Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL)

[Dragon Cat]

Clan Halls, Wolf City
Arc Royal, Arc Royal Theatre
Donagal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
8th July 3086

   “Evan Wolf, you are called before this council” the Clan Loremaster Patrik Fetladral called throughout the Clan Hall, the massive Elemental’s booming voice carrying to all in the room.  Evan Wolf stepped out wearing his Clan leathers.  He was a freeborn warrior who had recently completed his first Trial of Position but had yet to receive his rank nor command.

   “I stand called” he said ahead both Khan Phelan Kell and saKhan Ranna Kerensky sat at the head of the council.

   “Evan Wolf, you have accomplished something that no freeborn Clan warrior before you has ever accomplished.  Four kills in your first Trial of Position, an impressive feat which should grant you the rank of Star Colonel and command of a Cluster of Wolves.”  He continued Evan stood silently “unfortunately there are no Cluster commands available.  You could challenge any of the current Cluster Commanders but know you would do so with no support.”

   “Then what will become of me, I am a Wolf warrior I deserve what I gained though combat this is the Clan way.”  Evan protested.

   “Evan Wolf, four kills in a Trial of Position is a rare feat.  The reward you deserve is what the Khan decrees.”  Fetladral continued “our Khan has ordered that you command the Wolf Spider Keshik under saKhan Ranna Kerensky and that you serve as her aide within Beta Galaxy until a Cluster is made available.”

   “I protest, I won the right to command a unit of my own, I want combat.”  Evan said, from behind him he could hear support from the Clan’s warriors and he could see the saKhan smile despite her advancing age she was a beautiful woman and a feared warrior within the Clan.

   “Trust me young warrior, you will have all the combat you could cater for.  The Wolf Marauders will be our Clan’s reaction force for the next several months you will be involved in as much combat as you could possibly desire.”  Fetladral promised the young warrior “do you accept this charge and duty?”

   “I will serve the Wolf.”  Evan promised saluting the Clan leaders

   “Good, you have been assigned a Lycurgus OmniMech, young Star Colonel.  Your duties start immediately” saKhan Ranna Kerensky said rising from her chair.

   Around the chambers all the Wolves chanted together “Seyla” in agreement and salute.

Throne Room, Forbidden Palace
Forbidden City, Sian
Sian Commonality, Capellan Confederation
11th July 3086

   The tension within the walls of the Forbidden Palace could have been cut with a knife the Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation was in the midst of one of her now famous, or infamous, rages.  An assassination attempt against her son Dao-Shen Centrella had failed on Grand Base former headquarter worlds of the McCarrons Armoured Cavalry.

   “How many people have your men rounded up?”  She asked Hadji Doru who stood to attention within the throne room.

   “Supported by elements of the Centrella Black Guards Regiment Jason Zaklan and the Youling Zhanshi have rounded up three thousand and sixty-two people that were in the area.”  Hadji Doru said quetly since his actions on Victoria Jason Zaklan had become a favourite of the Chancellor as had the Youling Zhanshi Lance which appeared to have attached itself him without any real orders.

   “Good pass orders to Zaklan, I want them shot.”

   “Zaklan is a national hero, having him execute our own citizens is perhaps not a good idea.”  Doru protested Zaklan was a warrior not an executioner his reward for service should not be fighting the people he was sworn to protect.

   “Fine pass it to the Centrella Black Guards commander I want all those we have captured executed.”

   “Chancellor, in your position as First Lord of the Star League having your own people executed could put you in trouble with members of the Star League Council.”  Doru continued to protest

   “This is an internal matter, I am Chancellor of the Capellan people, I am the Celestial Wisdom.  Pass on my order to the Centrella Black Guards or become one of their victims.”  Naomi ordered her anger rising, Hadji Doru was a brave and honourable man but he was also pushing her patience.  For a moment it appeared that the House Master would oppose her but he simply nodded and left the throne room, the people of the Capellan nation would learn she was not to be challenged or they would pay the ultimate price, she would protect her family whatever the cost.

Interstellar Expeditions Mission,
Deep Periphery Adean Dulcimer (Bug Eye-class Surveillance Vessel)
21st July 3086

   The command deck of the Adean Dulcimer was a compact area settled within the nose of the the ancient Bug Eye-class Surveillance Vessel with enough room for eight crew at various stations keeping control over the tiny ship which was technically a WarShip built around a Sub-Compact KF Core and was easily the smallest WarShip ever created.  The Adean Dulcimer was also quite possibly the last of her type in operation by an Inner Sphere power salvaged from a system in the Deep Periphery many years before.  After spending several years scouting Caesar’s Bow, a collection of new systems beyond the Marian Hegemony, the ship had been assigned to a mission within the Axumite Provence and then to the Union of Samoyedic Colonies neither of which had been very interested in contact with them despite the advanced technology they could offer.

   Travelling to Refueling Base Gamma near Vul Rift the Adean Dulcimer was now heading towards the Chainelane Isles for another mission which promised to be a far more busy one because of increased Clan business in the area.  Jumping into a new unchecked system the Adean Dulcimer’s advanced sensor arrays immediately went active detecting another vessel nearby “Oh my god we’re so dead!”  Analyst Josh Gibb whispered looking at his screens “ war-book identifies as a Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser, we’ve even got a name Reaver.”  He said quickly

   Project Leader Fredrick Lord glanced from his command chair at the Analyst then at the forward screens which were showing the Heavy Cruiser.  “Reaver, was that one of the ships that left with the SLDF Exodus Fleet or one of the missing ships?”

   “One of the ships that left with the Clans, SLS Reaver ended up with Clan…” Analyst Rebecca “Becka” Forsyth reported “Clan Fire Mandrill.”

   “Fire Mandrill?  What the hell are they doing here?”  He wondered the Fire Mandrills had never been anywhere near the Inner Sphere.  “Have we got any active sensors off that thing?”  He asked one hit from any of the Heavy Cruiser’s main guns would turn the Adean Dulcimer into dust.  The Bug Eye was built as a scout and intelligence gathering craft; it wasn’t designed to fight off an aerospace fighter let alone a fully armed WarShip.

   “Nothing at all sir, no sensors, no active engines, no life signs.  She’s dead.”  Josh Gibb reported “the ship is just outside the gravity well but at the rate its orbit is decaying she’ll be in the sun within a year.”  He reported without any active power the gravity of the star was ready to draw the WarShip into a fiery grave.

   “Further contacts!”  Rebecca called “looks like a Carrack-class Transport and a Lola III-class Destroyer, IFF says she’s the SLS Anathema another ship that left on the Exodus.  Both are in close proximity of the fourth planet of this system which is within the system’s Goldilocks Zone.”  She said naming the region of a system that could potentially support a habitable system. “There also both very dead, little to no power off both of them.”  She said as the sensors caught up with the targets.

   “Didn’t we have a report of a faction of the Fire Mandrills going AWOL a few years ago?”  Political Analyst and Researcher Malcolm Polson inquired quietly from the back of the bridge.

   “Check that” Fredrick Lord said looking at the screens with a bit of wonder had his people just found a goldmine?

   “Confirmed boss, according to SLDF Records Kindraa Payne-Beyl-Grant left Clan Fire Mandrill in 3069 with no confirmed orders.  The group had three WarShips and four Clusters of Ground troops with them, they were believed to be on a secret mission of some sort for the Fire Mandrills but in 3070 the Clan declared them dezgra, rogue.”  Rebecca reported “I think we might have just found them, everything fits so far.”

   “But what the hell happened to them?”  Three WarShips and four Clusters of troops are enough to carve out a small empire out here.”  Fredrick said quietly “send a message to Gamma Base via Black Box have them relay it to Interstellar Expeditions.  Message Reads assistance required, major find, encrypt highest level of security.”  He said looking at the communication analyst “Helm officer bring us up to 1G acceleration, heading for the fourth planet.  Sensors and weapons keep a look out for anything that shouldn’t be in the system, never know another Clan might have wrecked their WarShips but left aerospace fighters or DropShips to defend the survivors.”  He said it was unlikely but looking at the mess that had been made to Reaver they wouldn’t be taking chances.

   As it turned out Fredrick’s caution was unneeded Kindraa Payne-Beyl-Grant was dead, someone had found them and crippled all three WarShips before dropping at least three cobalt bombs onto planet four covering every continent in a thick radioactive cloud.  If the world was pleasant enough before now it was deadly to human life.  The Adean Dulcimer’s advanced sensor arrays and active scanners detected the remains of several DropShips on the planet as well as three ruined settlements all left intact since the attack the aggressors allowing the Cobalt bombs to kill the people with radiation rather than force of arms.  Why these people’s attacker had never returned to try and salvage the WarShips or remove the technology from the planet was unknown only that on the ground nearly twenty thousand people lay dead around a goldmine of Clan technology and information.

   Even with all the resources of Interstellar Expeditions they knew it would be impossible for the company to take everything from the world.  So word of the find was sent to the Star League Defence Force and a deal was struck.  The Star League Defence Force would take possession of all three WarShip wrecks and half of the Clan equipment on the planet along with a share of all the information found about Kindraa Payne-Beyl-Grant.  In return they would provide the First Special Operations Group minus the Killer Bees Battalion.  Making up the four Battalions of the First SOG were units specifically designed to clean up nuclear, biological and chemical spills and a former mercenary command known as the Devil’s Advocates which specialized in securing and making safe zones that had been exposed to dangerous materials.
   
Daycare centre, Robinson City
Robinson, Draconis March
Federated Suns
22nd July 3086

   In an effort to quell continued anger at the revelation that Kirsune Kurita is in fact Victor Steiner-Davion’s illegitimate child the First Prince and his wife Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion had went on a goodwill tour of the Draconis March with the First New Avalon Guards RCT and the FSS Alexander Davion acting as escorts.

   After a brief meet and greet with Duke Tarncred Sandoval Victor had insisted on meeting the people of the Draconis March not just its leadership.  First was a visit to Robinson Standard Battleworks followed by a visit to Valiant Systems, a relatively new company producing Combat Vehicles for the Federated Suns, both these visits went very well with the people happy to see their First Prince and his wife.  They then went onto a daycare centre in downtown Robinson City for their third visit of the day.

   Major Jacob Theron, head of the First Prince’s Bodyguard, had known something was wrong as soon as the First Prince’s convoy had moved up to the centre but hadn’t been able to pinpoint it.  As the Battle Armour and standard infantry fanned out securing the area both Victor and Danai had remained within their heavily armoured Limosuine.  Two streets every direction around the centre was secured by BattleMechs of the First New Avalon Guards while aerospace fighters and VTOLs patrolled the air.  It should have been enough, it wasn’t, almost the moment the Deusenberg Limo’s doors opened and a figure exited the the first of six explosive devices went off at strategic points around the craft causing complete mayhem as people were thrown threw the air and pieces of building were turned to shrapnel flying through the air.  Fortunately the first person to exit the craft was not the First Prince instead it was Major Theron with quick instincts, sharpened fighting the Clans and serving as the First Prince’s bodyguard commander, Theron had pushed Victor back into the craft and hit the door closing button just as the third explosive went off crushing the Major into the side of the Limo.

   The Deusenberg Limo was designed with the duty in mind, a craft designed to carry First Prince Hanse Davion had already saved Duchess Danai Centrella and Victor’s family once before.  It’s military grade armour was designed to shrug off weapons fire from BattleMechs and easily dealt with the Improved Explosive Devices (IEDs) used by these would be assassins.  The Hovercraft was disabled as bricks and supports from the buildings around fell on it pinning it in place but its armour held and the Hovercraft’s independent air supply systems kept its passengers safe and sound as the First New Avalon Guards locked down the area and evacuated the wounded.  In all three hundred civilians and sixty-two members of the AFFS had been killed by the bombs, structural collapse of several buildings had destroyed any evidence of who had triggered the devices which appeared to have been triggered by sensor waiting for a vehicle matching the Deusenberg’s profile to have arrived at a specific point.

   With this obvious attempt against the First Prince’s life the decision is made to cut short Victor’s trip to the Draconis March, with tensions continuing to ride high everyone including Victor Steiner-Davion knows it may be a while before the people of the region completely trust him.  Both the DMI and MIIO assign additional assets to the Robinson Intelligence Division in an attempt to get on top of the events that had transpired and prevent future troubles.

Hope you enjoyed it

[Death by Zeus]

Ha, I love I.E. stuff, man the SLDF made out like a bandit on that deal!  All of the Clan stuff on the planet is a pittance compared to the Warships.

[Dragon Cat]

Author Note

After a minor hick-up where I got locked out of Microsoft Word I've been able to transfer much of the timeline (at least the future) to notepad so I should be able to write more.  Updates may be slowed however until I can figure out what is wrong with word.

Cheers

DC

[FedSunsBorn]

Ouch, sorry to hear that.

Best luck getting that all straightened out.

[snakespinner]

Minor hickup, ouch, i wonder what you call a major one.

[VhenRa]

Author Note

After a minor hick-up where I got locked out of Microsoft Word I've been able to transfer much of the timeline (at least the future) to notepad so I should be able to write more.  Updates may be slowed however until I can figure out what is wrong with word.

Cheers

DC

Just load the files with Open Office...

[Dragon Cat]

Just load the files with Open Office...

Looks like I need to upgrade to that I previously had Word on its own.  Looks like Word is totally messed up so I'll have to invest in Office just to use word fun  :'(

Never fear though I've gotten some more so enjoy

Clan Neigotiations
Csesztreg, Hell’s Horses Occupation Zone
Inner Sphere
9th August 3086

   The Clan Hell’s Horses Hall on Csesztreg was as grand as the one they had on Strana Mechty it was a symbol of their Clan’s new position within the Inner Sphere.  Khan Hanna Coston almost smiled looking at the transformation the Hell’s Horses had made to the world they were turning it into a model of Clan society.  “Khan Coston, welcome to Csesztreg” Khan James Cobb said entering the room behind the Elemental an equally large Elemental stood a little further back.

   “Thank you Khan Cobb and Star Colonel Kabrinski, your reputation precedes you.”  She said recognizing the other Elemental.

   “As does yours Khan Coston” Kabrinski replied quietly remaining behind his Khan, the former Ghost Bear warrior seemed to have fit into the Hell’s Horses well and knew his place behind Khan Cobb.

   “Perhaps business would be a better approach?”  Khan Cobb asked Coston nodded “Clan Hell’s Horses is aware that your Clan has built a shipyard within the Chainlane Isles, and we would like to use it.”

   “Our Chainlane Isles facility was created to build our ArcShip vessels, homes for our people.  The facility was not built to create further WarShips.”  Coston protested although she knew fine that plans were well ahead of schedule for that to become a reality soon.

   “Aff Khan Coston, we are aware of what your wishes were, which was why we traded you Troop Cruisers for Destroyers.”  Cobb said “now we would like to offer a new source of materials to continue your efforts in creating homes and provide you with a potential escort craft.”

   “We have a craft in mind for such a task.”

   “We also have a craft in mind one we would like to produce, sooner rather than later.  It will be many years before we will have a shipyard capable of supporting such efforts.  We would like to use yours.”  Jake Kabrinski said stepping forward his Khan nodding approvingly.

   “If you are willing to share the craft you have in mind then we potentially could help you.”  Coston said guardedly as Cobb passed her a data chip.

   “We wish to receive the first Halcyon-class Cruiser produced and we would prefer you did not trade it to the other Clans until we have vessels operational.”

   “We won’t trade the craft but cannot be held accountable if other Clans win it in combat.”

   “Of course not Khan Coston, but your Clan doesn’t need to advertise its existence either, Quiaff?”  Cobb said pushing the Sea Fox Khan into agreement, Hell’s Horses scientists had spent months developing the vessel and they intended on having access to the craft first and foremost even if they needed help producing it.

   “We will not cause undue interest in the design until the time is right.”  The two Hell’s Horses Elementals exchanged looks but both knew they couldn’t force the issue with the Sea Fox Khan, her Clan would act as it saw was necessary for its continued success as would they.

Star League Quartermasters
Terra, Star League Protectorate
12th August 3086

   After almost being a Protectorate world for five years, without incident, the SLDF Council agree that New Olympica’s request for a naval training ship to assist with their already considerable aerospace training facilities.  They also agree that future SLDF Naval training and advanced ship handling will take place within the New Olympica system.

   As a result of this decision funding is made available for one of the derelicts in Terra system, Determination, a Vincent-class Corvette formerly belonging to the ComGuard, to be converted into a training ship and delivered to the Lloyd-Marik Stanley Aerospace School for use.  The work renovating the hulk is expected to take three to four years due to damage the ship took during its service with the ComGuards and additional refitting work that is required this includes additional quarters for two crews and additional trainers.

[Dragon Cat]

Rim Association Expansion
Former Free Worlds League
26th August 3086

   For the last two years the Rim Association had pushed into several of the independent systems of the Free Worlds League increasing its influence and strength.  The former Nova Cat warriors of the Liger Warriors, the Association’s best equipped and trained troops, were at the fore of this easily overwhelming the under-equipped and trained Independent world militias.  This system was different to others however; it wasn’t officially an FWL world or at least didn’t appear on any Interstellar map.  The Rim Association scout team had only stumbled onto it when discovering the wreckage of a Monolith-class JumpShip, scouting further they had found an inhabited world with strange characteristics.

   The world was massive three to four times the size of Terra standard, and it was easily 90% covered in land with few open bodies of water.  The Northern and Southern Hemispheres seemed well developed separated by a massive desert that ran the entire circumference of the world.  As they approached the DropShip’s sophisticated sensors could tell there were fusion plants on the world but they were very few, they could also tell the world was well built up with a population in the millions with at least two dozen cities and three Maglev lines linking the North to the south.

   “Quite a prize” Major Sandra Rimmer said quietly, she was a Nova Cat by birth but had fully embraced her place as a Rim Association citizen going as far to take the surname of “Rimmer” to show her dedication to their new cause.

   “Star… I mean Major; we are detecting a battle on going on the surface.”  One of the crewmen said stumbling over her new Inner Sphere styled rank.

   “Show me” she ordered moments later one of the screens changed showing a group of tanks firing on another group either side of a group of trees.  There were infantry formations moving around them and what appeared to be Mechs.  “No fusion signatures?” She noted “IndustrialMechs?”  She wondered thinking of the Arbiter SecurityMechs in her own unit, which were little more than armed IndustrialMechs.  The Clans and Inner Sphere would never use such units but here on the Periphery they made do with what they had.

   “Possibly” the crewmen replied, the Mech-type units moved swiftly around the armoured vehicles supporting them, the Mechs looked small but highly mobile.  “We also have a cluster of fusion signatures from this area in the east, looks like we might have a pair of DropShips?”

   “Local Drop Port in a desert” Sandra wondered looking over the ships, even from this distance Sandra could tell the ships were not operations missing parts of their hulls.  “Maybe a junkyard or a military compound, any other signs of DropShips or other space craft?”  Sandra asked frustrated, a Drop Port would be the perfect place to put down.

   “None they seem fully stuck on the planet despite their number of armed units.”

   “They also seem to be stuck in a civil war of some sort.”  Sandra said slightly annoyed, it seemed this planet would be far more of a find than any of them had ever expected.  “All right we are landing here north of this MagLev line and city.  As soon as we land we offload everyone and secure a perimeter, and then we will see where these people stand.  If they come after us, we will strike the MagLev to cut off reinforcement.”  She said watching the monitor again the “battle” they had seen before had tapered off now with the two forces pulling back rapidly, now the real interesting bit would start.

   Moving from the bridge to her Shadow Cat Sandra felt the DropShip change its orientation and then felt the familiar “thud” of the vessel hitting the atmosphere.  The planetary gravity soon began to pull the vessel down and Sandra could feel the real gravity under her feet, it felt like a normal g’ strength.  Reaching the Mechbay she could see her Shadow Cat waiting her, the Mech had been hers from Clan Nova Cat and was of the advanced OmniMech type.  Only five OmniMechs survived under Liger command since they had moved to the Rim Association, the rest had been destroyed or scavenged for parts.  So far the Rim Association’s researchers on Niops had failed to reverse engineer any of the Clan technology they had been given.  Beside the Shadow Cat were the other two true BattleMechs in her formation a medium class Nimravus salvaged from combat against the Federated Suns and a lighter Raven which had been taken during their stay on Herotitus.  Across the bay were eight Arbiter SecurityMechs, more spoils from the Liger Warriors travels, which had been upgrade with Autocannons which replaced their ancient Rifles.

   One deck below Sandra knew there were two Oro Heavy Tanks, two Hachiman Fire Support Tanks and ten Elemental Battle Armour suits all crewed by the same people who had come with her from Clan Nova Cat, it seemed a lifetime ago since those days.  Sometimes Sandra pondered over where her life would have taken her if she had chosen not to betray the Clan who had given her birth… but that was not for today.  “Bridge to Major Rimmer!”  The comm. unit called raising her own personal comm. unit she answered them.

   “Bridge this is Sandra” she said, she was still getting used to her new “surname” she truly wondered if she ever would.

   “Major, the engines are suffering from heavy turbulence, once we are down I think it will be difficult to launch again.”

   “We could be stranded here?”  She asked her heart sinking could this be why this world had fallen off the interstellar maps because once you landed you never left?  She remembered seeing those broken down DropShips on the ground, could her ship be about to join them?

   “I think we will be able to leave again sir, but the stresses on the hull mean that once we land we shouldn’t move again unless we’re trying to leave.”  The crewmen answered his speech slurred by the contractions, right now however Sandra did not care, as long as this was not a single trip.  “Regardless sir, it would be more damaging to try and reverse our course now.”  He added as if reading her mind.

   “Understood continue landing sequences.  We will come to the problem of leaving after we have resolved the other issues on this world.”  She answered as she removed her jumpsuit revealing just shorts and a t-shirt, the gear of a MechWarrior preparing for combat.  She then quickly began her ascent to the top of her OmniMech.  The DropShip around them continued to shudder heavily as it descended towards the ground; Sandra concentrated on getting her Shadow Cat powered and ready for potential combat.  As the OmniMech came to life she saw the engineers had kept the Mech in her preferred Alpha configuration which mounted a pair of Extended Range Large Lasers and a Streak Short Range Missile (SRM) Launcher.  The greatest asset an OmniMech had over all others were that its weapons, equipment and in some cases jump jets could all be switched between battles giving them more tactical flexibility.  The battles the Ligers had gone through had robbed them of many of their OmniMechs but from what Sandra had heard recently the rebuilding factories and labs on Niops were close to a breakthrough to producing the Rim Association’s first home grown OmniMech.

   As the Mechbay doors opened Sandra stepped her Shadow Cat out of its bay towards the doors, the DropShip was still over two hundred metres in the air but that wasn’t going to stop Sandra “Sierra One, Bridge, I will provide ground cover” she communicated to the bridge before stepping her Shadow Cat out of the doorway, immediately there was a strange sensation as the solid deck disappeared and the forty-five ton Mech began to fall, Sandra fought hard to avoid the temptation to interfere with the Mech’s fall.  Within moments the fall had been slowed considerably as the Jump Jets mounted in the Shadow Cat’s back fired, normally used to provide additional mobility on the battlefield they were perfect for fast insertions.  As her Mech dropped towards the ground Sandra could see seven of the small BattleMechs she’d seen before advancing over the sand dunes that dominated the scenery, she also noticed her comm. array was active.  Flicking the switch to receive she heard the planet’s first words.

   “Dark Caste force you are not welcome on Twin Sons leave now or be considered a hostile force.”  A male voice declared, Sandra’s mind raced, how could this world cut off from the rest of the Free Worlds League and the greater Inner Sphere know of the Dark Caste?  Or better yet how could they know her force was of the Dark Caste?  She didn’t like to consider herself a member of the Dark Caste but there was little disputing it, even to her parent Clan she’d be considered to be little more than a bandit that needed to be hunted down.

   “People of the Twin Sons” she started using the same name the enemy had used “this is Major Sandra Rimmer of the Liger Scout Company; we hail from the Rim Association.  We come here to bring this world back into the Free Worlds League which it has been cut off from for so long.”  She said as her Shadow Cat came into a land, the seven Mechs she had seen were still approaching.

   “Dark Caste, we know your ship and your technology” Leave now and we will not consider you hostile.  Inform Port Arthur that these incursions are an act of war.”  The man repeated, Sandra had no idea what or who Port Arthur was but had quite enough of threats.

   “Twin Sons defenders, I am very willing to defend myself, and my people.  I did not come here for war but if you bring it, I will answer.”  She said defiantly swapping communication channels “Sierra One to control, have made contact with natives consider them hostile.  Command Lance deploy to the North-West.  Alpha One through four and all Echo units attack targets of opportunity.  Support Group One and two deploy to North-East and South-West flanks, targets of opportunity but do not pursue any target.  Control try to keep out of this fight, I don’t want the DropShip targeted if we can help it.”  She ordered, she saw a variety of clicks and acknowledgements from her people before turning back to her incoming targets.  “All forces shoot to disable not destroy I want prisoners.”

   The seven defenders could barely be classed as Mech’s; even Sandra’s squat Shadow Cat completely dwarfed the largest of them.  Between them they were about six to eight metres in height according to her advanced Active Probe scanner they weighed between ten and fifteen tons – Ultra-lights.  Also according to her scanners none of the incoming designs had fusion engines which were common in BattleMechs.  As they came into view Sandra saw that the designs were similar but different most had either angular or circular armour plating, an arm mounted cannon and a shoulder mounted missile pack, although they varied in size and Sandra guessed capability.

   Moments of quiet passed as Sandra watched the defenders move from sand-dune to sand-dune then felt the rapid “ting-ting-ting” as her Shadow Cat took its first piece of damage, she glanced at the armour graph on the left of her cockpit some armour damage.  The computer designated the weapon as a machine gun.  She glanced at her target, a six metre design to her left with angular armour plate on one shoulder was a grenade launcher or a mortar on the other a missile pack while carried in the right arm was what looked like a massive infantry machine gun.  Sandra looked at the design for a second time trying to confirm what she’d seen… yes… the main gun was a “carried” weapon.  She had no interest in letting her own curiosity hold back her attack instead twisting her Mech’s turret-like torso she fired off a laser blast from the Shadow Cat’s left arm.

   The green laser blast burned through the air in seconds impacting the small design’s left side almost instantly the entire left torso of the Mech caved in taking the grenade launcher and left arm with is.  Metal fell to the ground as parts flew off the ultra-light before the entire Mech fell to the ground, the enemy Mech wasn’t out of the fight but it was disabled for now.  “Sierra One all units, these guys are ultra-light, conservative firing don’t over tax your cooling systems.”  She ordered feeling more weapons fire this time on her other side, not bothering to move her Mech she twisted the Shadow Cat’s torso and spied two more of the ultra-light machines trying to hide behind a rock as they fired their machine guns.  One was the same as the design she’d just knocked down the other slightly bigger with the same angular plates.  As she looked at them they both fired their shoulder pack missiles at her Shadow Cat.

   As she had barely moved the Shadow Cat was a sitting target and suddenly missiles from both designs were smashing into the armour.  The damage schematic glowed under each hit as armour was blown away by the enemies fire, Sandra could tell by the feel of the impacts these were like short range missiles pelting her OmniMech.  Enough was enough she launched her Mech into the air on its jump jets throwing off their machine gun fire.  In the air she targeted her SRM pack, the Streak technology built into the launcher ensuring her missiles waited until lock before firing, six missiles flew away impacting on the first design, several hit the designs left leg while others hit the torso.  Sandra could see the ultra-light’s leg was crippled as was the missile launcher.  Turning on the other design she fired her other large laser, the green blast tore down on the second machine bathing its head and torso section in light.  Normally a head shot was not a kill shot with a large laser like Sandra’s but this one was the entire cockpit crumbled under the blast.

   As Sandra’s Mech landed she looked at her sensors realizing these designs have quite light head and cockpit armour, the slightest hit was causing a breach.  She watched as the remaining designs began a fighting withdrawal pulling back, they had impressive mobility able to “hop” over small sand dunes and dodge some obstacles which larger Mechs would need Jump Jets to clear.  Looking around she realized her other units were deploying and these people had seen they were far out gunned.  Activating her comms she spoke again “Twin Suns defenders, we do not want war.”  She said it was short and simple hopefully they understood “Echo One secure disabled target designated Tango One.  Echo Six secure disabled target designated Tango Two.  I want their pilots captured alive.”  She ordered her Elemental points, the armoured warriors lept into the air on their own jump jets towards the two heavily damaged targets both of which were struggling to move under their own power.  “Alpha One, secure wreckage Tango Three, maybe we will learn something from it.”  She said ‘other than they are suicide machines?’ she silently wondered to herself.  First contact with a new world shame it hadn’t been peaceful, these people had spirit exactly what the Association needed if it was going to survive.

[Dragon Cat]

Rim Association Expansion
Twin Sons, Former Free Worlds League
26th August 3086

   The armour damage to Sandra’s Shadow Cat seemed to be the least of her unit’s problem according to the DropShips commander the long modified Fortress-class vessel had taken a severe beating in the entry through this planet’s atmosphere.  The damage was repairable but they would need parts, which currently they didn’t have, considering this planet’s obvious well developed industry these should be easy to come by but that meant making friends.   After the first encounter Sandra wasn’t entirely convinced that would be easy.  However she had decided that there would be not harm in trying.   Nightfall was quickly approaching but the temperature was still massive, the name “twin suns” seemed appropriate despite the defenders, although listening over the recordings from the battle Sandra was sure he’d said “twin SONS” a strange name for a world but it was up to the inhabitants to choose their name and their fate.

   The DropShip’s long range sensors had tracked the surviving defenders back towards a settlement in the far north east just beyond some mountains.  It was easily a three day trek at the speed of their slowest member.  Sandra though it was stranger as there was an equally large settlement to the south of their coordinates within half a day’s travel.  Sandra guessed they hadn’t wanted to cross the DropShips weapon arcs to retreat to a friendly base but it was still quite strange.  Although tonight there was no sign of incoming enemies she had chosen to have one Star outside the DropShip on patrol at all times, for four hours at a time.  Already Support Group One had reported their Arbiters were struggling with the increased heat which surprised Sandra as the enemy machines had shown little to no ill effects from the heat perhaps they had been conditioned for this environment?  She’d wondered her techs were looking over the two salvaged Mechs now so far all they had reported was both were of the same design, powered with Fuel Cells and both were crippled.  One of the techs as said the word marvel at least once as he’d crawled over the design personally Sandra hadn’t seen the attraction what was left of the Mech came in at a little over nine tons, a complete Mech would be ten tons.  That was barely bigger than some of the Clan’s ProtoMech designs and their combat performance had been little better.  Their hand held weapons were of interest, they were styled as if they were enlarged infantry weapons but their combat performance had shown they could match a Mech sized machine gun easily weighing in at a ton total weight it was quite a weapon.

   Unfortunately that was almost all they had gained from today’s exercise, the pilot from the first Mech had escaped from his downed machine the second warrior from the Mech with the crippled leg was currently unconscious from neural feedback from the warrior’s neurolhelmet.  The design of the helmet was quite advanced according to the techs, perhaps as advanced as the Clan’s own models but of a different design with extra circuitry the techs didn’t recognize.  Hopefully they would understand what these changes were when the pilot woke up, if he woke up.  With so many mysteries Sandra turned in for the night hoping for an easier day tomorrow.

   Unfortunately this world’s climate made sleeping at night almost impossible; the DropShip seemed to bake even with the sun down and the temperatures dropping to minus twenty-one outside.  It made the Mech patrols easier although not it appeared to be problems with sand getting into their joints.  Sitting on the edge of her bunk in the morning Sandra was beginning to think she knew why the world had been abandoned, and why the native Mech units were so light.  Reaching the cargo bay in the morning she brought all the warriors in her command around.  “Ladies and gentlemen, we are on what appears to be quite a hostile world, or at least this region of it is.”  She said looking around she noticed few of them had gotten much sleep “we cannot let it get to us.  I am going to take my star to the city to the south.  If we are attacked we will divert to the maglev and eliminate it, cutting off reinforcements from at least one direction.  Both other Stars will remain here and provide support for the DropShip’s defence.  I also want you to look at the captured equipment, see if there is anything we can use or that can help us in combat against them.

   “Major, the techs get the Mechs working can we test them?”  One of the Arbiter pilots asked, he like most of the Arbiter pilots was a native of the Niops worlds and although the Arbiter was a solid design for a light it lacked any sense of styling.

   “I’ve instructed the techs to cannibalize one design to repair the other.  If they can repair the Mech without using our spare part cache AND interface one of our neurohelmets with the design, you can play with it.”  She noticed several smiles from the Arbiter contingent “but I want it understood, the captured neurolhelmet must not be used under any circumstances.  If you want to see the results of its use have a look in the infirmary.”

   “Star Major” Captain Steven Nova Cat said quietly he was a freeborn member of the Ligers and still held onto many of the Clan customs including her abridged rank.  “If you don’t return from this incursion what are your orders?”

   “To the North-west there is a small settlement with what appears to be several DropShips.  Your orders are to gain access to these DropShips by any means necessary.  Get the parts you need for the engines and report our findings to Lesnovo.  Our people need to know of this world and the potential wealth that can be had here before one of the other Free Worlds League nations stumbled over it.”

   Several hours later Sandra’s star was approaching the settlement limits immediately a group of defenders, of various designs, moved forward and Sandra’s communications activated.  “Incoming Dark Caste force we do not welcome combat within Khayr Ad-Din.  This is home to the gladiator games and fair trade.  Watch your step.”  The communication warned then the machines moved off without another word.  Sandra noticed her star channel was also active and swapped over to it.

   “Major, I really wish these people would stop calling us Dark Caste Quiaff?”  Elemental Point Commander Jonathon said

   “Aff, point commander I would also like to know where they have heard of the Dark Caste.  We are a long way from the Clan borders Quiaff?”  She asked moments passed as the Elemental thought over the question that had bothered her since the first mention of the name.

   “Aff a question worthy of an answer.  Especially since this world was supposed to be lost for centuries?  It does not make sense for them to know of the Dark Caste.”  He mused

   “Aff, there is something very wrong on this world, star keep your ears open I want answers almost as much as I want parts for our ship.”  She ordered lights winked as everyone acknowledged her orders.  They moved slowly into the city, which was a cross between a trade post and what appeared to be some sort of junkyard.  They were led into a small corralled area; people seemed wary of them but no-one acted hostile towards them.  Sandra brought her Mech into the area then began a power down sequence she removed the Gauss SMG from the rear of her ejection seat, one of the bonuses of it being a former Nova Cat OmniMech.  Climbing towards the ground she slung the weapon over her shoulder one of the Elementals approached her she saw the silver star on the helmet of the Battle Armour suit showing it as a Point Commander’s suit.  “Point Commander, secure this area, I am going to take a walk around.”

   “Do you require an escort?  This does not appear to be the most lawful of places.”  The warrior said Sandra could tell even through the voice synthesizer that it was Point Commander Daniel.

   “Neg, Elementals tend to stick out even out of your armour.”  She answered “I will be fine, ensure this area remains secure do not engage any of the locals other than in defence.”

   “Aff, Major I understand.”  He answered.  Sandra nodded and headed out of the compound into the street her uniform jacket was torn in places from wear and tear it didn’t look like an active military uniform although her weapon did mark her out as did her fair skin and dark hair.  Looking around the streets she could seem most people had heavily sun tanned skin and lighter shades of hair, bleached naturally by the sun, several also had strange markings on their face like intricate tattoos.  She decided the best idea to find out more about the area was to simply mingle around the streets listening and observing the world around her.

   Several streets over she had seen almost twenty different cultures all vying for position with trade deals or negotiations.  She’d noticed several different languages and hundreds of dialects this settlement seemed to be a meeting and trade place for this world which made sense given the maglev line access to north and south.  On several of the video screens she’d also noticed Mechs fighting in what looked like arenas of rubble like a mini Solaris based in this city.  It seemed that this place was where everything happened, it also appeared that this was a place one could lose everything they had to a single act.  Stopping in the street she spoke out loudly and clearly “I did not come here to fight.”  She said slowly turning facing the three men who had followed her for several streets.  They wore a mix of clothing that looked like it had been worn for several years and been through a couple of wars, each was armed but they had no weapons drawn.

   “Perhaps not Dark Caste, but you did come with a weapon.  And that says to us you want a fight, or you want to give it away?”  Sandra drew the weapon around her body but did not raise it “a fight perhaps” the leader said as the two others moved out to the sides drawing bladed weapons.  She could take one out with a burst of fire but the others would be on her.

   “I just came to trade” she repeated

   “So did we, it’s called the five finger trade, we put in five fingers and you give us all your things.”  The leader said, suddenly there was a flash of movement to Sandra’s left as one of the muggers was picked up by a huge man and thrown across the street.  He impacted the wall with an audible thud and slipped down to the ground unconscious.  Glancing at him Sandra could tell the man was an Elemental by birth even lacking Battle Armour, his clothing was like the locals so she couldn’t tell what Clan he had come from but he was clearly capable of fighting unaugmented.

   “Now how is that a way to speak to a lady?” The Elemental boomed his voice was deep, Sandra could see he was older than most Clan warriors easily into his forties.  He stood more than ready for a fight however, both remaining assailants must have gotten the same impression as after a moment standing up to the newcomer they turned and ran.  As they escaped the Elemental roared in laughter “willing to stand up to someone with a gun but not to a single warrior!”  He shouted after the men “come back when you are ready for a war.”  He laughed again turning towards Sandra “welcome to Twin Sons newcomer, I can tell by your accent a former member of Kerensky’s Clans Quiaff?” He asked looking Sandra up and down.

   “Aff, after a fashion” Sandra answered “I am Sandra Rimmer of the Rim Association.”  She introduced herself still holding her Gauss SMG in her hands.  Against an Elemental it was her best hope to stay armed.

   “A nation I have never heard of and a claimed name of no Clans.” He said looking her up and down once more “I guess it can only be expected when departed from ones Clan.  I am Michael Furey, former Star Captain of Clan Smoke Jaguar” he introduced himself bowing slightly but given his massive frame he barely reached the top of Sandra’s head with a bow.  Sandra was even more on edge by the introduction; the Smoke Jaguars had been long enemies of Clan Nova Cat.

   “I am Sandra Nova Cat, formerly Star Captain of Clan Nova Cat.”  She said her grip tightening on the SMG.  The Elemental looked shocked at her announcement then roared into laughter.

   “Who would have thought a Nova Cat and a Smoke Jaguar her of all places after all these years” he continued to laugh, Sandra wondered if he had taken a drink or two before hand given his jovial mood or perhaps it was the fight.  “We should have a drink and food while we talk, come” he ordered turning his back to her walking off “as long as there’s no iron wombs or dead animals around I think we’ll get on just fine.”  He laughed again as he walked down the street, Sandra had a choice she could walk away there was nothing stopping her.  Looking at the downed mugger she thought that following the former Smoke Jaguar and knowing who he was and how he was here was better than knowing nothing.  Today was continuing to be a surprising and interesting day, she silently wondered how it would end as she followed Michael Furey, everyone kept a respectful distance from him which was a nice change to the hustle and bustle of the city at least one thing was looking up.

[Dragon Cat]

Rim Association Expansion
Twin Sons, Former Free Worlds League
26th August 3086

   A couple of streets over there was a small bar with seats and tables out facing the street.  Furey sat down on one of the metal chairs; it sagged under his bulk but didn’t cave in.  Sandra sat opposite him “barkeep” Furey bellowed at the staff behind the bar “freebirths” he said smirking looking at Sandra, the waiter came over he couldn’t have been older than eighteen years old with sandy blonde hair.  “Two of my usual” Furey ordered Sandra remained quiet.

   “How does a Clan Bloodnamed warrior become a usual at a place like this?”  Sandra asked without thinking

   “When your Clan falls and no-one lifts a finger to stop it, you have little option I am afraid” Sandra opened her mouth to speak.  The Nova Cats and Smoke Jaguars were never friends; in fact they were blood enemies for centuries.  She was sure had things been different and the Nova Cats been in a position to help they still wouldn’t have.  “For the past…” he said quietly as the waiter arrived back with their drinks, without ceremony Furey lifted the mug to his lips and drank several large mouthfuls of the drink.  Sandra was more cautious sniffing the glass first before taking a sip of the liquid in her mouth, it was probably the strongest thing she’d ever tasted it nipped her throat all the way to her stomach.  Her reaction must have been noticed because Furey burst into laughter once more.

   “So how does a Smoke Jaguar end up here in a forgotten corner of the Free Worlds League?”  She asked testing the waters, Furey’s face immediately darkened.

   “When the Smoke Jaguars were struck down I was aboard a troop transport heading to the Inner Sphere along with some garrison units.  I had recently won my bloodname and was rising within the Smoke Jaguars ready for the challenge of the Inner Sphere.”  He began Sandra nodded winning a bloodname was the highlight of ones career in any Clan.  “When news filtered down that the Smoke Jaguars had been forced from the Inner Sphere our commander a Star Colonel Phillip Osis forced the JumpShip captain to take us on a tour of the Periphery.  We raided some Lyran worlds, but rapidly Osis was losing patience with the garrison forces on his DropShips, they were a burden he didn’t want to deal with.”  Furey explained Sandra nodded she knew what Clan officers were like with none MechWarriors and Elementals they didn’t have time for Armour or Conventional Infantry forces.  “We raided some FWL targets, one of the armour stars got bogged down, he left them to die at the hands of some Free Worlds League Legionaries forces.  Ten vehicle crews dead, we jumped here, my captain had already agreed that this system would be his DropShips last with Osis’ JumpShip.  We detached as did two others from the JumpShip Osis never even communicated with us the JumpShip just jumped away.  When we reached the planet we found it was inhabitable but that it was clear there was a break between north and south, we chose to land between them.”

   “Like us, do not ally with one until you know the story.”

   “Exactly!”  Furey exclaimed a little louder than Sandra had expected “two Lions and a single Fortress not exactly front-line Clan ships but all solid vessels.  Then we experienced this worlds atmosphere everything changed, all three ships were old past their retirement age, but the Smoke Jaguars couldn’t replace them.  We came down a few kilometres north-west of this city intact but shaken.”

   “What did you have?”  Sandra curious about the Smoke Jaguars forces

   “A vehicle cluster, a single star of Elementals with Battle Armour and seventy-five further elementals with no armour along with nearly two hundred civilian engineers and scientists we were transporting to the Inner Sphere.”

   “That is way over capacity; you must have been squabbling over each other just to sleep at night, Quiaff?”

   “Aff” Furey confirmed “on this world even in the baking heat we had a refuge from where to plan our next move.  As Smoke Jaguars we did as we were bread to do, to conquer.  Our technology immediately gave us an advantage and we soon had cut a sizable amount of territory out of the Badlands, which is this region, the Confederated Northern States of Cameron Marik, which dominates the Northern hemisphere, and the Allied States of John Marik to the south.  Unfortunately they banded together, something that has never happened on this forsaken world, and began forcing us back over ourselves, for every piece of territory we took they forced us back.”  He explained.

   “Cameron and John Marik?” Sandra asked not knowing the names

   “Bastard twin sons of Captain General Simone Marik, she gifted them this world in 2740 as their personal playground.  They split this world up and created their own nations to play wargames on; limiting the technology to Fuel Cell engines was their way of keeping the violence from getting out of control.  Training Mechs were placed on this world for their games; live-ammunition kills even if it’s on a smaller scale.  As it turned out their choice to limit the size of machine on this world saved my people’s lives, we had no BattleMechs of our own but our tanks out massed even their largest Mechs two to one.  Even as they pushed us back it would take three or four of them to take one of our units down, in the end they got tired of the war their alliance broke and we held onto Port Arthur, the town we landed on.”

   “And you have been stuck here ever since, amazing.”  Sandra said quietly she saw Furey’s expression darken “not that you have been stuck here but that we would meet.  We are both Clan warriors without a Clan.”  She stated Furey did not reply “but where you have been abandoned by your commander, my commander took his unit to a refuge, the Rim Association.  Our nation is a small member of the former Free Worlds League, but we are growing, we came here scouting out possible worlds for conquest.”

   “It would not be easy to take this world, even with a Mech force.”

   “True, but how about if we could provide your Elementals with Nighthawk Power Armour suits?”  Sandra asked immediately Furey’s face brightened “we have a Power Armour manufacturing plant on Niops it has survived from the time of the Star League, and is on the verge of producing our first true Battle Armour suit.”  Furey smiled at those words “Smoke Jaguars and Nova Cats together against the Free Worlds League.”

   “It would be glorious.”  Furey said smiling “how can this be done?”

   “An alliance between the Ligers and your people, together we will forge the future of the Rim Association, but first I hope you have something my people desperately need?  My DropShip was crippled when we landed here.”

   “Our ship is fully operational but has no fuel, we traded it for supplies to get Port Arthur on its feet, if we could move our parts to your ship or your fuel to ours then we would have a working ship.”

   “Will your people agree to my ideas?”  Sandra asked their past could stop the whole thing and leave Sandra’s people stranded here also.

   “Aff, I believe they can be convinced as long as our territory here is supported and protected.”  Furey warned “our people have built a home here; Port Arthur was nothing before we came.”

   “It can and will be supported, we are not finished with this world.”

   “Well bargained and done” Furey stated standing up flipping a coin onto the table, Sandra guessed in payment for their drinks “I know where you landed, I will have people come to you and together we will retake the stars.”  He stated stepping out onto the street, Sandra followed closely banging into Furey as he came to a stop “it seems our friends went and found more support” across the street there were nearly twenty men staring at them all armed with knives and swords “you are ready, Quiaff?”  He asked moving his cloak slightly.

   “Aff” Sandra said raising her SMG as the first of the men began to charge she fired.  Furey drew a slug-thrower of his own and also began to fire.  The first rank of men fell quickly in a hail of fire but the second rank trampled over them and continued to charge Sandra quickly switched targets and continued to fire as Furey engaged them in hand-to-hand combat.

   Sandra’s SMG finally ran empty with still half a dozen men moving in, Furey was still standing and fighting but even the massive Elemental couldn’t hold them forever.  Sandra steadied herself for hand-to-hand combat and likely her death as the men continued to close, but suddenly the air was full of lead and noise as above several machine guns opened fire as one tearing down into the six men who were approaching.  At least a dozen bystanders were caught in the hail of fire as all six men were gunned down.  As the fire died down she stepped out into the open to see five Elementals standing on the rooftops, they’d tracked her down.  The men fighting Furey ran away as quickly as they could at the sight of the armoured Elementals the former Smoke Jaguar warrior bloodied from a large gash above his eye looked up at the Battle Armour Point and burst into laughter.  “Never thought I’d be happy to see Nova Cat Elementals” he shouted waving up to them.  “The people of Khayr Ad-Din do not like violence outside their arenas.  Come to Port Arthur, we will rise again.”  He said looking around Furey marched off into the crowds, despite his size he was soon lost in the crowds.  Sandra surveyed the scene, the people of this city had been caught in the crossfire, it hadn’t been intentional but the blood of this world was yet again on her hands, perhaps in the future the people who lived here would understand.

[Dragon Cat]

Rim Association Expansion
Twin Sons, Former Free Worlds League
26th August 3086

   The Liger unit quickly moved from the city and returned to their DropShip, the entire journey security forces and individual native machines approached them but none engaged them.  The entire time they had been away the DropShip had been approached by three groups of Mechs, none had attacked the crippled vessel or the defending units.

   “We need to trust these people that they have the parts that we need, and that once clear of this world they will work with us and not against us?”  Captain Hannibal Stevens asked, his ship was stuck on this planet without the parts but he still wasn’t convinced.

   “They are our best chance of getting off this planet in once piece” Sandra reminded Stevens who nodded but still didn’t look happy.  “I understand how everyone feels about this paring and about the Smoke Jaguars but these people are Clan Warriors who were wronged by their own people and the other Clans, sound familiar?  She asked specifically looking at the former Nova Cats in the gathering.  They have parts and critical intelligence that we need so we are going to work with them.  Captain Stevens, I need your best tech in one of the Oros, they will need to access the parts when we get a look at them.   I will take my Star to the Smoke Jaguar’s encampment at Port Arthur, we will access the parts and return.  The rest of you are to remain on high alert.”

   “Major, one Star could probably protect the DropShip why not take my unit as well, we could move more quickly.”

   “Neg, 2 units remain to defend the DropShip, if this landing site was to get over-run we would be in a lot more trouble.  Also none of your Mechs have hands so they couldn’t do much.”  She pointed out

   “Major, how about the home-grown Mech we captured, it’s operational and works with our neurohelmets,” One of the MechWarriors said Sandra looked at the Master Tech who nodded.

   “It’s operational after a fashion.  The grenade launcher was not repairable on either salvaged Mech so we removed it.  She now carries a single four tube SRM rack, no ammo protection as there wasn’t time to redesign all the bays but if you need it…”  His voice trailed off Sandra could see many eager faces from the Arbiter pilots and a couple of bondsmen, who the Ligers had taken before settling in the Rim Association, she knew they were more eager for combat.

   “Aff, we will take it.  Star Commander Matthew will arrange Trials of Possession for the design; whoever wins will pilot it in support of my star.  Dismissed” she ordered the warriors moved off leaving her standing the Master Tech also stayed “honest opinion on the design?”

   “Death trap, even carrying that over sized machine gun the pilot is under-gunned and under protected” he said honestly “but it’s fast easily able to keep up with your Shadow Cat on the ground, speaking of which are you happy with your weapons or want a change?”  He asked referring to her OmniMech, Clan weapons and parts were at a premium for the Liger Warriors but Sandra knew the Master Tech had a few extra weapons stored away.

   “Give me configuration F, with plenty cluster rounds for the canon, these guys have not got much armour so it should cut them down easily Quiaff?”

   “Aff, the lasers will help too.” He commented walking off to his assembled Techs.

   The next morning they were ready for the journey to Port Arthur MechWarrior David Ramirez a citizen of the Niops worlds had qualified as the Hunter’s new pilot so Sandra had two BattleMechs, four vehicles and five of the Elementals, who would ride aboard the Shadow Cat’s back.  “Move out ladies and gentlemen” Sandra ordered they moved out at a respectful pace of around sixty kilometres per hour, both the Shadow Cat and Hunter could exceed the speed but the vehicles couldn’t, in places they would have to move even slower due to the desert sand.  After an hour they encountered their first problem, a group of seven BattleMechs shadowing the unit, unlike the previous Mech with the slanted armour these Mechs were more rounded and were larger than the units previously encountered and all seemed to have the ability to lock their legs and “drive” their legs with wheels or tracks in the feet.

   Moving swiftly past the Liger formation all seven units showered Sandra’s Star with missile and rocket fire supplemented by machine gun and Mech sized mortars.  Two of the enemy designs were at least as large as a normal light BattleMech but were slower with Fuel Cell engines and carried weapons.  Both the Hachimann and Oros were twisting their turrets tracking the enemy but were taking damage, while David Ramirez Hunter took several hits but stayed up returning fire with his Mech’s retrofitted SRM launcher.  Launching into the air on with her Shadow Cat’s Jump Jet twisting the turret style torso she brought her weapons along one of the enemy designs.  Pulling the primary trigger the shotgun style Autocannon nestled in her Mech’s torso fired a cluster round all over one of the enemy Mechs.  At the same time she fired all four of the Mech’s arm mounted Medium Lasers, three slashed over the enemy Mech’s armour burning away armour and tearing off the shoulder mounted Mortar.  As the Shadow Cat continued its arc back towards the ground the five Elementals that had been hanging onto the OmniMech’s back jumped off onto another of the enemy BattleMechs.  The pilot had obviously encountered an Elemental swarm attack before and didn’t panic but it did tie up the pilot for several moments.

   The paired Oro 2s and the two Hachimans bombarded the enemy Mechs with autocannon, laser and missile fire.  Within a minute five of the seven enemy Mechs were dead and burning.  Sandra twisted her Mech back towards her initial target and saw it was in retreat along with the other Mech of the same design.  Targeting both Sandra fired a pair of Medium Lasers into both Mechs.  Each Mech was only hit by a single laser but that was enough to knock both to the ground, the previously hit Mech exploded as it fell sending the other cartwheeling through the air on fire both were out of the fight.

   Continuing their journey the Liger Star wasn’t approached again by native forces, although the entire time they were shadowed by a growing number of enemy Mechs, armoured vehicles and infantry.  Reaching Port Arthur instantly they could see the locally built buildings were dominated by the three DropShips and by the former Smoke Jaguar vehicles.  At the front gate of the settlement was a pair of Ares Main Battle Tanks still painted in classic Smoke Jaguar greys on the walls surrounding the town was a pair of Hachiman Support Tanks, which matched Sandra’s own vehicles.  Within the settlement Sandra was sure she had seen a massive Mars Assault Tank, which was the largest armoured vehicle ever built by the Clans.  Sitting in her Shadow Cat’s warm cockpit Sandra worried about the former Smoke Jaguar warriors going back on their deal, after seeing this firepower she wondered if her force could seize the correct parts by force.

   Fortunately for the Ligers after a few tense moments Michael Furey and a group of unarmoured Elementals arrived and spoke with the Armour troops.  The two tanks then moved aside and allowed them to enter.  It was like the people of Port Royal had never seen a BattleMech before when the Shadow Cat walked down the street, with massive crowds coming out onto the street to see the Liger force, they were led to a small military compound built around the three DropShips.  Amazingly the DropShips were built into the compound with glass corridors connecting the DropShips to various buildings of the compound.  Dismounting from her Mech Sandra met with Michael Furey at the foot of the Shadow Cat “seems like you people were busy on the way here Quiaff?”

   “Aff, a group of local machines attacked up, we fought them off.”  Sandra said as more of her people arrived “this is Technician Caitlyn, she’s one of our best Techs, and if you have the parts she can identify them.”

   “Of course this is Tony Abernethy he is our senior technician, he can show her what we have.  I will give you a tour if you are willing?”

   “As long as my people are well cared for I am all yours.”  Sandra answered, it felt strange but what was not strange on this planet?  Hopefully the parts were here so she could escape this world.  Of course they would still have to remove the parts without damaging them, fight through the forces outside Port Arthur, travel back to their own DropShip, fit the parts and then try to ascend through the atmosphere.  All in a days work…

[Dragon Cat]

Rim Association Expansion
Twin Sons, Former Free Worlds League
26th August 3086

   The facilities the former Smoke Jaguars had built on Twin Sons was impressive considering the limited resources they had.  Sandra was conscious that much of the resources that had been used to build this world had been taken but they impressive none the less.  “We can currently field a Trinary of these Tanks and a single star of the heavier machine.  They are superior to anything the locals can field and have almost as much mobility as your Shadow Cat if not the overall mobility.”  Furey was explaining as he and Sandra stood in one of the DropShip’s main bays.  In front of her was a hovertank like none she had ever seen, powered by a fusion engine, which was exceedingly rare on this world, it had eight missile tubes on the turret and a single cannon which Furey described as a Star League-era Light Particle Cannon, the first energy weapon developed on this world.  Sandra remained quiet over the fact that LPPCs as they were known in the Inner Sphere were quite common since their re introduction in the early 3080s, for them to have been developed on this world from simple plans was mightily impressive.

   That was not to say the Smoke Jaguars had been completely unlucky, despite being abandoned by their Mech Commander they had found themselves under solid leadership in Furey and a couple of other Bloodnamed Elementals, and they had found their civilians were not just useful for manual labour.  Away from the constraints of the Clan caste system they had proven capable techs, engineers and scientists.  With working knowledge of Clan built weapons and equipment they had turned sheet metal into active systems.  “We have also captured at least a dozen of the local ultra-light Mech machines, the locals insist on calling them “Gears” where the term came from I have no idea.  We have had limited success in repairing and using them, the local neurohelmets do not appear entirely safe to use.  You on the other hand…”  He said looking out the bay door at the rebuilt Hunter.

   “Aff, we had additional neurohelmets ready for salvage operations in case we had been lucky to encounter enemy Mech forces, the units are compatible with standard neurohelmets.  Unfortunately I have not pilots or helmets with me at the moment.”

   “Perhaps when we take the parts to your ship we could borrow them?  A gesture of goodwill to secure our alliance, Quiaff?”  He asked obviously hoping for their use.

   “I believe that may be possibly, Niops builds us plenty of additional helmets, despite the damage the Marians thought they were doing the system is a gold mine.”  She said she couldn’t be happier with the planet and its production she noticed that Furey looked worried.  “As could this world be Michael, Twin Sons is possibly the most developed world we have seen in this region of the Free Worlds League, something your people can be very proud about.”

   “Even with our past?  This world’s difficult atmosphere?  And the warring factions on this world and its overall primitive technology base? Quineg”

   “It has ways to go but in time I could see this world being a powerhouse of the Rim Association, with places for all its people.”  Sandra said carefully Michael’s points were all very valid ones but this world still had a lot of potential.  “First we have other problems, namely being that blockade force out there between us and our DropShip.  My people do not have the firepower to do it alone.”

   “Neg, but we do together.  My light trinary will launch a diversionary attack on Mekong, the largest settlement to the south capable of launching this kind of attack.  The leader there is an old fool who claims he is the direct descendant of John Marik himself and that one day he will be leader of the greater Free Worlds League which is his destiny.”  Furey laughed at the thought of the old man “the sight of our Hovercraft will panic him and have his armour forces driving for the south.  At that point my heavy star will hit the north flank of the Southern force, my Battle Armour force will ride aboard our transport vehicle and provide close defence for the equipment.  Your star can escort us through the battle, once clear my light force will pull back and the battle will end.”

   “Just like that, won’t they chase you back into the city?”

   “Neg, they are afraid of what we could have in this city, my heavy armour force will remain on defence and they do not know Megiddo is still not operational.”

   “Megiddo?”  Sandra asked unaware of anything by that name

   “Something for your next visit and a mystery that will ensure your return.  Trust me Major it is something worth returning for.”  Furey said roaring with more laughter.

   “I’ll have to hold you to that.”  Sandra said smiling, for a Smoke Jaguar Sandra found Furey to be a decent person in his own way, despite the obvious alcohol abuse he seemed to know a lot about this world and its people.

Rim Association Expansion
Twin Sons, Former Free Worlds League
27th August 3086

   The next morning came rapidly.  The thirty light hovercraft used their jump jets to leap the far wall of Port Arthur completely avoiding the blockade force.  According to Furey the design for the jump jets and the computer that controlled them was a direct copy of those found on an Kanga Jump Tank which had been lost in battle.  The lighter machines only weighed in at thirty tons which according to Furey made the jump jets slightly more unpredictable while the heavier unit matched the Kanga’s fifty ton size making them more reliable.  As the light machines shot across the sands of the Badlands Sandra noted the units were already gaining some attention from light units of the blockade, almost immediately tracked and wheeled units that had supplemented the blockade forces Mechs were beginning to turn towards south, a large artillery unit fired several rounds at the hovercraft but they were moving far too quickly to be caught.  Soon after the ten heavier Smoke Jaguar hovercraft leapt over the north wall these gaining far less attention than the lighter units had gathered.  Furey explained that it would take at least an hour for the heavier units to move into position, around the same time the lighter machines would be approaching Mekong in the south gaining more attention of the blockade force.

   Now Sandra sat in her Shadow Cat’s cockpit checking her systems for what seemed like the twentieth time.  On her Mech’s back were the five Elementals of her star.  Flanking the two large transport vehicles were both her Oro and Hachiman Tanks while David Ramirez in his Hunter stood beside her Shadow Cat.  On the transport vehicles were twenty-five Smoke Jaguar Elementals in Battle Armour, all their units lacked the missile packs normally found on Clan units, these Elementals having long ago used their missiles in combat.  Still twenty-five suits was not an insignificant force, one of them was Michael Furey who had insisted on joining the battle despite his advanced age.

   “Jag One to Sierra One” Furey called “our strike force is engaging as we speak, we go in five minutes let their attention be taken.”

   “Aff, standing by all Liger call-signs stand read, homebase we are preparing to leave Port Arthur, be ready for combat to come your way if we cannot disengage.”  She warned her DropShip, if the south force did not choose to disengage like Furey suspected this could be a very long day.

   “We are ready Major” Sandra nodded they were ready, whatever happened, former Nova Cats and Smoke Jaguars on a forgotten world ready to walk into combat together.  How life was a funny thing Sandra though grimly as the clock ran down to zero.

   “All call-signs, we are go protect the cargo transports and may our visions guide us, our armour protect us and our weapons do all the talking we have no words for.”  She said it was an impromptu speech but it embodied everything they needed today their future would be decided, stay here or return to the Rim Association, either way Sandra believed she would be happy.  But victory was the ultimate happiness.

   Even with heavy defence fire from the Smoke Jaguar vehicles based in Port Arthur the blockading Mechs immediately opened fire on Sandra’s unit as soon as it left the settlement.  Fortunately most of the enemy units had only a single salvo with their missiles before being reduced to machine guns.  Some of the larger units the size of a twenty-five ton BattleMech seemed to move like assaults and were far heavily armed with multiple missile launchers on their “stumpy” arms.  The Mechs reminded Sandra of a Locust.  Beside them slightly smaller machines armed with what looked like mortars, grenade launchers and massive arrays of rockets were the next problem.

   “Point 2 and Three, you need to concentrate on defending those transports work with the Elementals on board them but keep fire against them to a total minimum.”  She ordered dodging a flight of missiles from one of the smaller machines before returning fire with a pair of Medium Lasers.  “Point 6, keep mobile you don’t have the firepower or the armour for a stand up fight.”  She ordered David Ramirez “Do not allow us to become bogged down, keep moving forward even if one of our units is downed.  We get their parts to the DropShip or we are stuck here.”  A group of lights winked out as all her people acknowledged her orders the point of Battle Armour on her back didn’t bother to reply instead acting as Elementals tended to do launching into the air assaulting a pair of enemy Mechs.  Missiles shot from their backs as they downed one Mech with ten Missiles before landing on a second enemy Mech beginning one of their feared swarm attacks.

   Happy her people knew what they were doing Sandra charged her Mech forward at the cluster of enemy machines that anchored the centre of the enemy formation.  As she closed she triggered her Mech’s torso mounted autocannon as quickly as it would reload smashing all six of the Mechs with cluster rounds.  Individually they were smaller and slower than her Shadow Cat but together they could be a serious threat.  Both of the “locust” type Mechs opened fire with short range missile launchers and an under nose mounted cannon nipping away at her OmniMech’s armour.  Looking at the damage Sandra guessed the cannon was actually a big machine gun or some sort of primitive cannon as it did little damage while the SRMs behaved exactly like Short Range Missiles, together they would be a problem.

   Launching her Mech into the air Sandra cut off a barrage of laser fire into one of the Mechs coring much of the armour.  She saw some sort of internal explosion as the cannon went offline but otherwise the Mech stood up to the fire.  Around her Shadow Cat the air was filled with missiles and rockets as her enemy tried to track the leaping OmniMech, several missiles tagged the Shadow Cat’s back as it began to fall back to the ground.  Ignoring the fire Sandra concentrated on bringing her Mech down on its feet.  Stumbling as it landed Sandra saw the left food actuator had taken some damage limiting its movement and her speed.  Ignoring the damage Sandra twisted her Mech’s OmniMech torso she fired another burst from her autocannon happy to see one of the enemy Mechs fall to the ground on fire.  The other Mechs continued to fire their hand held weapons, grenade launchers and mortars, fortunately the hand guns did little damage, both the mortars and grenade launchers appeared to be firing smoke rounds instead of causing damage.  With all the fire and smoke around Sandra was fighting with her instruments and could barely see the battle around her.

   “Point One, we are breaching the enemy lines.”  One of the armour commanders reported Sandra could barely tell who under the noise behind him and around her Mech.

   “Oh hell I’m going down!” there was a scream from David Ramirez followed by an explosion over to Sandra’s left she couldn’t see who had hit him or if he had ejected.  Instead she turned back to her own fight immediately into a group of SRMs.  Tightly packed sixteen missiles slammed into the Shadow Cat covering the Mech for a single moment in fire.  Sandra went from fighting a battle to fighting for control over her OmniMech as over two tons of armour was obliterated in seconds.  Firing her autocannon wildly Sandra could feel the temperature had risen in her cockpit, probably an engine hit too.  Blindly she launched her OmniMech into the air, as the forty-five ton machine flew through the air she saw one of the enemy Mech and fired all four lasers.  The heat in the Shadow Cat’s cockpit flew almost as high as the Mech’s actual jumping height as the head dispensation system failed to control the sudden surge however Sandra could clearly see the enemy Mech fall under her fire, another one down.

   “Point One, we are clear” the same armour commander replied “you need to pull back” he suggested as Sandra’s Mech came down heavily on the sand dunes, somehow she saved the Mech from falling for a second as more missile fire ravaged the back of her OmniMech.  It was all over in a second, an alarm to her right activated as the ammunition bin of her autocannon was hit, the Mechs automatic Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment activated containing the explosion, the cockpit roof exploded away and her ejector seat fired.  Soaring through the air away from her dying machine Sandra could see the battle was continuing both north and south of her position, she could also see she was arcing away from her DropShip.  She tried her comms but the air rushing past her knocked the words out of her mouth.  Her seat tumbled through the air for several moments smashing her head from side to side knocking her unconscious, the seat’s automatic parachute systems engaged and saved her from a deadly plummet towards the ground.  Her battle was over, her victory with her people escaping marred by her loss of her OmniMech and being stuck being enemy lines.

   Several hours later Sandra Rimmer awoke lying on a comfortable bead in a darkened room; across from her was Michael Furey his head and arm both bandaged heavily.  “Welcome back to the land of the living.”  He said weakly, moving slowly Sandra sat up and looked around.

   “Where are we?  What happened to my people?”  She asked as she realized they were neither at her DropShip or back at Port Arthur.

   “After your Mech was destroyed” he stated, that alone brought pain to Sandra, that OmniMech although no more alive than the clothes on her back was one of the last things linking her to her past with Clan Nova Cat.  With its destruction she was now one of the dispossessed, something unthinkable to a Clan warrior, she wondered if she would ever pilot a Mech again.  “We able to get to your DropShip, three of your Elementals were dead and one of the Hachimans was ablaze.  Without being able to see you, I chose to begin a search for you with a small group of my Elementals while the parts were fitted.”

   “Did the parts work?  Is my ship safe?”  She asked immediately interrupting again

   “Would you allow me to finish, Quiaff?”  He asked raising his voice she nodded “I found you a short time later but as I approached a group of Southern infantry surrounded my position capturing both of us, my Battle Armour was too badly to fight them and protect you.”

   “I’m sorry” she apologised “my ship?”

   “It was my choice.  I came looking for you knowing that I may be captured.  The rest of your unit came under increasing fire from the natives, they left the planet…” he looked at his wrist at the watch that wasn’t there “must have been a day ago” he said smiling weakly.

   “So where are we?”  Sandra asked looking around their room, it was a drab looking place if there ever was one but not the most uncomfortable cell.  There appeared to be a separate toilet area and two beds, although she questioned if either would take Furey’s weight.

   “You are guests of the Dominion of John Marik the Great, under the stewardship of Prime Marshal Anastasius Marik his blood grandson and true ruler of Twin Sons.”  Another voice said as the doors opened “you will be considered our guest, despite your aggressions against our people” he said addressing Sandra.  The man was in his late twenties dressed in an elaborate purple and gold uniform with hundreds of campaign medals “you are an enemy of the state and will be dealt with appropriately.”  He said turning on Michael Furey as several armed infantry entered with raised weapons.  Furey could have fought them off, Sandra was quite certain but the big Elemental simply nodded as he was taken away.  “What you do and what you say will depend on his survival.”  The newcomer said taking Furey’s chair “now you will tell me about your people, their technology and their plans for the Twin Sons.” He said smiling, Sandra could tell he enjoyed interrogating people, but he had never interrogated a Clan MechWarrior before.  She was content that her people had escaped, what the future brought was anyone’s guess, she would stay loyal to them whatever happened as she knew the Rim Association would be back to the Twin Sons and the Liger Warriors would have a second chance against the world.

Much of the Rim Association adventure was previously posted in the mini story In the Darkness There is Light now its in the story :)

[Shadow_Wraith]

 :D  Woo hoo!  updates!

[snakespinner]

A wargame world.
Someone gets some nice toys. :D

[Dragon Cat]

A wargame world.
Someone gets some nice toys. :D

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/mechfactory/heavy-gear-as-cbt/

The units on that world are found in the thread above, using the Fuel Cell variants instead of the Fusion.

:D  Woo hoo!  updates!

I try

Next bit...

Clan Coyote Hall
Katyusha City, Strana Mechty
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Homeworlds
8th September 3086

   "I never stop missing this world or its sights."  Khan Nathan Fetladral said quietly looking out the windows over the plains Strana Mechty at the Svoboda Zemylya and the main Clan Genetic Repository.

   "It is a shame Clan Wolf is not at home more often" Khan Salas Kufahl of Clan Coyote said quietly.  "Your Clan's voice in the Council Chambers and on the streets of the Homeworlds would carry much weight. Quiaff?"

   "Aff, it would" Nathan conceeded "but other Clans decided that Clan Wolf belonged with the Crusader Invasion so that is where our path lies.

   "Says the warden leading that Clan."  Salas said knowingly he knew that Nathan Fetladral despite his bravado was in fact more warden than he'd ever admit publicly.  He would lead the Crusader Clan in conflict with its enemies but he would also do is best to protect the people under his charge.  Which was one reason Salas had agreed to meet with him and to agree this deal.

   "Aff" Nathan answered quietly "you have led the Coyote Clan for many years Khan Kufahl.  Over that time the Coyotes have once more become a powerhouse of the Homeworlds, quietly the Coyotes lead while others in the limelight take credit."

   "It has been many years since my Clan was at the front of anything."  Salas said quietly "and leading the current crop of the Clans is perhaps far from our desires."

   "Perhaps I could offer something that would kindle some desire?"  Nathan asked turning back towards the older Khan.  "The transfer of territory belonging to Clan Wolf in exchange for certain resources the Coyotes hold?"

   "That could be of interest."  Salas confirmed

   "We would transfer territory within the Inner Sphere to your Clan."  Nathan said quietly Salas looked shocked the Coyotes had never entertained the thought of returning to the Inner Sphere.  Although given the escalating conflicts within the Homeworlds it could perhaps be understood.

   "The Inner Sphere..." Salas said quietly mesmerized by the idea "but where will Clan Wolf be?"

   "For a time we would share at least some of the territory."  Nathan confirmed quietly "but in time Clan Wolf's Touman will be required elsewhere."  He said cryptically "during the shared time your forces will essentially be Wolf forces but this is no absorption."  Nathan said Salas nodded he didn't like the idea of sharing worlds but then the Homeworlds had always be shared, having two Clans share an Occupation Zone was dangerous but Clans Wolf and Coyote had always been allies until the time of Khan Vlad Ward when the relationship had become strained.

   "What would be the price for this transfer?"

   "A Galaxy of Warriors for deployment within the Kerensky Cluster."

   "That would gut my forces within the Homeworlds, even with new recruits from the sibkos.  We would require more firepower to ensure Coyotes can escape the Homeworlds should it be needed."  Salas said seeing where the Wolf Khan would be willing to take their conversation.

   "Name your price Khan Kufahl."

   "We both know Clan Wolf has access to a naval shipyard that is at least capable of repairing WarShips if not building brand new vessels" he noticed Fetladral smirk slightly "or perhaps it is more than capable."  Salas said making it obvious he had noticed the Wolf Khan's slip "two Wolf WarShips transferred to Coyote command would give us the firepower to ensure our people could escape if required and allow us to stand as equals with other Clans."

   "That could perhaps work" the Wolf Khan confirmed, it would be a loss but Clan Wolf had always focused on its ground forces rather than WarShips anyway.

   "And..." Salas added "exclusive access to the Winson Bloodhouse."

   "That has always been a shared house, our Clans have always trusted each other to use this house well.  The Founder's wife was of that House it has ingrained links to Clan Wolf."

   "She was the Founder of Clan Coyote!"  Salas said raising his voice angered at the Wolf Khan's assumption that only Clan Wolf needed access to the house. "You are asking my Clan to take great risks in this move, in sharing a new home with your Clan which without your leadership could act against it."  He said thinking as if Vlad Ward was in charge once more "and we are potentially taking any flak from your operations on Strana Mechty.  You owe us this."

   "We will retain access to the Bloodlines we already hold and may use them within our own gentics program Quiaff?"  Nathan asked ensuring his Clan would still have access to the Bloodline and a link to Jennifer Winson.

   "Aff, but Clan Coyote holds the rights to raise sibkos exclusively of that name, Quiaff?"

   "Aff, I will pass this agreement with my Clan's council."

   "As will I" Salas confirmed as Nathan Fetladral turned towards the windows once more.

   "I will miss this sight once all is done" the Wolf Khan said

   "I will die before I leave it" the Coyote Khan confirmed his own feelings

   "We each have our own paths." Nathan Fetladral said turning away back towards the Coyote leader

   "Just as the Founder foresaw." Salas said all the Clans had been given their own leadership for a reason the Founder had known that they all would find their own paths and find their own ways.  Each would choose its own path for survival, some would fail, some already had Salas Kufahl knew that his Clan would not be one to fail.

   "Seyla" both said in unison their agreement made.

Regulan Expansion
Former Free Worlds League
14th September 3086

   Six months after their previous operations the RFS Clipperton and RFS Gibson are deployed once more to unaffiliated worlds within the former FWL by Regulan leaders.  The deployment of the vessels is clear the Regulan Fiefs will use any force neccessary to expand its borders especially if the worlds have no means of defence and none of the bigger splinter states of the Free Worlds League will act.

   Unfortunately unlike the previous operation which had led to two worlds joining the Regulan Fiefs this operation goes wildly wrong.  First the RFS Clipperton launches an orbital blitz on the world of Nullarbor devastating nearly thirty square kilometres of countryside surrounding the worlds small capital causing nearly 1,000 civilian deaths after the worlds leaders refuse to join the Regulan Fiefs.  The world surrenders without another word or shot fired.

   Then the RFS Gibson drops a thermonuclear warhead into the atmosphere of the world of Cajamarca after a disagreement between the planet's rulers and the Gibson's commander. Command detonating the bomb over the world's capital the blast sends an EMP pulse across the small city that knocks out the electricity to millions.   On the world which is in the middle of its winter season nearly six thousand people die of exposure to the elements as the capital cities emergency response services fail to cope with the disaster.

   Although none of the other Free Worlds League states interfere in these attacks or try to stop the Regulans they all take note of the capabilities of the Regulus-class Frigates and the lengths the Regulans are willing to go to.  They also take note of the three other Regulus-class vessels in various states of construction and the threat that could be leveled at their own states.

Emergency Whitting Conference
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
22nd September 3086

   "Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Terra" Gavin Dow said, as governor of Terra he was still technically the host of this meeting despite General Bannister Cameron's position as leader of the Star League Protectorate.  "This meeting was called by the Advisory Council and by the Commanding-General who have all called into question the acts of Capellan Confederation Chancellor and Current First Lord Naomi Centrella."

   "My actions!" Naomi almost screamed raising to her feet looking accusingly at Commanding-General Archer Christifori "my actions we those of a Capellan Chancellor not as First Lord of the Star League Defence Force...."

   "Chancellor, please..." Gavin tried to interupt but she turned on him with a cold glance that quietened the Governor quickly.

   "What of the actions of the Commanding-General?  He was given orders by the First Lord of the Star League and has blatently ignored them."  She said accusingly turning back against Archer.

   "I have not ignored them Chancellor" Archer said raising to his feet ignoring her position as First Lord, he was a MechWarrior not a politician and hated this battlefield.  "I have tried to carry out your orders but instead I find myself dealing with threats to this Star League.  Your orders will be fulfilled however first I must deal with you."

   "That sounds like a threat COMMANDING-GENERAL" she said putting emphasis his rank reminding him that he was not a voting member of the council or a leader of any nation.  He could see that she had support of several around the table.

   "It was not a threat Chancellor."  Archer conceded "it was a promise."  He said both Bannister Cameron and Gavin Dow tried and failed to supress smiles at his words.  "As Commanding-General of the Star League Defence Force I swore an oath to protect its member states from enemies foreign and domestic.  It is my duty to inform this Council that the Star League Defence Force will not follow a First Lord from a nation that butchers its own people."  Archer said slamming his hand on the table.  "All Star League Defence Force units, WarShips and facilities have been ordered to stand down from combat operations and act only in self defence until that woman is removed from office and someone who understands honour and duty replaces her."  The other lords even those that knew Archer well looked surprised by the Commanding-General's order.

   "Commanding-General, you know that these actions you have taken could break this Star League?"  Major-General Bannister Cameron asked quietly raising to his feet.  "The Commanding-General's duty is to follow the orders of the First Lord's office not challenge it."

   "And the First Lord's office is to make life better for the Star League's citizens not murder three thousand and sixty-two of its citizens without trials or evidence of guilt."

   "There was an attempt against my son's life!"  Naomi screamed appalled he would use the attack against her.

   "And even now with the blood of your own citizens on your hands you cannot even prove if you stopped the "assassins" they could strike now.  What would you do murder another three thousand?  Three MILLION?"  Archer asked his temper barely in check.

   "I would take actions that ensured the survival of my family and of my nation."  Naomi admitted

   "And that I can tell you from personal experience is not the actions of a First Lord of the Star League." Bannister Cameron said raising to his feet once more before sitting down.  "I will support the Commanding-General's charge, not as an Officer but as leader of the Star League Protectorate worlds.  The people I represent will not want this First Lord."

   "The motion has been made" Gavin Dow said as host trying to remain in charge of what was going on.

   "It is supported by the Federated Suns."  First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion said without further word.  Around the room the Lyran Commonwealth, Duchy of Tamarind-Abby, St Ives Compact, Star League Protectorate and Marik Stewart-Commonwealth all voted with the motion. 

The Regulan Fiefs surprising voted to abstain from taking either side leaving only the Draconis Combine, Capellan Confederation, Taurian Concordat voting against the motion and for the First Lord.

   "With six votes to three and one abstain this Council has voted to remove First Lord Naomi Centrella from office.  The Capellan Confederation will retain a full vote at future meetings however for the remainder of today their vote is null."  Gavin Dow said quitely Naomi Centrella looked like she would explode with anger.

   "Mark my words Commanding-General, you will pay for this betrayal personally" she threatened charging from the room.  Archer sat on his seat unmoved by the threat as Peter Steiner-Davion raised to his feet.

   "My fellow lords" he said in his deep Germanic accent "today is not a day that I wish to vote for another First Lord.  But I do recognize the need for this Council and for this Star League to have a direction and so I propose that a Protector of the Realm is put in place until the next Whitting Conference."  He said around the table there were nods of agreement with the idea "although I believe many of our collective people would vote for Bannister Cameron, as a direct descendant from the rulers of the First Star League, to take this position I understand that the Major-General has refused this position."  Bannister Cameron raised to his feet.

   "My lords" he began not counting himself within their number "I never looked to national leadership I am a military officer first and foremost.  I will continue to serve as leader of the Star League Protectorate worlds as honour calls for it but I would not look for higher position.  My people on Liberty still need my guidance more than those of the Inner Sphere."  He said turning slightly "I do however have a candidate in mind for such a position, one man who has showed the desire, drive and devotion to the Star League Defence Force without thought to personal reward.  Who understands today's politics better than he would like to admit and far more than he would want to be involved in.  The current Commanding-General Archer Christifori."  Bannister said saluting his superior before sitting down.

   "I am honoured but this is not a position for the Commanding-General to take..." Archer began but was lost for words as Victor Steiner-Davion raised to his feet.

   "I will put the Federated Suns support behind this appointment.  Who better than a Clan war hero to lead this Star League in its time of need?  This League was formed for the defence of the Inner Sphere who better than the best of us?" Victor asked raising his hand towards Archer Christifori "a winner of the Star League Medal of Honour for his actions on Huntress and Strana Mechty which ended the Clan Invasion."  He said Archer's eyes watered at the words he had served in the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT under Victor's personal command during that campaign and been following the then Archon-Prince's orders.  "A man who has put the ideals of the Star League ahead of his own life and put all his energy into making sure this SLDF outlived not only the First Commanding-General, Morgan Hasek-Davion, but also to make sure it outlived him.  I think there can be no other."  He finished, what followed was not a traditional vote to confirm the appointment instead each of the Succession Lords, Bannister Cameron and Gavin Dow all rose to their feet standing with Victor and began to applaud, even the Regulan Fiefs leader Kiric Cameron-Jones joined them.

   For now there would be no First Lord but the Star League would have its Protector as leader and guardian until the time came for a replacement.  Archer Christifori promised himself more than anyone else to make sure that the position received the honour and time it deserved, charged by the leaders of the Inner Sphere to protect the League he would do it right.

[Marwynn]

Good stuff man. Have you considered blogging all of this? It may preserve the form better than threads do.

[Shadow_Wraith]

 :D  I hope this is not the start to the fall of the Second Star League?  Looking forward to more!   ;D

[snakespinner]

Naomi doesn't sound to happy.
Archer better watch his back. O0

[Dragon Cat]

Good stuff man. Have you considered blogging all of this? It may preserve the form better than threads do.

I have blogged about why I created the timeline - http://www.ourbattletech.com/2011/an-alternate-timeline-with-thanks-whyhow-it-happened/ and how http://www.ourbattletech.com/2012/alternate-timeline-with-thanks-how-its-done/

But I'll be honest blogging the entire timeline hasn't crossed my mind.  Its more of a personal thing than anything - when I read a blog I get lost in the walls of text.  It was one of the reasons I initially posted only the "bullet" form of the timeline on the forum.  I wanted it to be noticed and enjoyed.

Since it's been enjoyed on the larger form maybe I should experiment with blogging it but we'll see.

If you're looking for a less posted timeline perhaps look here http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/dragon-cat-collection/

Its where on the OurBattleTech forum you can find all the stuff I've created/borrowed for the timeline

[FedSunsBorn]

Naomi doesn't sound to happy.
Archer better watch his back. O0

I'd worry more for Archer's family...

Great stuff once again.

[Dragon Cat]

Time for some more, finally found motivation to write more  :P

BattleMech Training Course
Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy
New Samarkand, District of Midway
4th October 3086

   Walking along the tarmac Tami Moto looked up at the brand-new SJA-8K Shungenja BattleMech that stood before her.  For the last several months she had been undergoing intense physical therapy on her left arm, according to the doctors she should have full motion in the limb but she wasn't completely convinced, to be a BattleMech pilot you needed to be one hundred percent capable with every limb and one hundred percent confident in their abilities.  Right now she wasn't confident - not at all.  Looking up at the seventy-five ton BattleMech in front of her, it was a specially built variant of the heavy design fitted with a Command Console behind the main cockpit two pilots could control the design making it a perfect Battlefield Command unit or a perfect training Mech.  Today she would qualify as a pilot again or she would be relegated to rearguard actions.

   "MechWarrior you are ready?"  A male voice asked approaching from behind he was dressed in a t-shirt, shorts and a coolant vest, Tami found him to be attractive and oddly familiar but she didn't know why.

   "Yes, sir"

   "Good I will see you in the Mech" he said stepping past he turned back to her looking her up and down, noticing the glove that covered her left arm.  "You have sacrificed much for the Combine MechWarrior, the Coordinator is said to owe you his life."  He continued Tami almost spoke up but remained silent "it is also said he believes in you.  Perhaps you should believe in yourself."  He said turning away heading upto the Mech.

   Soon after they were moving across the training plains the Shungenja was alone on the field as Tami had been a qualified MechWarrior before her accident her trainer had let.... no, had ordered her to take Command of the heavy Mech.  To start with she had moved the Mech slowly at walking speed getting a feel for the design, it was twenty tons heavier than her old Mech and had a top running speed of her old Mech's walking pace but she'd quickly gained a feel for the Mech.  You could technically pilot any BattleMech design once you had learned how to pilot a Mech but most pilots tended to stick with a single design for most of their career.  So far all she had to do was walk the Mech to the training area.

   "Why don't we increase the speed and put in some maneuvering?"  Her instructor asked

   "I'm struggling to control it."  She whispered

   "Believe in it" he said briefly taking control launching the BattleMech into the air on its jump jets Tami's control was completely over-ridden by her instructors as the Mech came down to a landing.

   "What the hell!"

   "Believe in yourself" he said more like an order.  Tami's control was returned and she tried a couple of turns, the movements were lazy and barely controlled.  "Come on MechWarrior, prove you are capable or you will fail and your career will be over."

   "Then perhaps it is over" Tami said returning the Mech to a straight forward walk.

   "The Coordinator fails to agree with you MechWarrior" her trainer said

   "Why does he even care?" Tami wondered out loud continuing to walk the Mech in a straight line

   "You saved his life."

   "I should have died for the Dragon" she said naming the Coordinator's nickname "it would have been better to die whole."  She said slowing the Mech almost to a stop.

   "You are whole Tami Moto, as whole as any MechWarrior, we all experience things that change us you just need to believe that."  He said "we also have targets inbound!"  He said suddenly his voice full of surprise and urgency,

   "I have had enough combat training for today."  She said she wasn't interested in weapons combat when she could barely pilot the Mech.

   "We are not scheduled for combat training" he replied a particle cannon flew past the Mech's cockpit "that was a fully charged particle cannon."  He said

   "Fully charged?  What the hell are they playing at?"  She exclaimed as the four strange Quad BattleMechs continued to close on their position filling the air with particle cannon and missile fire one shot striking the Shungenja's leg.  "Incoming Mechs respond this is not a live fire mission."

   "Safeties off weapons free" her trainer said "try to keep our distance this thing is designed as a training Mech it's not really optimized for combat operations."

   "What the hell is going on?"  She asked raising the Mech's arms firing her own Light Particle Cannon and autocannon mounted on the right arm.  Followed by the Extended-Range Large Laser on the other arm and the Long Range Missile Launcher mounted in the torso.  Her Particle cannon and half the missiles impacted on one of the BattleMechs the rest went wide.

   "They are after me."  He said activating the Mech's command suite "this is Dragon One, we are under attack on Range Six, requesting assistance."  He said Tami knew the Callsign "Dragon One" and couldn't believe it.  "Dragon One requesting immediate assistance" he repeated "we are under attack Range Six requesting assistance."

   "Dragon One, what the hell is your game?" She almost shouted as she launched the BattleMech into the air backwards firing the particle cannon, autocannon and the Mech's short range missile launcher all into one of the Mechs. "Dragon One is a restricted access call sign only two people are allowed that sign."  She shouted as the Mech came down heavily she twisted the Mech's torso as it began to walk backwards firing off the Mech's Long Range Missile Launcher, and paired medium pulse and extended range medium lasers cutting deeply into the another of the Mechs which seemed to be armed with pulse lasers and short range missiles.  The Mech's return fire cut into the Shungenja's torso and leg armour.

   "I owed you, you saved my life." He said simply Tami realized why she'd recognized the man he was Vincent Kurita, Coordinator of the Combine, her nation's leader, "both Particle cannon Mechs are circling to the right."

   "I need more than that" she said accelerating her Mech forward towards her previous target, the autocannon, short range missile launchers and particle cannon spat out fire again tearing into the lighter design.  Suddenly the SRM stored in the Mech's torso exploded consuming the Mech in an expanding fireball no pilot ejected from the cockpit before it blew.

   "One down both PPC Mechs continuing to circle"

   "I see them damn it, keep talking, I want some answers before we're dead."  She said twisting her BattleMech's torso again firing the long range missiles, and both medium lasers again, this Mech was designed as a training Mech not a true BattleMech, it had weapons that could hit every range conceivable from a BattleMech, unfortunately although that gave options it destroyed the Mech's ability to concentrate damage.  The two PPC Mechs had no such trouble however firing their particle canons one slammed into the Shungenja's Mech's back.

   "Armour breach!"  Vincent called as a wave of heat rushed into the cockpit Tami fought to control the Mech with her hands... her hands.... she looked down at the cybernetic left arm, the doctors had said one day she would feel like it was part of her.  Tami laughed as the Coordinator continued to read off damage behind her "engine shielding damaged, C3 offline not that we have any help close by..."  He stopped hearing her laughter "I fail to see what is funny MechWarrior" he said using her title again.  Tami danced the seventy-five ton BattleMech to the right then to the left cutting into another of the enemy Mechs this one armed similarly to the previous one but with a flamer near the centre, it had just landed far too close to Tami's Mech after a jump of over two hundred metres.  Short range missiles, lasers and the particle cannon all tore into the enemy Mech destroying its entire left side both legs crumpled under the Mech.  "Nicely done, both remaining Mechs are still on the left" he said tracking the two remaining enemies.

   Although both light Mechs remained a threat with their Particle Cannons Tami was far more comfortable with her targets now she had confidence in herself.  Dancing the Shugenja between the two designs she fired lasers into one while the other took a whole flight of Short Range Missiles to the face.  Few Mechs could take six missiles to the face and this Mech was not one of them, the entire cockpit caved in on the Mech under the impact of the six high explosive weapons.  With its cockpit destroyed the Mech had no control and down it went leaving only one Mech remaining Tami turned straight into a particle cannon blast from the Mech which surprisingly held its ground the man made lightening tore into the Shungenja's armour but it didn't matter to Tami, raising both Mech's arms she fired the autocannon, large laser and particle cannon tearing into the armour.  The combined fire tore the torso of the quad to pieces Tami could see the Particle cannon was damaged leaving the enemy weaponless.  Tami smiled charging forward she drew back her Mech's arm "For the Combine!"  She transmitted gripping the controls with her left arm slamming the Shugenja's arm through the cockpit of the light BattleMech, she noticed the autocannon was damaged by the action but she didn't care as she drew the arm back and thumped the quad design again in victory she was complete again.  "All call signs Dragon One is secure."  She transmitted

   "Roger Dragon One, test complete congratulations."

   "Test?" She wondered turning in the cockpit looking at Vincent Kurita sitting behind her "what the hell is going on?"  She demanded locking down the external transmitters

   "Those Mechs were under a test controllers command working for the Combine, this was a test of their systems in live fire combat which I wanted to witness first hand.  And it was a way to prove to you that you are a complete person, and your loss is one you can carry on from."

   "You bastard!"  She shouted "you played me like a piece on the chess board and those Mechs as your pawns.  What about their pilots?  Were they acceptable sacrifices?"

   "There was no pilots in those BattleMechs.  As I said this was a test of their systems in combat"

   "No pilots... Drones?" she asked shocked, she'd never heard of a Drone sized BattleMech before aerospace fighters, even WarShips in ancient times but BattleMechs?  The concept truly scared her completely disposable BattleMechs without the fear of losing any personnel.  Something that could walk through a city and slaughter its entire population without a warrior to answer for the crime.

   "Indeed unfortunately they failed to destroy a single Heavy BattleMech which is disappointing" he said coldly.

   "Disappointing?  That you... we didn't die?  What planet are you from how can you justify risking your life for a test?  Our nation needs you and you are ready to throw away your life for a science test?"

   "Hardly a science test Miss Moto, if the Revenant's systems had proven usable then we could have fielded companies of them on every border world.  Imagine, if any time one of our worlds was attacked we could throw companies or Battalions of Mechs at our enemies without the worry of a single Combine solider's death.  I wouldn't have to send people to their deaths, but at the same time I was not ready to have this experiment kill any of our people."

   "And if I had not fought?"  She asked knowing she hadn't been ready before the combat had begun.

   "Then I would have battled them" he said simply "but I had confidence in you."

   "Revenant doesn't sound much like a Combine name?"

   "No it doesn't, perhaps as well it failed" he confirmed without another word "shall we return to base now?"  Tami nodded and turned the Shungenja back towards the base.  She took one final look at the downed Drone BattleMechs and wondered if these strange Revenants were the future of BattleMech warfare.  She also wondered what exactly she was now?  A MechWarrior or the Coordinator's personal play thing that he would use just because she had saved his life.  She knew one thing she needed to get off of New Samarkand sooner rather than later.

Star League Contract, Wolf's Dragoons Command
Outreach, Star League Protectorate
14th October 3086

   At a press conference at the MRBC office on Outreach the Wolf's Dragoons announce that their Regiments and WarShips will be contracted to the Star League Defence Force in a five year contract.  Although direct details of the contract are not given by all accounts the Dragoons will be providing security for the Star League Protectorate and be conducting anti-Clan operations.  Secretly the Wolf's Dragoons also land a detachment of Seventh Kommando troops on Thorin at the request of Commanding General Archer Christifori.  In a private contract paid for from Christifori's own personal wealth the Seventh Kommando have been hired to secure Archer's family following threats made by Capellan Chancellor Naomi Centrella.

Nadir Point, Starliner One
New Samarkand, Midway Military District
Draconis Combine
20th October 3086

   The only WarShip converted into a passenger craft, the Starliner One, emerged at the nadir point of the New Samarkand system in a flash of light as it continued its tour of the Inner Sphere which had begun in the Federated Suns.  Originally the cruise had been planned to take the ship far from New Samarkand to Luthien however with the disaster that had befallen the Black Pearl New Samarkand had been moved up the list with the passengers invited to take a trip to the Museum Ship, Samarkand-class Carrier Togura, which was in orbit of the world.  Since New Samarkand's naming as the capital of the Draconis Combine the world had seen massive changes, the damage done to the system by a Clan Nova Cat attack a decade before had been completely repaired and expanded on.  Now four Olympus-class Recharge Stations each outfitted with Naval weaponry had been built around the Nadir and Zenith Jump Points to provide visiting ships with instant charges to other systems of the Combine.

   As the Starliner One moved towards one of these docks several DropShips detached from an Invader-class JumpShip floating nearby, each ship accelerating at maximum speed.  There were no ships due to join the ship in the system meaning they were either a welcoming force from the Combine or trouble.  As aerospace fighters were launched from the space stations the crew of the Starliner One knew they were in trouble.  The vessel retained a few of the weapons that used to be part of the vessel's previous life as the Sovetskii Soyuz-class Blake's Vengeance but these weapons were neither powered nor manned normally.  The ship didn't have time to man those weapons before the DropShips reached weapons range.  Instead the ship cut loose its fragile jump sail and fired its main transit drive.

   Moments later the DCS Dedication to Duty flashed into the system, the Tatsumaki-class Destroyer had shadowed the Starliner One for its entire time in the Draconis Combine but had been delayed in the last star system.  The vessel's forward weapons flashed into action, the first shot a Heavy Naval Gauss Rifle slammed through the DropShip closest to the Starliner One.  The Union-class vessel flipped end over end as the slug tore through the vessel holing it end-to-end.  The next DropShip, another Union, took paired Naval Autocannons in the port side wholing the Cargo Bay venting it to space secondary explosions tearing through the vessel.  The last DropShip, an Overlord, died from a spaceship's version of a thousand paper cuts BattleMech scale gauss rifles, missiles and lasers tore into the vessel's armoured hid followed by a pair of Naval type Particle Cannons from the Dedication's flanks.  The nine-thousand-seven hundred ton craft holed in dozens of places died belching fire from several places.  Not waiting for a surrender the Tatsumaki turned its broadside towards the still waiting JumpShip a flash of naval autocannon fire tore the fragile Invader to pieces no crew had a chance to escape from the vessel.

Tharkad Aerospace
Tharkad, Donegal Province
Lyran Commonwealth
25th October 3086

   After years of conflict with the Marian Hegemony and study of their UD-4L Raider DropShip Tharkad Aerospace debut their UD-6S Stallion Special Operations DropShip.  Weighing in at one hundred tons the vessel's only job is to insert a single light vehicle.  Armed with a single nine-tube Multi-Missile Launcher and paired Light Autocannons the craft and is capable of carrying a light vehicle inside its small vehicle bay like the UD-4L.  Defending the craft is a pair of Anti-Missile Systems and a pair of machine guns which are capable of defending the craft both in the air and on the ground.  The craft is to be sent to special operations forces and border raiders.

[Shadow_Wraith]

Nice update!  Hope you get more inspiration to write!  :)

[snakespinner]

Looks like Black Dragons again in New Samarkand.
Nice update. O0

[Dragon Cat]

More inspiration struck

Davion Trade Convoy
Federated Suns/Outworlds Alliance Border
3rd November 3086

   In an effort to continue good relations with the Snow Raven Clan within the Outworlds Alliance the Federated Suns hold up their end of the bargain sending a trade convoy of eight JumpShips into the Outworlds Alliance escorted by the FSS Jason Hasek, a Congress Block II-class Frigate, the FSS Andrew Redburn, a Davion III-class Destroyer, and the FSS Proserpina, a Hound-class Corvette.  As a Davion concession to the Snow Raven agreement Prince Burton Davion is assigned to command of the convoy, for the duration of the trip he is given personal use of the FSS Avalon One, a heavily modified Conquistador-class DropShip which is more assault and command ship than the transport the original was.

   News of the trade convoy spreads throughout the Draconis March like wild fire with most citizens believing that Victor Steiner-Davion has lost his way and is leading the Federated Suns into the Clan camp he fought against during the Clan War.  The Robinson Rangers Regiments are deployed on three worlds however the rioting continues on many more drawing more Federated Suns militia units into crowd control efforts.  Opportunistic Draconis Combine commanders launch attacks on Proserpina, Lima, Royal, McComb, Marduk, Tripoli, Paris and Breed turning the entire border into a war front.

Khan's Office
Csesztreg, Hell’s Horses Occupation Zone
Inner Sphere
9th November 3086

   The scientists had entered Khan Cobb's office with hundreds of small pieces of paper and talked constantly about something they had been creating to better the Clan for nearly 30 minutes without getting to the point.  "Gentlemen, you will make your point or I will personally remove you from this office."  He thundered staring at the four men, all were older than he, and smaller.

   "My Khan, through your negotiations we have access to Sea Fox facilities that will greatly improve our Clan's abilities in the future" one of them began

   "I know that I negotiated the agreement" he began before the next interrupted him

   "We have devised a way of motivating the local population..." he said his voice trailing off as the Khan glared at him for interrupting.

   "My Khan" the next said again diverting Cobb's growing anger "the Halcyon has many capabilities"

   "How do you know that name!" Cobb snapped the project was still supposed to be secret

   "Scientists talk" he continued quietly admitting one of his caste's failings.  One thing scientists prided themselves on was their ability to come up with new things.  Unfortunately when they could not they had to ask for help, asking for help beyond a project normally produced better results so details of projects got passed in whispers and loose conversations until just about everyone knew something about everything. "We have devised a new unit that we could construct on a rebuilt plant on this very world" he said seeing Cobb's interest suddenly perk up "the former Rim Worlds Republic had a fledgling plant on this world for building heavy lift aircraft for atmospheric use."

   "I am aware of it, and never utter that name again" Cobb spat the Rim Worlds Republic had born Stefan Amaris, although not all Clansmen blamed the entire Rim Worlds for the mistakes of the past Cobb was not one of them.  "We have looked at the plant as the Jade Falcons did and we believe it useless Quineg?"  He asked staring at them thoughtfully being able to use the ruined facility could be very good for the Hell's Horses and the locals.

   "We believe we can convert it into a Small Craft Production Facility and one capable of building the Pelican" the first scientist said putting down plans for a new aircraft which had a  snubbed nose, double sized cockpit, high wings and a long tapered off tail.  Near the rear loading hatch were a group of small arms and what looked docking hatches.

   "What is this?"  The Khan asked pointing at the arms.

   "As well as an internal cargo capacity of 25 tons these arms can carry a re-entry pod weighing in at one hundred tons."

   "Re-entry pod?" Cobb asked hearing the term for the first time.  Having a small craft that could carry twenty-five Elementals in Battle Armour sounded interesting since it could be used as a troop transport or a space-borne assault ship.

   "Our other innovation" the second scientist said speaking again showing another blueprint "similar to the cocoons that are used to protect a dropping BattleMech or Elemental these pods would be used to surround conventional armoured vehicles which could be carried by the Pelican to the surface.  They are single use much like BattleMech cocoons but they are cheap to build and can be fitted to a vehicle and mated to a Pelican within thirty minutes."  He explained Cobb nodded, the Hell's Horses Clan used many conventional vehicles having something that could allow them to deployed from space could be very useful.

   "How long would it take you to put this into production?"

   "The pods could be built and tested by the end of the month."

   "And the Pelican?" He asked still unsure about the name

   "Assuming we get full support on refurbishment?" Cobb nodded we should have a prototype ready to fly before the end of the year.

   "Do it" Cobb ordered he quickly moved them out of the office and contacted the Halcyon design team, the Cruiser would need to be changed slightly as he wanted it to incorporate the new Pelican vessels and their cargo.

Intelligence Reports
Regulus, Regulan Fiefs
Former Free Worlds League
13th November 3086

   Throughout the Regulan Feifs reports of sightings of Naga-class Destroyers are reported by traders and DropShip patrols.  In all twelve reported cases the Regulans deploy WarShip and assault DropShip units to the systems in search of hard evidence of the vessels.  In each case they find nothing which is hardly surprising as no power within the Inner Sphere or Clans is known to field the ancient WarShip despite the belief on Regulus that these reports are nothing more than wild goose chases the Prince orders that the WarShip patrols continue throughout the Regulan systems as often as their K-F Drives will carry them to show the Regulan people that their leader cares for them.  The fact that the continuous jumping actually makes the WarShip fleet less capable of defending the Regulan Fiefs and is potentially very dangerous for the vessels as it makes breakdowns more common and raises the possibility of a missjump is not lost on most of the Regulan commanders but orders are orders.

Clan Steel Viper offensive
Clan Homeworlds
18th November 3086

   Starting on the world of Circe in the Pentagon worlds Clan Steel Viper launches an all out attack against Clan Wolf in the Clan Homeworlds first all but annihilating three Clusters of Wolves and a Cluster of Clan Coyote worlds in a no holds barred assault on the Wolf territory on the world.  No trials are thought as Clan Steel Viper steamrolled through the Wolf units and a Coyote unit that had been replacing them on the planet.  Although Clan Wolf's civilians and a large chunk of the Circe production facilities have been removed the Vipers secure several facilities from the Wolves as well as nearly 14,000 civilians and several transport DropShips.  Additional assaults against Clan Wolf occur on Paxton and on Roche however on both occasions instead of Clan Wolf forces the Vipers discover Clan Coyote forces and retreat.

   Continuing their campaign on the 21st November Clan Steel Vipers breach Clan Jade Falcon's naval defences around the world of Ironhold and land troops on Gatekeeper beginning invasion campaigns on both remaining Jade Falcon worlds in the Homeworlds.  Within a week the Vipers have lost nearly an entire Galaxy of troops but have also carved out sizable beachheads on both worlds and in orbit over Ironhold the Jade Falcon WarShips Kerensky's Pride, a Congress-class Frigate, and the Hawk Eye, an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser, drifted their backs broken by concentrated Viper assaults.  Orbital strikes from Clan Steel Viper naval vessels had damaged Ironhold's SDS systems opening up the world to further invasion plans by the Steel Vipers.

   In a move that will in the future either be considered to be over bold or a strategic disaster at the end of the month Clan Steel Viper dedicated the remains of their Front Line forces to assaults on Arcadia and Bearclaw and the territories of Clan Snow Raven.  Although there were no Raven naval forces to contend with the Vipers still found formidable Snow Raven aerospace fighters and SDS systems active in both systems costing them the Viper's Legacy, a Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser, iin the Arcadia system.  Clan Ghost Bear's Aletha Kabrinski, who had been on Arcadia watching over a Ghost Bear Clawing Rite, contacted the Steel Viper commanders and warned them that although the Bears had only a little territory and a small population engaging them would be a mistake, the Vipers reply by bombarding the Ghost Bear command bunker with Naval Autocannons killing Aletha Kabrinski in moments.  This act galvanizes the Ghost Bear defenders to join the Snow Ravens in the defence of the world ultimately causing more problems for the Steel Vipers but also showing the Bears that they are not as untouchable in the Homeworlds as their Dominion appears in the Inner Sphere.

BattleMech Training Course
Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy
New Samarkand, District of Midway
23rd November 3086

   Marching over the tarmac Tami Moto stood in front of Coordinator Vincent Kurita staring at him her eyes blazing with anger her hands clenched in fists "who the hell do you think you are?"  She nearly shouted her temper beyond spent.  Over the past month she had tried and failed to arrange for another trainer to continue her MechWarrior rehabilitation, she'd tried three times to be transferred off New Samarkand to another academy and been denied each time.  She'd tried to take a BattleMech from the hanger and train herself, and been denied.  So far a simulator was all she had been allowed near and despite the advanced facilities on New Samarkand they were nothing compared to a real BattleMech.  There was only one person who could deny her and she wanted answers, protocol be damned.

   "Miss Moto" he said quietly ignoring her anger and attitude, surprisingly neither of his bodyguards moved to move her away.

   "I am a MechWarrior!  Not a "Miss" she snapped, again neither guard moved despite her anger and obvious threat.  Tami knew she could hit the leader of the Draconis Combine and neither guard would be able to stop her, although she doubted she'd ever live another free minute if she made that move.

   "You are not a MechWarrior until your training officer grants you that privilege.  As far as I know that is not the case."  He said turning away from her moving slowly towards the BattleMech Hanger.

   "My training officer?  I requested a transfer, I don't want your pity" she told him, she'd done more than request a transfer she'd submitted a formal request for another trainer to the commander of the academy which hadn't been replied to.

   "What is wrong with your previous trainer?"  He asked continuing to walk, Tami stalked along beside him, he knew very well that the training officer on her Mech Qualification ticket was one Vincent Kurita and neither had set eyes on each other since the previous training run.  "Why do you believe he would be offering you pity?"

   "You know why" she said looking down at her artificial arm, it looked and functioned as well as any flesh and blood arm would but everyone knew she was the one with one arm, everyone opened doors for her or cut her slack on physical exercises she hated every moment of it but she'd also sworn to protect the Combine and that was her duty to preform.

   "Tami, I would give you no more "slack" than that I would give any other."  He said quietly coming to a stop "do you know why I'm a trainer instead of a MechWarrior?"  He asked seeing a small shake of her head he continued "I am Coordinator of the Draconis Combine, one of the most powerful states in known space and yet I train warriors instead of fighting the battles I send people to die on."  He said passionately now the Coordinator losing his own temper "why you may ask?"  He continued "because the nobility of the Combine, and members of my family, namely my uncle see me as the future of my line and I have no children."

   "Warlord Kurita forfilled the role of leader very well until you were of age" Tami said more calmly "you should choose your own path."  With her words Vincent actually smiled

   "If only that were the case" he said quietly "instead I train warriors to do the bidding of the Combine.  I did not take pity on you" he said looking at her with his dark eyes she could see nothing but truth "I am at this moment training fifteen MechWarriors to serve the Combine in the future.  Out of those you have the most experience but all are doing very well.  You have missed the last six practical training sessions but your physical and mental scoring appears to have remained strong?"  Tami nodded "there is not another trainer available for the rest of this academy year, you have to decide if it is your duty to serve the Combine as a MechWarrior or if you wish to serve in another way."  He said Tami nodded again

   "I need to think further sire, I am unsure if I can work with someone who is willing to lie to get results."  She said referring to his previous tactic of unannounced training and a live fire weapons test.  If he'd approached her like this then perhaps she would have taken his methods and training better.  Without further words on the matter Vincent simply nodded Tami turned and marched off.  After getting a few metres she heard Vincent calling to her, finally finding more words, she was uninterested and continued forward travelling around a corner as she entered one of the Academy's outer buildings.

   Vincent Kurita was still taken by the MechWarrior who had saved his life as he watched her leave he reflected on his choices, he'd at least been honest with her about his reasons for being at this academy and his reason for training her.  He had not mentioned that he had specifically chosen to help retrain her but that was not his duty... but it may be more effective than trying to train someone who didn't know.  Pursuing her into the building he called out to her but obviously still angered Tami Moto continued walking off turning a corridor.  In the heart of the Draconis Combine Vincent Kurita felt completely safe and waved off the two guards following him, a benefit and curse of his position and family, he rushed down the corridor and around the corner to catch her wanting to finish the conversation on a better note.  Rounding the corridor Tami Moto was gone as quickly as she had come, Vincent Kurita took a few steps before turning around, a missed opportunity.

   From behind a pair of hands grabbed the back of his uniform and pulled the Coordinator of the Draconis Combine unceremoniously into a cleaning cupboard.  Before he could react to defend himself or even see his assailant the door was shut behind him and lips had met his.  Pushed against the wall one of them hit a light switch eliminating the small walk in cupboard and Vincent was surprised to find Tami Moto continuing to kiss him.  The young woman moments before was seconds away from assaulting him in another far more unpleasant form.  Uninterested in someone finding them just yet Vincent fumbled around in the dark and flicked the light switch off continuing to meet Tami's lips in what he hoped was a never ending kiss.

   Soon after the kiss did end almost as quickly as it had begun the young MechWarrior rushed from the room closing the door behind her leaving Vincent in the dark, he stumbled over the cleaning products into the corridor but Tami Moto was once again gone.  Soon after both guards caught up with him, both were annoyed that they had allowed their charge to be unguarded for so long and offered him their daggers and their lives but today was hopefully the start of something new and he had no interest in ending anything returning both men's weapons and continuing his duties.

[Shadow_Wraith]

 O0  Nice to see Vincent Kurita getting some luv!  Hope you get more inspirations!

[snakespinner]

Those cleaning cupboards can be very challenging. >:D

[Ajax_Wolf]

Tami is very smart, give him a taste, then leave him wanting more. Oh she'll go far, if she lives long enough.

[Blackhorse 6]

Tami is very smart, give him a taste, then leave him wanting more. Oh she'll go far, if she lives long enough.

Well said!  BTW, I like your avatar...  :)

[Ajax_Wolf]

Well said!  BTW, I like your avatar...  :)

Thanks. I think the threat of being hauled off and eaten provides more incentive than a sack of sticks and coal.

[Dragon Cat]

Hi all, sorry for the delayed updates.  I'm still having major problems with MS Word, looks like I'm going to need a new office to unlock half my support files for the timeline.  So my updates are painstakingly slow at the moment and not nearly as detailed as I'd have liked.  Still recent publications and news has spurred an update where my favourite faction at least fairs better  O0

Major-General Bannister Cameron's office
Libery, Star League Protectorate
4th December 3086

   The storms had returned to Liberty and once again they were wrecking havoc across the water covered world the Second Royal Armoured Cavalry's engineering and medical units were being deployed across the planet to assist in operations while the SLS Wasp in orbit was dispatching further teams to assist.  Major-General Bannister Cameron was satisfied that his people were doing everything they could to help the people of the world and had retreated to his office deep within the Quantico Island complex.  During the last several years his people had refurbished the island to a near perfect replica of what it had been before the Amaris Coup despite the work he had off world Bannister always reveled in walking through the refurbished base, it reminded him of a time that House Cameron had stood tall as leaders of the long fallen Terran Hegemony and the Star League Defence Force.  Recently Bannister had begun to see the growing Protectorate as a Hegemony reborn, his people were helping everyday make it stronger.  He was not the First Lord of the Star League unlike his long dead family he intended on the Protectorate outliving his line.

   Entering the office he knew there was something wrong before the door swung closed behind him, he could always tell when there was something wrong with his office whenever Andrea Kincaid had moved something, added or taken away anything but this was none of those things.  This was something far more sinister he lowered his left arm to his regulation side arm “come out now before things get out of hand”

   “General, there is no need for such hostility.”  Custos Paul said moving from the shadows “I did say I would return when the time was right.  I believe sufficient time has past?”

   “Possibly, possibly not.  And if my answer is the former?”

   “Then perhaps our new home is not your fledgling Protectorate.”  Custos said quietly “there are other places we could go.”  He said quietly, so quietly and so without conviction Bannister did not believe him.

   “Perhaps we should examine that” Bannister said moving into the room.  “After your last visit, I had a few things discreetly checked.”  He saw the alarm on the Custos face “don't worry nothing directly related to you.”  He said raising his hand slowly “there are factions throughout the Inner Sphere and known Periphery who do not wish to reside within their host realms, who disagree with their leadership and would like a new start.  Unfortunately all of the known factions are also heavily stooped in their own nation's interests and would never abandon them, or they know how ravaged the worlds in the core of the Inner Sphere have been since the fall of the original Star League.”  He said seeing Custos face twist with anger at the words he knew he'd hit a tough point “that in mind I knew that your people would be from somewhere less known perhaps even previously hostile to the nations of the Inner Sphere.  Selecting a place in the heart of the Inner Sphere is designed I believe to show you are not afraid of your former enemies and are willing to step up to them if required.”

   “And if that was the case? General”  Paul said tracking Bannister

   “You wouldn't be doing it without my say so” Bannister said quietly seeing Paul's disgust “if you live under my roof you live my my rules.  Firstly you keep your history a secret” he said “it's only a guess but if I'm right the revelation of your origins would send some minor shock waves through the Inner Sphere?”  Custos nodded “well that isn't happening on my watch.”  He said Custos nodded in agreement his people though well equipped and trained were no-where near ready.  “Second anything of your past that could identify you, any ships for example need to remain hidden.”

   “Ships, you mean JumpShips and DropShips?  That is our life blood, without those we would be stranded wherever you chose for us.”

   “And anything beyond that?”

   “General, use plain words please.”

   “I looked through history and saw that over the years certain ships have gone missing along with certain parties and survivors of factions who lost conflicts.  If you are in possession of any of these WarShips, I don't want to see them unless it is the defence of your people from an outside aggressor.”

   “Our ship is hardly capable of hurting anyone.”  Custos admitted, their last WarShip was that in name only for years they had sold weapons off her hull to the black market to pay for food, medicine, armour and weapons for their peoples other units.

   “Well perhaps in time we can remedy that.”  Bannister said

   “That would be an interesting time.  Is there anything else?”

   “If I need you in the future for something.  Your people will support me, or any other Protectorate leader without question.”

   “If it does not endanger our people we will support you, and the defence of the Protectorate against all enemies foreign and domestic.”  Custos promised Bannister nodded happy with the promise.

   “Then I think we can come to an agreement Custos.  On the World of New Earth the Mopelia Island has been uninhabited since a biological weapon attack killed significant portions of its people.  The Island is safe but the people can not get beyond the stigma it holds, some of the buildings have been destroyed, overall it has the basic infrastructure you could use to build on if you don't mind the clean up?”

   “New Earth is perfectly find, Mopelia island's reconstruction is just what my people may need to focus their goals.”

   “Good” Bannister said crossing the room “I have prepared a report stating a Star League scout mission found an old Star League Colony in the Deep Periphery who lived on a world that was no-longer suitable for their survival.  You are being relocated to New Earth to be given a second chance.  Acceptable?”

   “Very, my thanks Lord Cameron” Custos said bowing slightly

   “Pay me the thanks by returning New Earth to glory and by holding to your part of our bargain.”  Bannister said extending his hand Custos Paul met it with his own and with a shake and nod it was done.

Border Conflict
Draconis March, Matsuida Prefecture
Federated Suns/Draconis Combine border
8th December 3086

   Following the Draconis Combine attacks against the Federated Suns the AFFS launch a counter attack against the DCMS.  With the DCMS units out of position and unsupported by their high Command the AFFS units gain instant successes on the worlds of Breed, Tripoli, Paris and Marduk.  The First Robinson Rangers then push into the Combine bringing the fight to the DCMS own turf capturing the world of Galtor III facing off against the troops of the Second Night Stalkers.  A combat command from the Rangers breaks off and captures the world of Reisling's Planet cutting off additional DCMS troops that could have been called to support those on Galtor III.

Davion Expedition
Alpheratz, Raven Alliance
Periphery
12th December 3086

   Isolated within the Raven Alliance Prince Burton Davion stood deep within the Avalon One looking over reports of the fighting between the Federated Suns forces and those of the Draconis Combine.  The DCMS was out of position and failing wildly against the AFFS defenders without support the offensive could not hold.  He heard foot steps coming down the corridor, one set sounded like a pair of high heals which the other was definitely that of a Battle Armoured trooper.  Burton glanced over his shoulder seeing an Infiltrator III Heavy Suit standing in the doorway “problems?”  He asked.

   “No sire, a visitor from the Ravens”

   “Negotiations are not due to resume for several hours.”

   “No they are not” Sterling McKenna said stepping into the room dressed in a Snow Raven Duty uniform. “I wanted to speak with you” she said stepping up to the table.  “Reports of your conflict with the Combine?”  She muttered with distaste.

   “Indeed, the DCMS broke the border however it appears that they are not supported by their command.”  Burton said freely with the information, the holomap in front of them showed clearly the territory that was being fought over and the DCMS units that were involved.  None of the AFFS units involved were displayed.

   “Not very honourable” Sterling said looking at it the table he wasn't sure if she meant the DCMS attacks or the fact that no AFFS units were displayed for her view.

   “We are but a sum of the people under our rule” he could see her face twist with further change “little is different with your Clans Quiaff?”  He said using the Clan interrogative “your warriors lead, the people of all other walks of life follow.  House Davion is tied to its military and its military are tied to the Federated Suns.  Nothing happens in the Federated Suns without the support of the AFFS.”  He said proudly

   “I meant the Combine forces attacks.”

   “There are always elements working against the state head.  I am sure there are Clansmen who do not believe that a Clan's Khan is always correct.”

   “There are ways to stop a Khan's actions without launching an unprovoked attack.”

   “And there I thought anything could be won at the end of a Clansmen's gun.”

   “Anything can however everything can also be lost with that same weapon.”  Sterling admitted “only honour keeps it in check, something they have none of.”  She said indicating to the DCMS units “the Combine has labeled them as such by not supporting their attacks they a dezgra, and can look towards a life in the Dark.”

   “Perhaps” Burton said not entirely convinced “however there is also a possibility that certain elements of the Combine will support them and they will hold a few of the worlds they have taken.”

   “And your father along with his generals would allow this?”  She asked confused, if a Clan had launched such a dismal offensive it would likely pay with the loss of every unit involved and a not so insignificant amount of territory.

   “The First Prince and his Marshals will decide how much is enough for the AFFS, and how much we can afford to risk.  My father will consider the lives affected by any conflict and make the needed choices.  If it is easier to make peace he will, if he has the Combine where he needs them he will push it.  He also has the Star League to consider, if they weigh in then he will likely not war against them.”

   “The sham league should support its member states not war against it.”  McKenna said looking at him “there is another option, a way for the Federated Suns to punish its enemy without lifting a finger.”

   “I think the AFFS is punishing the Combine very well at the moment.”

   “There is another option young Prince, one that you are perfectly placed to pursue.”

   “How am I....?”  He said his words drifting off “the Snow Ravens would fight for the Federated Suns?”   He asked out aloud not even considering the idea.

   “Not alone and not openly, however if a representative of the Federated Suns was to challenge the Snow Ravens to a Trial of Possession, and win, members of the Snow Raven leadership may be convinced to launch raids into the Federated Suns to blood new troops eager to test their abilities against a new enemy.”  She suggested with a wicked smile

   “And you would know how to set that up?”  He asked she replied with a wicked looking but quite attractive smile “deal me in” he said taking up her challenge, he would win the Trial himself and take the Ravens on a raid of his own into the Combine.

Marik-Stewart Commonwealth Offensive
Wallis, Regulan Feifs
Former Free Worlds League
20th December 3086

   In a multi-pronged assault the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth launches an assault into the Regulan Feifs following the Regulans use of Capital weaponary to coerce worlds into joining its rule.  Targetting the worlds of Trinidad, Newcastle, Norfolk and Wallis.  The Northwind Highlander's Stirling's Fusiliers lead a multi-regiment force in securing Wallis from the Regulan realm.

   Sitting on her Shootist's battered foot Lt. Colonel Alice Roberts looked over the destruction of the battlefield as her XO Major Samantha Lewis approached “how bad was it Major?”  Roberts asked looking at the younger woman.

   “We lost fourteen Mechs, six vehicles, ten Battle Armour suits and two aerospace fighters.”  She said quietly a lot less than Roberts had feared the Regulans had been determined to hold Wallis.  “Ten of the warriors survived with various injuries.  The Fusiliers did well in their last operation.”  She finished

   “Last operation?”  Roberts said surprised her regiment was far from combat ineffective and backed by the Highlanders on Northwind they would be back up to full strength within a matter of weeks.

   “Aye, sir, the boys and girlies have decided that with Colonel Stirling now officially retired and with you now as their combat tested CO it was time for the Fusiliers to be retired.”

   “They did, did they?”  Roberts said still not over the surprise, she had no idea how Andrea Stirling would react to that news, or how the other Colonels would.  She couldn't even stop her troops making changes to her unit, what would the Colonels think?  “So what was decided.”

   “Well sir, our contact states the Stirling Fusiliers, of the Northwind Highlanders Brigade, we're not entirely best placed to change that so officially the Fusiliers exist and are operational.  Unofficially the unit wishes to be known as Roberts' Rangers” Alice Roberts could feel her cheeks warm at the embarrassment her troops had honoured her for her actions before and today.  “Colonel, they wish to make a statement for now and for the future, they are proud to have served for The Cat, but now they have a new CO, a new name and a new purpose.”

   “I'm highly honoured Major” Roberts stuttered out “now lets have the Rangers finish off operations here” Roberts said wasting no more time waiting around climbing back up into her Mech.