my name is Doctor Thuy, you are among friends, well technically the Federation but maybe one day friends, anyway you have a concussion looks like not your first either since the invasion and you have a punctured lung, cuts on legs and arms and some minor sprains. As you can tell this is a mobile hospital and we are quite busy. With your injuries, not as bad as some, we will just monitor and let you rest and heal. If you have any issues just press the call button, ok”
-
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Mobile Base Alpha
Col Scragg office
18 Sept 3030
Col Scragg sat there at her desk flipping a pen up in the air and catching it. She was bored, per the combat plans that General Chapman devised there were certain objectives laid out for each unit, since her unit took all the objectives in the first day that was supposed to take a week her unit had to wait, so there she was pushing paper instead of fighting and damn it she was a warrior not a secretary. A week of sitting here making sure damage repair, salvage was going smoothly, talking to the prisoners that have the potential one day of being a warrior for the Federation, and of course this flipping pen in the air, was making her to fall asleep blah. Her communicator beeped.
“Sir, Duncan’s Renegades are inbound and will engage the enemy in about 2 hours.”
“Thanks, Lieutenant, inform all commanders that the operation is a go, round them up and head out.”
“Colonel, have you looked outside lately?”
DropShip Zion
Duncan Renegades 4th Combat Group HQ
Col Robert Geddes Private Quarters
Colonel Geddes sat there as the dropship moved through the solar system inbound to Mitchella. He had been with the Duncan Renegades since the beginning, a close confidant to the leader Duncan Bovet he was against leaving the merc life and becoming a house unit. In the end though Duncan choice was to follow a childhood friend in his quest of a better life for the little people. Rules and regulations are what he did not like, but he had to admit since joining this Federation all of the equipment was like new, they also had an influx of personnel into all the combat groups, how this Chapman dude made it all happen Rob was not for sure, but it was defiantly a perk. As long as he got paid, he did not care who he worked for, just some of those rules pissed him off.
“Attention crew and passengers, we have reached the planet all personnel to their assigned duties, all passengers to your units we will commence the Assault Drop in two hours.” Came the announcement over the intercom. Colonel unstrapped himself and made his way to the door while opening a com line to his XO Lt. Col. Lisa Able, “Lisa, let’s do the drop by the book.”
10 minutes from Assault Drop
Col Geddes looked out at the computer projected view of the battlefield,
“Renegades follow the battleplan nothing has changed good luck good hunting.”
As the three dropships made their way to the fort the two Aerospace Squadrons launched from the dropship Janus a Vengeance model capable of carrying 40 fighters sadly Geddes thought he only had 12 under his command.
The fighters made their initial run, they were able to take out two Weapons Carriers and a Crab. Everything was going until the Dropship Sigil had a malfunction in one of the mech bays and a forth of its drop capability went away. Luckily half of the company had already exited the dropship via combat assault.
But in a move that is standard in the philosophy of Duncan’s and Chappy’s but considered bold and dangerous both of the Renegade dropships moved into the base and landed crushing several enemy mechs that could not get out of the way.
As the battle continued to wage, the strafing runs by the Renegades took its toll on the planet defenses, with each pass more mechs or tanks laid in a heap of damage twisted metal.
The commander of the base sounded the retreat and VTOL transports started to pick up the ground troop to carry them to safety while the Militia moved their tanks up as the rest of the Federation forces poured into the front gates of the base.
Director Benzine, commander of the Alliance Borderers ordered all mechs to engage with the enemy to allow the troops and VIP members to get away. The tank company from the militia did the same. With their action, most of Troop H escape but only a forth from Troop F got away along with the mayor of the local town and president of the factory site just outside of the base. It was a heavy cost for the planetary defenders in the end most of the mechs and tanks were lost along with the crew that manned them, including Director Benzine when a PPC ripped through his Raven torso and head killing him instantly minutes after giving the order to stand their ground. For the Federation forces, Colonel Geddes lost his Rifleman, but he sustained no injuries, he did however lose three MechWarriors and a couple of fighter pilots, overall though he deemed it a success.
There were two other DropZone landings for the 4th Duncan Renegades Combat Group. The second one was just 50 miles up the road at an Airbase now just housing some mobile infantry and mechs since most of the fighters were destroyed already on planet. Captain Jean-Pierre Clement commander of Alpha Company was in charge of taking the base. The defenders there were bold though and advanced on the DropShip, Captain Clement changed the orders from Assault Drop to landing the ship and un-board that way, the reason being was the dropship can dispatch more units on the ground than the air and with the planetary defenses moving toward them he needed all the firepower he could muster. As the battle progressed the numbers for the Renegades started to outweigh the enemy. The Renegades artillery pounded the planet’s infantry, with the weapon power of the DropShip the planet defense crumbled.
The other DropZone was about 100 miles southeast in a small town called Marion City, the reason for this Assault was that a major factory laid between the city and the ocean. Major Dave Macllvain commander of the Beta Company dropped out first along with several infantry troops that is when everything started to go wrong.
Marion City
Longshots
Section Leader Betty Foster
Once high command confirmed that a DropShip was headed to Marion City Section Leader Foster started to come up with solutions. She could retreat but then they might hang her, she could surrender, rumor was that prisoners were treated very good but that did not sound good either. The third option and really the only option was to stand and fight. As the DropShip came into view, she notice it was an Excalibur model with her extensive training she knew that it could only drop one mech at a time in the air but several could exit at the same time once it landed. She contacted her best gunner, “Ortiz, front and center, you need to pick a focal point on the engines and take that son-of-bitch out. Everyone else fire at that DropShip now!!!.”
DropShip Rising Ambition
The first weapon hit on the Rising Ambition Lt. McNeany was not concern after the third and fourth one he saw his error and tried to correct course and order the pilot to gain altitude right then a series of AC rounds went thru the engine destroying it causing the massive ship to crash land. With the crash landing, it caused all mech bays and cargo bays damage to the point that they would not open. The next round of missiles and lasers caused the ship to exploded killing almost everyone on board. The survivors quickly made a hastily retreat.
Mobile Base Alpha
Col Scragg office
19 September 3030
All that wait for the Renegades for what, a mix result. She really wanted that factory, and control of another continent, now satellite shows that units from the west of Fort Stewart and the enemy units from Marion are chasing what was left of Beta Company. With a major storm brewing over head all flights have been canx three days the forecasters said three days of this rain, wind, and hail.
On the other side of the mobile base stood the hospital, it had been several days since Yoofi injury and capture, but she really did not feel like a prisoner. All the staff treated her and the rest of the Alliance troops with respect and honor. She did notice that there was a sort of segregation of sorts, almost half of the original prisoners were placed elsewhere when she finally got the courage to ask where they had taken them, fearing the worse answer possible she cringed but the doctor turned to her and said, “we separated the discontents with the guest that may be more open into becoming a part of the great experiment. Both populations get the exact same treatment, the only thing different is when asked about personal or political questions we take more time to talk to one group. They also get access to the library full of categories of subjects, even the declassified accounts of this war. Not just the battles but also the aftermath accounts from personal logs made public and local and regional news sources.”
She thought about it then asked one more question, “What if after I am fully recovered, I don’t want to talk about the Federation anymore?”
The doctor walked backed to her sat down at the end of the bed. “As I see it you have three options, first one is to remain committed to the Alliance idea of thinking you will then be held as a POW, when fully recovered shipped back to the prisoner camp on Kinkaid until the end of the war. The second option is to declare non-allegiance to everyone in which case after we have claimed victory here on Mitchella you will be released back to the population, as a civilian. The third option has three paths, first you decide you want to be part of the Federation, depending on what your goals are, you could be place into public service, placed in the militia that we will stand up and stay here on Mitchella, or receive an assignment with one of our units, there are over 20 now fully active with several more on the books. So ultimately the decision is yours.”
-
Chapter Thirty
Fort Stewart
26 Sept 3030
Colonel Robert Geddes was worried, or concerned at what was happening. After one of his companies failed in their attempt to take over a town, losing most of the company and dropship. The enemy was bolden by their success and moved against his remaining forces huddle up in Fort Stewart. Robert cursed the commander of the Chappy’s Revenge because of her inability or want ability to help him saying weather was preventing her to come to his defense. That damn diva thinking that she is all that, he would like to knock her down a few and remind her that up until a couple of years ago she too was a merc. What is with people and power going to their head was beyond him. With no help in sight and seeing the enemy forces advance on three sides he called his company commanders and issued orders, defend to the last man there is no retreat and no help coming.
The enemy was coming closer, it was if the devil had lit a fire under their ass Robert thought. He had yet seen the enemy on this planet attack with meaning or desire to fight showing a lack of a backbone, until now. Then two dozen more radar hits from the east identified them as lights and mediums. Of course, one of his companies and a dropship was destroyed by this enemy but he did not witness it and from reports it was a couple of lucky shots that did it. So, he was not impressed, yet.
High Orbit
Regulators Blood
Colossus DropShip
Death Regulators Elite Strike Force
Major Matthew Chapman II waited patiently for Colonel Scragg to answer his hail, he wondered if he was his father would she let him wait. “Sir, the colonel is online.”
“Thanks Captain patch her to my console.”
“Colonel Scragg we have just entered high orbit, we have notice heavy fighting do you want us to assist, instead of the planned landing zone?”
“Major….Chapman follow your orders land at the predesignated landing zone the town in your path is now undefended thanks to them pushing on the Duncan Renegades spot to the east.”
“Ma’am I am a little concern; I took the liberty to listen in on the BattleNet and they are out number 2 to 1 on three sides.”
“Major, I don’t care who you are, you will follow your orders, I am going to keep you in reserve I cannot have the Generals first born die under my command.”
“Excuse me? I think the channel has static I did not quite hear you.” With a wave of his hand the communication was terminated.
Captain Hansen looked at his commander even though he was the dropship commander he took orders from the Major. “What are your orders sir? You have six-minute window to make up your mind to go help the Renegades or go occupy an undefended town.”
Major Chapman looked at the captain and just nodded, “I will tell you then in five and a half minutes.”
Fort Stewart
This battle was starting to heat up, the enemy was slowly coming into range of his units LRMs. So was the enemy’s weapon fire. Slowly the militia came and slowly the numbers started to shift more in favor of the militia. Colonel Geddes was starting to get nervous now, and wondered if this was his last command.
Fort Stewart
West Wall
Captain James oversaw the west wall defense unfortunately his company and the other company he was charge of was primarily armor and infantry. At one point, a few months ago he was excited about leaving the merc life and starting a life that his kids could be proud of but, right now as the enemy forces that outnumbered him 3 to 1, advanced he wasn’t sure. According to his commander the overall commander left them there to die, that was no way to treat another soldier in James’s mind. His Artillery was taking out their ground troops but could not get a target solution on the mechs. Then at the top of the ridge a company of light scout mechs appeared and rushed his lines. He was trying to call shots but there were just too many of them, he ordered targeting on a Cataphract, just as they fired on it the pilot of the Cataphract targeted all weapons on James, the last thing James saw before he was knocked out by weapons fire was the Cataphract going down to its knees. Soon after that the Longshots trampled over Captain James mech killing him while still unconscious, the west defense was in shambles and what remained of the Renegades retreated behind the wall.
East Wall
Lt. Colonel Lisa Able did not like her odds she looked over to her left side and was comforted by seeing Captain Ramos Ostroc ready to fight. The alert came at the same time it did for the west and south wall the enemy was attacking on three sides. Her battalion was outnumbered 2 to 1 so she called for a slow orderly retreat to the wall. Then Col. Geddes interrupted her orders.
“No retreat, no mercy, we attack and win by surprising them with a blitz.”
Lisa hated her commander, when General Bovet announced plans to leave the merc life and join a new nation becoming part of the core units for that nation, Lisa was excited. She hated the merc life but was only there because she was pushed out of the Federated Suns military for having sex with a private, the girl was hot, but in hindsight was not worth it. Turned out to be a trap, a way for her XO to get what he wanted and that was a command. So, she dealt with the merc scum, not all mercs are bad, or scum but Colonel Geddes was and when they became a house unit Lisa thought he would be fired. Well, now he might just die, hopefully she would live to see it.
“Alright, 1st Battalion you heard the man, lets meet them in the field, artillery keep firing until you are out of ammo then retreat back into the fort. The rest of y’all form up on me.”
As the 1st Battalion moved forward more units of the Longshots moved around the small hill with two companies of med and lights, and three companies of heavies going over the hill, through the light woods.
The Artillery for the Renegades rained down on the advancing units almost wiping out the ground troops and destroying some mechs in the process. As their ammo ran out, they left the battle field as order, leaving Lt. Col. Able to have to deal with just mechs. The Longshots just kept coming unlike other units that Able had fought, these guys were just nasty and kept coming. Continuous firing of her lasers was making the cockpit hot, the enemy continued to press, she kept firing she had killed four mechs but then a lucky shot to the torso and her overheating caused the engine to go into meltdown, luckily the safety system ejected her before the engine blew, keeping her alive but out of the battle now.
Major Ahmad “Zuyi” Kamuzu was in charge now unfortunately he was in bad shape his left arm in his Grasshopper was hanging on by a thread and his armor in his legs were almost gone.
“Renegades this is Zuyi the Colonel is down she is in sector 2721 pick her up and everyone fall back slowly to the wall.” Most of the battalion was destroyed or damage beyond repair but the ones that could still fight moved toward the wall.
South Wall
Colonel Geddes was in the fight for his life and his unit’s life. Right now, though it was not looking good his left and right flank were starting to fold and his position was not any better. Two of his fighters were destroyed and his only way out, the dropships, were still too damage from the initial attack his unit was in a last week. All four DropShips were grounded but still capable of discharging their weapons. The Longshots were taking a beating that much was true, and if Col Geddes had backup or reserves, he would be elated but now with almost 80% of his force either destroyed or crippled he started to wonder if surrender would be the best. Something was trying to get through the jamming bits and pieces of words that did not make any sense, Geddes supposed it was one of his men and their dying declaration of whatever they believed in. Then as if it was a dream there was a loud sonic boom coming from the air almost above him. The sensor showed a DropShip was coming down and coming fast, at first, he thought it was reinforcements for the Longshots, then the IFF showed it was a Federation Ship a Colossus DropShip named Regulators Blood. Colonel Geddes was dumbfounded for a second, the Death Regulators were not supposed to be here for two more days, and they were supposed to land in another Continent, so how and why they were here was unknown.
Fort Stewart
30000ft above
DropShip Regulators Blood
The Alarm sounded and then the voice of the DropShip Captain came over the speakers.
“Death Regulators, the assault drop is a go, good luck and good hunting we will see you on the ground.”
Major Chapman looked at his command console and saw that the fighting on the ground was worse than he thought, the Duncan Renegades were almost wiped out and even with his troops the Longshots will still out number them.
“Regulators, lets show the Longshots what it means to be a true elite force not a pretender like they are.” Major Chapman then turn on the exterior speakers as did all the Regulators and played their traditional war cry that sounded more like a bear screaming out in pain as it was dying.
The Longshot battle commander was in shock, first a sonic boom that carried with it an enemy DropShip, now heavy and assault mechs dropping out of the DropShip with external speakers blaring a ugly and scary noise that made him wet himself.
Col Geddes was taken aback he had never heard that sound, he had never heard that sound come out of a mech let alone 20 mechs, never before had he seen what unfolded in front of him. It was like an action Halo show when they do a slow-motion movement to emphasize a combat move. It was like all the mechs on the ground stopped and just looked at the mechs dropping from the DropShip as if mesmerized.
The moment was gone when the mechs landed and started firing, blowing a Night Hawk away. That seemed to awaken the Longshots but something was wrong Geddes thought, they look like they were actually starting a slow retreat even though they still outnumber his side. Within a matter of moments all the Longshots were destroyed with only two Regulators mechs damage.
“Commander of the Duncan Renegades, I am Major Matthew Chapman we are here against orders to re-enforce you, what is your status.”
Col Geddes sat there for a second to let that statement sink in, the Major said, against orders.
“Major Chapman this is Col Geddes, thank you for coming your entrance was quite different but very effective. May I ask whose orders did you disobey?”
“We can discuss that face to face in private, Regulators out.”
Mobile Base Alpha
Col Scragg office
The Colonel was infuriated, why is she in charge when no one will die when she wants them too. How can she punish Major Chapman when his dad is her boss? These are the decisions that are turning her hair grey.
Prisoner 1228
Hija Yoofi room
Hija watched the Federation news cast with much interest. The news cast was airing footage of the Death Regulators landing and devastating the Longshots here on Mitchella. The commander for the Death Regulators gave an interview shortly after the battle giving praise to the overall commander of the operation saying it was all due to her leadership. All she could think about was his eyes, such wisdom for a young man, the son of the most powerful man in the Freedom Federation.
-
Chapter Thirty-One
Fort Stewart
Commander’s Office
Late 26 Sept 3030
Colonel Geddes looked at the Major, taller and leaner than his father he was however the spitting image him in the face, hair, and mannerisms.
“Look, Colonel I do not like what is going on here on the planet with the commander of the First, but it is not my place to voice my concerns nor my grievance, that is up to you. I will however make sure that if you decide to file a complaint it goes straight to my father, and rest assure it does not matter who it is, if there is a wrong that was done, he will correct it.” “Also, I neglected to tell Colonel Scragg that two DropShips full of replacement parts, units, and men are five days out. I am redirecting all of them for you to use as you see fit. It’s not much, around 40 mechs, 30 armor, and 24 of the newly redesigned Nighthawk PA(L). Most of them are fresh out of the academy so they will require training, I have already sent a report to my father for an updated battle plan suggesting that your unit needs a few weeks to get the newbies combat ready.”
The Colonel looked at Major Chapman for a few moments then said, “You know you are going to catch hell from Colonel Scragg for this, while I thank you, I don’t envy you nor will I start with the preparations until I know for sure she is going to honor your decision, she is after all the overall commander on planet and you are overstepping your authority.”
Mobile Base Alpha
1st Regiment Chappy’s Revenge
Conference Room
Weekly Battle Movement Briefing
Colonel Scragg tried to stay focused, especially in front of all her Company and Battalion Commanders, but she was still fuming at the gull of the little punk. Had she known then what she knew now when she babysitted for the General she would have found a way to drop kick Jr. out the window. The brief continued to move along showing the advances of her troops it was only a matter of time, maybe 2 weeks in some estimates of complete planet control by her troops. The briefer was rounding up the brief when the monitor turned on in the front of the room with a loud static boom.
“What the Hell? Who turned that on shut it off” the colonel said a little louder than she meant.
Then a voice started to talk along with an image that cleared up, it was General Chapman.
“Sorry, for the intrusion, pull the stick out of your ass Colonel I order your comm team to push communication to you, besides everyone should hear this.”
She just looked at him. “Yes sir”
“Good, now I have read your report, and the six reports from different sources one was even from the enemy, and while I am happy with the progress you have made, I am very concern about the Duncan Renegades unit, and their situation.”
Colonel Scragg cleared her throat, “Sir, Colonel Geddes has…”
General Chapman raised his hand, a signal to shut up.
“I am not doing this live emergency signal to listen to anything else that has or has not been put in the six reports that I have in front of me. You all know me, some more than others and all of you know I hate to micromanage, but when it comes to drama or the combat effectiveness of my units I will step in, therefore I am. Colonel Scragg you still have operational control for the planet. However, the Duncan Renegades are going to bed down at Fort Stewart for the next three weeks with no interference from you. The Regulators will be leaving the planet as soon as they are ready, I have urgent need for them elsewhere.” I want all prisoners, whether they are in the position to change to the Federation or stay loyal to the Alliance moved to Fort Stewart, Major Chapman has a use for them. Also, there are two DropShips with reinforcement parts, units, and troops they are all going to the 4th Group Duncan Renegades to replenish their loses.” “Is that clear Colonel Scragg?”
“Yes sir”
“Good, just know that our friendship no matter how close will not interfere with the war effort I will remove any friend or relative that is not performing the expectations that this office has.”
With that the screen went blank and she ordered the brief over and everyone out. While everyone was exiting, she thought to herself six reports, Major Chapman and Colonel Geddes she was sure were two of them, how they sent it without her knowledge of using the HPG she did not know. That was not the worse part that meant that three other reports might have been from her own unit, the traitor and who, how and why did the enemy sent the general a report. What did the reports say, “Comm Controller, Col Scragg report to my office at once.” She announced over the intercom, she had to get to the bottom of this.
Yesterday
Hija Yoofi, had read all the unclassified documents about the military units, government, planets, history of the Chapman family and decided, finally write a report, a report that was only about four pages long, did not go into much detail or specifics, clicked on the link located on her compad and hit send. She was commented now.
Two Days ago
Doctor Thuy was not happy with the conditions his prisoners were in and thus wrote a long detail report and sent it through medical channels to his close friend, the Chief Medical Officer stationed with the General’s unit.
Three days ago
Lt. Commander Alena Shashikanth the Fleet Task Force Commander received a communique from Lt. Colonel Archie MacPhail Commander of Killers Battalion and Command Sergeant Major Bima Eng the Highest Ranking Enlisted member of the Chappy’s Revenge asking her to send the reports that they wrote to Command back on Niles, no questions asked.
Sept 26th 3030
Tarmac
Prisoner 1228, Hija Yoofi, was being escorted to a VTOL. She had twenty minutes to get what little possessions she had and moved to the Tarmac, she noticed though that it was all the prisoners and not just her. Once she was secure along with some of the other prisoners a Freedom Federation troop gave her a compad with a headset and simply stated that someone wanted to talk to her. As she placed the headset on the screen lit up and showed a man and what looked like a mech cockpit smile up at her.
“Hello Section Leader Yoofi, or should I call you Arlie Cooper, before you say anything, we verified your claim and welcomed your report. Once I get back to the fort, I want to debrief you, and find out more about you, Major Chapman out”
Well, she thought, the cat is out of the bag, she wondered if this was the right thing to do breaking cover, but she saw no other way.
ten years ago….
Bastrop
Federated Suns border planet with OutWorld Alliance
Three days after a raid by Suicide Kings
A little girl holding on to her last possession, a teddy bear her daddy had bought her just last week for her birthday, in which a week ago, the bear was new, clean, perfect now with one arm missing, dirty with soot looking like it was ten years old, she was holding on to it and alternating between crying and screaming for daddy or mommy. Her parents were part of the planetary defense force both killed in the latest raid and even though the ten-year-old knew that because she saw both of her parent’s mechs ripped apart and was staring at them right now though the ashes, smoke and blood that used to be the main street of the base, she still cried out to them.
A man that was from another unit on the other side of the planet saw her and went to comfort her. As he slowly got on his knees to be at her level he started to talk.
“Hey sweetie, I am Captain Thomilson tell me what’s wrong where is your parents.”
In-between the sobs she just pointed to the two mechs that were twisted together and simply said, “There”
The Captain slowly followed her outstretch arm, his eyes fell upon to mangle mechs, he could see the blood stains running down from the cockpit area, he also recognized the unit symbol and who’s those mechs belong to. He twirled around and took the little girl by the shoulders, he had not seen his brothers little girl in 5 years, “Arlie, Arlie Cooper?”
She looked at him half in shock for him knowing her name and half in shock about her parents. “sniff sniff yes that’s my name,”
“I am your fathers’ brother, I am Uncle Lester, your family, come with me. My wife and your cousins, Mary and Joseph will take of you.”
Arlie looked at the man did not recognize him but she knew Mary and Joseph, their mother was nice.
Present
VTOL Flight 234
On course for Fort Stewart
Arlie snapped out of her memory and had no idea why that would come back to haunt her now. She looked out the small oval window at the landscape. Thinking of how things changed, how she failed at her original goal, and how she was going to correct that. She drifted off into another memory.
Five years ago
Sakhara Academy
0900 GST
Robinson
Federated Suns
Arlie stood at parade rest and looked out into the crowd with just her eyes since it was not permitted to move during the graduation ceremony. She was looking for her uncle and found him with his wife and her cousins. At 15 and graduating Flight School was a major accomplishment and she saw that what remained of her family was very proud of her.
Later that night at the reception
A tall slender man walked up to Cadet Cooper and did the customary bend at the hip to show respect, even though he was a General. He straightens back up and looked at her family, “Colonel Cooper may I borrow your niece for a few minutes I have a job opportunity for her.”
The General led the Cadet without a single word to a room that was down a hallway just outside the ballroom. He placed his thumb on the screen and then placed his eyes on the optical reader. The door opened with a hiss and Arlie wonder what the heck was going on. As soon as the door shut and locked a green laser ran over her shutting her communicator off.
“Cadet please have a seat, let me start off with that I have an opportunity for you to avenge your parents, do you want in?”
She sat there flabbergasted but only for a second because then the anger and rage started to swell up and she blurted out. “Yes, sir I want in.”
The initial brief only lasted 10 minutes she was then back with her uncle all she could tell him was that she had a mission with the General and would be gone for some time. The next day she boarded the Dropship The Judas with the General. That was the last Colonel Cooper saw his niece.
The mission was simple a female a few years older but an exact look alike minus the hair color and eyes had just started a career as an aerospace pilot in the Outworlds Alliance but died tragically without anyone knowing. The goal was to take her life over, and be a spy for the Federated Suns, her secondary goal was somehow get assigned to the unit that had killed her parents and kill the leader.
Arlie snapped out of the memory due to the VTOL landing at Fort Stewart, she thought to herself she succeeded in the spy mission but failed in the revenge of her parents since the commander of the Suicide Kings killed himself. So, what now as she walked with the rest of the prisoners what now what can she do, the history of the Chapman family was similar with General Chapman’s parents being killed by Kurita and she liked what they were doing but why was she here now.
She walked up to the building where everyone was being herded until a young female stopped her, “Are you Arlie Cooper.” “Yes I am.” “Please come with me.” That was the last time she saw or was with the mass group of prisoners.
-
Chapter Thirty Two
Fort Stewart
Commander’s Office
September 26, 3030
The female sergeant led Arlie to the commander’s office and told her to sit down that Major Chapman will be there in a second, then locked the door behind her. Arlie looked around, there was a desk chair and three chairs in front of the desk, nothing else in the room when she thought about it, that was strange there was literally nothing on the walls, desk, floor nothing she took a seat and waited.
Major Chapman unlocked and opened the door, he was still in his Battle Dress uniform he took his hat off but kept his glasses on. He rolled around the desk and slapped a file about 4 inches thick on the desk. “Arlie Cooper, some people in the Federated Suns would be happy to learn of your returned from the dead.”
Arlie blinked, “Wait, What? What are you talking about I was never dead.”
The Major tapped the big file for a few seconds, and she sat there wondering what he was thinking, she had seen halo news clips of him and his father the likeness was uncanny. In person though he looked taller and leaner muscles rippling through the uniform, but what got her was the way he presented himself, not a cocky ****** like most entitled aristocrats present but an actual working man, humble, smart, strong but gentle. Then he took off his sunglasses, the blue eyes were amazing, and she fell for him instantly.
“Look, Ms. Cooper this file is your military and personal record.”
“Major how did you ge…..”
Matthew raised his hand to quiet her.
“The Freedom Federation and the Federated Suns are very close; we share almost everything. Although I will admit that there are some signs that show things might be getting colder and not warmer.”
He then waved his hand like he was wiping the screen clean.
“Look I have read this thing front and back and notice that communication with your handler stopped 8 months ago, now I can rationalize that because of the war, but the General had written you off classifying you MIA possible traitor.” So, you can imagine what is going to happen if I send a communication to the General about your resurfacing.”
Arlie was taken aback but she shook her, “Major, I have sent regular communique about the Alliance the last 8 months all messages are still in my pad encrypted. I am not a traitor, but I have read up on what your father is trying to do, and I have been feeling a tug toward the hope of what he is building.”
“My father, has dreams, our family has been planning this for generations. He is a good man, good father, and a great combat leader. So, what are you saying? You want to be part of the Federation and leave the Federated Suns.”
“Yes.”
Major Chapman sat there looking back and forth between Ms. Cooper and her record. Truth be told he found her totally captivating, gorgeous, desirable but he had to keep a level head. He wanted to know this woman, but there was a war to fight.
“From your military records with the Alliance you have become a pretty skilled Hellcat Pilot. Therefore, I am assigning you to the Shawdowhunters, but you will not take part of any mission during this invasion. My guys fly Lucifer planes right now, so you will need to get up to speed. First Lieutenant Janis Sanders will be your point of contact for training and such. Also, I am going to need a visitation from you on a daily basis, when possible, to introduce you to the Regulators way of life. Don’t worry about the Federated Suns, I will relay all the reports smooth it over with the General or my father will, we will also inform your family of your rescue. Also, we will be leaving the planet soon to an unknown location, hopefully by the time we get there you will be combat ready, and I will know I can trust you flying over me.”
With that Matthew stood up and stuck his hand out, she stood and took it. Immediately energy was transferred between them, and they knew then that this was going to be difficult.
“Welcome to the Regulators even though it is a strange path that bought you to us, I am sure that you will succeed.”
With that he left the office and had the attendant take Ms. Cooper to the Lieutenant.
-
Chapter Thirty-Three
Mobile Base Alpha
1st Regiment Chappy’s Revenge
Commander Office
Colonel Scragg was still fuming, she should have known her friend would side with his oldest child, but in front of her whole command staff. Now she had to put that brat down a notch and somehow get Lieutenant Commander Hakeem killed without it being traced back to her. Right now, though she had to plan an invasion with the Renegades and the Regulars out of pocket, she will have to slow her plans down. She picked up the recent update on a battle happening near the wall that protects the world from radiation of a previous era gone.
Near the Wall
The 2nd Company of the 1st Battalion along with the Command Lance of the 1st Battalion was in pursuit of what was left of the militia that had attacked the main body of the Battalion a few days ago. Finally, they were in range with two bigger hills behind the enemy and trees for miles. This could be more complicated than Lieutenant Colonel Cressy wanted to deal with. On top of that politics were getting in the way of business, the meeting in which the main boss interrupted her boss was quite the show.
“Move up slowly, watch for traps, lets finish this.” Was all she said on the battle net then moved her mech forward in the front of the line as always. As her unit cleared the tree line there was a small field about 300 meter wide and at the far side tree line sat the enemy, the company moved out, some of the mechs were past the tree line and open fired on the enemy which mostly consisted of armor and mobilized infantry. The Alliance returned fired and got some good shots in initially, but they were out gunned and out maned. So, the Alliance ran, and the Federation force continue to give chase.
Meanwhile up North the Killers command lance and one of its companies chased the remainder of the 9th company of the militia into Dalton City.
Lt. Colonel Archie MacPhail marched his command lance and the Death Company commanded by Major Amesbury closer to the city, but he was starting to get worried. There was no intel about what to expect in the city, he knew that the company they were chasing was beaten down had only a few mobilized infantry units left, but there were unreliable reports of industrial units modded for combat and there maybe turrets in the city. He decided to have the Death Company move up through the southwest side while his Lance would move in from the west.
“Killers!!” Colonel MacPhail announced over the BattleNet
“Our goal is to finish the militia and take this town for the Federation, so remain vigilant move through the city toward the mayor’s mansion and we will” …………………static started coming through the speakers, the enemy has jammed our communication Archie thought, the Commander of the Death Company was very capable and should have no issues following his last command. He turned to his lance mates and did code light messages on how he wanted to proceed then turned and marched deeper into the city. About a click into the city and he could hear explosions south of him, good he thought the Major has engaged the enemy, he made a ninety degree turn onto a street called Yansa Drive and his sensors immediately went off showing multiple targets moving his way plus stationary targets on the building. He then got a secondary alarm of being locked on target, a few seconds later four gauss ammo rounds hit his mech. Archie then targeted five of the moving mechs not sure if he was making a mistake ignoring the turrets or not but he had to move up so that the rest of his lance could get into range and attack also. Luckily for him he was in the newest BattleMech model from the Chapman Corporation, a 200 ton beast with heavy armor and heavy weapons. His Gauss and AC/20 took out two of the mechs that were now identified as mod industrial mechs and damage a third when it fell into a building. That quad Gauss turret was deadly though even for his mech when another round hit him and took his left arm off. A slight scent of smoke drifted up to his nose alerting him to a possible fire. He took aim at three more industrial mechs with his two Gauss rifles and AC/20 and then targeted the turret with his two large lasers, resulting in three mechs damaged with legs destroyed and minor damage on the turret, he flipped the BattleNet on.
“Killers there are quad turrets, and they are armored proceed with caution.” Forgetting that everything was being jammed.
Then the rest of his lance showed up. All had missiles, and all fired at the turrets. The turret was able to fire again and like last time all four Gauss Ammo shells hit him, but unfortunately, they all hit the left leg shearing it completely off causing him to fall over. His lance mates stepped around him continue their attack an Archer and two new mechs from the Chapman Corporation called the Freedom Giver a 130 ton missile boat. Within seconds all the turrets were destroyed, and the rest of his lance went through the gate. Farther south the Death Company had breached the wall and move quickly to where the militia was, destroying all the infantry and the remaining industrial mechs were easy to pick off, within ten minutes the town was in Federation control. At the same time there was an attack on Redan City in which Sanctuary and Eradication Companies from the Killers Battalion crossed the river either by the two bridges or jump jets and moved in the city from the south. The 5 Quad Gauss turrets were ripping through the two companies, but they kept coming finally destroyed the turrets but, in the process, lost seven mechs and two pilots. Once those turrets were down the infantry troops and tanks were no match for the rest of the Killlers so the battle ended quickly.
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Chapter Thirty-Four
Mobile Base Alpha
1st Regiment Chappy’s Revenge
Commander Office
October 12, 3030
Colonel Scragg looked at the map of the planet and was pleased what little resistance left was holed up in the capital. One more battle and the planet was liberated. News of other planets being liberated and then planet governments asking to join the Federation finally came down on the HPG news wire. Looks like there were only two planets left of the Outworlds once she took care of the holdouts. Movement order came down the wire too after this mission her next liberation was the capital itself, Alpheratz curious though the Command Regiment was initially slotted to run point of the invasion of Alpheratz but now the 2nd Regiment was going to assist with herself being overall commander. What was even more curious was the Command Regiment was taken off all movement notification and was just listed as unavailable.
FNN (Freedom News Network)
Evening News Broadcast
December 13 3030
“Hello everyone, welcome to the show. In a rare event we would like to say on the day of Eid al-Adha, second day of Hanukkah, and first day of the twelve days before Christmas Happy Holidays and may I wish you well every year.” The commentator paused for a few seconds then continued. “Now on to some political and war news. Today the top press secretary for the President of the Federation stated that all but two planets of the former OutWorld Alliance had been liberated, the process of turning all the planets into full fledge members is well on its way. Also, there was an announcement that exploration of former planets that were part of the Alliance some 250 years ago will start at the beginning of the year to find out what happen to those on the planets and reconnect with all that want to join the Federation. No one has heard from General Chapman’s office other than statements that he is busy with plans to strengthen the borders from all enemies and to the military is well supply during these months of war. Which in my opinion is great but I also would like to see our heroes from time to time it has been four months since seeing him and that was for the interview done by INN.” In other news…
INN (Interstellar News Network)
December 14, 3030
“Yesterday, the state-run news organization for the Freedom Federation stated that more conquest will continue into the next year with no end in sight. The question I would like to impose is how long COMSTAR can sit by idly and let the Federated Suns and the Freedom Federation to continue their warmongering.”
VoID (Voice of the Dragon)
December 14, 3030
“War Crimes continue against our people on the border, this warmongering from the First Prince and General Chapman must stop. The Coordinator has filed yet another formal request to COMSTAR to interdict.”
CBC (Capellan Broadcast Company)
“Today is a sad day here at the station. This will be our last broadcast since we are closing the doors and leaving Sian. With the Federated Sun military just a jump away from Sian and the nation about one-fifth the size it was before 3028 it is time to think about our safety. If you value yours, we recommend leaving before the Sian has been captured and reeducation camps are set up. With the Free World League in way of the Duchy of Andurien taking over six planets we recommend the realm of Aurigan Coalition.”
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Epilogue
Planet Rocky
High Orbit
FSS Lion of Davion
Command Section
February 16, 3031
“My Prince, nothing has been seen at the jump points, the Federation is late. The Steiners are wanting confirmation of orders, I guess they don’t like being stuck in DropShips for a week.”
First Prince Hanse Davion stood up from the console he was sitting at for two reasons, one to stretch his legs and two to make a point that he had confidence in his friend. “Fleet Commander, the unit might be late by our estimate but I assure you they are coming and will be here when they get here, they had…” right then the radar tech interrupted the First Prince which was ballsy Hanse will need to make note of who the operator was.
“Sir!”
The operator realized who he just interrupted thought for a spilt second and decided his info was more important.
“Sorry my Prince but a fleet is emerging at a unknown pirate point bearing 45 mark negative 59 distance 32186 meters. It’s between Rocky and its only moon. Looks like seventeen warships no identifying info yet they are running silent.”
Freedom Federation Fleet
FFSF Accuser
Flagship
General Chapman room
February 16, 3031
Matthew looked out over the fleet that brought his unit plus those of his kids to the other side of the universe, almost six months of travel, he looked at the closest warship the one that he was very familiar with and wished he was on, The Beast of Terra, his oldest son was on that ship his kids spread across the fleet of seventeen warships.
‘Sir.” Came the announcement over the speakers in the ceiling. “ message coming in from the Lion of Davion.”
“I will take it in here thank you Colonel” and then Matthew sat down the screen came alive, and Hanse was there and started to talk.
“Matthew you never disappoint I think my fleet commander actually soiled himself, seventeen warships all but three have Dropships attach to them and the use of a pirate jump point, you always knew how to make an entrance. Glad you finally made it. I will see you in a few hours down on the ground sending you coordinates to the location by the old city called Cavingwood. Then you can finally explain yourself on why you demanded me to move up the invasion timeline.”
Next book… Gateway to Hell the Invasion of Dieron.
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Here is the map of my AU as of January 3031
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Chapman Legacy Gateway to Hell: The Invasion of Dieron
Disclaimer
This story is based on my imagination, what happens in MegaMek and MekHQ, and input from others. Any names are based on fiction, and any location is based on MegaMek and Cannon information. The timeline is different and is based on my Alternate Plan timeline, therefore in the cannon articles for any personalities or units may or may not be alter slightly or completely as the story evolves with time. The start of this Alternate Universe timeline was when I incorporated the Chappy’s Howling Siegers in the late 2700s, but most of the change is not until Hanse Davion is a child and direct contact with him by the Chapman Legacy is spot lighted showing how one relationship could change the future for the good or for the bad. This contact eventually will lead to a creation of a new faction years later, and causes the Fourth Succession War to last longer effectively changing the history of the BattleTech Universe creating an Alternate Timeline.. Farthing distancing itself from the cannon timeline. Plans within plans this story is one such plan and how it unfolded, as with all stories, there will be passion, intrigue, deception, and war.
Prologue
FFSF Accuser
General Chapman’s Quarters
October 3030
General Chapman eyed his wife while she was getting ready for the day, drinking coffee, and wondering how he got lucky marrying this woman. A woman of strength, a woman of kindness, but also a woman of pure terror toward her enemies.
“Honey, what do you think of the battle plan for Alpheratz.”
Colonel Nichole Chapman turned from the mirror and looked at her husband.
“Always about the plan. I am too busy right now putting on my makeup, besides I am not on duty right now.”
Matthew was about to reply with something funny when the comm came alive.
“Sir, a communication packet just arrived, it’s from the First Prince Davion.”
Matthew Sighed looked at his wife, “See I am always on duty hence the reason it’s always about the plan. Thank you bridge push it down to my quarters. Chappy out.”
Matthew moved over to his noteputer and open the message, First Prince face appeared.
“Matthew, hope all is well, from the reports I have been getting it looks like your nation is growing faster than even you predicted. The reason for this message is simple. You owe me, and now I want to collect on some of that. I am planning to invade the planet Dieron, I have two units from the Lyran Commonwealth. Both commanders know you, and I have two units from my forces both commanders have fought with you. I want you to bring your regiment and be in command of all the units. Taking Dieron from the Combine will be a major step in solidifying my the new FedCom when my son takes over. It will also be the start of winding down the war, which was the only way to get the Archon to let me use two of her units. I am making a final push against the Capellan Confederation and hope that by the end of 3031 to have the nation completely wiped out. I need you at the system Rocky by end of March 3031 I have sent jump point locations to your navigator since the planet has been abandoned for hundreds of years and has been taking off the star maps. Like I said you owe me I won’t take no for an answer.” With that Hanse face disappeared then a list of the data packets for download showed. Matthew pushed the noteputer away from his body and slammed his fist on the table. Nichole walked over and put her arms around her husband and said. “When will the payback be enough?”
“I don’t know by dear, I just don’t know. In my gut I knew not to take him up on his offer of a planet and resources, since I had that already, but it was just so much that he offered, now we are paying for it. Giving them new mechs from our factory I have no problem with, but this demand is big. I think though that we will need to stand up the ‘Jericho’ sooner than later along the Federated Suns border just in case the next time he ask too much and gets offended when I finally say no.”
Nichole moved away from her husband. “Got you, I will make the arrangements with our corporation. I will use the black site that way it is kept from the public eyes and away from the spies that Hanse has in our nation.”
“Thanks Love, I will get on making the necessary rearrangement of troop movements to accommodate this inconvenience, being gone from our nation for a year and a half will not be fun. I need to contact Ben also.”
Nichole looked back to her husband. “Mmm Ben, Ben, oh yes the son of Jacob they are on Dieron right now aren’t they.”
“Yes, I need better intel than the FedSun can provide.”
Chapter One
FFFS Accuser
Conference room
Killbourn System
Pirate Point just outside third orbiting planet
February 04, 3031
General Chapman looked out at the table and pride bubbled up from within. Here sat the Chapman Clan; his wife, all four of his kids, his daughter in law and his sister-in-law. He tapped a few strokes on the noteputer and a 3D screen popped up in the middle of the table.
“The planet Dieron, one of the most fortified planets on the border and we are tasked to take it. First Prince Davion is expecting just the Command Regiment, but as you know over the last five and half months, we have traveled using original star maps from the SLDF time insuring that abandoned planets were used to recharge. Because I did not want him to know the size of the force we are bringing, nor did I want anyone else to know. President Henry is the only other person that knows we are not in our nation and has done an excellent job keeping this secret. I told the First Prince that we were moving up the timeline to February due to our intel, he was not happy, but they are there waiting for us. All four of the Elite battalions are going to have specific goals and targets. While I will have the other units from the Steiners and Davion nation focus on different areas of operation. The Command Regiment will be hitting the Capital and even though there are six full regiments plus militia defending the planet I think we can be in and out as long as the other Four regiments in our alliance do their part, before the other two Dieron Regulars units show at the end of March. Now I know all the commanders that we will be working with and I have faith that they will live up to the hype. Nichole has been in touch with our intelligence at home and President Henry has authorized the construction of the new defense platform called Jericho. This defense system is based on the system protecting our home planet Devils Breath but not as unforgiving and will be human controlled. I say this only to let you guys know that I am getting leery of Hanse’s demands on the Federation, and if such time comes that the safety and security of our nation is in jeopardy, I won’t hesitate to break ties with Hanse, I hope it never comes to that, but I think we should be prepared. Now let’s look at the battle plan before we pop in on our allies.”
Four months prior
Dieron
Military District
Corridor B
November 7, 3030
Ben Jonas walked down the Corridor, like he did every day, only this time it was different. How so? You might ask. Well, today he was going to do something he thought he never had to do, espionage. His family had been part of the Chapman covert operations for generations. Typically, it was just passing along unclassified information. Today though it was different, because he knew that the military was planning something big, he just did not have the full picture, but he will soon and hopefully pass it along before he is caught.
Ben was in the server room, which was easy since he had the security clearance, after all he was the senior data analyst for the Dieron Regulars. After about an hour shifting through the data, he finally found it. OPERATION BARRICADE he downloaded all the information and then logged out and quickly, but casually left the complex.
Moving through the streets he moved into China Town, he lost focus for a minute thinking about how every planet has a China Town, he heard a noise from behind him startled he turned around, but nothing was there. Scaring himself was not unusual but now he was focused quickly he moved from one alley to another checking every few minutes for a tail. After a few minutes he decided it was safe and went home. Ben went to the hidden communication unit, dialed up the sequence and sent the data packet closing up the compartment his front door was blown up. A squad of special force agents burst in a second later guns leveled at Ben and screaming at him to lay still. Handcuffing and yelling secured a new person walked into the room. The Director of Operations for Dieron Regulars Intel Division.
“Mr. Jonas what have you been up to? You went home four hours early after searching data for information you did not need to know.”
“Sir, I don’t know what you are talking about, my task was done I was just shifting around reports and started to feel ill so I left.”
The Director looked at his subordinate and shook his head. “You viewed some highly classified information and all the sudden got sick? You look fine to me, search him and this place now.”
After two hours of searching Ben’s apartment the agents said that there was no evidence of a data breach and no special communication device in the building. The agents left and the Director turn around and looked at the now beaten man and said. “Take the next two days to heal up, but we will be watching you. I will see you Monday at work.”
Ben waited for all the agents to leave and glanced at the entertainment viewing station, turning it on to watch the local news he was grateful that the agents did not tear open the casing of that device, hidden inside was the data stick still attached to the black box that was his only way to communicate with his handler. With the threat that they may be watching and could have put a bug in his house he decided not to retrieve the data stick or expose the highly classified communication device and to call his father. Telling him he will be unavailable for a while to come see him due to the demands of work, code for he has been compromise and to watch the family’s back until its safe again.
Planet Yufu
Abandoned
Zenith Point
Chappy’s Revenge Combat Fleet
November 9, 3030
General Chapman and Colonel Chapman was having dinner while waiting for the K-F Drives to recharge. Yufu sometime during the thirty-five years of war in the first succession war was lost. Records kept at the Chapman Compound on Devil’s Breath showed a young but thriving planet, but little record of why it was abandoned, which made it a perfect stop for the combat fleet trying its best to remain hidden. Him and his wife was having small talk about the good ol days when the intercom interrupted.
“General Chapman communication from TRANSIENT has come in.”
“Thank you Bridge I will take it in here.”
While the message loaded and was de-encrypted Matthew thought upon this amazing device that his family has had since SLDF time. Back in those days the project TRANSIENT better known as K-series transmitter was abandoned according to public documents, but General Aleksandr Kerensky kept some in service and one was with the Chapman Compound since the EXODUS, now all the Freedom Federation Ships of the line had a box and top operatives on selected planets had one disguised as a working entertainment system. The message finally loaded up and he read it.
“Damn it!!”
Startled Nichole ask what was wrong, Matthew moved the noteputer to her and then opened a channel.
“Bridge, Chapman here I need you to spin up the HPG we need to send a priority message to First Prince Hanse, I will be up there in a minute to send it.”
“Yes sir”
Matthew looked at his wife. “We will need to do double jumps and get to Rocky a month early, I am going to demand that the Prince gets his force there early too, we will need to strike Dieron before they launch the counter strike into Davion space. This also means that ten warships will have to make it to Rocky separately and slower since they don’t have the batteries for this. See to it that as much supplies are transfer from those ships if we need to put crates in the hallways then do it. We have fourteen hours before we are jump capable.”
“I am on it General.” With a playful smile of love and seduction, she patted his chest before they left the room and then split up in the hallway to carry on their duties. “I will come help as soon as I get the message to Hanse my love.” Matthew said as he moved down the hallway.
Present timeline
FFFS Accuser
Conference room
Killbourn System
Pirate Point just outside third orbiting planet
February 04, 3031
The leadership just finished coming up with a strategic and tactical battle plan for the invasion. Matthew’s contact within the Federated Suns military confirmed that all players were in route to the planet Rocky and should all be there in about week. During the briefing Matthew decided to show full force when they dropped into the pirate jump point. All the ships were to run silent and black (no lights on) and CAPS (Combat air patrol) will immediately take off and set up the perimeter. Even though no battles will be fought here, Matthew did remember that one of the first contracts his ancestor unit called Chappy’s Howling Siegers was on the planet rocky. How centuries of war have changed planets sadden Matthew and he had hope that the planets in his nation would find peace and prosperity for centuries to come instead of what happen to the planet Rocky.
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Chapter Two
FFFS Accuser
Bridge
Killbourn System
Pirate Point just outside third orbiting planet
February 16, 3031
The Revenge two highest ranking techs were standing in front of General Chapman giving their mission ready status, at the end of their reports they stood there for any additional feedback the general just had one.
“First I want to thank both of you, Commander MacBeth keeping our ships at peak performance through this journey was exceptional, where you able to finish my extra requirements?”
Commander Wade MacBeth looked right into his bosses eyes and said. “Almost sir, we are finishing up the Patrol Boat Pallas as we speak then all the fleet including the fighters will be black with no identifying marks.”
“Excellent.” Matthew said then he turned to his chief mech tech.
Major Jagger what is your status on this issue?”
Major Homer Jagger looked at his General. “All mechs, VTOLs, Armor, PA(L) have black camo and all identifying marks removed.”
“Very good men thank you; I know you had concerns about this, but I want to try and mask our involvement in this invasion as long as possible from the enemy and any news agency out there, you are dismissed.” The two men saluted, and the Major walked off the bridge General Chapman turned to the Fleet Commander but talked to the navigator. “Captain Moore as soon as Commander MacBeth gives the all clear start the countdown for the jump to Rocky pirate Lagrange Point L4 we are behind schedule and this will take four days off of travel time to the planet.”
Captain Esther Moore nodded her head and said yes sir.
Freedom Federation Fleet
FFSF Accuser registry number 5011
Flagship
General Chapman room
February 16, 3031
Matthew looked out over the fleet that brought his unit plus those of his kids to the other side of the universe, almost six months of travel, he looked at the closest warship the one that he was very familiar with and wished he was on, The Beast of Terra, his oldest son was on that ship his kids spread across the fleet of seventeen warships.
The Navigator started to count down. “Five, four, three, two, one all ships jump. With that all seventeen ships winked out of existence and then re-appeared at Lagrange Point L4 Rocky System. The fleet commander ordered the CAP to take off and you could see the fighters exit the ship, meanwhile the combine Davion and Steiner fleet was a little left and up from the bow of the Federation fleet.
‘Sir, message coming in from the Lion of Davion.”
“I will take it in here thank you Colonel” and then Matthew sat down the screen came alive, and Hanse was there and started to talk.
“Matthew you never disappoint I think my fleet commander actually soiled himself, seventeen warships all but three have Dropships attach to them and the use of a pirate jump point, you always knew how to make an entrance. Glad you finally made it. I will see you in a few hours down on the ground sending you coordinates to the location by the old city called Cavingwood. Then you can finally explain yourself on why you demanded me to move up the invasion timeline.”
Planet Rocky
Freedom Federation
Shuttle 214
Gravity well
February 16, 3031
Matthew looked down at the planet while the shuttle slowly made its way to the ground. When Matthew had read his ancestor’s memoir he pictured Rocky as a vibrate rich planet. Not so much now, even though the air was breathable again and some life has come back to the planet everywhere you looked you can see the destructed power of the nuclear warfare that happen during the first succession war. Flying low now Matthew could see the craters made by the bombs and missiles it sadden him to see the planet like this. Then suddenly in view was the old capital of the planet destroyed with ivory and other planet life growing on top of the down building off to the side closer to the coast was their destination. A pop-up building with several shuttles parked around it and a heavy patrol of both faction eyeing them as the Federation shuttle touched down.
Matthew’s contingent got off the shuttle and followed him into the pop-up building. Off to his right was his wife Colonel Nichole Chapman and two of his children Major Cheyenne and Major Seth Chapman. On his left was Lt. Colonel Matthew Chapman II, Major Dustin Chapman and his fleet commander Captain Wade MacBeth. Upon entering the room Matthew immediately recognized close work buddies when he was an officer in the AFFS and also friends from the Lyran Commonwealth when he had a couple of contracts during the mercenary life before this war. Then of course in the center of the room was the gravity well of all, the reason why everyone was here First Prince Hanse and his counterpart Archon Steiner.
Hanse looked up and said. “Excellent the Chapman’s have arrived, glad you made it. Now could you please tell us why we are here a month early, why you brought your whole fleet, and it feels like you are about to do an overkill to this operation?”
Matthew stopped looked at everyone and then looked at his family and nooded to them, they then took positions in key spots and sat down. Matthew continued up toward Hanse.
“Simply put my Prince your intel is wrong so wrong in fact that if you stayed on your original timeline, you would be over in Dieron kicking butt for sure against just a militia force but would be losing up to six planets effectively cutting you off from the Lyran Commonwealth.”
Everyone started to talk at once and no one was listening. Matthew continued his approach to Hanse and could tell that Hanse was upset. He then spun around to look at everyone and raised his hands for quiet.
“Look, I am sorry my Prince but I typically have better intel than anyone else, I happen to have a guy embedded deep in the Dieron Military complex that sent the intel to me. The Draconis Combine are at this moment gathering forces at Dieron to make a counterattack into Federated Suns territory this attack is known as OPERATION BARRICADE to them, their objective is to cut the ties of Lyran Commonwealth with the Federated Suns, by blocking the pathways of the jumpships.”
All the commanders started murmuring but Matthew continue.
“Right now there are currently six regiments at Dieron the commander of this operation is Tai-sho Palmer Conti.” An uproar happened from the Lyran side of the room, but Matthew was able to quiet them down.
“I know all of you have heard of Conti and along with you I wonder about why and how he was put in charge of such an operation. I can tell you this though they are still in supply mode so instead of waiting for them to come to us we can go and attack them. This is why I brought nearly two regiments of mechs, three regiments of armor plus three regiments of infantry. Conti has about a fifth of the Kurita warships at Dieron, it will be a serious blow to them when we destroy the fleet.”
Hanse stood up. “So that is why you brought your whole fleet here?”
Matthew turned to his friend and shook his head no. “I will tell you this I have ten more capital ships that will be there in about three weeks, they did not have the batteries for back-to-back jumps since that is what I had to do after I found out about the Combines plan, and that is still not half of the Federation fleet. Ships I have, training the people to operate them has been our nation’s issue. Also, in case you are wondering I have secured a merc units as reinforcements if needed but they won’t be here until the first of April or maybe end of March. Anyway, let’s get down to the actual plan that my team has come up with and iron any issues if any before we leave in two days.”
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Chapter Three
Military District
Dieron
Headquarters of 5th Sword of Light
OPERATION BARRICADE
February 27 3031
Tai-sho Palmer Conti sat at his desk, pleased with himself about how things went. A few months ago, when the Coordinator was having his generals commit seppuku he came up with a plan, cashed in all his favors and won an audience with the Coordinator after describing his bold plan the Coordinator loved it, put Conti in charge and gave him seven regiments to play with. With the 12th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre showing up after their dishonorable defeat, he now had eight units. Of course, two units were still on their way and maybe delayed but the timeline was a firm date. March 27 the units will jump, and his glory will be greater than the heir to the throne. What was even more tantalizing was a rumor the First Prince himself was on the planet New Home, the 2nd Davion Guards was there, commander was Jessica Davion. Rumor or not that is where his unit was going, if he could kill or capture the Fox his glory would be higher than the Coordinator himself. Since most of the action was spinward of Dieron most of the planets only had militia or a light military presence except for New Home, he decided to take the 12th Sun Zhang Academy with him even though they were barely a battalion now, they had seen war and were thirsty for revenge. He decided to get some rest, so he left his office but still on the walk back to his quarters all he could think about was the glory he was going to have within two months’ time.
Freedom Federation Fleet
FFSF Accuser
Flagship
Bridge
Rocky Nadir Point
February 28, 3031
First Prince was on the main monitor talking to the fleet before he said good bye to head back to the planet New Home. Where he would meet back up with the 2nd Davion Guards, these last few days Matthew noticed a little rift in their friendship, mostly on his side. He could excuse it due to the stress of war or balancing being the head of the largest nation, father, and war master. Although Matthew was starting to think it was something else, hopefully things will calm down after the war. Matthew started to reminisce about the conversation him and the prince the night before leaving the planet.
Planet Rocky
Cliffs over looking Obsidian Sea
Matthew was watching the First Prince pace like he was a trapped wild animal.
“I understand now why you moved up the timeline but you embarrassed me yet again, I don’t understand, is it your success? Because if it is we can take you down a notch.”
Matthew shook his head. “My Prince I did not want to broadcast what I knew over the HPG you know that COMSTAR is listening to everything, and our other means of communication is not compatible with yours.”
First Prince swung around and looked at his friend. “That is what I am talking about, this, this wealth of information and technology and you won’t share. This planet you have all hidden and shit that has not been touched by all the war in the universe the treasures there and you are not sharing it with me.”
Matthew shifted on the bench seat. “But I have shared, you have several of my super dropships and almost forty of the Federation’s newest mechs. Lyran Commonwealth has received several dozen mechs all no charge I might add. Just because I am head of the family does not mean I can just give out stuff without consulting others, as you well know since the Federated Suns has secrets that you can’t tell even to your wife.”
Hanse looked at Matthew started to say something then stopped himself, rubbed his chin then said. “I am the leader of the greatest nation in the universe, your either with me or against me friend.”
Matthew stood up. “Hanse I traveled six months left my nation took my most elite warriors from all fields of combat and am going into combat for you, if that is not with you I don’t know what is. I am turning in for the night, I suggest you do the same my Prince.” With that Matthew bowed down, then turned and walked away.
Military District
Dieron
Headquarters of 5th Sword of Light
OPERATION BARRICADE
February 28, 3031
Tai-sho Palmer Conti just entered his office, he was for a change happy, he noticed a new communique on his desk and picked it up. Sitting down and reading at the same time. It was a progress report from the last two units assigned to the operation, both were still three jumps away, about a month away from getting here. Everything was coming together placing the report down he started to eat his Tamagoyaki, and umeboshi plums. Sipping on some green tea the alarms went off and he almost spilt it on his uniform. An aid rushed in. “Tai-sho Conti enemy fleet just emerge at the Nadir point reports are Lyran, and Federated vessels.”
Conti could not believe it. “Status of the enemy fleet!”
His aid shook his head. “Unknown sir the jump ships sent the message and then jumped, all the message said was a fleet of jumpships and warships with attached dropships emerge with Federated Suns and Lyran markings.”
“Send the Yamato and Azuma Task Force towards them, move the Katori Task force up in-between the planet and the two task force. Put Musashi and Sokuten Task Force on standby and alert the Dieron Defense Station. Keep all dropship fleets in orbit at this time.”
“Yes sir.”
Davion Fleet
Dieron Solar System
Third day from Nadir Point
Bridge of Lion of Davion
March 1, 3031
Rear Admiral Bulis looked at the status of his fleet, three capital ships, twenty Ares Assault Craft, six drop ships and four fighter squadron. He was the overall commander though of the other three forces, which combining the 56th Avalon Hussars, 4th Skye Guards and 4th Skye Rangers brought another twenty four drop ships.
“Radar any enemy contact yet?”
“Negative Admiral.”
“Comm any word yet on the Federation Fleet?”
“Negative Admiral.”
The Admiral turned to his XO.
“Captain Obadele your thoughts on this?”
The Captain looked at his information on his screen then to his Admiral. “Either the Jumpships were not able to warn the fleet at Dieron, or we just are not close enough to see. As far as the Federation, I know our Prince has faith in General Chapman but who is he really? I am not…”
General Skidmore had just entered the bridge to get an update.
“Captain, I have fought beside General Chapman back when he was part of the AFFS and what I know about his people is they are above reproach, so stow it Captain they will be at their destination and will inform us when necessary.”
“Sir, I have enemy contact looks like by present speed we will be in range in twenty-two hours. Initial indicators are four capital ships cannot tell how many drops ships are attached or what class of capital ships they are yet.”
“Comm send a data burst through the K-1, saying we have made contact.”
Freedom Federation Fleet
FFSF Accuser
Flagship
Bridge
Rocky Nadir Point
March 1, 3031
Commander MacBeth was on the bridge of the Accuser, one of the newest warships built in the InnerSphere a massive warship the Freedom Provider battle cruiser chassis was a 2.5-million-ton warship that could carry ten dropships and had eighty nuclear warheads for use against capital ships, and could carry up to six squadrons of fighters. Along with the rest of the fleet he really felt invincible.
The Cadet at the comm station turned and looked at him. “Sir, we have confirmation that the Federated Suns fleet has made contact based on timing I say eighteen to twenty-three hours before first shots fired.”
General Chapman looked at the Commander. “Commander prepare to jump to the pirate coordinates in fifteen hours. Alert all ships and all fighter squadrons notify the army we will pack up and be in our pods during the battle remember destruction of the fleet and space station is number one outcome of the battle, but getting our forces to the ground is a top priority. With us jumping on the other side of the moon we will be just a few hours away from initial contact with luck they will still be scrambling to meet us so slipping the dropships to the ground should be easy.”
Davion Fleet
Dieron Solar System
Fourth day from Nadir Point
Bridge of Lion of Davion
March 2, 3031
The Radar tech Subaltern Talu turned to the Admiral. “Sir the four contacts are splitting up indicating that the dropships have detached, and the fighter squadrons have launched. I am reading, Four capital ships eight dropships twenty small craft and twelve fighter squadrons.”
The Admiral shook his head in agreement. “Comm notify the fleet continue to intercept we are not launching our four squadrons and dropships until the last moment.”
Kurita Fleet
Dieron Solar System
Fourth day from Dieron
Bridge of Yamato
March 2, 3031
Captain Gato commander of the Yamato task force and overall commander of this operation looked at the information flowing on his screen.
“Sir, looks like 24 dropships, three capital ships I can not tell if there are more dropships attached, as of right now no fighters have been launch.
Davion Fleet
The Admiral decided it was time, “Launch all assets have the drop ships, assault ships and fighters deal with the enemy fighters Capital ships lets focus on the Samarkand Carrier to begin with.”
Captain Pinhal commander of Clarent Squadron Two and CAG for this mission got the all clear to launch he notified all his squadron commanders and his own squadron and then left the mother ship. Fighting in space was so different then fighting or even flying planet side, with no gravity per say thrusting and turning maneuvering to gain an advantage was extremely difficult.
Kurita Fleet
“Sir, looks like four fighter squadrons, twenty attack craft and six more dropships just launch from their capital ships.”
“What type of attack craft?”
“Ares Assault Craft can’t not tell what model though.”
“That could be an issue, notify leader fighter commander.”
The Fleets moved into range of their most powerful weapons.
The Azuma a Narukami Destroyer with the Kurita fleet fired first claiming first hit even if it was a glancing blow and took little off the armor of the Davion Destroyer Mjolnir. The fighters and small craft/assault craft moved closer together while the fleet took shots at each other trying to get a good firing solution. Davion fighters and Ares Assault crafts stayed close to the rest of the fleet while the Kurita fighters and small crafts rushed out ahead of their main fleet. As hard as it was for a capital ship to fire on fighters the Davion ships did and a Centurion from the Sword of Light was the first causality of the day. Six minutes had passed from the first weapon fire until the first of many unlucky pilots were floating in space.
10 minutes into battle
The Capital Ships edged closer to each other and started to fire at each other and some of the dropships that were close. All twelve Kurita fighter squadrons were now fully engaged with the four Davion squadrons and the twenty Ares Assault crafts. The Kurita small crafts chose to go up against the dropships. For every one Davion Assault craft that was destroyed at least three Kurita Fighters was taken out.
15 minutes into battle
Davion Fleet
Davion Destroyer Block II
Mjolnir
Bridge
Commodore Smith saw an opportunity and decided to take it, even though the Admiral wanted to stay together and take one capital ship at a time Smith saw an opening. “Helm all full intercept course the Samarkand Carrier when in range fire all weapons.
Kurita Fleet
Samarkand Carrier
Yamato
Bridge
Captain Gato noticed that one of the Destroyers broke formation and was making its way to him. “Helm make ready ¾ speed turn 45 degrees put the port side in firing solution of the Davion Destroyer.”
2 minutes later
The Mjolnir fired all her nose and left front side weapons several hit the Yamato and several missed but the ones that did hit ended up with several critical hits on the KF Drive and the CIC along with some weapon bay damage. She also fired on the drop ship Banruu using her right-side weapons and destroyed it. Unfortunately for the Yamato most of their weapon fire missed. The other dropships did hit the Mjolnir and were able to damage her sensors. The Yamato rolled so that her right side would have a target solution and fired which finished destroying Mjolnir Sensors and a couple of weapon bays. Before the sensors were destroyed Mjolnir did get another salvo off getting a lucky shot and destroying the LRM ammo destroying all the armor in the nose. The Yamato moved to the right to try and protect her front from any more fire. That was when Captain Gato realized his mistake. “Helm emergence de-acceleration flip the ship flip the ship!!! Because when the Yamato moved right, the other Davion Destroyer the Lion of Davion came into view dead center.
Davion Fleet
Lion of Davion
Bridge
Admiral Bulis watched as the commander of the Mjolnir disobeyed and went right for the Yamato, but it was an opportunity. “Helm move in to the right of the Yamato let’s see if we can sneak in and fire close range.” When Yamato made a shift and moved toward him at first, he was afraid they spotted him. The sensor tech on bridge yelled out.
“sir, their sensors are in shambles and they have no armor on the nose!!” Admiral Bulis saw the perfect opportunity. “Helm port side thrusters’ emergence full stop. Weapons fire everything we can aim for the nose.”
Shots were fired
Kurita fleet
Yamato
Bridge
Captain Gato saw the weapons fire from the Davion flag ship. He sent the emergency distress call and called for abandon ship. As the NAC/30 and Capital AC hit the nose of the Yamato the devastation ripped the ship apart splitting it in the front, for a second the Yamato look like it had grown a mouth and was yawning then the ship collapse on itself and blew up.
Dai-i Kichida on the bridge of the Azuma looked in horror as the flagship was destroyed. “Comm notify all personnel I will be taking over command the flag has been transferred to the Azuma. Have everyone focus fire on that Davion Destroyer and the Robinson Transport Carrier it has the most damage.” The Comm was in the middle of talking to the fleet, so Kichida turned to his Sensor tech. “Henshi Nallbani report on fleet. “Sir, fleet is not in good shape most of the dropships are destroyed half of the fighters are disabled and the small craft has about a third of its force destroyed.”
“Helm make plot to retreat and relay that message to the rest of the fleet have the fleet ready itself but first lets try and take out a capital ship.
The Azuma moved into position along with the last Dropship left the Asahi Maru and pounded the Mjolnir all weapons that fired hit mostly on the nose causing ammo explosion throughout the ship and destroying the vessel. The small craft and what was left of the fighters attacked the Clarent which was the name for the Robinson Transport and took out its sensors and fighter bays. Although the recent success of this counterattack, the Davion fleet still outnumbered them with nineteen fully functional dropships and the Lion of Davion barely damage the new Kurita commander decided it was time to officially withdraw.
Military District
Dieron
Headquarters of 5th Sword of Light
OPERATION BARRICADE canx OPERATION ALAMO now in affect
March 2, 3031
Tai-sho Conti was pissed off looking at the screen he ran his hand through his thinning hair. “Sho-sa Libbings you are now in command of the fleet I want all available ships to attack the Davion force before it gets close to the planet.” Libbings started to say something, and Conti cut him off. “I don’t care what you or any of you naval jockeys think anymore if I had went with my gut we would have had a bigger force out there I want an investigation when this is all over to find out why our long range sensors did not pick up all the dropships attached to the Warships, I want…”
His second in command burst into the office, Conti was at the end of his patience, everyone just never doing their job. “Sorry sir, but an emergence just happen, an unknown pirate location.” Conti looked at the screen where he saw his new fleet commander being brief. Libbings looked up and confirmed the emergence. “Sir, nineteen warships of various sizes just emerged at LaGrange five looks like all but three warships have dropships attached thirty-one to be exact they are moving toward the defense station. Oh, and two of the warships are the biggest we have ever seen don’t know the class nor can we identify who it is. There are no markings every inch is painted black. It is a good thing Tai-sho Conti that we did not send all the fleet after all, I will prepare the fleet.” With that the screen went black and Conti finally lost the battle with his rage.
-
Chapter Four
Freedom Federation Fleet
Lagrange Point 5
FFSF Accuser
Flagship
Bridge
The Fleet emerge at the pirate point all ships checked in, which was a good sign thought Fleet Commander MacBeth. “Set course for the Defense platform once there we launch the dropships so they can push to the planet.”
“Aye Commander.”
Sensor Tech then spoke. “Sir, we have contact with enemy fleet looks like four capital ships twelve fighter squadrons. The rest of the enemy’s fleet, mostly dropships are staying close to home in low orbit.”
Commander MacBeth hoped that more ships would engage him here that way the dropships would make an easier trip down to the planet.
Draconis Combine Fleet
DCS Masashi
Flagship
Bridge
“Sir, we have a better tactical picture of the enemy fleet.” Sensor tech announced. “Looks like nineteen Capital ships but most of the ships are fully loaded with dropships. There are two ships we can’t identify but the rest I have sent to your console.”
Sho-sa Bridgman looked at her console. “Comm inform command and request that they send the rest of the fleet this is going to get ugly.”
Freedom Federation Fleet
Lagrange Point 5
FFSF Accuser
Flagship
Bridge
“Comm inform the Davion/Lyran fleet that we have arrived and are engaging the enemy. Then instruct the fleet to press toward the enemy. Notify the squadrons to launch in two minutes. Weapons fire when we are in range.”
The Federation fleet moved closer to the Draconis Fleet and both started firing when they were in range. Several of the Federation Capital Ships focused on three of the dropships and destroyed them.
Draconis Combine Fleet
DCS Masashi
Flagship
Bridge
Sho-sa Bridgman looked out across the bridge, sparks were flying everywhere one of the beams from the ceiling had come lose, falling it ended up blocking one of the entry points to the bridge. Some of the bridge crew were dead and alert of radiation was on-going. The enemy flag ship packed quite a punch and nukes, her ship’s armor had been destroyed on the nose and front right side. “Report”
“Ma’am reports coming in from the fleet looks like seven dropships have been destroyed.”
The Sensor tech spoke next. “Hardly any noticeable damage to the enemy fleet sir. They have yet to release any of their dropships.”
“Sir!! The Katori is hailing us.”
“Put Captain Daisen up on the view screen.”
“Sho-sa Bridgman Headquarters has deployed me to reinforce you we and the Sokuten will be there in about two minutes, I hear by transfer Flag to the Katori. Report Sho-sa.”
“Sir the enemy fleet rolled right passed us but destroyed several ships while moving pass us my ship is barely intact, they also just destroyed the Battle Station with nukes. The two battleships of unknown chassis are packing nukes and nearly destroyed this ship with one of those damnable things they threw four nukes at the battle station.”
“Ok Sho-sa gather your forces and come in from behind we will take them head on we must stop them.” With that the screen went black.
Sho-sa Bridgman murmured under her breath, “He just don’t get it this force is too powerful.” With a louder voice she said. “Comm notify all fighter squadrons to come back around we are attacking the enemy from behind with the reinforcements coming in front.”
Freedom Federation Fleet
Lagrange Point 5
FFSF Accuser
Flagship
Bridge
The fleet moved through the enemy fleet like butter, slice and dicing the main goal was the defensive battle station. Once the Accuser and Invincible battleships were in range and had a firing solution, they launched their nukes. All four hit their target at the same time the weapon fire from the battle station hit the two battleships, the outcome was brutally one sided. While there was some armor damage and minor critical hits to the battleships, the station was destroyed. Fleet Commander MacBeth order the fleet to move on to the next target, another large fleet was in front, the goal was to break through their lines so that the drop ships could detached and start ground operations, that was when the fleet would stop and deal with the enemy fleet. Fleet Commander MacBeth ordered the other federation units to move past the enemy, because his fleet from the command regiment would deal with the enemy fleet.
Counterattack Battle
Sword of Light Fleet
Captain Daisen looked at the screen, half of the enemy fleet was gone, which was good for him and bad for the planet. Seven Capital ships with their dropships still attached and twenty-nine fighter squadrons were a lot easier to fight than the original size was. He assumed that the other ships split off to make landfall.
Federation Fleet
Fleet Commander MacBeth saw the enemy ships in front of his fleet and also was alerted about the remnant fleet from the previous battle. He ordered half the fighter squadrons and the battleship named Wolf’s Claw to 180 and engage the remnant fleet while the rest of the fleet will deal with this new threat.
Sword of Light Fleet
Captain Daisen knew this was going to be a tough battle, he decided to have all his ships focus fire on the enemy flagship the unknown battleship class that was in the middle of their fleet. The fleets got closer and started to exchange fire.
Federation Fleet
FFSF Accuser rocked, and sparks flew on the bridge. “Damage report” Fleet Commander MacBeth yelled. “Sir mostly armor on the Nose looks like the enemy fleet is focusing on only us a couple of weapon bays were damage but no critical hits to us.”
MacBeth turned his attention to his weapons team. “weapons take out their destroyer nuke them.
Kurita Fleet
Captain Daisen was surprised how much armor that unknown battleship had. It was the biggest ship he had ever seen and its weapons. “Sir, their flagship has launched missiles at us, getting a reading on them, SIR!! they are nuclear.”
“Helm bring us port baring 247 try to minimize our target area, launch counter measures, how many nukes.”
“All of them sir, all ten.”
The missiles came and the point defense system activated and counter measures were deployed, still though four Peacemakers hit their target, it was the end of the flagship Katori. Sho-sa Libbinga was sitting in her chair onboard the Sokuten and was dumbfounded the battle had just started and the flagship was gone. She went across the fleet net and took command of the fleet. She was trying to rally the fleet when her sensor tech noticed that the enemy’s flagship had made a move toward them. “Sir! that ship, it just fired nuclear missiles at us impact in 67 seconds.”
Libbinga was not going to have her crew die. “Launch all counter measures signal the crew to abandon ship I repeat abandoned ship.” This order was the last one she would give.
Military District
Dieron
Headquarters of 5th Sword of Light
OPERATION BARRICADE canx OPERATION ALAMO now in effect
March 2, 3031
Tai-sho Conti was very upset. His fleet that he was building was just destroyed in a matter of hours. Only the Azuma Task Force was still relatively intact with the only Capital ship left the Azuma and her dropships and small assault craft, he decided the task force to head to the asteroid belt known as Cornu’s Belt, in order to dock at the mining facility resupply and try to disrupt things until the other reinforcements get here. Hopefully with any luck Conti thought the enemy would send some ships to chase them. As far as the dropships fleet in orbit he ordered them all to ground, that way he could move his troops around if needed. Fifteen days until his other two regiments show up, if they can get to the surface, he would for sure have superior numbers.
-
Chapter Five
Combine Allied Fleet
High Orbit Dieron
FFSF Accuser
Flagship
Bridge
March 4, 3031
Fleet Commander MacBeth sat in his chair taking in the view. The operation to go to planet side was about to start, once the dropships started going down the gravity well, he decided to separated his fleet. The Harber Task force consisting of the FFSF Adamant a Volga Transport with her fighters, the FFSF Hammer a Sovetskii Soyuz heavy cruiser with her fighters and two Gaajian System Patrol Boats will be task to find the missing enemy fleet that slip passed the Davion and Lyran fleet. The order was given, all dropships were detached from their transports then slowly started to make their way down to the ground. The FFSF Accuser Attack Wing made their way down with the dropships to provide cover but the Draconis Combine did not offer any resistance in the atmosphere. All the allies’ dropships landed without issues; all beachhead LZ were secure within the hour. The Harber Task force then rolled out of orbit and made their way pass the second moon called Nebulos. Their destination was the Cornu’s Belt, plenty of hiding spots for a fleet needing to regroup. Fleet Commander MacBeth decided to send the Niles Task force consisting of three capital ships and four patrol boats to the outer most planet, a gas giant with fifteen moons rumors of a spaceport on one of the moons was too hard to ignore. Even splitting up the Federation fleet into three he still felt comfortable especially since the Davion and Lyran fleet were nearby in orbit around the first moon of Dieron. Plus, the fleet they had to leave behind several months ago should be arriving next month, and General Chapman had informed him an hour ago that a new ally would be showing up within a few weeks with their own fleet. So, in his mind the space area of operations was secure.
-
Chapter Six
Military District
Dieron
Headquarters of 5th Sword of Light
OPERATION ALAMO
March 10, 3031
Tai-sho Conti watched as the dropships landed on his planet. He gave the enemy credit when they invaded, they did it well, two landing sites for Davion, two landing sites for the Lyrans, the other landings interested him more, their dropships were all black, no markings and all the equipment was black, even their uniforms were sanitized. He could not tell if they were different units from the same organization or just one massive unit, Five separate landings for that unit. He wrote a memo to his intelligence unit to find out who was with the Davion and Lyrans forces. He then sent a message to his XO to give him the green light and signal the 27th and 12th Dieron Regulars stationed at Ashio to divert from mission plan and come directly to Dieron. With their batteries they can skip one jump and make it here in fifteen days, which will be perfect, their arrival along with the fleet that is on its way will arrive at the same time, his units might be battered by that time but so will the invaders with two fresh reinforce regiments showing up at the perfect time he will crush the invaders.
Freedom Base
600 miles from the Capital
Mobile Headquarters of Allied Command
General Chapman office
March 14, 3031
General Chapman just returned to the mobile Headquarters after defeating the enemy that tried to attack on the east flank, his wife did the same thing to the west. Matthew thought that both battles were too easy, in fact after looking over the fourteen successful battles in the last four days, either the enemy was not prepared for such a massive assault or their units are all light and medium with a very high green pilots to veterans ratio. There was a knock at the door.
“Enter” was all that the General said
Captain Bri Ritney walked in the office, she was always helping with the admin part of running the war, in which Matthew was eternally grateful for. She was one of the shortest MechWarrior he had ever served with. What she lacked in height she defiantly made up in looks and curves. Which was the problem sometimes since she was almost always slightly out of uniform. For months he tried to tell her to cover her breast, but she always said they were too big to stay cover that the buttons would just pop so here we are again Matthew thought the cleavage was out and she was proud of it. Captain Ritney walked over and placed a data pad on the desk, Matthew tried not to look staying focus on his computer.
“What’s this?” Matthew asked
“It the battle report that you asked the armor commander to make.”
“Why did he not just give it to me then and not you Captain.”
Captain Ritney sighed, “Because he like all men like me.”
Matthew made the mistake and locked eye contact with the Captain.
“I mean you like me too right?” she asked
Matthew cleared his voice and stood up. “I like how you help me with the admin duties while we are deployed, I like that you are an excellent warrior on the field.”
With that she walked out and said over her shoulder. “call me if you need me, I will be cleaning my gun.”
Matthew sat down again and started making his week one report for First Prince Davion. The Federated Suns units did not see much action in the first week. The 36th Avalon Hussars Landing Zone was about a day march from the closest enemy city, and the 56th Avalon Hussars Landing Zone was near a port town their objective was to take the port with little damage as possible. The Lyrans first week even though very successful there was still heavy losses, mostly in equipment. The 4th Skye Rangers took over a port city that was supplying goods to a underwater facility in the Tibet Ocean. They were also successful in taking over a military base in the southern region of the Scales of the Dragonet. This military base was also a location of a spring water facility, due to the location, up on a hill the Dieron forces elected to stay within the outer walls one of the Dieron armor lances was composed of four Bure II Superheavy tanks. This lance accounted for two destroyed mechs and pilots with seven other mechs severely damaged. However, the Skye Rangers had three mech companies verses two armor companies of the Dieron planetary militia so in the end the Rangers were able to take over the base. Matthew already knew that his unit destroyed the enemy that came out to meet them his wife took a company of mechs and armor and greeted two armor and one mech company destroying nearly every unit of the 44th Dieron Regulars, and he took the same size force and went against a mech and armor company destroying the Dieron regulars. His children’s units were able to achieve their goals with no problems either. Matthew was just about to look at his older son’s report when a knock at the door jam made him stop.
“Sir, sorry for the interruption but there is a priority one message that just came down from the Accuser.” Captain Ritney announced.
“Thanks captain I will take it in here.”
The screen went from the regiment logo to the Federation logo, then the President popped up.
“General, I hope all is well, news reports of a Lyran, Davion, and unknown force invading Dieron has reached us. So far, your plan is working, but there are some rumblings in the congress since you have not been seen personally in about five months. Staying in touch with all the forces via video has helped but I am afraid that if we don’t see a live video where questions can be asked or a live in person from you, your cover will be blown. I hope to hear from you soon, congress is in session for the next week before their break.”
Matthew called Captain MacBeth, fleet commander.
“Wade.” Matthew said once Captain MacBeth came online.
“Yes sir, how can I help you.”
“I need you to start OPERATION TELEGRAPH we have three days to get it online most of the asset should already be in place.”
“Sir I will start coordinating now.”
Niles
Capital of Freedom Federation
Hall of Congress
Main Camber
March 16, 3031
Intern President Malik Henry looked over the Great White Hall of the Congress of the Federation. It was named Great White Hall because well simply put as he scanned the room it was white. The walls, pillars, ceiling, were all painted white with white marble tile for the floors. Even the desk of the congress members was white and the chairs. The only two things that were not white, the paintings on the wall, still a work in progress, meaning paintings are slowly being added as history unfolds in this young nation. The second was the gravel. He looked down toward his hand and there was the gravel just resting in his palm. His mind focused again, and the noise of the arguments came back to him in a rush. Congress was arguing about the war. A third of congress wanted to end the war now and hunker down, bring all the forces back to an area that these people deemed easy to defend and wait for the Combines counterattack, leaving a dozen or so planets defenseless. Those planets plus a few others wanted the war to expand and take the war all the way to Luthien. The rest wanted to end the war but overfund the expedition that General Chapman announce to discover the lost colonies of the old OutWorld Alliance. While arguing about this the constant thing they all agreed on and wanted to know is where their General was. The President was about to hammer the gravel in an attempt to put the congress in order. When a loud whine came across the speakers and the lights dimmed. On the massive twenty by ten-meter video display came to life first the symbol of the Federation showed in a 3D model. Congress slowly became quiet. Then the unit standard for the Federation Siegers Command Regiment, formerly known as the Chappy’s Revenge Command Regiment when this symbol showed all the congress stopped everything and sat down.
The next image was their General, older looking tired, the background looked like a makeshift office in a tent, with the flaps moving with the wind you could see Mechs moving in the background and also you could hear a war going on in the distance.
General Matthew Chapman looked up at the high exalted place where President Henry was.
“President Henry,” then he looked around the great hall. “Ladies and Gentlemen esteem members of Congress I greet you, and on the behalf of the Federation Military I am here to offer up answers and strategies for the next budget bill.”
Whispers throughout the hall was loud enough that President Henry could hear, and he wondered how his General was pulling this off. Matthew looked at the Congress and shook his head.
“No this is no trick, no AI simulation, no prerecorded scripted. I am alive and conducting a war to liberate as many planets as possible that we can. My location is top secret so as long as your question doesn’t pertain to my unit or where I am at, I will answer your questions with about a 10 second delay. First, I would like to address some recent standard questions. One, we are still close allies with the Federated Suns and will continue to be close friends until we are not. Two, yes, the war it seems is winding down for the Federated Suns on the Draconis Combine boarder with that being said it is prudent that we re-evaluated our objectives on that front so that we are not stretch to thin. Three, building a strong standing army both for the Federation as a whole and for each planet is still a top priority and I have just sent you a packet detailing those plans and the plans to rebuild lost infrastructure on all planets. Four, the Expeditionary fleet is almost fully staff, fully funded and will be leaving Devils Breath orbit within four months. They have all the information they need and know not to get within four jumps of the Union. Now let’s answer some questions, the esteem Congressperson from Brasha your question please.”
President Henry was in dumbfounded, first because somehow his General did the impossible, which was pretty standard for him, and is conducting a full live question and answer minus the 10 second delay. Also, secondly the General had every congressperson eating out of his hand all the anger, the dissolution, the mistrust all gone. The General did it and he saved the Republic again.
President Manson
Office of the President
Thirty minutes after Congress vote
Malik Henry looked at his General in disbelief. “So, you are telling me that you had the foresight to have warships that are HPG capable lined up from Dieron to Niles just in case you had to make a call?”
General Chapman looked at his friend, his President. “Sir, for the most part yes, this way we bypass most of the COMSTAR equipment. Now I am not saying it wasn’t risky I really don’t want COMSTAR to know that my techs on Devil’s Breath know how to operate HPGs. So how did the vote go?”
President Henry smiled and said. “The vote was nearly unanimous the bill passed you have an increase of 15% and fully funded for a year.”
“That’s good news, and unless the Combine does some major counter strike, I foresee the war winding down before the end of next year budget period. Then we can switch to defense spending and Project Jericho”
-
Chapter Seven
FNN (Freedom News Network)
Evening News Broadcast
March 16, 3031
“Today after an unscheduled but very welcome live video feed from General Chapman the Federation Congress voted unanimously to pass the War and Defense Budget for another year. Ensuring that liberation throughout this region will continue. General Chapman said that his unit was in the middle of liberation operation but refused to give details on which planet. In other news the Federation ally Federated Suns has reportedly launched a major invasion of the planet Dieron which is a military district capital for that region and the closest stronghold of Draconis Combine to Terra. Unconfirmed reports state that seven to eight regiments have invaded that planet with at least nine regiments defending the planet.”
Freedom Base
550 miles from the Capital
Mobile Headquarters of Allied Command
General Chapman office
Second week of invasion
March 16, 3031
It’s been slow going for the allies’ main forces, while they hadn’t lost a battle yet, Matthew noted neither are they just running over the enemy. The 4th Sky Guards and 4th Sky Rangers will need several days to repair key elements to continue operations. The 36th and 56th Avalon Hussars are faring better, but the rains in that area have slowed their march down considerably. The Elite Death Dogs under command of Matthew’s youngest boy, Major Seth Chapman was able to pushed the 9th Sun Zang almost completely off the continent Volteena and are currently engaged in the city San Clemente. His daughter, the youngest child, was also the most ruthless and dedicated officer he had seen since, well, his wife. Major Cheyenne Chapman and her Elite Death Stallions was the only unit from the Federation to run over the enemy in a Blitzkrieg type of military movement. The 8th Dieron Regulars detachments were running scared moving further north most likely to make their final stand at Fort Shiro, a frozen ancient SLDF base that the Dieron still kept operational. Major Dustin Chapman was in command of the famous Elite Death Stalkers. Matthew was most concerned with Dustin over all others simply because he always took the short cut, always found a way to win even if it was not the right way to do it. One day his luck would run out and Matthew prayed he would not be here to see this. Dustin’s unit was stuck in the same weather pattern as the 36th and 56th Avalon Hussars, so it was a slow go and with the super heavies that his unit had, the ground was not their ally. His oldest child Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Chapman II had the biggest unit of all his children, and he also had a strategic knowledge that rivaled his old man. His unit the Elite Death Regulators was slowly moving up the southern coast going north. The goal was for the children to meet up and attack in force at Fort Cross, the initial thought was three weeks but with the weather and heavy resistance that battle was pushed backed two weeks. As far as the Command Regiment, Matthew had the 2nd mech battalion push north so far, no enemy contact although Tatsuy City and the Dragon Roost in the Tatsuyama Mountain was just a few 100 kilometers away. The 3rd Battalion was pushing east with no contacts. Colonel Nichole Chapman his wife just engaged the enemy south of the LZ in a city called Chillan Vlejo which was a small port off the south coast of main continent Mataeo. The colonel came in from the north and encountered light resistance at first mostly in way of light and medium tanks with a battalion of motorized infantry. The 44th Dieron Regulars fought bravely the infantry hid in buildings and tried to do as much damage as they could. The 1st and 2nd company moved into the city and encounter two companies of light mechs, even though the 44th Dieron Regulars could move faster in and out of the buildings the heavy mechs of the Siegers pushed through protected by heavier armor and no mandate to keep any infrastructure intact they plowed through the building taking aim at the light mechs when possible, about twenty minutes later most of the town was rubble and the 44th Dieron Regulars was in retreat. Even with their quick speed several of the Siegers crack pilots were able to take aim and destroy several units. Colonel Chapman herself killed eight mechs three motorized infantry and two light tanks earning her a Silver Star.
Freedom Base
525 miles from the Capital
Mobile Headquarters of Allied Command
General Chapman office
Second week of invasion
March 19, 3031
General Chapman was asleep when the call from his Fleet Commander came in. Matthew got up, moved over to the makeshift console, and brought up a very worried looked Fleet Commander. At least it looked like the man was worried it was truly hard to tell with all the static from the interference of all the nuclear missiles used in the initial space battle over Dieron.
“What’s going on Wade.”
“Sorry to wake you..”
Matthew cut him off right there by rubbing his face and then waving at the Fleet Commander like he was trying to get rid of a fly flying around his head.
“Wade we are at war, you are my Fleet Commander report and stop apologizing.”
“Sir due to the interference reports from the Zenith or Nadir stations have been intermitted, we just received some radar hits from the sensor out on the picket lines looks like a fleet is inbound from the Nadir. They will be in orbit in four days. The Alamo task force is the only one that can intercept this new fleet the rest of fleet is out playing cat and mouse with the remnant of the original Combined fleet.” Harber and Niles task force are both about six days out.”
“Ok Wade, engage the enemy but if your task force starts take on heavy damage withdraw and wait for the rest of the fleet, all I ask is that you try and do some damage, any dropship destroyed is a good thing.”
The Fleet Commander looked down and then slightly back up again. “Sir this is my fault I was to focus on the fleet hiding from us, I left you vulnerable.”
“Wade intel did not suggest or had any knowledge of another fleet coming I approved of your chase we will be ready for them, our reinforcements will be here soon anyways it will be ok.”
Once the screen went black Matthew’s calmness left him and he threw his coffee mug across the tent, Nichole sat up in bed, “Matthew calm down.”
“You heard the Fleet Commander this is not good we got four days to prepare for a counter attack.”
“Calm down Matthew it will be ok, at least you did not blow up in front of the Fleet Commander, showing confidence in him and not having him fight to the death to fix the problem was a good thing my husband.”
Fleet Commander Wade MacBeth got off the comms with his leader, as he was issuing commands to his XO in the back of his mind he was in aww how his boss took the news.
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Chapter Eight
Space .500 AU from star
Draconis Fleet
Captain Makrodimitris looked at her fleet moving at full speed to get to Dieron In total eight capital ships and seventeen dropships with six fighter squadrons. She knew though there was a large enemy fleet out here but with all the nuclear radiation from the last battles radar was iffy and so was communication.
“Ma’am a small craft just powered up in front of us and is sending a message.” Said her communication officer.
“Let’s hear it.”
As soon as the voice started talking she knew who it was Sho Sa Kichida acting commander of the what was left of the Dieron fleet.
“Kurita fleet, the enemy is numerous but I have managed to split them in their vain attempts to trap me in the Astro belt 5 AU from this location, I have high hopes that you can get your fleet to the planet and drop your unit off intact. Sho Sa Kichida out.”
The Captain looked at the radar screen still no contact. “Helm please continue to the planet full speed.”
About an hour later
“Ma’am contact barring 180 degree -45 angle I have four capital ships no id on them yet but one is really big so expect fighters, cannot tell if they are carrying dropships yet.” Announce the radar tech.
“Go to red alert inform the fleet to target the enemy but we are not staying full speed through them.”
Federation Fleet
Captain MacBeth saw the radar returns of the enemy fleet eight capital ships and a little over a dozen dropships but hardly any fighters.
“Launch all squadrons and attack the dropships, slow down and be ready to roll they will sail right by us we will need to burn to top speed once we yaw in order to stay with them.”
30 minutes later
The fleets were in range and starting firing on each other, the Dieron Regulars at first focused on the Federation fighters destroying five of them in the first salvo they also focused fired on the Patrol Boat on the port flank destroying it with ease. The Federation focused mostly on the dropship even though a couple of the Dieron regulars’ fighters were destroyed. The flagship of the Federation fleet focused on three dropships and after the first salvo a Dictator and a Colossus were destroyed. Salvage ships went to the area and tried to rescue as many of the mechs and amor that they could.
5 minutes later.
With the incredible speed that the capital ships and fighters were going it did not take long for the two sides to pass each other firing another round at any targets. The federation flipped on end and started to burn against their speed, so that they could pursue the enemy. Dieron Regulars were pounding the Federation fighters destroying about a dozen. Captain MacBeth orderd to open fire on the enemy’s Capital ships. The FFFS Accuser launched her nuclear missiles four of the seven missiles hit on target destroying the Aotaka and Usugumo both were vigilant corvettes two dropships were destroyed as well. The next salvo four missiles of seven hit again destroy three capital ships the Kagero, Kuwa both Narukami Destroyers and the Ikazuchi a Defender Battlecruiser. By this time the other capital ships and dropships made it pass the Federation Fleet, even at full burn they would not catch up to the enemy fleet, they pursued anyway.
20 minutes later
Captain Connie Makrodimitris commander of the 12th Dieron Fleet and by rank commander of the 27th fleet also made the call to the overall commander of the mission, Commander of the 5th Sword of Light Tai-sho Palmer Conti. His face popped up on the viewscreen.
“Captain, how goes the blockade run?”
“Sir, I am reporting that we have broken through and are burning maximum thrust we will be there in about six hours.”
“Excellent news how is the fleet though?”
“Sir we lost three dropships and four capital ships, on those dropships was two battalions worth of infantry from the 12th and a battalion of Battlemechs from the 27th. We also lost two and a half fighter squadrons.”
The Tai-sho sat back in his chair drumming his fat fingers on the table.
“I suppose it could have been worse. Do you know the damage to the enemy fleet?”
“Sir they are still in pursuit of us, looks like two capital ships destroyed one is crippled and maybe four squadrons of fighters. Their flagship is unbelievable the nuclear capability of that ship is devastating.”
“Yes Captain their fleet is destructive, but you found a way to break through, of course that is just a fraction of their fleet. Long range telemetry shows that two task forces that was hunting what’s left of the 5th sword of Light fleet is on their way back to Dieron you should get here in time to see the dropships off to the planet then link up with my task force there you will take over as overall commander, good luck Captain.”
With that the screen went black.
Federation fleet
Captain MacBeth was not looking forward to this call but it needs to be done. The federation symbol spun on the screen waiting on connection with his commander.
General Chapman’s face appeared and looked with a question of hope.
“Captain MacBeth, what’s the damage.”
“Sir we took out several Capital Ships and three dropships initial investigation is that there was men and mech on those ships unknown how many, we are currently in pursuit but won’t be able to catch up. According to my navigator they will be able to reach the planet before Harber and Niles task force shows up. I am sorry I failed you sir.”
General Chapman shook his head back and forth. “Nonsense, Captain you was out manned in Capital ships and dropship you did the best you could, link up with the rest of the fleet and pursue them, I just got word that our reinforcements linked up with the fleet that we had to leave behind at the last charging point once they are finish charging they will make haste to arrive in system at the Zenith point.
Draconis Combine fleet
High Orbit
Dieron
March 21, 3031
Start of the Third week of invasion
Captain Makrodimitris looked on as the 12th and 27th Dieron Regulars dropships split apart going to their separated landing zones. The 12th was headed over to the Parsonage Region intel suggest that three smaller enemy units were over there, crushing them first would help. The 27th Dieron Regulars were landing on the outskirts of Ulaangom City the enemy had left that area and moved west, the town will welcome their liberators and fresh food and water will be a welcome sight.
The 27th Dieron Regulars landed just outside the city as planned, and was welcome, but not with open arms like Tai-sho Koutri thought. There was no party, no parade, just a welcome and the Draconis Combine flag flew again in the courtyard. Tai-sho Kourtri split his forces into three attack vectors. He sent what was left of the 3rd battalion southwest the 3rd Battalion was devastated during the incursion battle over half of the Battalion was in one of the three dropships that were destroyed only a couple of mechs survived none of the warriors did though. Intel had shown most of the enemy forces were due west from the Combine’s landing zone. So that was why Kourtri sent the 3rd Battalion southwest to secure their flank and avoid the 3rd from being wiped out before reinforcements could be established. Unfortunately, the Intel for Tai-sho Kourtri was partially wrong, down in the southern area about 50 kilometers from the Combine’s landing zone was two companies of the 4727th Armored Grenadiers and two squadrons of fully loaded aerospace fighters from the 2001st wing of the 56th Avalon Hussars. The Federated Suns forces met the Combine forces in an open field and devastated them, wiping them out of existence only two mechs and their pilots made it out of the carnage alive.
On the other side of the planet Major Seth Chapman was chasing down what was left of the 9th Sun Zhang, upon hearing that two more enemy regiments were on their way down to the planet he knew he had to finish the nineth off and reconnect with his siblings. Seth sent his two Squadrons ahead fully loaded with bombs to knock out all roads and passageways in front of the fleeing force.
9th Zun Zhang Academy Cadre
Chu-i Sherry Papi was the highest-ranking officer left in the Cadre. Yet her mech had been destroyed, flying above in a VTOL she looked at the small convoy of fleeing mechs and armor took notice that only two cadets were left, the other sixteen mechs was what was left of the cadre. She was pondering this as they were making a run for it to the city of Vicuna and the small base located just north of it when the pilot’s board lit up. “Sir we have inbound looks like twelve fighters.”
Sherry watched as the unmark totally black fighters flew right passed them and started bombing ahead destroying the bridges and roadways ahead of them. They are trying to slow us down so they can catch up she thought. Then the fighters started strafing runs against her group. The three VTOLs that were flying above the convoy broke formation and took off at full speed. That was the last time she saw any of her comrades that were in that convoy. The enemy fighters slowed the convoy down enough that the rest of Death Dogs were able to catch up and destroy everything.
The 12th Dieron Regulars landed in the parsonage region with no incident, Tai-shu Yawatono Kurita looked over the intel and knew that the three smaller units of the unknown force was to the west with the larger more powerful unit to the east. His mission objective was to destroy the three smaller units, so he deployed his troops for maximum efficiency.
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Chapter Nine
Dieron
Command Allied HQ
March 22, 3031
Reports were coming in from several locations about the two new units that landed. General Chapman looked over the reports and was afraid for the first time since this war started that he might lose some or all his children. He could also lose the 36th or 56th Avalon Hussars since one of the new enemy units landed just fifty miles away from both. He looked at the readiness report and then ordered the 4th Skye Guards 3rd Battalion to hop on dropships and move to the main continent to help the Avalon Hussars. He then ordered his armor and infantry regiment to move west to help his children. His son Seth was already in transit moving from the continent Voltenna toward his sister’s unit. Which was in the process of moving south to hook up with his other two son’s units at the military base designation MM59B on the map, but his children had renamed it Camp Doom. The sense of dread moved through the General when new reports came in showing that the enemy attacked on multiple fronts, by the end of the day he should know if the 36th and 56th Avalon Hussars survived the onslaught. Meanwhile, his kids were on the move, not engaging the enemy until they get to Camp Doom. The general then turned his focus on the fleet. He ordered the fleet that was chasing the Combine’s remanent fleet back to Dieron and then ordered two small task forces to guard both the Zenith and Nadir charging stations. He had let his pride and eagerness to destroy the Combine fleet get in the way of securing the entry points into this solar system. For now, let the enemy fleet sit in the asteroid belt. If they wanted a fight, they would have to come to him.
Camp Doom
Chento Mountain Towers Region
Roof of HQ/Comm Building
March 24, 3031
Lt. Colonel Chapman, son of the famous General, overlooked the work that he and his siblings had done over the last three weeks. He then remembered a conversation he had with his father when they first arrived on the planet.
March 11, 3031
Video Conference
General Chapman looked at his son. “Son, I noticed that you requisition building supplies for the fleet.”
Lt. Col Chapman looked at his father. “Yes father, I have discovered a Castle Brain, it’s been abandoned for many years, but with some TLC it can be a very useful base, both for defense and resupply.”
General Chapman spoke. “Were you asleep during all the mission briefs and planning? We are not staying here, as soon as the Combine is defeated all Federation forces will be heading home and leave the defense of this planet to our allies.”
Lt. Col. Chapman sighed and said. “Father, I know that, but I would like to build a resupply base for us, I also want our dropships station at the base when we are not using them. It would also be a good place for the air force since there is a runway and the base is centrally located.”
General Chapman just shook his head in a defeated fashion. “I know I will not win this conversation; I will let the fleet know that you are authorize all building materials and defense items you may need.”
‘Thank you, father.”
Three weeks later (Present day)
The White Horse Construction Team had done an amazing job all the walls were repaired, gun turrets were up and functioning, The ECM fields were up and running covering three of the five dropships with mountains in the backdrop and cliffs that made it impossible to attack from behind, the only way the enemy could attack was in the front. The original designer of the SLDF base had the river diverted to flow around the base, making a good barrier for non-jump jet mechs, and regular infantry. The river was about 50 meters wide and about 40 meters deep, the main defensible part of the base was the wall on the bank where the base was. This was about 25 meters tall which Matthew thought would make the average jump jet mech impossible to get up and over. The wall had many hard points to put gun turrets and he had ordered most of the ones they acquired on the first wall. The second wall set about half a kilometer from the first wall was the last line of defense before you got to the base building and runway. These walls were only 15 meters high but also had several hard points for gun emplacements. In total the base was about 2.5 sq kilometer, the base went down about 200 meters and had barracks, several chow halls, med facility, communication center, repair bays, and secure landing zones for dropships. Matthew thought this was a good place to defend and die if needed.
A big boom sounded in the air slightly to the left of where Matthew was standing, looking up with binoculars he was able to track the last dropship with supplies until after the battle was over. Holding out on this base for several days will be difficult but doable if all his siblings kept with the plan that he came up with. While he watched the DropShip called Sparrow move down from the outer atmosphere, static on the radio meant something else was about to happen.
“Sir, enemy sited Northeast over a battalion of mechs. The forward deployed intel team suggest that the other two battalions of mechs and the Armor Regiment is not far behind.”
Evidently the enemy had no clue about this base being fixed up to the point where Matthew considered it a stronghold.
“Roger that CIC launch all fighters tell the company commanders to stay behind the wall for now.” He looked across the vast base thinking that just about two years ago all he was in command of was a small company of elite MechWarrior’s assigned to top of the line mechs from the war factories on his home planet, now his unit had grown into a re-enforced battalion with a mix of mechs from access the region due to his salvage techniques. The fighter squadrons flew across the base toward the enemy to harass them with HE bombs three of the four squadrons was from his sister unit the other was from his. The key was trying to force the enemy through the choke point at the base only entrance.
12th Dieron Regulars
100 miles north of enemy base (Camp Doom)
Tai-shu Yawatono Kurita was frustrated, he had sent his mech regiment ahead to scout for a base so that his entire force could attack the enemy. The problem was his commanders were ambitious a trait that Combine applauds but usually gets lower-level commanders killed if they are not exceptional. Well, Yawatono thought he had three idiots as battalion commanders. Word just got back to Yawatono that instead of making camp and waiting for the support regiments of tanks artillery and troops they decided to attack. To top it off they did not even wait until all three battalions were together, going in waves instead. If these commanders survive this battle, they will not be commanders anymore for disobeying him.
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Chapter Ten
Camp Doom
Chento Mountain Towers Region
Lt. Col. Chapman Atlas
1715 Dieron Standard Time
March 24, 3031
Matthew was listening to the comms, all the ground units from all four commands were snuggled inside the main wall, those units that were too damaged were behind the secondary wall, close to the dropships. Due to the needs of the fleet, there were not enough dropships to have a full retreat therefore the goal was to have slow retreat towards the secondary wall that protected the main buildings of the base and the flightline, and could retreat closer to the dropships if needed. The Federation fighters swoop down and bombed the incoming mech battalion, with the enemy taking heavy damage and the fighters light damage they flew past the base, circled around to make another run.
Dieron 2nd Battalion
Chu-sa Rosa Mohn moved her unit pass the mountain and into the trees just two klicks away from the enemy’s camp. Her radar lit up and then she saw them four fighter squadrons barring down on them for a bombing run.
“Brace yourselves, we have incoming bombs, keep moving toward their camp.” She announced.
Her unit commander was so damn incompetent the only reason that he had a command was because of his sire name. The fighters flew over her unit and destroyed four light and one medium mech. The intel Tai-shu Kurita gave his battalion commanders was wrong. She thought while watching the fighters circle around for another pass, he had told them it was a run-down abandon base with four small units hiding there, but clearly if they had four fighter squadrons… then she saw the base walls, fully erect walls on the one side of a wide river and only one spot to cross into the base. Constantly harassed by the fighters they pushed forward toward the main and only gate.
Camp Doom
Chento Mountain Towers Region
Lt. Col. Chapman Atlas
1731 Dieron Standard Time
March 24, 3031
Matthew noticed that the enemy just kept coming, seven fighters have been shot down but about ten mechs have been destroyed or immobile. Another surprise awaited the enemy when they get closer to the base. Hopefully the mines will slow them down. Some of the fighters are in the middle of landing and refueling since they had flown in from the other side of the planet to help. The enemy took advantage and moved faster toward the base.
12th Dieron Regulars
3rd Battalion
Chu-sa Bunme Misoi was the commander of the 3rd Battalion. She saw that the 2nd Battalion was almost to the gate just a few more meters till they got to the natural bridge that crossed the river and into the base. With the fighters still focused on the 2nd she ordered her unit to make haste to the gate. Moving out of the tree line her unit was swift and stealthy, about halfway to the gate from the tree line explosions started to happen.
Dieron Regulars
2nd Battalion
Over half her unit was destroyed or immobile but she kept pressing to the gate the mech in front of her had major damage on the left leg and no right arm, the enemy fighters were swinging back for another run and then it happened, an explosion causing the mech in front of her to go down in an instant with missing legs. Then another and another explosion it finally dawns on her.
“Mines they have mines buried move back move back. Chu-i Remes move up and clear a path for us. By the time the Chu-i cleared the path five more mechs were destroyed and his mech was never going to move again. They continued to press the first mech step on the natural bridge and the onslaught from lasers and missiles from the mechs inside the wall rained down on them.
Stalkers Elite Force
Station at the gate
Major Dustin Chapman was itching to leave the complex and take the battle to them. Technically they were all separate commanders and equal, but Matthew did have one pip more than the others, he was also older. Father though had given them all commands with neither of them over the other. Dustin did not understand why they were hiding, the air force was destroying the enemy, now was the time to move out and finish them.
Major Cheyenne Chapman saw her brother rock back and forth in his mech; she knew what that meant. Dustin was always the most impatience of the four siblings.
“Dustin, don’t do it stick to the plan.”
There was no answer. Seth and Matthew heard their sister’s plea and looked over at the gate, only to see Dustin take his heavy modify one of a kind mech out the gate with his three companies following them.
“Chey, Seth cover the hole that Dustin just left give him as much support as we can I will notify the squadrons that we have friendlies in the field.”
Camp Doom
Chento Mountain Towers Region
Major Chapman in his Black September mech
1748 Dieron Standard Time
March 24, 3031
Dustin moved his unit onto the natural bridge and proceeded to overrun the enemy. Him and his unit was so focused on the enemy in front of the gate they did not notice the enemy moving up from behind.
12th Dieron Regulars
2nd Battalion
Chu-sa Mohn now hated her commander even more as three companies of fresh mechs moved out across the bridge and attacked her unit within minutes all was lost she was one of the last mechs standing until a PPC hit her cockpit.
Federation
Dustin looked up afterward his last PPC went through an enemy’s cockpit and saw that none was left standing. Victory was to be had.
“Stalker Elite Force this is the 1st Squadron I just picked up a fresh wave of enemy mechs about half a klick from your location.”
Dustin looked out to the location that was tagged on his battle board and got hit with 20 LRMs. Dustin looked at his damage board on medium damage to his torso instead of retreating he order his unit to engage. The air force was down to two squadrons now, but they dove and strafe the enemy when they could. The other siblings looked in horror as the Stalkers were slowly cut down.
“We need to change our plans and rescue our brother.” Seth said and he ordered his unit out of the protection of the wall and out into the battlefield.
12th Dieron Regulars
1st Battalion
Tai-sa Mats Storesund saw that the 2nd and 3rd had engaged the enemy and stupidly the enemy had come out to fight instead of staying behind the wall. It was time to join the battle and his unit started across the forest toward the enemy base. The closer his unit got closer to the base though he saw the carnage of his comrades the 2nd battalion was destroyed, and the 3rd had been cut into half. Unfortunately, the enemy had sent reinforcements out to collect their people and then moved back into the safety of the base.
“Regulars retreat back to the tree line we will set up camp there repair what we can and attack again in the morning in force.”
Federation
Seth took his unit and retrieved his brothers mech and any other mech or warrior that looked repairable while at the same time fighting off the enemy, Cheyenne had came out of the wall too and helped facilitate while Matthew order all his LRM boats to rain fire down on the enemy for cover. They successfully retrieve fifteen mechs of the Stalkers and twenty MechWarrior. Matthew then noticed another battalion coming in to reinforce the enemy then curiously retreated to the tree line. Probably going to regroup and attack before sunrise.
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Chapter Eleven
Camp Doom
Chento Mountain Towers Region
Lt. Col. Chapman Atlas
0535 Dieron Standard Time
March 25, 3031
The sun was rising behind the base in the east. Matthew looked out at the battlefield to the west and could see the enemy moving up using the discarded carcasses of mechs scattered throughout the battlefield. Matthew notified everyone that an attack would happen within 30 minutes he then called the medical ward.
“How is my brother doing doctor.”
“We got out of surgery about thirty minutes ago, he lost a leg and a arm but the prosthetics are holding and grafting nicely. He will have to learn to reuse them of course, but he will continue to be a mech jock.”
“Matthew, the enemy has breached the base Seth, and I are engaging please assist.”
The 12th Dieron Regulars with patched up mechs from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions and the fresh 1st Battalion rushed the gate all 64 mechs and initially over ran the few lances that were there, but about 60 meters in the rest of the Federation mechs moved in. Ninety-eight mechs that had no damage had not fired a single shot met the Dieron Regulars. Tai-sa Storesund was shocked by how wrong the intel was, they had showed maybe a Battalion worth of mechs, but there was a regiment if not more. With a look of horror, he saw the precision of the enemy working against his unit slowly pushing them toward the gate. He opened his net to call a retreat and got nothing but an high squeal of static, jamming the signal he knew most was lost he tried to signal the warriors around him to retreat some got the message and started to run. It was the last thing he did as four sets of LRM volleys hit him. Eighty missiles in total majority hit the mark and he was dead. At the end of the failed push Thirty Dieron Regular mechs made it back to the camp. MechWarriors for a few hours still trickling in with stories of the Federation just letting them go not wanting to have any prisoners.
Chu-sa Zasedatelev who was second in command of the 3rd Battalion was now the default commander of what was left of the Regiment. Regiment he thought to himself what a joke, as he looked down at his bandaged arm. They could not even field three companies let alone three battalions. Zasedatelev walked thru the camp when he eyed movement in the trees over by the mountains, he took of his radio from the belt to call it in when he saw the first lance of tanks and the colors of the 12th. The rest of the unit was here Tai-shu Kurita is going to be very upset that his one hundred and twenty mech regiment is down to thirty mechs. With the rest of the unit showing up the 12th was now up to forty-two mechs hundred twenty-three armor and hundred twenty-four infantry.
Camp Doom
Chento Mountain Towers Region
Lt. Col. Chapman Atlas
0930 Dieron Standard Time
March 27, 3031
It's been two days since the rest of the enemy arrived at their base camp on the edge of the tree line. They had set up jammers that overridden all the Federation signals effectively isolating the units. All the Federation fighters or he thought what was left were grounded until he could figure out how to take out the AA guns sitting half a klick from the airfield. Food and water were still not an issue but if this siege goes on any longer rationing may have to start. Without comms Matthew and his siblings had no idea where their father was in advancing the mighty war machine of the command regiment or if their mercenary friends would arrive. Time was on their side or was it Matthew just shook his head and sighed.
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FNN (Freedom News Network)
Evening News Broadcast
March 27, 3031
“Hi I am Nessa Ford and I am reporting from the renown flagship of the Federation navy here at a Zenith station at an undisclosed location. Fleet Captain Wade MacBeth has granted this news network are rare glimps into the bridge of the most advance warship in the inner sphere.”
She turns to the left and the camera followed her action then moved to her gaze. The camera focused on the man that was in full navy uniform. Crisp, clean and very white. Which in fact did not match with the Captain’s face, if you looked back into the history of mankind and view a warrior from the Denmark region in the dark age period you would find a similar look as Captain MacBeth. Tall, bald, but a long beard the tips of the beard was just past his muscular chest.
“Captain, thank you for allowing an inside look into the operations of this mighty ship.”
“No problem at all, Nessa specially when General Chapman approved it.” The captain gave a quick awkward smile that spoke volumes in how he really felt.
“So, Captain, can you tell us anything about the current mission?”
The captain looked at the reporter and said. “We are here on station at the Zenith Charging Station waiting for one of our allies and a reinforcement fleet from the Federation to jump in system. We will then escort the Mercenary group to the planet while the 5th wing of the 2nd fleet will remain on station here to protect the shipping lanes from the enemy.”
“Captain, can you tell us what mercenary organization is coming.”
“They are late, you should find out any moment. Radar, any sign of enemy or friendly out there?”
“No, wait fleet emergence right now.”
The fleet popped into existence the film crew was still recording and what they saw was impressive. Nine all black warships which included two destroyers, six frigates and one battleship. The mercenary group was just impressive, Battlecruiser and a Destroyer with the symbol of the Wolf’s Dragoons.
Interstellar News Network (INN)
Today, a reporter from FNN was on the bridge of their flagship when a small flight emerged and indicated that the Wolf’s Dragons are in cahoots with the Freedom Federation armed forces.
Voice of the Dragon (VoTD)
Today we have more proof of the treachery of the Wolf’s Dragoons and the illegitimate government called Freedom Federation. A reporter from the above-mentioned illegal government took video of a Wolf’s Dragoons fleet meeting up with one of the illegal government’s warships. This brave reporter snuck the video out from the oppressive government to show the universe the evils of other nations.
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Chapter Twelve
Camp Doom
Chento Mountain Towers Region
Lt. Col. Chapman Atlas
1535 Dieron Standard Time
April 4, 3031
For five days the enemy harassed the base with artillery, none of the supply VTOL’s have made it through the blockade. His father’s forces were tied down in the Parsonage Region about 200 kilometers due east of the Camp Doom. The supply of armor and missiles had gone dry yesterday so only mechs with lasers were up front. At the second wall. Matthew shook his head disappointed, the outer wall had to be abandoned two days ago the enemy finally breached it, with limited firepower and manpower all the Chapman’s kids pulled back to the secondary wall. Half the length of the outer wall and still having fully functioning turrets with the dropships weapons in range now made it difficult for the Dieron Regulars to advance especially with most of their mechs destroyed. Communications out into orbit and space were still iffy due to all the radiation. There had been static mixed with a hint of transmission for the better part of the morning but nothing that was coherent. Matthew looked at the drone feed when it filtered in, the enemy was in worse shape than they were.
12th Dieron Regulars
Base Camp
Tai-shu Kurita looked at his troops broken, destroyed, the only thing he really had left was his company of artillery which fired fifty rounds every two hours. Other than that, maybe a company of mechs and tank if that, could be fielded. The rest of the forces were all tied up defending towns or the capital, his unit was the only one on the attack and they did not have enough men to attack.
Midnight
Chento Mountain Towers Region
The region was completely black, Camp Doom had lost power yesterday, and the only illumination was the stars in the cloudless night sky. The picket line for the Dieron Regulars had fallen asleep, silent was their artillery for the night, quiet was the animal life in the forest so the guards fell asleep. Sneaking in the tall weeds and grass was a team of five MechWarriors from the Federation who had lost their mechs in the last week. Moving closer to the sleeping guards they came up and slit their throats at once in unison, and then whispered in the radio back to base that alpha group met their objectives. A second call by another team of five, one klick away notified the base that beta group met their objectives. During this time two companies of mechs with all external lights off slowly moved in the field taking a step every few minutes to avoid detection the action took most of the night. The two five-man teams moved closer to the enemy’s camp picking of an enemy trooper one at the time that were just in the wrong spot at the wrong time reliving themselves. The sky was starting to get lighter sunrise will be soon, Matthew thought he had been moving his mech beside his siblings for half the night, slowly, and could see the fires of the camp. His two teams of warriors were about 30 meters from the main camp. Matthew went across the battle net to remind everyone where the ground guys were before the surprise attack.
12th Dieron Regulars
Base Camp
Tai-shu Kurita woke up restless and got out of his cot. Looking out to this planet’s north seeing the stars and how the future daybreak was starting to creep into the night sky, he sighed and shook his head while he walked toward the head. The closer he got to the dug-out latrine the more the hair stood up on the back of his neck. Something was wrong, it was too quiet, he stopped even though he needed to use the latrine he wanted to listen, slowly spinning in place he listened and looked out into the empty spaces, then he saw it, movement. Shit, those are mechs out there he turned to run towards the night watch to sound the alarm when two men, no take that back one man one woman jumped out of the low-lying ditch and cut his throat. The commander of the 12th Dieron Regulars looked surprised; he knew what was happening, he was bleeding out but how that surprised him, because he never saw them until the end. Falling to his knees his attackers had already moved on, he was tired and stopped trying to keep the blood from flowing out of his neck. His hands dropped to the ground, and he finally fell flat on his face, his last thought was he still needed to pee.
Chu-sa Takano sat in her Archer looking out to this planet’s East. Bored she sighed, always hating the night shift simply because she could not sleep during the day she shifted in her seat, that is when she saw something move out there. Turning on IR sensors she started scanning the area, nothing but black nothingness, then it happened again, and her computer finally caught the movement also. Mechs and they are close she flipped on the battle net to warn the Regiment. She rose to full stance mode from the haul down mode she was in, and all hell broke loose. Lasers shot out from the blackness of night hitting mechs that were manned and not manned. Takano no longer bored starting firing her missiles blindly into the night, nothing was being locked onto by the targeting system, she could not understand, then she saw more movement to her left. She followed the movement she thought she saw but no tracking from her machine. “This does not make since, what is going on.”
The rest of the unit was finally firing back into the blackness, but the lasers kept coming in from the night, a night in which was fleeing from the sun as it started to creep up the sky. She then saw the enemy, and she knew that this was the end of 12th Dieron Regulars. Within fifteen minutes all the Dieron Regulars were destroyed, Matthew was surveying the battle site when a big boom sounded from the atmosphere. Matthew tracked the dropships, and the ID came back as the Wolf’s Dragoons, dad’s reinforcements had finally arrived. Their Dropships landed out in the fields beyond the base. The hanger doors opened and the first mech out of the mech bays was none other than Jamie Wolf.
“Federation this is the Alpha Regiment of the Wolf’s Dragoons, Colonel Wolf here. We are here to back you up, but it looks like you have taken care of the enemy. So now we are here to relieve you. I would like to meet the Chapman Kids and get a firsthand account of what transpired these last few days.”
Matthew switched on the overall net.
“Colonel Wolf, on behalf of my siblings’ units, we stand relieved. If you follow us into what’s left of the base, we would be happy to tell you everything you want to know. Over some Dieron wine that we found.
With that what was left of the four units moved toward the base with the Wolf’s Dragoons in tow. The three Chapman kids and Jamie Wolf exited their mechs and went into the kitchen area sat down drank wine and the Children of General Chapman told their tale to one of the greatest leaders in the inner sphere. After about an hour Jamie sat back, shook his head, and spoke. “The Chapman stock is strong, to stand your ground with about five and a half companies of mechs and five squadrons of fighters against a reinforce regiment of mechs two regiments of armor and a regiment of infantry took some balls. Even with the enemy making a fatal error of sending units in waves it was still incredible.” He sat for a second and then pulled out his radio. “XO send all teams to salvage, salvage everything, give everything to the Federation troops and have our techs help them rebuild.”
The Chapman Children looked at Colonel Wolf then Cheyenne said. “Sir you honor us with this gesture I will make sure my father knows of your generosity so that he may pay you back.”
Colonel Wolf replied. “Captain the honor is all mine I have heard stories of the Chapman legacy seen holovids about you and your father’s success in battle. Seeing the aftermath of your battle was terrifying, you can simply pay me back by marching with us in four days to the next area of conquest. With my techs and your techs, we should get most of your unit up to speed. I will keep two companies here with some support units to continue with the repairs and protect the wounded.”
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Chapter Thirteen
Parsonage Region
Lt. Col. Chapman Atlas
1803 Dieron Standard Time
April 10, 3031
On the march with the Wolf’s Dragoons, several light scrimmages occurred mostly just remnants of Kurita troops from previous battles that wanted to die with honor in combat, so Jamie Wolf obliged them. During the quiet times though, Jamie Wolf would ask questions about the Chapman family that sometimes made the Chapman children question Jamie’s true motives. This was one of those times. “So, Matthew I am still confused about your heritage.” Jamie asked. Matthew looked at his radio and tilted his head slightly to the right, as if trying to figure out why Colonel Wolf keeps digging into their past. Matthew figured enough was enough and tried to shut the Colonel down without causing a rift in this newly formed alliance. “Well, my father is building a hall of Military history on Niles, once open it will have all the records and holovids that have been kept on our home planet in a secure site. Up until now we had kept most of our family history a secret, my father for whatever reason has decided to clear the air about the origins of our family. Unfortunately, until that hall of military history is open, I can’t say much, maybe father can answer your question better. All I can say is that as far as I know we had some members of the family leave with the fleet in the great exodus but that is all I really can say.”
Colonel Wolf already knew that much his Wolf net had been investigating this mercenary gone state unit called Chappy’s Revenge for quite some time. The question was which Chapman was this particular line, and if it was the right Chapman line, Jamie could use this as more leverage for freebirths, showing that natural birth lines can be just as dominating as TrueBorn.
Static hit all the battlemechs at once, the two voices was cutting in and out but the Chapman Kids knew who they were.
“This is Colonel Ni…………tion being over…….losses ……… now.” Female voice said.
“1st Battalion I am s………the…….over.” Male voice said.
“Colonel” Cheyenne announced first. “Those voices they are our parents, and they are in need of us.”
Colonel Wolf looked at the geographical map and shook his head, we are still about six hours away even if we sent our light units ahead.
“From satellites it looks like your parents are fighting just northeast of the city Casstillo Arratlas with the Aomdri Mountains to the north and the Rouran Ocean to the south it has created a natural choke point. Your parents have sent in the whole regiment into that region to try and get to you four, and they have been met with heavy resistance and now with enemy troops in the rear blocking retreat even if they wanted to they are trapped.”
“Colonel.” Matthew said “What about air assets. Do you have any on planet Colonel?”
Colonel Wolf shook his head even though no one could see him do it. “No, the Dragoons are still rebuilding from what the Combine did to us, and even though we have five operational regiments fighting against the right now they are not fully combined regiments we are sorely missing aerospace and armor capability at the moment. I did check at Fort Doom and nine fighters from the Stallions and two from the Dogs have been completely repaired and armed.”
Major Chapman started to say Cheyenne and Seth when both pipped up and said we are ordering them now to go help.
Parsonage Region
Twenty miles northeast of Catillo Arratlas
General Chapman cockpit
1818 Dieron Standard Time
April 10, 3031
The enemy lines have not broken and now they have been able to move several companies behind his rear guard. On top of that he lost all communication with his wife’s unit on the right flank. He checked his command company, three mechs down two pilots have not responded so classified them as MIA for now, his unit left arm was gone but the rest of the mech was functioning. Matthew was in the middle of reorganizing the line when nine new radar hits showed on the screen moving fast, he knew they were fighters. IFF had not identified them yet when the radio call came across.
“Command Regiment. 1st Squadron of the Death Stallions coming hot and fully loaded confirm coordinates for aerial attack.”
“1st Squadron I have painted the enemy on the board take them out, thank you” Matthew replied then watched as the enemy was bombed to hell. “Command Regiment advance, my unit with me we are going to the right flank to help out 1st Battalion.”
Right Flank
The command company moved slowly through the broken 1st battalion, General Chapman moved over the hill looking at the destroyed mechs and armor looking for survivors and mainly his wife. He then saw the remnants of the 1st Battalion they were about a click away fighting a slow withdraw away from the main force, more than likely on the orders of his wife to draw the enemy away. “Command Company move up and take out the enemy.”
The Command company took out the enemy easily and moved up to what was left of the 1st Battalion he looked for his wife’s mech but did not see it. He must have missed it in his dash to help the 1st out he thought. A badly damaged Atlas stepped up from the 1st and its cockpit open the General saw it was Major Azuma she was his wife’s XO. “General I have your wife here, after she took out six Combine mechs her mech finally went down, with her in it. I am sorry I picked her up she died next to me, her last thoughts were of you the children and the Federation. I have it on recording for you.” General Chapman broke down and silently cried in his cockpit. He lost one of his best warriors today, the mother of his children, and his lover. This battle for this planet has turned bitter, he thought.
-
Chapter Fourteen
Fortress Dieron
Mount Shanyo
Tai-sho Palmer Conti office
0730 Dieron Standard Time
May10, 3031
Palmer paced his office back and forth; it had been a month since the Dragoons landed and sided with the FedSuns. How was it possible that he was losing. He walked over to the planning table and pushed everything off it, screaming in the process. Running his hand over his head he saw the computer screen, only two strongholds left with pockets of resistance throughout the planet. A month ago, he thought he was going to crush the great General Chapman and his upstart Federation. His children were hold up in a broken-down fort, the General and his wife were being squeezed to death just about 200 kilometers away. Then everything changed, he blamed the Dragoons but in truth the Chapman Kids escape without help and the Federation still exist on the planet, the only consolation’s Palmer had was that Chapman’s wife was dead. Which unfortunately made the Federation even more dangerous, their troops fought harder, meaner. The Stiener scum were about 100 kilometers away from his fortress. The Federation and Wolf’s Dragoons were about 50 kilometers away from the Capital. Both were heavily defended, and Palmer dared hoping that by attacking the final two fortress on planet that the enemy will be too broken at the end. The Federated Suns two units were heavily damaged but still operational and looked like they were ordered to deal with any resistance that pop up since they were not marching with the rest of the enemy.
Valley of Blossoms
Joint HQ of Federation and Wolf dragoons
May 10 3031
Matthew Chapman looked at his battalion and company commanders. What he saw made him proud but also fearful. They had such hate such anger on their face, yet such a determination that the enemy should run and surrender because these soldiers will never stop. He looked over at Jamie Wolf and his command staff and sighed. Then said.
“Look, I know we lost our 1st Battalion commander, she was wife, a mother, a friend, and a great leader we all loved her. The rest of the time here on the planet cannot be about revenge, we cannot let our emotions get in the way. This hate, this call for revenge needs to be drained from you. We have a mission to do and with the help of the Dragoons, we will finish it. 1st Battalion is broken, y’all can barely field a company so I am going to appropriate you guys into my command company.” He stopped for a second and looked at Jamie.
“Your unit is faster and fully operational, so I want you to be on both flanks and circle around. We will circle the Dragon’s Roost. Now there are only three possible entry points to the base the main door, the secondary door in the back and the Aerospace door on top of mount Tatsuyama Mountain. While my unit hits the main blast doors, I need your unit to move around both sides taking out any missile bays or such and then attack the secondary blast doors in the back. I am going to have our fleet in orbit bombard the top of the mountain, no nukes will be used, but if we can blow open the bay doors there are squadrons can drop, HE bombs inside.” He looked back at what was left of his family, this ‘favor’ for the First Prince was too high of a cost, the lost of his wife one son has a robotic arm and his daughter has a robotic foot all from this invasion. He thought at one time he saw war as a necessary evil, one to free people and start a revolution throughout the universe to end this nobility rule and have people in control of the government. Now he just doesn’t know, the price maybe to high, maybe its time to change policy.
Later that night.
A knock on the door jam and Matthew looked up, it was Jamie Wolf, “Come in Jamie what can I do you for?” Jamie moved to the chair in front of Matthew and sat down. Which took him by surprise because what looked like a firm chair ended up not being firm, Matthew watched as the commander of the Dragoons sunk into the chair and saw the look on his face. Matthew could not resist a small laugh and looked at Jamie. “Caught you off guard there Jamie?” Jamie looked at Matthew, “This…is done on purpose isn’t? Jamie said. Matthew tried to calm his laughter. “Yes, puts people out of their element, and I like to see what they do after that.” Jamie just shook his head and then continued even though he felt like a little kid looking up at Matthew from the sunken chair.
“Look I like to be positive but there is a chance that we don’t make it out of here alive, I have to know about your family history.”
Matthew shifted in his seat. “In about two months there will be a museum that will have all that info, of course until I have the grand opening only select people will be able to see it, but soon my friend you will know, besides we will survive the next few days, we have too.”
Fortress Dieron
Mount Shanyo
Tai-sho Palmer Conti office
0810 Dieron Standard Time
May12, 3031
Palmer looked at the view screen. Multiple infantry regiment size both mechanized and this new thing called the PA(L) which he was told was old SDLF tech. He also saw two armor regiments and almost a regiment of mechs. Moving through the valley like nothing bothered them, all had the Federation colors, he looked at the other camera views and saw that the Wolf’s Dragoons were flanking the mountain. He reached for the com and was about to order his fighters to lift off and attack the Wolf’s Dragoons when a loud explosion happened, and the mountain shook. His XO radio in, “Sir, the enemy is bombing us from their fleet in orbit, non-nuclear bombs for now sir.” They will just have to hunker down and hope the turrets can take their ground forces out.