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

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
1537 Local Time
06 August, 3024

The 'notch' in the rim of the impact crater was coming along nicely.  Commander Fury and her daughter had both pitched in every day so far.  Most of the troops were being rotated through the duty, but a certain pair of privates had been on the job constantly.  By this point, the novelty of the Star League rations had worn off, and only strict orders kept leftovers from being thrown away.  Even the local 'livestock' were largely indifferent to the "plastic" eggs, though they'd eventually eat whatever was put in front of them.  At least the rations had coffee packets in them.  Quite the black market quickly sprang up, with those few who didn't like coffee coming out ahead.

While the hole was being dug, Master Truck and Sergeant Blu were helping Warrant Cushman and his crew assemble something resembling a cradle.  Salvaged spars from the wreck made up the main structural components, and the Warrant had pointed out they'd be needed for the roof of the hole being dug.  The makeshift hangar wouldn't have a door, but some parachute material would at least keep direct sunlight out, if not the ever-present dust.

[DOC_Agren]

"Lt Harris," ask Smoke "do you mind if I take Kat out for a wee walkabout and check our sector for an varmints that might in the area.  Would hate to have some curly wolves to come sneaking up on us."

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
1713 Local Time
06 August, 3024

Checking his watch, Captain Harris looked up at Staff Sergeant Thomas "Smoke" Jenson and said, "If you want to relieve the perimeter watch early, don't let me stop you.  But you're not getting relieved any earlier on the back end."

[DOC_Agren]

"Roger Boss I can set with that" said Smoke.

As he heads to Kat his panther and climbs up to start her up.

After he is ready to move out "This is WHISKEY FOXTROT 4, getting mobile.  Anything I need to be aware of, come back now"

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
1716 Local Time
06 August, 3024

"You're relieving me early?  Thanks Smoke!  I've had nothing all afternoon... ETA, seven minutes," Staff Sergeant Bianchi said, turning her Mirage toward the impact crater and 'home', such as it was.  A little extra free time would be no bad thing.

[DOC_Agren]

"Howdy partner," said Smoke "I'm up and in the saddle,  you all go and head back into the barn and get your nose bag on."

Snake spent his peaceful patrol moving around the 9 km radius perimeter and looking for places if Varmints came a calling that would give him good long LOS and some protection.  Staying on alert and watching my various sensors to make sure nothing sneaking up on me.

about 23:45 "WHISKEY FOXTROT 4, to next the next dancer all quiet out here."

Once relieved and heading back into the barn, take in the non tactical view of the night sky pretty nice with nothing artificial to interfer with natures lights

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
2345 Local Time
06 August, 3024

"WHISKEY FOXTROT 4, ROMEO copies.  ETA rendezvous eight minutes, over," Lieutenant Jerry Stevenson said.  His Vulcan was pounding along at a solid 90 kph to make the rendezvous on time.  He swore Captain Harris still had it out for him, even after the ambush of the locals.  What was it going to take to climb out of the hole he'd dug for himself that first day?  His tech had been recovered, mostly untraumatized, and he was the one who put the pirate on his back so Harris could take his head off.  The Major at least didn't seem to have any grudge, but the Major was the one who had also promoted Harris.  And the 'mech Company Commander was the one signing off on the perimeter watch rotations.  The ones that seemed to land Jerry on the midwatch more often than not.  At least Astrokaszy had decent sunrises...

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
0736 Local Time
07 August, 3024

"Commander Fury, a moment of your time, if you please," Major Skinner said, some distance from where Fury and her daughter were finishing their breakfast.

Nodding and standing, she stood and replied, "Of course, Major.  Lead the way."  Turning to her daughter, she said, "Stay put, young lady."

In the Major's "office", still nothing more than an escape pod with a minimum of equipment removed for use elsewhere, Skinner closed the hatch and took a seat.

Once Fury took her own seat, he said, "The Doc tells me your man is doing much better and has requested to speak with you.  Sergeant Ludak would also like to see Athena.  Are you up for a day trip?"

Her eyes widened and she replied, "Ah, why... yes, yes of course!"

Nodding, Skinner continued, "You of course won't be allowed to see the outside of the facility, nor the vast majority of the interior.  You'll be dropped off with your escort in the medical wing and confined to it for the duration of your stay.  You'll be 'home' for dinner.  I do recommend an extra shirt at least.  The Star League DID know how to air condition their facilities."

The two shared a chuckle at that.

"The APC leaves at the top of the hour.  Please don't be late."

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Outlying Landing Field Skinner
1016 Local Time
07 August, 3024

"Commander, boy am I glad to see you!" Lieutenant Senior Grade Adam Jackson said when Marion Fury strode into his room.

"You're looking much better Adam!  The Wolf Skinners weren't kidding when they said this facility would help you recover faster!" Fury replied with a genuine smile.  She was wearing her shipboard coveralls over her other clothes.  Skinner hadn't been kidding about the air conditioning!

"I FEEL much better, boss.  Breathing doesn't feel like broken glass in my chest anymore.  The Doc says they can probably release me on Monday.  How are things back at the camp?  The Medics can't tell me anything, and get real uncomfortable when I ask," Jackson said.

"Well, Skinner tells me the giant hole we're digging is for a hangar queen from this place that will give us an air-conditioned place to sleep at night.  At the rate we're going, we should finish next week," Fury replied.

"But why would we need that, boss?  This place seems comfortable enough..."

"Skinner tells me there's no way to grow food here, only around their impact crater.  Unless, of course, you're ready to eat those Star League omelets 'til you die."

"Oh..." Jackson said, suddenly downcast.  "I suppose that means more farm work for me, doesn't it?"

"Yes, but you'll be supervising it more than doing it.  You're the only one with any experience at it within a few hundred kilometers, and I daresay you'll have some motivated students."

"Well, I suppose it could be worse..."

"The better news is that Skinner tells me he'll work to get us off world as soon as his lot is stable.  The locals on the other side of Mazrea apparently get DropShips every now and then.  They're more likely to be able to take three passengers off world than Skinner's whole crew.  All he asks is that we not talk about this place or his crew."

"What?  Is he crazy?  The Government would go nuts about this find!"

"That's exactly his worry.  It seems his lot were on the wrong side of the civil war, and none of them are anxious to face a treason trial."

"But that was ten years ago!  Surely..."

"Adam, these people have been on the run that entire time.  Nothing we can say will assure them otherwise.  Our other option is to stick with them.  Their hope is to find a ship that will take them all to the Magistracy.  I'm not much liking that idea, but it's a hell of a lot better than slavery in Mazrea."

Jackson was silent for a bit, turning over what he had just heard.  Were the Wolf Skinners really THAT desperate?  The Doc and the Medics seemed easygoing enough, but... The Boss would never lie to him.

Forcing a smile, Fury said, "Cheer up Adam.  It's not like we have to decide today.  I'm willing to help these people for as long as we stay, and it's not like we have anywhere else to go.  We expect to finish the dig this coming week, and that should mean air conditioning for everyone.  Skinner was talking about a rotation of some kind to this place for 'R&R', such as it is.  Whatever our circumstances are now, they're better than they were with the bandits."

"Whatever you say, boss!  I'll do my best to smooth feathers and teach these guys what I can.  I thought for a moment this place would be our salvation..."

"So did Skinner, Adam.  So did Skinner.  He won't let me see the whole place yet, but I believe him."

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Outlying Landing Field Skinner
1016 Local Time
07 August, 3024

"Andy!  You're awake!" Athena Fury said, bouncing into his room.

"You bet, 'Thena!  You're looking tanned!  Been out in the sun much?" Sergeant Andrew Ludak replied with a smile from his traction rig.

"Yeah, Mom's been making me dig with everybody else.  It's not much fun."

"Well at least you're doing it above ground, or so I'm told.  Moving the derelict landing craft from here to there should provide more shelter than tents made from parachutes."

"Yeah, it's above ground, right at the edge of the crater.  They say we're going to fill the ramp down to it back in and put other rocks and dirt over the roof.  I'm still trying to figure out how that's going to work."

"Very carefully, I hope!" Andy replied.

"So how much longer do you have to be here?"

"Well, the Doc says the machines are speeding things up, but it's still going to be a while.  The cave-in crushed some bones, and those take a while to knit.  I have to say the pain regulator is awesome.  It keeps things below a dull ache, but I'm not so loopy I can't talk."

Athena levelled her gaze at the immobile Sergeant.  "So... how long?"

"Less than a month, I hope.  The Doc is less sure..."

"Oh... that's... a really long time," Athea said, her voice sinking.

"It's better than it could be!" Andy tried to keep her spirits up.

"Yeah, but a MONTH!  That's like... FOREVER!"  The disappointment was written on her face.

"Tell you what, I'll see what I can talk the Doc into letting me have in here.  Maybe we can work on the exoskeleton?"

"Maybe..." the girl said, wiping her eyes fiercely.

"Come here," Andy said, extending a hand.

She took it in both of hers and squeezed tight.

"We'll get through the next month, and then when we get the exoskeleton working again, I'll show you how to drive it, okay?"

"Okay..."

"Ok, so next time you visit, you have to bring the technical manual for the exoskeleton, all right?  I'll tell the Doc to pass the word back to the S6."

"Okay..." Athena replied, finally starting to brighten again.

"We got this!  We'll figure it out!  It'll be all right, eventually."

"Okay!" she said drawing his hand to her face to hide the tears.

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
1954 Local Time
07 August, 3024

Major Skinner was waiting when the APC returned from the OLF.  "How was your trip, Commander?" he asked Fury as she debarked.

"Well worth the time, Major.  Thank you," she replied.

"I hope this will go some way toward beginning to build a little trust between us."

She gave him an appraising look.  "It's a start, Major, but don't get ahead of yourself."

Grinning, he replied, "I wouldn't dream of it.  I'd offer you dinner, but the rations are self-heating, so..."

Chuckling, she said, "We'll take care of that ourselves, thank you.  Have a good night, Major."

"You too."

Turning to walk with Shaan back to his "office", Skinner asked, "Any trouble Sergeant Major?"

"No sir!  That little lady actually stayed put for once.  The Commander was no trouble either.  And I think Master Truck has about got it solved."

"Glad to hear it!  I don't want to tempt Murphy, but things seem to be coming together."

Smiling, Shaan replied, "You know I can't agree with you, sir...  I just wish I had some wood to knock on..."

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Outlying Landing Field Skinner
0632 Local Time
16 August, 3024

Today was the big day.  Major Skinner was staring at the ceiling of his quarters at the OLF.  The digging had taken longer than planned, but Master Truck and Sergeant Blu were confident they could move the derelict landing craft to the crash site without further damage.  Prying himself out of bed, the Major stumbled into his bathroom to begin his morning ablutions.  Only two of the officer quarters at the facility had their own heads, and his was one of them.  Another six had jack-and-jill arrangements, while the rest and the enlisted quarters had communal heads.

By 0700, the Major was eating breakfast, such as it was, in the mess hall.  He could have eaten his MRE in the conference room, or his office, but they only had coffee machines.  And with coffee restricted to the tiny packets in the rations themselves, there was really no point.  While he ate, he took in the mood of the crew.  They seemed generally upbeat, and only a little impatient to get started.  Both sentiments were appropriate, he thought.  The delays with the digging had been necessary to make sure the roof over the craft would be structurally sound, but that didn't make them any more bearable to those exposed to Astrokaszy's harsh climate.  The rotations between the OLF and the crash site had spread out that exposure as equitably as possible, but that still meant the former DropShip crew spent more time in the climate controlled OLF than tents at the crash site.  There was an undercurrent of resentment there, but none could argue with the necessity of operating the OLF's systems and the crew's expertise.

After a quick tour of the hangar bay and final face-to-face with Master Truck, the Major headed to the Bridge.  When he arrived just shy of 0800, the main screen was showing Master Truck finishing up the safety brief down in the hangar.

"... and remember, we're in NO hurry.  If you see something start to go sideways, don't hesitate to call it out.  This hunk of junk is IRREPLACABLE.  We can afford another hour or two on the road to make sure nothing happens to it.  All right, any questions?" the senior Sergeant finished.

[DOC_Agren]

"Okay Master Truck, now what the plan if this operation get bushwhack while we are in motion?" asked Smoke.
"I mean are we tied to close support of this beautiful craft or can we maneuver and engage if need be?  This an't the first wagon I have had to escort, but might be the 1st one that needs such close support from me and Kat not that i'm afeared, but I rather keep us  all above snakes."

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Outlying Landing Field Skinner
Hangar Bay #2
0758 Local Time
16 August, 3024

"Well, Smoke, that's more Captain Harris' lane than mine, but I'd say your job is to make sure it doesn't get shot.  If you need to maneuver to make that happen, do it," Master Truck said, looking around for a more senior MechWarrior.  "In fact, I think I'd rather you drew fire in some other direction entirely, but that's just my opinion.

Up on the Bridge, the Major keyed his mic and said, "Sergeant Jenson, the tactical briefing will be conducted by Captain Harris once you mount up.  As you know, we'll be taking two lances on this trip, along with the APC for close security."

Several troopers looked around as the Major's voice boomed over the loudspeakers in the hangar bay.

[DOC_Agren]

"Master Truck," Smoke said softly "So we aren't going to need to move this with our hands on near the hull to support it?"

"I figured Capt would be talking to us, just making sure I understand Master Truck plan Major"


Smoke heads for his Kat and gets her ready for to be operational

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Outlying Landing Field Skinner
Hangar Bay #2
0758 Local Time
16 August, 3024

"Only for loading and unloading, Smoke," Master Truck said.

[DOC_Agren]

"Cool Master Truck," said Smoke as he walked away "better then the original plan that needed hands on to move."

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Outlying Landing Field Skinner
Hangar Bay #2
0820 Local Time
16 August, 3024

With the landing craft securely loaded on the recovery vehicle, Captain Harris briefed the other seven MechWarriors of the escort.  Both the Recon and Fire Lances had been detailed for the duty.

"By the numbers, people.  Recon has the flanks at half a kilometer while Fire covers ahead and behind at 200 meters.  If we run into bandits, Recon will pursue while Fire defends and provides long range support.  The truck will stay in motion, though it may adjust course to avoid trouble as best as possible.  Master Truck has checked the route several times and believes the terrain can support the weight.  Any questions?"

[DOC_Agren]

"Capt, me and Kat will take slack if there no objections" said Smoke.

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Predetermined Coordinates
1235 Local Time
16 August, 3024

The first hours had gone well.  The salt pan handled the weight of the Recovery Vehicle with its overload without difficulty.  Climbing up out of the lakebed had been sporty, but Master Truck's route recon was solid.  As the recon approached the half-way point, Captain Harris called for the planned halt.  "Fire will take overwatch, Recon get some lunch; you have 15 minutes, then we switch."

In the cab of the Recovery Vehicle, Master Truck clapped Sergeant Blu on the shoulder.  "You're doin' fine, Blu.  Ease her down and take a break.  I need a smoke myself."

**********

Ridge Line 2 km SE of the Predetermined Coordinates
1245 Local Time
16 August, 3024

"Sarge.  Sarge!  You gotta see this!"

"Now what, Blaney?  You see another albino lizard?" Sergeant Ginevra Mancini grumbled, climbing the ridge as carefully has ten years on Astrokaszy had drilled into her.

Crawling up to the crest next to Private Blaney, she peeked over and asked, "Where I'm looking, Blaney?"

The younger man handed over his binoculars and pointed northwest.  "That flat, between those two hills.  Looks like the neighbors found something!"

"Holy shit... no kidding, Blaney.  Record what you can with these things, and we'll head home after they've left.  I can't imagine they'll be happy we know what they needed all those parts for...  And just in case I need to say it, stay OFF the radio.  We're in EMCON from here until we get home."

That said, she slipped back down the slope, careful not to kick up any dust.  Once back at the squad's Swiftwind, she pulled the rest of the squad in and briefed them.  The perimeter was tight and the tension high for the twenty minutes before Blaney came slithering down the slope.

With everyone piled aboard, Mancini ordered, "All right Lombardi, nice and easy for the first 10 klicks.  Try not to kick up any dust, right?"

"Roger that, Sarge!" Corporal Lombardi said, easing the vehicle around a slow circle and back down the path they'd climbed before lunch.  Every crunch of gravel jangled nerves, but two kilometers of broken terrain would mask that sound, right?  Right??

[DOC_Agren]

Smoke will slowly scan the from the slack position looking for any threats to the cargo.

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Predetermined Coordinates
1310 Local Time
16 August, 3024

Smoke was on the lookout for any sign of the bandits from Al Mazrea.  The bastards had killed a number of the unit, and word was out about how their "guest", Lieutenant Commander Fury, had murdered the bandit chief.  Who knew how long it would be before they sorted out the succession and came looking for payback?  Of course, the last bandit 'mech they'd put down HAD put a laser into Fury's jeep, and it DID catch fire.  Maybe they wouldn't be back after all?  Who knew?  It was better safe than sorry, so Smoke went back to his mag scanners.

[cklammer]

(reposted by request of the author Daryk in the other thread - see next post below for thread link)

[Daryk]

Further commentary in this thread, please. :)

[DOC_Agren]

Astrokaszy
Predetermined Coordinates
1310 Local Time
16 August, 3024

Smoke was on the lookout for any sign of the bandits from Al Mazrea.  The bastards had killed a number of the unit, and word was out about how their "guest", Lieutenant Commander Fury, had murdered the bandit chief.  Who knew how long it would be before they sorted out the succession and came looking for payback?  Of course, the last bandit 'mech they'd put down HAD put a laser into Fury's jeep, and it DID catch fire.  Maybe they wouldn't be back after all?  Who knew?  It was better safe than sorry, so Smoke went back to his mag scanners.

Just a case in point..  Al Mazrea's bandits aren't the only Bushwhacker or Varmint on Astrokaszy..   Smoke is staying ready for anyone..  Just because we did a "trade" deal with Renzi don't make his people all Aces.
Smoke just doesn't want to be caught with his Pants down and be late on the trigger with his Talking Iron.

[Daryk]

As I said above:
Further commentary in this thread, please. :)

That applies to OOC commentary by PCs too... :)

[Daryk]

Astrokaszy
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
1851 Local Time
16 August, 3024

Practically the entire unit turned out for the arrival of the convoy.  Blu eased the Recovery Vehicle to a halt near the ramp down into the "hangar".  With the sun setting, there would be no more work today.  The Major congratulated Master Truck on a successful recovery, and the younger Fury was restrained by her mother from immediately climbing aboard.

**********

The wreck of the Ex-FWLDS Condottieri
1927 Local Time
16 August, 3024

Captain Renzi and his senior officers were huddled around one of the few working displays.  The recon squad's binoculars were plugged in.
 Though the video quality wasn't great, it was good enough to see the landing craft being moved by the Wolf Skinners wasn't in great shape. Condottieri's Engineer pointed out the damage to the belly, and the lack of landing gear.

"I think I see what they needed those ABTs for," he said.  "As small as it is, it'll beat the heck out of tents.  Once they get the power back on, of course."

Renzi nodded and replied, "And I think the Medium Laser makes sense too.  I don't see any weapons on that thing."

[DOC_Agren]

Smoke "Well done Master Truck and Blu, nice move"

So glad we had no claim jumpers on the trip, will stay on alert until told to stand down, because now that we think we are home safe, people might let their guard down.

[SANSd20]

Lieutenant Maninder Ranjeet maneuvered his Centurion opposite of Smoke so both sides of the convoy could be guarded.

“Hey Smoke,” Ranjeet said. “Is it just me, or was that just a little too easy? Think those bandits finally had two brain cells fire at the same time and realized messing with us isn’t worth it?” Ranjeet closed his eyes as he shook his head. Has Lakshmi finally smiled on them? He opened his eyes. Time will tell.

[DOC_Agren]

"Lt, I've been looking for any bushwackers or backstabbers and I ain't found any yet" said Smoke "But I still can't shake the feeling that a road agent is out there watching looking to rustler us."