Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
By Michael Todd
In case any of you missed it, this is a fan-made book and has no association or
approval, implied or otherwise, from Topps, InMediaRes or Catalyst Game
Labs. No challenge to their trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property is
implied.
No part of this work may be altered or sold for profit, nor otherwise circulated in
any form other than that in which it is published.
Chapter 1
Galatea
3043
Lyran Commonwealth
The Colonel was back behind his gunmetal desk in his office on
Galatea. The 69th had just finished a four-month rest and
refit. Ultimately, hed decided to sell the 85-ton LGB-OW Longbow
theyd captured on Carbonis. It was a specialized Mech. Pure long-range
fire support, it was practically like a mobile artillery platform with its
ability to launch salvos of 50 LRMs at a time. The unit just wasnt large
enough to warrant such a specialized platform. That, and the offers had
just been too good to refuse.
Hed sold it for just over nine million C-bills, even in its slightly
damaged condition. It was a rare piece of tech after all. Originally
produced by Lockenburg-Holly Industries in the Free Worlds League, the
company had been absorbed by the massive StarCorps Industries even
before the formation of the Star League and it was still being produced in
small numbers at their facility on Crofton.
Hed replaced it with another StarCorps Industries design, the
Warhammer, a Mech manufactured throughout the Inner Sphere and one
with a reasonable supply of spare parts available as well. The WHM-6R
hed bought had been made by Olivetti Weaponry on Sudeten. An
intimidating machine, it was initially designed as an assault Mech and its
dual Donal PPCs were enough to make any enemy think twice before
taking it on. Hed also purchased a -6K refit kit for it as well. A simple
modification, it replaced the dual Sperry-Browning machines guns, along
with their attendant ammunition, with an additional two heat sinks, giving
it a total of twenty, just enough to dissipate the heat from its two massive
particle cannons.
Even after purchasing it new, he still had close to three million C-
bills left over from the sale of the Longbow. He gave Leutnant Sigil a
good third of that for the repair of his Clint. No doubt he was even now in
the Mech bay combing over it and hatching plans for possible
modifications. At least that ought to keep him out of trouble for a while.
Maybe. If he was lucky.
The repairs to his Battlemaster, the Griffin, and the Hatchetman
had all been completed. Shadowfax was parked at the StarPort, once again
fully functional and Dawg had already finished recruiting enough
replacements to return his anti-Mech infantry platoon to full strength.
The last thing hed done was to make arrangement to send
Leutnant Rachael Kitten Sachs to the Flight Academy of Thorin. Shed
made no secrets about her dream to become an aerospace pilot and the 69th
currently lacked any aerospace support at all. It was something hed been
stressed about before the Carbonis drop. Theyd gotten lucky that time,
the weather preventing the House Marik forces from launching their
fighters, but that kind of luck never lasts. The program would take a full
year, meaning the unit would be down their best medic and VTOL pilot
for a good while. Of course, he still had enough money in the units
ComStar bank account to easily maintain the 69th for a full year, probably
twice that if he was careful. Still, it was never too early to start looking
for the next contract. Shed be back soon enough.
All that was left was to do now was to hire a communications
specialist to ride shotgun in his Battlemaster. After the debacle on
Carbonis, there was no way he was ever going to allow Sigil back into his
cockpit. So what if it had cost him a million C-bills to get Sigil back into
his Clint. It was money well spent.
In the privacy of his own office, he chuckled to himself
remembering the salacious night before Kittens departure for the Flight
Academy. Ok, now that was money well spent.
---
Sigil snarled in frustration. Getting parts for his Clint was
practically an exercise in futility, especially the gyro. His search had led
him inevitably to the Capellan district, where all the best fixers were
located. Of course they charged outrageous prices, but so far hed turned
up nothing and he was out of other options.
Sigil entered the infantry barracks. Dawg and his men were
scattered about the place either cleaning their already immaculate weapons
or playing card games. He tried to keep his walk casual as he strode over
to where Dawg was sitting, gun oil in hand.
Dawg looked up. Hey Sig, lemme see that Sternsnacht I gave
you. I want to make sure youre taking proper care of it.
Oh, uh sure. Sigil reached down and unfastened the safety on
the holster. Withdrawing the heavy pistol, he set it down on the table with
a meaty thunk.
Dawg had it apart in seconds. He paid particular attention to the
barrel, eyeing it critically and then moving onto the receiver and
magazine. Still pretty clean. When was the last time you shot it? He
slid the pieces back over towards Sigil.
Its uh been a while. Ive been busy trying to get my Clint
back online. Hasnt left much time for small arms practice, he shrugged.
Dawg frowned. Not enough time to practice a skill that could
save your life, huh? You must be busy. Thing is, Sig, a piece like this
needs to be fired and fired often. Otherwise, when you need it, shes just
not gonna be there for you. Remember when you used it in the arena it
was coming straight off my hip where I kept her plenty happy. Looks to
me like shes being neglected. Not a good thing. Think of her like your
Clint, except you get to carry her everywhere you go. Now, what brings
you here, anyway?
Oh, I was uhh going into Galatea City and thought you might
want to come along? Sigil shifted nervously then reached to pick up the
barrel and receiver.
Dawg eyed him critically. I seem to recall a similar request from
you last year. Drop the bullshit. Where exactly are you going and why.
Sigil fumbled, struggling to fit the pieces of the Sternsnacht back
together. Some guy named Fanhg Li. In the Capellan district. I cant
find all the parts I need to put my Clint back together. A few people
mentioned his name and Im out of options.
He looked hopefully at Dawg. I just, you know, would uhh
feel better if you were there.
Dawg considered him for a long moment. When are we leaving?
---
The first thing that struck Sigil about the Capellan District was its
mass of neon lights. It seemed as if the streets were lined with them, some
of them towering stories high, climbing up the sides of the tall metal
buildings which framed the streets. Their hovercar pulled over to the curb,
the gull-wing doors opening automatically. Sigil, Dawg, and two of
Dawgs men disembarked.
Sigil looked around trying to orient himself. The sidewalks were
thronged with people flowing up and down the street and into and out of
the various stores and shops. The overwhelming majority of them were of
Capellan decent, obvious from the vaguely almond shape of their eyes and
the complexion of their skin. Most of the signs were also in Capellan, the
ideograms complex and strange to his unaccustomed eyes.
Confused, Sigil walked into the nearest building. He couldnt read
the signs anyway, so what did it matter. The navigational system in the
hovercar had said this was the place. He pushed the heavily tinted door
open.
Immediately, he was startled as the booming of a hollow gong
announced their entrance. As his eyes adjusted to the dim interior, he was
astonished to find miniature trees lining a slate pathway which led further
into the building. To either side, past the cleverly manicured dwarf trees,
were small clusters of tables and chairs.
A young raven-haired woman materialized from behind one of the
nearby trees. Her sarong had a bamboo motif embroidered across it. She
approached the group, speaking in an unintelligible Capellan dialect.
Sigil shook his head. Uh Fanhg Li? Were here to see to
Fanhg Li? He started gesticulating with his arms, motioning down the
slate path. Is Fanhg Li down there? FA-AH-ANG LEE?
The young lady took in the group of four with a practiced glance
and motioned them to follow as she headed down the slate path. Before
long the sound of running water could be heard, growing louder as they
entered deeper into the building.
Ahead, a soaring stone waterfall had been constructed, water
cascaded down its carefully sculpted sides and filling a large pool at its
base. Numerous gold and silver carp glided gracefully between the water
lilies and lotus blossoms floating on its surface. A large bamboo grove
was off to their left and it was in that direction the young lady led them.
As they penetrated into the center of the dense bamboo grove, it
revealed a sizable clearing dominated by a single black lacquer table. A
painstaking replica of the waterfall they had just passed had been painted
onto its surface by an obviously talented artist. She motioned for them to
sit, disappearing almost instantaneously into the bamboo surrounding the
clearing.
Dawg shot Sigil a questioning look. Not exactly what I was
expecting when you said you were shopping for BattleMech parts, Sig.
Sigil tried his best to act nonchalant and as if he had some idea of
what was going on. Truthfully, he wasnt even sure if he was in the right
place, or for that matter, if that woman had even understood what he
said. Secretly, he was terrified theyd all be handed menus and the entire
thing would end up being a wild goose chase. But there was nothing to do
but wait.
As the minutes dragged by, Sigil began to wonder if theyd simply
been forgotten about, hidden away as they were in the grove of
bamboo. Just as he was about to get up, a petite man in a violently blue
velvet leisure suit appeared. He was Capellan for sure and the toes of his
alligator skin shoes were covered in gold scales. A chronometer sparkled
on his wrist and as a grin split his face, the golden caps of his teeth
scintillated. He sat down, speaking in a heavy accent. I am Fanhg
Li. What can I help you gentlemen with today?
Sigil stopped gawking and found his tongue. A uh gyro and
a umm replacement left arm. Both for a Clint.
Li turned his eyes from Dawg, appraising Sigil. I dont normally
deal in BattleMech parts, he chuckled, his eyes gleaming. But some
would, in fact, consider the Clint to be a rare antiquity. Tell me what your
interest in these parts is.
Sigil tried to conceal the desperation in his voice. My Clint got
all shot up in The Games last year. I need to get it back online before our
units next contract. Ive already looked everywhere else. A couple
people mentioned your name, said if anybody could get one, itd be you.
Did they now? And I wonder who exactly those people
were? No matter. He waved it off with a quick flicking motion of his
hand. Two and a half million C-bills, four to six weeks delivery
time. Unless, of course, you have some rare antiquities of your own which
may pique my interest.
Sigil couldnt hide his shock. Two and a half million C-bills!? I
could buy an entire Mech for that much! He started to get up when
Dawgs sturdy hand pushed him hard back down into his seat.
Fangh Lis eyes narrowed dangerously and what sounded like a
low hiss escaped his lips.
Sigil snapped his head around in surprise as Dawg suddenly began
speaking to Li in Capellan. Huh!? Wha?
Dawg fixed him with a deadly stare saying simply, Shut up before
you get us all killed. Not one more word. Then, he turned back to Fanhg
Li and continued talking.
Lis eyes turned away from Sigil as Dawg addressed him. The two
spoke at length for a number of minutes. Finally, Dawg took a datapad
out of his breast pocket, sliding it across the table towards Li, who
accepted it and then rose, disappearing into the bamboo.
Dawg spoke next. Ok. Lets go.
Once they were all in the hovercar and on their way back, Sigil
finally asked. So uh what was that all about anyway?
Dawg spoke to one of his men in the back. Rudolph, what did
you notice?
You mean like that entire bamboo grove was a cleverly concealed
glassteel safe room with enough interference to fry an egg on? Or the four
swarthy turbaned men with kinjals in there with us?
How about you, Adolphus? See anything else?
Fangh Li was giving hand signals to his men the entire time. I
noticed at least one micro video recorder and I suspect the table hid a few
surprises in it as well. Probably gas of some kind given how the room was
sealed. I thought I saw some kind of nose plugs, a respirator likely, on one
of the guards.
Dawg nodded approvingly. Good. At first, I thought it unusual
that they didnt bother to check our weapons, but that place was so tight
they didnt have to bother. We passed through at least four different full
body scanners on our way down the path. Concealed in the trees. Real
top notch work in there.
Sigil fidgeted in his seat. But, uhh what about the gyro?
Dawg fixed him with another dagger-like stare. The gyro? Were
lucky he let us walk out of there. You go into a mans home, sit at his
table and then insult him. Youre a real piece of work, Sig.
Dawg shook his head. You dont haggle over prices with a man
like Li, Sig. You dont even go to see a man like him unless you can
afford him. Frankly, I dont even know how you managed to get us in to
see him in the first place.
Sigil looked out of the window, frowning. So, that means no
gyro?
Dawg finally broke out in a grin. Nah, I didnt say that. It just so
happened I needed a few things as well. Your parts will be in sometime
next month, as will a few goodies of my own.
Chapter 2
Galatea
3043
Lyran Commonwealth
In transit to Rasalhague
3043
Free Rasalhague Republic
Colonel Jason Henley looked out over deep space from the
observation deck of the Golden Goose, the Merchant-class JumpShip
taking his unit to Rasalhague. There had already been a Union-class
DropShip docked with her when they had arrived in Shadowfax. A gold
rook on a circular field of blue had been painted on its hull. No doubt it
was a unit insignia but he couldnt quite place it.
His thoughts drifted back towards the upcoming campaign. The
objective raid for House Steiner hadnt really been satisfying. It didnt
seem to have really been all that important. In the great chess game
played by the five Great Houses, it was ultimately pretty meaningless.
Sure, the FWLM would be down a few BattleMech targeting and tracking
systems for a while, but it would just be fairly minor inconvenience in the
grand scheme of things.
The Succession Wars would drag on endlessly, humankind would
continue to suffer the atrocities of never ending conflict and more and
more precious technology would be lost to the voracious appetites of the
dogs of war. What difference could he really make?
Somewhere deep inside of himself, he had always held onto the
Star League as a bright, shining example of what could be. As an almost
sacred set of beliefs. That humanity could indeed live together in peace
and better the lives of everyone. That what was lost could be regained and
possibly even improved upon.
Perhaps that was what had attracted him to the planetary
assault. A chance, however small, of shifting the balance of power. With
the combining of House Davion and House Steiner into the nascent
Federated Commonwealth, there was for the first time a real chance that
one of the Houses could shatter the stalemate and unite humanity once
more under a single banner.
His woolgathering was broken as a brown haired woman in combat
fatigues came up next to him, her gaze also fixed on the tapestry of deep
space fluttering in the solar wind. She spoke without turning to face
him. I always wonder which one is my star.
Henley turned to look at her. She looked wistful and he briefly
wondered what he must appear like to her. Whittington. Thats my
star. One jump from Hesperus II. He frowned. I havent been back
since my tour with the Third Lyran ended back in 40. I guess its been
almost four years now since Ive seen my family. One of these days my
little sister will probably be getting married.
He sighed. It had been a long time since hed thought of Christina
back on the family estate. Hed cut his teeth piloting the family
agricultural Mech around the farm. It seemed like an entirely different
life, one that belonged to someone else.
She continued to stare out into deep space, her voice dropping to a
low whisper. I can never seem to find my star, no matter how hard or for
how long I look. I think its because I dont have one. I was born into the
mercenary life. My father, Owen, was killed in action against the Dragon
on Remus III. We went in with the Third Davion Guards and ran straight
into the Black Widow company of Wolfs Dragoons. He was killed by
Natasha Kerensky herself, a warriors death. I took command of what was
left of the unit afterwards.
Her face tightened. The Dragon has been coiled around my fate
since I was born. When I was just a kid, my dad was with Reilly's
Armored Cavalry under contract with House Kurita. His unit was sent to
assault Driscolls World back in 15. The reinforcements Kurita promised
never arrived. They were never supposed to arrive. The Armored Calvary
was just being used as a diversion while the Kurita troops took an entirely
different planet. Outnumbered three-to-one, the Calvary was cut to
shreds. My father escaped with about a dozen others and took refuge in
the Federated Suns. Thats where he founded Lindons
Company. Shortly after we were all resettled, I was old enough to put on
the neurohelment, and I did. Now its all mine.
Henley saw her eyes beginning to water and turned back to the
observation window. He pointed off into deep space. Thats your star.
Terra. The birthplace of humanity. A reminder of how far weve come
and the promise of a new golden age yet to come. Its what we are all
fighting for really, if you can just stop and think about it.
She turned to face him now, the tears still evident in her
eyes. Thank you. She wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her fatigues as
she composed herself. Extending a hand, she introduced herself. Im
Colonel Sarah Lindon, CO of Lindons Company.
She managed a smile. Actually, were closer to a battalion now,
but the name just stuck.
Henley gave her hand a firm shake. Colonel Jason
Henley. Commanding Officer, 69th Virginia Expeditionary Force. Looks
like were both heading to the same place. You under contract with the
KungsArme as well?
She nodded. Couldnt pass up an opportunity to take it to the
Dragon. Ive got a few outstanding debts that are long overdue and its
time I collect.
Rasalhague
3043
Free Rasalhague Republic
Chapter 4
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
Oblivious to his presence, the Jenner closed on Sigils concealed
Clint. As the nimble 35-ton Mech passed his position, Sigil popped up
from the sinkhole and fired a blistering salvo at the Jenners left side. His
heavy Defiance B3L laser drilled into the Jenners right arm, melting
armor like butter as it cored into the supporting structure. One of his four
Martells finished the work the heavy laser had begun, destroying the
stubby right arm and almost half of the enemys Mechs firepower at the
same time. A pair of his other mediums both savaged its left torso,
trashing a pair of jump jet exhaust ports and damaging its Thunderstroke
SRM-4 in the process. The fourth flew wide.
The Jenners torso tracked left as he closed the intervening
distance between them in a flash. His Clints right leg lashed out,
crushing through the thin armor of the Jenners left leg but miraculously
failing to damage any of the sensitive movement actuators. Then the
Jenner responded at point-blank range with its two remaining Argra 3L
mediums, scorching his right leg and left arm.
His missile lock indicator blared to life, warning him that the
Kurita Trebuchet had him in its crosshairs. Reflexively, he stomped on
the petals of his Andoran jump jets once again, rocketing backwards as a
flight of LRMs threw up gouts of dirt from the ground below him.
He snapped off another shot with his Definace. The heavy laser
bored into the already damaged left torso, cutting clear through it. With
nothing left to hold it in place, the remaining arm simply fell to the
ground.
Nice, hed completely disarmed the Jenner.
Then he disappeared back into the sinkhole.
---
Colonel Henley watched as Sigil engaged the lead Kurita
Mech. The cat was out of the bag now. The Sixth Alshain Dragon
turned towards his Battlemaster, accelerating to its maximum speed of 86
kph. The Trebuchet was keeping pace directly behind it providing fire
support. The Clint and Jenner exchanged fire, then Sigil disappeared back
down into the sinkhole. He just caught the Phoenix Hawk lifting off in
pursuit as his own missile lock indicator came alive.
The Dragon and the Battlemaster exchanged PPC fire first. His
Donal hit dead center on the Dragons thickly armored chest as it returned
the strike with is Lords Thunder particle cannon. With over two tons of
armor encasing each leg, his Mech easily absorbed the hit. The dual Zeus
LRM-15s from the Trebuchet were next. A dozen of the missiles cratered
his left arm and chest but they were like mosquitos bites to his thickly
armored hide. The second flight flew long landing well behind him.
Weddle, move up and engage the Trebuchet. Hamilton, keep
sniping at that Phoenix Hawk. Sigil, your about to have a visitor in that
little hobbit hole your hiding in. Ill take down that Dragon. Out.
That Dragon pilot had stones, though, Henley thought as both
Mechs raced headlong towards each other. The Sixth Alshain were
supposedly a second line unit but this guy was acting more like some
Combine fanatic. Not even a hint of hesitation even though he was
charging down an assault class Mech.
The Dragon pilot triggered his Telos DecaCluster as they closed
with each other, eight of them all grouping against his left torso. But that
was they joy of the Battlemaster, armor to spare. Then they were trading
PPC shots again. His Donal evaporated two thirds of the armor on the
Dragons right PPC carrying arm. Its Lords Thunder bored into his right
torso as the Trebuchet unleashed another pair of salvoes with its dual Zeus
LRMs. His missile lock indicator was blaring continuously.
As another dozen missiles exploded against his chest, the Colonel
growled, Weddle, engage that Trebuchet. Im taking heavy fire.
Acknowledge.
---
Lt. Hamilton was stationary, just waiting for the perfect shot. It
was obvious the Phoenix Hawk was going to follow Sigil into the
sinkhole. It was the only jump capable Kurita Mech on the field. And
sure enough that was exactly what it did and his targeting reticle was
waiting. Twin azure bolts came streaking forth from the massive barrels
of the Hammers twin PPCs straight towards the jumping Kurita
Mech. The streams of charged particles slammed into the airborne
Mechs arms, laying them both bare right down to the structure. Then it
disappeared into the sinkhole. Sigil would have to finish it up from there.
He grinned. It was a good omen. The first shots with his new
Mech had both landed.
---
Sigil had cheated to the inside lip of the sinkhole, gambling the
Kurita pilot would expect him to have opened up as much distance as
possible. He had his back to the jagged wall of the sinkhole as he watched
the Phoenix Hawk sail into the hole after him, landing in front and below
him. It twisted hard to right as it landed, slewing its torso around even
further in an effort to target him.
One of the great things about the Sloane was that it was practically
impervious to heat. Which was a good thing. The excess heat from his
jump jets combined with all of his energy-based weaponry generated more
heat than even the Freezers could dissipate. Sigil shuddered to think of
what it would have been like in the cockpit if he had kept the original
singles.
Within the confines of the pit, the two Mechs unloaded on each
other. The Phoenix Hawks heavy Harmon spalled half a ton of armor
from his left leg, one of its mediums following in immediately behind
it. Left leg breached. Left leg critical. Upper Leg Actuator
damaged. Movement impaired. The second medium threw up a shower
of rocks behind him as the Hawks M100 machine guns chattered to life,
chipping away at the armor on his left arm.
His Defiance hit the Hawks undamaged left torso. Damn
it! Then he fired his four Martells. A pair of them mangled the exposed
structure of its right arm, destroying it and denying the Hawk its primary
weapon system in the process. One hit the left leg, the other burning even
more armor off the left torso but still failing to penetrate it.
Sigil circled left along the lip on the sinkhole forcing his damaged
left leg to work. Hed practically rebuilt the entire Clint. The leg would
hold. He knew it. The Hawk fired its Pitbans, leaping up onto the ledge
to meet him.
It was going to get physical.
He turned his Clint hard left, using the side of the sinkhole to
shield his damaged left leg as he swiveled his torso in the opposite
direction. At point-blank range, both Mechs unloaded at each other one
more time. The Hawks remaining medium laser struck his undamaged
right arm as its machine gun pockmarked his chest.
His quartet of Martells struck the approaching Hawk full in the
chest, sending molten rivers of Durallex Light pouring down in front. His
Defiance finally burned through the left torso, destroying a pair of Pitban
9000 exhaust ports and then, it was right in his face.
The Hawks leg lashed out, staving in the armor plates protecting
his right leg continuing on to damage the structure underneath. The
Sloane once again informed him of the damage, Right leg
breached. Recommend immediate withdraw. He lashed out with wildly
with his left arm causing his Clint to teeter precipitously on the edge of the
sinkhole. He failed to connect but at least be managed to bring his 40-ton
machine back under control.
It was time to go.
Hamilton! A little help please! Sigil screeched as he opened the
Andoran IIs wide, sending super-heated plasma spewing from his feet and
back. He rocketed up and out of the sinkhole sailing backwards towards
the Colonels lumbering assault Mech. Once again, the damaged upper
left leg actuator held as he gently landed his 40-ton machine.
Smelling the kill, the damaged Sixth Alshain Hawk came sailing
out of the sinkhole as well in close pursuit. But the damage to its Pitbans
caused it land just short of the Clint, scant meters shy of physical combat
range.
The two Mechs traded fire yet again. The Hawks Harmon
medium pierced his left arm as a stream of lead from its machine gun
passed high over his shoulder. The Sloane was handling the play-by-
play. Left arm breached. Left arm critical. Shoulder actuator
destroyed. Upper arm actuator offline. Lower arm actuator offline. Hand
actuator offline. Limb impaired. Recommend immediate withdraw.
Sigil ground his teeth as he sent his lasers streaking towards the
tenacious Kurita Mech. He had to drop this Hawk now! His Defiance
heavy laser hit the already savaged left torso, blowing clear through
it. The Hawks remaining arm fell heavily to the ground in a shower of
sparks. Two of his Martells bored holes into its right leg, another hitting
its chest as the last flew wide.
Hed disarmed it!
Still the Kurita pilot came on, desperately hoping to close the
range. One kick from the 45-ton Mech to either of his damaged legs and
he would be the one lying on the ground.
Suddenly, a pair of azure bolts slammed into the Phoenix Hawks
chest causing it to stagger backwards, smoke pouring from two freshly
created holes in its chest before sending the armless Mech crashing
roughly to the ground.
Hamiltons cool voice came over the comlink. Hey Sig, you
called?
---
Weddle hit the Griffins Rawlings 55s, sending him arcing in the
sky to land atop a rocky crag. Below he could see the Colonels
Battlemaster facing off with the Sixth Alshain Dragon. The Trebuchet
was holding position well behind the two dueling Mechs providing fire
support and remaining just outside of his range.
Well, at least he had range to the Dragon. He triggered his Delta
Dart, sending a flight of 15 LRMs spiraling towards the heavy
Mech. Missiles exploded up and down the length of the Dragons right
arm, blasting away armor and structure. Telltale sparks flew from the
damaged arm as at least one of the actuators was impaired. Then there
was a brief blue flash, a sure sign the PPC coil had been damaged as
well. He smiled in satisfaction. A good shot.
---
The Dragon suddenly switched directions, furiously backpedaling
away from the Colonels Battlemaster as the LRMs from Weddles Griffin
savaged it right arm. He leveled his hand-held Donal at the now retreating
Dragon and thumbed the firing stub. Man-made lightning streaked
towards the Dragon hitting it once more and covering the chest of the
Mech with a spider web of electrical arcs.
His missile lock indicator was still blaring away as the Trebuchet
continued raining pain on his assault Mech. Missiles exploded against
the sides of his chest, the armor there finally beginning to thin as four
more hit his undamaged right leg.
Suddenly the Battlemaster was rocked by a concussive blast as
four more LRMs brutally impacted the Mechs head. Both Henley and
Lagemann were wrenched violently against the five-point harness that
strapped them into their command couches. The DecaCluster from the
retreating Dragon slammed into the beleaguered Mech, wreathing the
assault Mech in smoke as another eight missiles exploded against the
Mechs left side.
Henley fought with the control sticks to keep the 85-ton war
machine on its feet as the smoke cleared from his viewscreen revealing
that the enemy Mechs were withdrawing.
All units hold position. Let them go. Theyre not getting through
this way. The Colonel thumbed the regimental command
frequency. Quadrant 56 secure. Tally four Sixth Alshain BattleMechs.
Status as follows: Jenner disarmed and withdrew, Phoenix Hawk disabled
and salvageable, Trebuchet and Dragon in retreat. Our Clint has sustained
moderate damage. Over.
Then he addressed Lagemann behind him. Lagemann, sitrep.
Lagemann shook his head. Hed been monitoring the command frequency
since theyd landed. And while the situation in front of him was good, the
rest of news was grim. It was clear the Sixth Alshain was probing the
entire defensive perimeter of the LZ looking for a weakness to
exploit. And theyd found one. With the loss of the Newfoundland, the
Second Drakon was spread too thin and sure enough the Dragon had
found a hole.
He hadnt mentioned it to the Colonel yet. It was a balancing act
and being this close to the action he hadnt wanted to distract the Colonel
from battle. It was a different thing indeed to be handing C3 from inside
the cockpit of a BattleMech in the middle of a firefight. He was used to
the relatively safety of a mobile HQ behind the front lines.
The western defensive perimeter is collapsing. Second Drakon
units are falling back and trying to regroup and the Sixth Alshain is
moving into the hole. The Overste has dispatched the last of his tactical
reserve to try and re-establish the line. They are enroute. ETA three
minutes.
The Colonel scowled. How close are we to the breach?
Standby, incoming alpha priority from Thor.
The Overstes clearly angry voice came through the cockpit
speakers. Colonel Henley, make best possible speed to Quadrant 60 and
stabilize that goddamn line! Youre the closest available unit. Im
rerouting tactical reserve to take over your quad. The Sixth Alshain are
scattering like leaves in front me. I dont want to stop my advance on the
city because a few scrub Mech jocks broke into the LZ. Ive got an
opening here and I mean to take full advantage of it! Acknowledge.
Henley hit the command frequency. Acknowledged, Thor. On
the way to Quad 60. Out. Turning to Lagemann behind him, he asked,
Whats the real story, Lagemann?
Looks to me like the Overste is dangerously overextending
himself. The perimeter is dangerously warped. The lead elements of the
Second Drakon are racing ahead while the western front is all bowed
in. The entire line could collapse.
The Colonel throttled his Battlemaster into a thundering run. All
units, follow my lead. Looks like the fun is not over yet. Out.
Chapter 5
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
Chapter 6
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
Chapter 7
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
Colonel Jason Henley tossed the datapad onto his desk, leaning
back in his chair. It was at least the third time hed read through the
mission orders the Overste had given him. Obviously, things were worse
then hed imagined. Rubbing his forehead, he picked the datapad up once
again to read through it one last time just to make sure he hadnt missed
anything.
KungsArme
Second Drakon
Mercenary Liason Office
Alshain, Draconis Combine
Colonel Jason Henley:
The leader of the Alshain Peoples Movement, hereby referred to
as the APM, code name Silver Fox, is being held in a fortified
interrogation facility on the secondary land mass of Alshain. The
hardened facility is built on the top of a mountain, directly above a geo-
thermal spring that powers the isolated installation.
Your unit will depart via DropShip as soon as possible to extract
Silver Fox, and any other friendly forces if possible, from the detention
facility. It is imperative Silver Fox is rescued. The APM will not mobilize
in support of the KungsArme without him. In addition, he possesses
critical intelligence on the defenses and disposition of forces within the
planetary capital, Silverdale. This intelligence is absolutely essential to
the planning of a successful assault.
There are four weapon turrets providing static defense of the
interrogation facility. Each turret is capable of full 360 degree movement
and is armed with a LRM-20, two medium lasers and a pair of anti-
infantry machine guns. The facility itself is capable of housing a full
company of mechanized combat infantry with supporting heavy armor. In
addition, the installation also houses a Mech bay capable of supporting
up to a company of BattleMechs.
Aerial photographs of the installation are appended to this
document to assist in your planning. Overste Anders Erling is attaching
Brevet Major OMara to your unit for this operation. Major Omaras
primary responsibility is the identification and rescue of Silver Fox. He
will also serve as your Executive Officer for the duration of this
assignment and in the event you become incapacitated, or are otherwise
unable to effectively command the unit, he will assume full operational
control of the 69th Virginia Expeditionary Force.
Likely opposition includes up to a company of mechanized infantry
supported by LRM and SRM carriers. LCT-1V Locusts and PNT-9R
Panthers, manufactured on planet, are also likely. Expect an additional
heavy lance of Sixth Alshain Regulars BattleMechs to defend as well.
Time is also a factor. Although the installation is relatively
isolated, additional DCMS forces, especially aerospace assets, will likely
be dispatched to reinforce the defenders. However, additional ground-
based reinforcements are considered highly unlikely within the estimated
time span of the extraction operation.
Chapter 8
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
Sigil was skulking around the Mech bay in the full combination
sneak suit Dawg had issued him along with all of the men under his
command. It was an impressive piece of tech. Featuring visual, infrared
and electromagnetic suppression, it made the wearer practically invisible.
He had long wondered just what Dawg had bought from Fangh Li
back on Galatea. Now the question was at least, in part, answered. The
Colonels plan to extract Silver Fox from the Kurita detention facility
called for Dawg and McMillians infantry squads to infiltrate the base
while the units BattleMechs drew the defenders attention.
Dawg had also provided him a sleek little microcomputer. Once
they located a suitable entry point, he was supposed to bypass the security
systems and open the door. From there the infantry would handle
things. The only weapon he carried was the Sternsnacht strapped to his
thigh. Another gift from Dawg. Dawg was just full of gifts.
He popped his full helmet off, tucking it under his arm. The
clicking of stiletto heels echoed across the Mech bay as Captain Salt
strolled across the steel floor in her skin tight red flight leathers.
She angled towards him. What do you think youre doing tech,
she sneered.
Uhh, Im just umm checking out the sneak suit Dawg gave
me.
She looked him slowly over. You can put lipstick on a pig but
its still a pig. So youre playing foot solider now, huh? PBI, She
grinned mischievously.
Salt lunged forward, grabbing his arm and flipping him around as
she twisted it painfully behind his back. Squeal like a pig for me, tech!
she laughed cruelly as his helm clattered to the ground.
OWWWWWWWW!
Salt twisted it further back, increasing the pressure. Im afraid
that doesnt sound like a pig, tech.
AHHHH! Sigil howled in pain. Oink oink, he muttered.
Not good enough. She wrenched his arm even further up his
back. Louder.
OOOOOIINK!!!! OIIIIIINNK!!!!!
OOOOOOIIIINNNNKKKK!!!!!!!!! Sigil snorted.
Salt snickered, hooking her leg in front of his and shoving him
away. Sigil face-planted onto the decking, moaning.
Thats better. She swaggered off.
As Sigil picked himself up off the floor he heard snickering
nearby. Turning, he saw Hamilton coming out from behind the thick leg
of the Atlas the Colonel had assigned him for the upcoming mission.
I think she likes you, Sig, he smirked.
---
Shadowfax was enroute to the target, if the Overste was to be
believed it was a detention facility holding the leader of the Alshain
Peoples Movement. She had her doubts but at the least the Colonel had
managed to get a flight of Corsairs to escort them. They both sported the
gold rook on a field of blue, the insignia of Lindons Company.
Captain Varukka Salt smiled. There were rumors going around
that the Colonel and the CO of Lindons Company had something going
on. It must be serious if shes loaning out a pair of aerospace fighters,
she chuckled to herself. Combat always made for strange
bedfellows. Still, it surprised her that the Colonel would involve himself
in that way, then again its not like Lindon was a subordinate. She ran her
own mercenary unit.
Her communications officer interrupted her. Captain Salt. Ive
got a pair of unidentified Shilones on long range. They appear to have
originated from the target area.
Sure enough, a pair of red triangles appeared on her primary.
Good thing Henley was such good friends with that Colonel, looks like the
Corsairs were going to see some action. Two Shilones inbound. Assume
hostile. Combat stations. Weapons check. Damage control teams on
standby. This is the fun part.
Sanchez, patch me into Romeo and Juliet. The two Lindons
Company aerospace fighter pilots were married to each other. Another
odd arrangement to her way of thinking. Shed never allow that kind of
relationship between crew members on her ship. When things get tight,
marriage tends to interfere with the kind of hard decisions required in
combat situations.
This is Captain Salt. Weve got a flight of Shilones inbound.
Over.
Acknowledged. Ive got them on radar. You want us to go say
hello? Over.
Negative. Maintain formation. Ive got a few things I want to
say to them myself. Recommend you adjust altitude to give my boys a
clear field of fire. Over.
Sure thing Captain. Ill go up, Juliet down, and you can anchor
the middle. Out.
Standing next to Captain Salt, Colonel Jason Henley
frowned. Aerospace fighters? Where had they launched from? The main
action was taking place on the other continent. This was supposedly a
remote outpost, a prison facility. His internal radar twitched. What didnt
he know?
Salt turned him. I suggest you buckle up, Colonel. Its going to
get a bit bumpy in a minute.
---
The two Kurita Shilones split apart, rapidly gaining altitude as they
approached the Shadowfax.
Salt was in command. Shadowfax here. Standby. Well eat the
first pass and then I want you up their tailpipes. Over.
Ten-four, Captain. But dont feel like you have to leave us
anything. Over. Romeo laughed.
The two Shilones came screaming down from above. Captain Salt
held Shadowfax steady, trusting its armor to do its work. Fire at will,
she said simply, her hands wrapped like a vise around the control sticks.
LRMs crisscrossed the sky as the Shilones and Shadowfax opened
fire on each other, followed by Shadowfaxs turret mounted PPCs and then
by the Shilones large lasers as the two aerospace fighters continued their
dive.
The DropShip shuddered as missiles exploded and lasers scorched
its armored surface but Salt held steady. Shed been under fire before and
instead of trying to evade, she trusted her gunners to do their
work. Besides, it wasnt exactly like the Shadowfax was maneuverable in
atmosphere, anyway. It was nicknamed The Brick for good reason.
Then the Shilones were past, the two Cosairs now in hot
pursuit. She checked her damage display. A few tons of armor had gone
missing but nothing serious. She allowed herself to relax just a bit.
Sanchez, get me Romeo and Juliet.
The communications officer nodded. Patched in, go ahead
Captain.
Dont you two go too far. There might be more where those came
from and Im getting used to having you around. Besides, Id hate for the
Colonel to have to be the bearer of bad news to your CO. Over.
This is Romeo. Acknowledged. We hit the control surface on
one of those Shilones. You sure you dont want us to finish the job,
Captain? Over.
Captain Salt paused, briefly considering. Negative. Return to
your stations. Well deal with them if and when they come back around.
Out.
Now to land this bucket. Sanchez, pull up that LZ, the Colonels
getting anxious.
Minutes later, Captain Salt brought the Shadowfax down in a
blissfully clear grass field. Reluctantly, shed been forced to let the two
Lindon Company aerospace fighters return to the Second Drakon LZ. Too
bad she hadnt thought to ask them to equip external fuel tanks. It seemed
they had regrettably short legs.
Standby on Mech bay doors. Its time to unload.
---
Sigil was sticking to Dawg like gum. Some forty plus soldiers, all
in full sneak suits like himself, were swiftly approaching the mountain top
detention facility. They had already mapped out their approach routes
using the satellite imagery the Overste had provided them. Sigil eagerly
scanned the rocky landscape for potential enemies.
Bingo! The infrared image enhancers made it all too easy to pick
out the lance of Kurita Mechs on station guarding the facility. They had
already given the patrol lance a wide berth and passed the information
onto the Colonel. A Locust, a Phoenix Hawk, and pair of Panthers.
He switched to low light mode, pushing the optical magnification
to the maximum, then engaged the digital zoom as he continued to
examine the Mechs on guard duty. Well, well, well. A Wolverine,
Blackjack and Cicada. All easy IDs, but the fourth what was it?
Wait a minute. Wasnt that a Maltex chassis? Something tickled
the back of his mind. Hed made it a point to study all the Mech
manufacturers that had been destroyed in the Succession Wars, orphaning
their designs. It was a strange obsession with him and one of the reasons
he was so thrilled to pilot the Clint. He winced, recalling how his Clint
was unceremoniously heaped up in cargo storage aboard the Shadowfax,
too badly damaged to be field repaired.
Andoran Industries, Stormvanger Assemblies, Kong Interstellar,
Whitworth Company, Lantren Corporation, he knew them all. And what
was that unit insignia? Wait a minute. Sigil froze. These werent Sixth
Alshain Regulars. His stomach dropped. Oh shit
He activated the built-in sub-vocal micro communicator built into
his suit. Uhh Dawg? Umm these arent Sixth Alshain
Regulars. Look at the unit insignia and paint job. This is one of the Ghost
Regiments. Im not sure which one, and uhh I cant ID one of their
Mechs. Im pretty sure its an old Star League model, he trailed off.
---
Colonel Henley was swearing inside the cockpit of his 85-ton
Battlemaster. A Ghost Regiment!? Here on Alshain!? Kerensky! But it
did explain a lot. Like the surprising number of Mechs the Sixth Alshain
had put into the field to try and deny them an LZ. Or the multiple wings
of aerospace fighters that had attacked them during planetfall and shot
down the Newfoundland. Or, for that matter, the dogged tenacity with
which the supposedly former Rasalhague Regulars MechWarriors had
fought with against them.
Major OMara, Henley called out to the man seated behind him
in the command console. Infantry reports the facility is defended by
Kurita Ghost Regiment Mechs, not, repeat not, Sixth Alshain units. You
might want to the give the Overste a heads-up. I think weve stumbled
across a little secret here.
Henley hit his command frequency. Were going to engage the
light patrol lance. I want to confirm the infantry report regarding the
presence of Ghost Regiment units. Dawg, hunker down and hold
position. Acknowledge.
This is Dawg. Acknowledged. Well hole up until you give the
command to proceed. Out.
Chapter 9
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
Chapter 10
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
The control surface was smeared with the blood of the Ghost
Regiment officer who had operated the console only moments before. In
fact, most of the command center was splattered with blood. Here and
there sparks popped as smoke wisped out of damaged electronics. Chairs
were toppled and scattered about haphazardly and still slick, bloody trails
marked where bodies had been hurriedly dragged out.
The Colonel strode directly into charnel house barking out orders
non-stop. Sigil, I want to know everything about this facility ASAP.
Sally ports, defenses, communications, whatever you can dig up,
especially where those two Shilones launched from.
Hamilton, get back down to the Mech bays. Start slapping armor
back on the Hatchetman. Patch it up as best you can, I need at least one
functional Mech! The Battlemaster and Atlas are going to need
replacement actuators as well as gyro and engine repair kits. I saw parts
stockpiled in the bay when we passed through it. After youre done with
the Hatchetman, inventory the supplies. I need to know what weve got to
work with. Its only a matter of time before the Ghosts come back with a
vengeance. Probably only hours.
OMara, reorganize the infantry into five reinforced platoons. I
know there are at least three functional weapon turrets. I want a platoon
assigned to operate and defend each turret. Then I want you to personally
lead a platoon and go topside to search for Leutnant Weddle. I saw him
eject before his Warhammer went down. Leave the rest here to guard the
command center and take care of the wounded, especially Dawg.
McMillian, take a couple of men with you to where were holding
the Ghost command staff you captured. Interrogate them. I want to know
everything they know. Whatever means necessary. The Colonel looked
grim.
Sigil had just finished wiping the blood off the console when the
Colonel was over his shoulder. What have you got so far?
I just sat down and got the blood off, Colonel! By the Usurper,
can I have at least a couple minutes!?
Sigil could hear the Colonel grinding his teeth behind him and then
he turned swiftly away, addressing McMillian once again. Ernie, Ill go
down with you and help with the interrogation.
---
Sigils hands flew over the ancient Star League era control surface,
text, tables and graphs scrolling down the screen as fast as he could scan
through them. By Alexandr Kerensky himself, he muttered to himself
in disbelief. Bergan Industries!? The flow of data slowed as Sigil
began to read more closely. No way this can be right!
Bergan Industries was synonymous with the ubiquitous 20-ton
Locust. In fact, the LCT-1V Locust was still being produced by Bergan
right here on Alshain to this very day. Apparently, four hundred ago,
however, they used to be a major supplier to the Star League Defense
Force. And it had little to do with the well-known Locust either.
Sigil was examining the wire diagram of a 60-ton BattleMech
labeled as a CHP-1N Champion. It was rather squat and, lacking true
arms, it gave the vague impression of an aerospace fighter that couldnt fly
so someone had stuck a pair of legs on it. Actually, it looked more like the
big ugly cousin of the Locust. Now that he thought about it, the Locust
lacked arms too. What did Bergan have against arms anyway? He spun
the Mech around in three dimensions as the technical specifications of the
design scrolled down one side of the display.
Chassis: Bergan XI
Power Plant: Vlar 300
Maximum Speed: 86 kph
Armor: 2/Star Slab Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
Lubalin Ballistics 10-X Autocannon
Harpoon-6 SRM Launcher
2 x Magna MkII Medium Lasers
2 x Martell Small Lasers
Communications: Garret T-11C
Targeting and Tracking: Mercury-IV with Artemis IV FCS
The Locust used the Bergan VII Chassis. The Dragon, Marauder
and even the Atlas all used the Vlar 300 fusion engine. The Garret T-11A
was used by the Rifleman, the T-11B by the Wolverine and Crusader, but
hed never heard of a C series of the T-11 before. The Magna and
Martell lasers were staples. And again the Crusader and Wolverine both
used the Harpoon-6. That left the autocannon and T&T system. He
hadnt heard of either of them before and if there was one thing he knew,
it was military hardware.
Lostech. Just within the last twenty years or so the Inner Sphere
had finally begun to rediscover the military advances pioneered by the
fabled Star League. Even then most people credited the discovery of the
Helm Memory Core for that rather than any truly original research.
Mercury IV. Wonder what thats all about? Sigils hands began
dancing once again across the controls. New blocks of texts began sliding
down the screen followed by schematics and more technical
specifications. Meh. One primary, two secondary targets, no target or
damage identification not even a lock-on indicator. Ninety degree
scanning arc but at least it had all the scanning modes. Quite
unimpressive, really. It made the modern day TharHes T&T systems look
pretty good.
Thats interesting though, he thought as he read on. The Mercury
IV Fire Control System increases the accuracy of the Lubalin Ballisitics
10-X autocannon at every range as well as extends the maximum effective
range by a good 20%. The accuracy can be further increased by the use of
cluster-type munitions which spread damage across multiple locations.
Lubalin Ballistics. Of course, the LB 10-X autocannon! Lizzie
had one of those autocannons. The Mercury IV must have been integrated
into the autocannon itself at some later point. The Hatchetman had
originally used a TharHes Ares-8a targeting and tracking system, so what
happened to the Mercury-IV? Hed have to circle back around to this at
some later point.
Now what about this Artemis IV FCS? Again Sigils hands flew
over the control surface causing new pages of text to appear only to
disappear almost as quickly as he sifted through enormous amounts of
data. Ahh. The Artemis IV Fire Control System. There were tons and
tons of stuff about the Artemis online, way more than there had been on
the Champion or the Lubalin Ballistics autocannon. An intricate break out
diagram of a dome shaped piece of hardware materialized on the screen
along with detailed technical information.
A 35% increase in the accuracy of short and long range
missiles? He whistled, as he quickly read on. The Artemis IV FCS
illuminates targets with an infrared beam and then sends missiles in-flight
trajectory corrections via a tight-beam microwave communications
link. The missiles themselves are fitted with an enhanced guidance
package that allows bi-directional communication. Now thats impressive,
he whistled.
Numerous field-testing reports began filling the screen, sorted by
date. Testing had begun late in 2601 and continued right up until
2784. Sigil paused. That would have been 259 years ago. The testing
ended the same year as the Exodus, the fateful operation led by General
Aleksandr Kerensky himself. The Exodus took over 80% of the Star
League Defense Force out beyond the Periphery never to been seen or
heard from again and ultimately lead to the still ongoing series of wars,
known as the Succession Wars.
The Valkyrie, Panther, Assassin, Whitworth, Wyvern, Centurion,
Champion, Archer and the Crockett had all completed field-
testing. However, the last four lines had a different
status. Interesting. The Bombardier, Guillotine, Thug and the Highlander
were all listed as In Progress.
Sigil pulled up the field report on the BMB-12Db
Bombardier. SLDF Royal engineers had modified the base design by
pulling off the Arrowlite-4 SRM launcher, the Buzzsaw Anti-Missile
System and replaced the original Vox 325XL fusion engine with a Magna
260XL. With the weight savings, they added the Artemis IV FCS to the
two Delphinius-20 LRM launchers, doubled the ammunition capacity,
added a pair of Magna medium lasers and a pair of Defiance Streak-2
SRM Launchers.
The report was dated Jan. 3, 2784, only months before General
Kerensky would give his famous one word order, "Exodus."
Sigil continued scanning through the report on the
Bombardier. The accuracy of standard short and long range missiles are
enhanced by the Artemis IV FCS. Swarm type sub-munition based long
range missile accuracy is also increased by approximately 35%. However,
the additional increase in missile accuracy is lost for those missiles
missing their primary target and targeting an adjacent unit.
Regarding Thunder type sub-munition based long range missiles,
the Artemis IV FCS has no appreciable increase to its effectiveness. This
is due to the fact that Field Artillery Scatterable Mines target a static
physical location rather than an active enemy unit.
Swarm long range missiles? Sub-munitions? Scatterable
Mines? Thunder LRMs? Sigils mind swam with the possibilities. What
was this place, some kind of Star League proving grounds for new missile
technologies? And why hadnt anyone heard of it before? The questions
just kept piling on. And how did Overste Erling find out about it in the
first place?
He flipped back through the navigational menus. If I could find
the system access security logs maybe they might provide a
clue. Bingo. System maintenance logs. Columns of time stamped data
rolled down the screen. It took only a minute to find what he was looking
for, a huge gap in the timestamps.
The system had been shut down the morning of February 8, 2784,
only months before the Exodus. Incredible. Then he saw the answer on
the very next line. The system had finally been restarted 258 years later
on Oct. 19, 3042. Less than one year ago.
He paused, suddenly recalling the black Combine Internal Security
Force Dragon Hamilton had scrapped on the battlefield just two hours
ago. Then the Draconis Elite Strike Team Dawgs infantry ran smack into
when they first tried to take the command center. It had been the most
gruesome fight Sigil had ever witnessed. The DEST commandos were
both fanatical and suicidal. Sigil couldnt imagine a worse combination.
Capt. McMillian had blown the door with pentacycline and Dawg
had been the first man through. Right into a hail of fletchette, ballistic and
laser fire. The huge giant of a man had gone down hard, his sneak suit
riddled with holes but it had been enough. The rest of his men poured in
behind him, laying waste to just about everything in the center. The
console he was sitting at was one of the few pieces of gear left operable.
But the most shocking part had been when the DEST commandos
saw they wouldnt be able to hold the command center. They had actually
turned their weapons on their own fellow Combine officers. They killed
almost every Ghost officer in the center. Only two had survived and both
of them were badly wounded. They killed their own men even as Dawgs
infantry moved in to finish them off. No quarter, no surrender. Sigil
shuddered.
The ISF, DEST and the Ghost Regiment must have all been
dispatched, probably directly from Luthien, to assess this facility. Which
explained why no one had even the slightest idea a Ghost Regiment was
on planet when they landed. Totally secrecy. It still didnt explain how
Overste Erling had come by the coordinates for it, though.
Sigils eyes widened. The Guillotine. The SLDF paintjob. The
field report. His hands flew over the control surface, pulling up the field
tests of the GLT-3Nb Guillotine.
Again, the first thing that appeared was the SLDF Royal engineers
report. The original 22 single heat sinks had been replaced with 15 double
strength ones. A second Conventry-6 SRM had been added and both
launchers had been equipped with the Artemis IV Fire Control
System. The original Sunglow large laser had also been replaced with a
Tiegart Magnum Extended Range particle cannon.
He hurriedly read on. Ahh. The Pulsar Tri-X. The minimal
scanning arc of the Pulsar Tri-X targeting and tracking system coupled
with the absence of electromagnetic sensors had led to multiple instances
of the loss of communication between the Artemis IV Fire Control System
and the missiles guidance package. The problem is exacerbated in a
target rich environment. Increasing the scanning width of the Pulsar Tri-X
to 180 degrees only partially resolves the situation. The increased
scanning range and the interface to the Artemis IV FCS require almost all
of the available expansion ports in the Pulsar Tri-X. This upgrade, in turn,
has led to rare instances of the targeting and tracking system experiencing
periods of extremely high utilization during which the system is slow to
respond and again causing loss of communication between the on-board
missile guidance and the Artemis unit.
Sigil swiped backward on the control surface returning to the
extensive list of field reports. Wonder whats up with the Thug?
Sure enough, another SLDF Royal engineers report. Two heat
sinks have been removed to make space for the Artemis IV Fire Control
System now installed on both Bical-6 SRM Launchers. Both standard
Tiegart particle cannons have been upgraded to the Tiegart Magnum
Extended Range model. In addition, after extensive review of the
BattleMechs combat record, the need for additional short-range firepower
on the unit is apparent. The original 15.5 tons of Mitchell Argon armor
was reduced to 13.5 tons and a pair of Magna Mk. II medium lasers
installed in the center torso. Initial field testing indicates the significant
heat buildup caused by prolonged use of the Tiegart Magnum particle
cannon impairs combat efficiency during protracted battles. Given the
addition of the Magna Mk II. lasers, one possible solution is to return to
the original Tiegart particle cannon since the redesign has significantly
more short-range firepower.
That leaves the 90-ton Highlander, Sigil mused to himself. He still
remembered seeing Rhonda Snord cresting the hill back on Vega in her
HGN-732 Highlander. It was one of the most awe inspiring sights hed
ever seen. It was also the first time hed seen the devastating M-7 Gauss
Rifle. As he understood it, it used a series of capacitor-powered
electromagnets to propel solid nickel-iron slugs at incredible velocities. It
hit one and half times harder than a standard particle cannon and it had a
range greater than even that of long range missiles. A weapon to rule any
battlefield.
He pulled up the rendering of the HGN-732b. One of the largest
Mechs ever manufactured, it looked deadly, even more so then the
vaunted ASD-7 Atlas which had actually been designed to look fearsome
and outweighed it by a good 10 tons.
Once again the Royal engineers had been at work improving an
already well respected design. Two heat sinks had been removed to make
space to add the Artemis IV FCS to both the Holly-20 and Holly-6 missile
launchers. A ton of ammo for the Holly-6 had been swapped out for an
additional Harmon StarClass medium laser and the remaining ten heat
sinks all upgraded to double strength.
Then it got interesting.
After extensive battlefield analysis, the HGN-732 regularly
engages multiple targets simultaneously. This is primarily due to the
weapon loadout which features a series of optimal range points, beginning
at 630m and steadily decreasing to 180m, where it finally begins to
plateau. If physical damage potential is added, the resulting damage curve
is unique. The design is equally deadly in every range category and
matches or exceeds the curve of every existing BattleMech design in
production across the board.
To further enhance this characteristic, the Starlight LX-1 targeting
and tracking system has been replaced by the Army Comp Type 29K. The
Type 29K allows for up to four primary targets and a single secondary
target. In addition, it has twice the scanning width of the Starlight while
maintaining the same lock-on range. The Army Comp Type 29K is highly
expandable and even after adding the Artemis IV interface modules the
system maintains solid performance and acceptable utilization levels.
Leutnant Sigil! What in the hell are you doing! The Colonels
voice exploded from directly behind Sigils back causing him to jump up
awkwardly, hitting his thighs against the console and sending him
stumbling backwards into the Colonel. Slipping on the blood stained
floor, the Colonel and Sigil both tumbled to the ground.
Sigil clambered quickly back to his feet. Uh sorry
Colonel. You surprised me, he trailed off lamely as the Colonel
regained his feet, smoothing his uniform back out as he rose.
The Colonels eyes flared and bored into him, grim and
furious. Report, Lt. Sigil!
Uh.., yes, sir. Colonel, sir. Report, sir, Sigil blinked back at the
Colonel.
The Colonels voice boomed through the command center,
reverberating off the walls. The few other troopers in the room turned
their eyes towards the Colonel, shifting uncomfortably and then looked
quickly away. HAVE YOU FOUND OUT ANYTHING
USEFUL?! COMMUNICATIONS!? DEFENSES!? ANYTHING AT
ALL!?
Then the Colonel hit his stride. Spittle flew from his lips and his
face purpled like an approaching thunderstorm as he raged on. Let me
remind you of the situation, Lt. Sigil. We are in possession of a highly
valuable enemy C3 facility. Lt. Hamilton is bolting armor onto a 45-ton
Mech so we can have at least ONE FUNCTIONAL MECH with which
to attempt some semblance of a defense with. Capt. Dawg is critically
injured, Lt. Weddle is MIA and his Warhammer is destroyed. My
Battlemaster and Lt. Hamiltons Atlas are basically scrap. We have a
reinforced squad of infantry scattered in small groups throughout this
installation. We have no communications capability with which to
attempt to contact friendly units. And the Ghost Tai-sa is no doubt, even
ask we speak, CALLING DOWN HOLY HELL UPON US from his 90-
ton Daboku, which might I remind you, is parked right outside. NOW,
DO YOU HAVING ANYTHING TO REPORT, LT. SIGIL!
Yes, sir. It appears this facility was an SLDF proving ground for
advanced fire control systems, in particular a missile based system
codenamed Artemis IV. Ive located block diagrams, wiring schematics
and manufacturing blueprints for it, as well as field testing reports for over
a dozen different models of Mechs. The SLDF sent Mechs here to be
retrofitted and tested with the Artemis IV system. Royal engineers would
modify the Mechs then conduct live fire tests of the upgraded units.
Sigil rattled on. Before the Succession Wars, Bergan Industries,
right here on Alshain, produced a 60-ton Mech called the Champion
which was equipped with the Artemis IV FCS. Apparently Bergan
pioneered the system for use on its Champion around 2600. It was the
first Mech designed from the ground up to use it. It turns out the
Champion also used the Lubalin Ballistics 10-X autocannon, which had its
own advanced fire control system, the Mercury-IV. The Artemis IV
increases missile accuracy by roughly 35%. The Mercury-IV increases
the accuracy and range of ballistic weapons by about 20%.
Sigil paused. For some reason the Colonel looked utterly
unimpressed.
The Colonel began responding in a dangerously low
voice. Thank you for that history lesson, Leutnant. Now would you
please explain HOW IN THE HELL THAT IS USEFUL TO US RIGHT
NOW!
The Colonel growled angrily. Leutnant. I will be back here in 5
minutes. If you dont have something useful to report by then, so help me
Kerensky, I will strip you naked and send you streaking out across the
battlefield as a diversionary tactic. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!?
Sigil bolted upright, hastily snapping a lopsided salute. Yes,
sir! Understood, Sir! Five minutes, sir!
He turned back to the console just as OMara came sprinting back
into the command center, barely just skidding to a stop before the Colonel.
Breathless, he reported. Colonel! The Daboku! It just took out
turret #3! Those quad Imperator Smoothie-2 autocannons, sir, their range
is incredible! Longer than the LRMs! It was stationed over 700m away
and laid a stream of slugs on it that just ate right through the turret. There
wasnt anything we could do! The LRMs are only good out to a
maximum of 630m! We had to abandon the position, sir.
Sigil swiveled his chair around. Colonel, sir, about the
communications. It just occurred to me the Army Comm. Class 5 in
Hamiltons Atlas has limited ground to space communication
capability. Im pretty sure I saw an elevator in the Mech bay when we
passed through. If you could get it topside, I bet you could get a signal
out. All the com gear in here is shot up pretty bad and we took out the
transmitter during the assault to drop their ECM field. I dont think well
be able to get it back online any time soon, Colonel. The Atlas is your
best bet, at least in the near term. The HartfordCo Com 4000 in your
Battlemaster might work too in a pinch but it isnt nearly as powerful as
the Class 5.
The grim faced Colonel looked back at OMara. Brevet Major,
with me. Its time we have a few words with your boss, the Overste.
Chapter 11
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
Once Capt. Salt had the Shadowfax airborne once again, she turned
it around, heading back towards the KungsArme headquarters.
Sanchez, open a comlink to the HQ. The Colonels gonna need
some backup, assuming hes still alive. Salt pursed her lips tightly.
He better still be alive. She had taken one look at the Overstes
orders and it had looked like a suicide mission to her. Assaulting a
heavily fortified defensive position guarded by a reinforced company of
Mechs with a single lance. It certainly wasnt her idea of a good time.
It was insanity. She could hardly believe the Colonel had even
agreed to go. Contract be damned, she wouldve been out of there. The
Overste obviously had no regard for the 69th. It was just another pawn to
be sacrificed on the field so his Second Drakon could advance.
KungsArme HQ on the line, Captain. Ljtnant Endre.
This is Captain Varruka Salt, 69th Virginia Expeditionary,
inbound. Tango Alpha Foxtrot. Transmitting IFF codes now.
There was a short pause.
Identity confirmed, Capt. Salt. You may continue on your current
heading. Weve got a CAP up. Once they have visual confirmation,
theyll escort you on in. Welcome back.
The disembodied voice on the other end chuckled. You just made
me a rich man, Captain Salt. The pool was 10-to-1 odds against your
return.
Dont count your winnings yet, Lt. The target had a huge ECM
field covering it. We deployed our Swift Wind but by the time the ECM
field went down, we only caught a few brief communiqus from the
Colonel before we lost contact. Then we were forced to take off by a pair
of Shilones and a lance of approaching hostile Mechs. Standby, were
transmitting the full report now.
---
Overste Anders Erling was in his stateroom aboard his Overlord-
class DropShip mulling over the report from Captain Salt and the recent
supposed sighting of a Kurita Ghost Regiment when his XO, Gunnar
Holdar, entered.
Overste. Colonel Jason Henley of the 69th Virginia
Expeditionary just made contact.
Erling stood up immediately, making his way the short distance to
the bridge, Holdar following in his wake. The Colonels grim face filled
one of the primary displays.
Colonel Henley. Report.
We are in possession of a DCMS command, control and
communications facility. The fortified facility is not, repeat not, a
detention facility. There is no sign of any prisoners, nor were we able to
locate Silver Fox. We believe the installation is a Star League Defense
Force advanced fire control system research facility. We encountered a
GLT-3N Guillotine in the olive drab of the SLDF bearing 16th Army
insignia. We engaged a reinforced company of Ghost Regiemnt Mechs,
including an ISF unit and encountered a DEST inside the facility itself.
Erling hid his surprise well. What is your combat readiness
status?
Lt. Weddles Hammer was destroyed in the assault and he is still
MIA. My Battlemaster and the Atlas are both crippled. Only Lt.
Southers Hatchetman is operational. The infantry have been reduced to
approximately a single squad. We have barricaded ourselves into the
facility itself. The presumed Ghost commander, piloting a 90-ton Daboku,
and at least two other Kurita Mechs are still outside. A pair of Shilones is
likely still out there somewhere as well. We request immediate relief
forces. We cant hold this facility with one Mech and a squad of infantry,
Overste. The Colonel face was etched with anger.
Erling took little notice of the Colonels short, clipped report and
continued on.
Colonel, I dont know anything about this supposed Ghost
Regiment. What I do know is that the Sixth Alshain are mobilizing and
withdrawing from their positions on our flanks. It now seems likely they
intend to retake your position. This represents the best chance Task Force
Fenrir is going to get to take Silverdale, our primary objective. You are to
hold the facility until you receive further orders. Your DropShip is
inbound to our LZ. Your request for additional forces is denied. All
available units will support the assault on the primary objective. Once
weve secured Silverdale, HQ will notify you and you can have your
DropShip extract your unit.
Brevet Major OMaras voice suddenly broke into the
conversation. Overste Erling! This facility is priceless! The data and
equipment housed here are invaluable! In addition, it offers a fortified
position, repair facilities, parts stockpiles, everything we need to secure a
strong foothold on planet! I recommend we reinforce this position as soon
as possible!
Overste Erling looked annoyed. Brevet Major, apparently I need
to remind you of the objective of this campaign. The Second Drakon is
here to take the planet, not some long deserted SLDF supply
dump. Positioning ourselves in a remote sector on the secondary landmass
does little to advance our real mission. Taking the capital city, the
StarPort and the HPG facility, however, does. You have your
orders. Now, I have an assault to prepare. Dismissed.
Overste Erling Anders motioned to the communications officer to
cut the comlink as he turned to his XO.
Assemble all the unit commanders and notify me immediately
once theyre gathered. Ive got a plan. He smiled, a jump in his step, as
he returned to his stateroom.
---
Brevet Major OMara stared at the black screen where the Overste
had disappeared only seconds before. I cant believe it
Colonel Henley flipped the crippled Atlass Army Comm Class 5
off. The small satellite dish on the side of the Atlass head began
collapsing and folding in on itself before stowing itself away in an
armored compartment specially built to protect it.
Believe it, Major. Overste Ander Erlings is an idiot. He paused
for a long second. Sigil better have turned up something useful by now
or were all going to die.
Henley checked Atlass Type 26K scanners out of habit. Ive got
a reading on the motion sensors. Small, might just be an
anomaly. Punching it up on optical now.
Henley looked over at one of his secondary displays, punching up
the magnification. A haggard figure in a torn cooling vest stumbled out
from the behind the rubble of one of the destroyed turrets.
With a sharp intake of breathe, the Colonel recognized Lt. Jochen
Weddle from his shock of blond hair. Kerensky! Lt. Weddle made it
after all! Open the cockpit. We need to get him down to medical. He
looks rough.
A few minutes later, OMara was helping Weddle into the Atlass
now cramped cockpit.
Sorry, Colonel, Weddle began explaining, between the neural
feedback from the Hammer going up and the force of the ejection and
subsequent landing, I was knocked clean out. As it is, I feel like Ive been
ridden hard and hung up wet.
Have the medic give you a good once over. If were going to
survive the next 24 hours, were all going to be pushing our limits.
The Atlas slowly turned, limping back into the elevator for the ride
back down.
---
Overste Anders looked up as Colonel Sarah Lindon strode briskly
into his stateroom.
He tossed his data pad onto his desk. Thats right, Colonel
Lindon. Request denied.
Putting both hands on his desk, Lindon leaned over fixing him with
her flinty gaze. Thats bullshit, Colonel! You cant leave the 69th out
there like that!
Overste Erling leaned forward, his face now only inches from
Lindons. Im going to speak frankly and off the record, Colonel
Lindon. I dont have to like every decision I make. But I still have to
make them. As a commanding officer I expect you to understand and
respect that. Were both well aware of our precarious position here. The
69th has given us a real opportunity to pull this rabbit out of the hat and I
mean to take it. And that means I need every available unit. Every last
one. All out on the field supporting the upcoming attack on
Silverdale. Then, maybe, just maybe, we stand a chance of pulling this
off.
Refusing to so much as twitch, Lindon rolled on. Youre holding
their DropShip hostage. Youre leaving them to die, Colonel
Erling. Youre sacrificing them.
Their eyes locked together as Erling spat out his response. This is
war, Colonel Lindon. People die. Its my duty to take this planet for the
Free Rasalhague Republic and to minimize my combat losses while
maximizing the losses of my enemy. Officer Candidate School Lesson
#1. Now, if youre done throwing your little tizzy fit, I suggest you return
to your unit and prepare them for the upcoming operation. Dismissed.
Damn you to hell, Anders. Ill never work for the KungsArme
again! Colonel Sarah Lindon turned suddenly, slamming the portal to his
office shut as she stormed out.
--
Ah, the rewards of a misspent youth. Any system is only as secure
as its weakest link. Sigil had learned that back in his days at
Sanglamore. The layout of any military facility was always a closely
guarded secret. But the maintenance techs still had to know where to go
to fix things when they broke or needed replacement.
And what is the one thing everybody needs? Air.
Sigil grinned as he pulled up the HVAC diagrams of the
installation. Ducting schematics, air handlers, vents, returns, heat
exchangers, it was practically the entire layout of the facility if you knew
how to read it. You could even guesstimate the rough dimensions of a
space by looking and the size and number of vents and returns. Cross-
reference that with the diameter of the ducting and the rate of flow,
compare that to standard turnover rates, and you get a pretty good idea of
its size.
And since the maintenance techs took care of the day-to-day, they
needed access to this kind of documentation. And it was a rare custodial
tech that had a decent security clearance. Apparently, some things hadnt
changed in the past 300 years and thank Kerensky for that, Sigil
laughed. Talk about irony.
It took only a cursory examination to locate the main Mech
bay. What he was really looking for were any hallways large enough to
accommodate the passage of a Mech. Mmmhmm. There, there, there
and more still. Wow, there was actually quite a few.
That must be the main set of doors where we entered. And this
one, one of the concealed passages the Daboku had sprung out of. And
that one looks like it heads towards turret #3. There must be another
hidden door somewhere near that turret.
All in all, he counted six different passages out of the
facility. Given what hed seen during the assault, you could bet they were
all cleverly camouflaged. No doubt the Colonel would appreciate
knowing about these.
Sigils mind returned to the SLDF Royal engineers reports hes
scanned earlier, specifically the one that showed that Guillotine was still
undergoing testing. His mind spun and twirled like an acrobat with
possibilities. If I was the Star League commander, where would I store
working prototypes? Id need them to be close to the main Mech hangar
and Id require a specially equipped laboratory for the outfitting, testing
and analysis. And Id have to strictly control access.
Sigil began to systematically spiral out from the Mech bay. Page
after page of detailed HVAC blueprints flashed by his screen. Suddenly
the screen flashed red and a system prompt appeared. Authorization
Required. Bingo! That had to be the Royal Engineers laboratory.
He spun his chair around, yelling. Hey, Ernie, grab some of you
men and follow me down to the hangar. I need you to check out
something for me.
---
Hamilton was busy with the thermal welder, cutting out plates
from slabs of armor when Sigil came up behind him. The armor looked
odd. It wasnt solid plating but looked to be three layers all sandwiched
together. Definitely thicker and bulker too.
Hey, Hamilton! What are you doing? Slapping industrial armor
on the Hatchetman!? Kerensky, are we that desperate!?
Hamilton flipped up his welding helmet, shrugging. To be
honest, Ive got no idea. It was labeled as Grumman-3. Its as close to
armor as I could find around here so how about you stop asking questions
and give me a hand instead. Get up and there and give me the dimensions
for the next plate. This stuff is a real pain in the ass to cut.
With that, Hamilton snapped his visor down and continued
working.
Sigil looked around for Capt. McMillian. Hey Captain, Im
gonna give Hamilton a hand with the armor before he totally screws it
up. Go on ahead. Im sure well still be here when you get back.
McMillian turned, four of his men following behind him, and
disappeared into one of the many wide passageways leading out of the
hangar.
---
As McMillian led the way down one of the cavernous passageways
leading out of the hangar, he couldnt help but reflect on their current
situation. Hed been in a lot of tight spots during his time in the Infantry
Corps of the LCAF but this might arguably be the worst.
It was just a matter of time before the Dragon came back to
reclaim its lair. That they would, he had no doubt. That they would
succeed, he had no doubt either. The only question that remained is would
he survive its fiery return.
Hed been fighting a battle within himself about it. Smart money
would be to load up all the remaining 69th personnel, abandon the base
and make a dash for it. Of course that would mean leaving all the Mechs
behind and Mech jocks were real particular about their hardware.
Chapter 12
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
Chapter 13
Nadir Point
Alshain
3043
Draconis Combine
The song grew and swelled, reaching a crescendo. The air was
suddenly rent by a flight of aerospace fighters only meters off the ground
as they screamed up the passage towards the Prince and the assembled
Mechs. At the last second, they veered practically vertical, shooting into
the sky like metallic stars as the 108 Mechs of the First Drakon stomped
the ground thrice in perfect unison.
For a suspended second, the entire world shook with an astounding
ferocity. The cacophony of sounds physically assaulted them and then as
quickly as it came, it was over.
On the grandstand, the Prince reached to his side, putting an
ancient horn covered in gold leaf to his lips and blew a single, long note.
Major OMara, Second Drakon, KungsArme. Step forth and
kneel.
As OMara kneeled, the Prince drew out a medallion from within
the folds of his ceremonial regalia and held it up, glinting in the
sunlight. The Hammer Mjollnir! To crush our enemies, scatter our foes
and revel in the glory of battle!
He draped the heavy medallion suspended on a thick golden chain
from the Majors neck and then stepped back away from center
stage. Another man, dressed impeccably in modern clothes stepped up to
the microphone, taking his place.
The Fourth Estate wishes to express its own gratitude to the
members of Task Force Fenrir. Many think power can be quantified in C-
bills, Mechs or influence. However, these things are only the shadow of
power, not power itself. True power is knowledge. And the Fourth Estate
stands poised to reap the benefits of the knowledge brought back to us by
our triumphant warriors and their allies.
He motioned forward. Suddenly, the ground was rocked once
again as the ranks of the First Drakon split apart with flawless execution
and a pair of shining 70-tons Archers strode up the passage leading
towards the grandstand.
The deadly shadow of power, the pride of Gorton, Kingsley and
Thorpe Enterprises here on Rasalhague! The ARC-5R Archer!
The torsos of both Mechs flipped open, revealing matched sets of
FarFire LRM-15 missile systems. Mounted to each arm was a Victory
Nickel Alloy extended range large laser. Both Mechs shuddered as sixty
long-range missiles simultaneously took flight. They arced high into the
air, exploding as huge multi-colored fireworks. The sky was blanketed in
clusters of incandescent colors, a riot of green, blues and reds.
As burning embers cascaded down upon the assembly, the man
continued speaking. Colonel Jason Henley, commanding officer of the
69th Virginia Expeditionary Force, step forward and accept these two
BattleMechs in honor of your courage and prowess on the battlefield in the
face of overwhelming odds. I bestow upon you the honorary title of
Valdherren and your men, Herstig.
He turned, now addressing the entire assembly. Please join us all
at the Palace Hall this evening for festivities celebrating our victory and
honoring our guests.
Chapter 15
Rasalhague
3043
Free Rasalhague Republic
Chapter 16
Rasalhague
3043
Free Rasalhague Republic
Colonel Jason Henley sat at a long, obviously antique table made
from some kind of exotic wood. Across from him sat a man dressed
smartly in a double-breasted suit.
Thank you for coming, Colonel. Ill get straight to the point. I
am Hans Fjord, Chief Operating Officer for Gorton, Kingsley and
Thorpe. In case you are not well acquainted with my organization, we are
a well-diversified company with interests spanning many different
industries, including military hardware. Our main corporate headquarters
is located here on Rasalhague but we have production facilities on a
number of other star systems as well.
Colonel, I want something you have. Something I cant get
anywhere else. Consequently, Ill skip the normal negotiating process
since you are already holding all the cards. Ive reviewed your units
manifest. You are a growing mercenary unit. Your balance sheet and
cash position are excellent and your Mercenary Review Board rating is
astonishing for such a recently founded unit.
The Colonel looked at Fjord unflinchingly, his visage unreadable.
Here is my offer, Colonel Henley. Both a Scout-class JumpShip
and a Union-class DropShip in exchange for the Confederate you took on
Alshain.
He paused, trying in vain to gauge the Colonels reaction. There
was not even the slightest trace in the mans face. He would have made an
excellent businessman. Then again, he was a businessman, just in an
entirely different type of business.
Furthermore, I offer you 20 million C-bills to keep quiet about the
disposition of the DropShip. Id rather not let my competitors know what
Im up to. Fjord chuckled.
Both ships are in system now. Im happy to provide your people
with all the time they require for inspection. If there is anything, anything
at all, I can offer in addition to, or instead of, what I have already put on
the table, dont hesitate to tell me.
He slid a memcard across the highly polished wooden
surface. My direct personal contact information is on that card,
Colonel. I look forward to hearing from you.
---
The officers of the 69th VXF were gathering in the small mess hall
of their de-facto headquarters aboard the Stonewall.
Hamilton was laughing as he shoveled an unidentifiable meat
product into his mouth. Man, that has got to be one of the best freakin
parties Ive ever been too! Hell, Im almost ready to join the
FRR! Especially now that Im a Hertig!
Captain Weddle looked at him grinning. You do know what an
honorary title means, right? Youre not really a Hertig, Hamilton.
Hamilton continued laughing. Shhhh! Thats cool, just dont tell
the Valkyries!
Captain McMillian, Dawg, Leutnant Lagemann and Corporal
Southers sat nearby speculating on where they might head to next. Dawg
stabbed a chunk of protein with his multi-purpose tool. I say
Galatea. The Colonel wants off Rasalhague ASAP. I give it a week tops
and then were outta here. He leaned back, looking down the table at
Hamilton and winking. Enjoy those warrior maidens while you can,
Hamilton. Trust me, it wont last long.
Sigil limped in late, bowlegged and bruised. He took his plate,
lowering himself slowly onto the bench with a pained grimace.
Lagemann grinned evilly. Looks like someones been to Valhalla
and back. Were those Valkyries too rough for you last night, Sigil? All
the men chuckled.
Unexpectedly, a huge wad of C-bills arced through the air, landing
on the table directly in front of Sigil with a thud. McMillian was grinning
ear to ear. Sigil looked over at him confused as the rest of officers looked
questioningly on.
McMillian was shaking his head. Kerensky! I dont know how
you did it, but you did it. Who would have ever guessed!
Corporal Southers eyes were as wide as saucers. You mean,
Sigil and Captain Salt, he trailed off into silence followed by the rest of
the mess hall.
In unison, seven sets of eyes locked onto Sigil as McMillian
spoke. Thats right. The Colonel had me hightail it back to the
Stonewall in the middle of the party last night. Apparently someone was
asking a few too many questions about our DropShip and he wanted to
make sure it was properly secured.
Shortly after I got back to the ship, Captain Salt and Spanner
showed up as well. Im pretty sure they didnt know I was here. I was
lying low when one the taxis from the Palace Hall showed up. Salt drags
Sigil out by his hair and up the ramp into the DropShip. Next thing I
know, I hear Sigil pleading, begging and then screaming for his life. I
sneak over to the Captains quarters and, Im still scarred by what I saw
there. Its not natural, I tell you, that a man should be put into those kinds
of positions.
Sigil turned bright red. Stammering, he responded, I, I,
dont remember a thing! The last thing I recall was this pale blonde
woman at the Mead Hall
Captain Weddle chortled, Youre such an idiot, Sig.
---
Colonel Jason Henley looked up as Captain Varruka Salt entered
his stateroom aboard the Stonewall. She looked unusually relaxed.
Colonel, you asked to see me?
Salt was wearing her usual skin-tight flight leathers, which left
little to the imagination, her stunstick hanging from her waist.
He put down his datapad. Hed been reviewing the units
operating expenses, balance sheet and the cash on hand. Voolkirs offer
was a good one, and he intended to give it a full consideration.
I want you to take Spanner and Lt. Sigil on an inspection
tour. Bring Capt. McMillian along as well. He has keen eyes. The COO
of Gorton, Kingsley and Thorpe met with me and made a rather tempting
offer. A Scout JumpShip and a Union DropShip in exchange for the
Confederate. Both craft are in-system now and Ive made arrangements
for you take a shuttle up to inspect them both.
Capt. Salt nodded. Most of my piloting experience is with Union-
class DropShips and Spanner knows the V250 drive system like the back
of his hand. Well give it thorough examination. If there is anything
wrong it, major or minor, well find it, Colonel.
The Scout JumpShip on the otherhand, she spread her fingers out
as she shrugged. I could pilot it in-system and the crew could handle it
Im sure, but Im no Navigator and Spanner doesnt work on Kearny-
Fuchida drives. I could give you my best guess on it but you need to
understand itll be just that, a best guess. Ill check it over but the KF
Drive is going to be an unknown.
The Colonel stroked his chin absently as he considered. Go down
to the StarPort. See if you can find somone there who is rated on KF
drives. If you think they are competent, offer them a side job and take
them with you on the inspection. Do the best you can. The shuttle leaves
tomorrow. We need to move fast on this. I do not want to stay on
Rasalhague any longer than absolutely necessary. Dismissed.
---
Colonel Henley leaned back in his chair. He tossed the datapad
with Capt. Salts full inspection report onto his desk. She was a smart
one. Concise, accurate and frank in her assessment, her report was
nothing like the bloated treatises he had to write back in his days with the
Third Lyran Guard. In the LCAF, a good report was measured by the
number of pages.
He stroked his chin absently, deep in thought. What was the true
value of a JumpShip? It was certainly more than just a pile of C-bills.
Full transport for his entire unit. Every contract negotiation involved the
same basic five elements: Payment, Support, Transport, Salvage Rights,
and Command Rights.
Hed just finishing learning the hard way about the importance of
Command Rights. If he took Voolkirs offer, hed gain a powerful new
bargaining chip for the next time he was at the negotiating table. Which,
he reflected, was probably not long off. The units contract with the FRR
was now officially over. Hed be paying salaries and maintenance costs
from the units own coffers from now until he landed their next job.
Another reason Voolkirs offer was so attractive. 20 million C-
bills. The unit burned through about a million C-bills every four months
in just operating costs alone. He could buy the rarest commodity of all
with that kind of money. Time. Time to rest and refit.
Time to set the stage for the next act. They already had enough
hardware to be a full combined-arms company. All he lacked was
Aerospace support but Kitten would be graduating from the Flight
Academy of Thorin just a few months from now. Hed anticipated just
this moment before the unit had even taken the first jump towards
Alshain. Shed need a ride of course, but hed earmarked a good three
million C-bills for that when he had sent her back to school.
Capt. Salts suggestions were good ones. Expensive, really
expensive, but still good ones. Hed have to sell Shadowfax just to cover
the cost of what she said needed to be done. But, assuming he had the
Scout and the Union, the Leopard would be left out anyway. The Scout
only had a single docking collar.
He asked a lot from the people under his command and he felt an
obligation to provide them not only with the best equipment but the best
facilities as well. That was the unwritten contract. You give me a 110%
and Ill make sure you have what you need to succeed.
It meant breaking the fellowship though, at least for a time. There
was always that intangible element that lived inside every unit. A
camaraderie, a shared belief, a mythos forged on the battlefield. Of
triumphant victories and bitter losses. Of trials endured together. That
simpatico would fade over time. The edge would grow dull.
Still, to be fair, there was the opposite side to consider as
well. Luck pushed just a bit too far. Of overextending, over reaching and
coming crashing down and burning out. If you push too hard for too long,
youre guaranteed to fall.
Henley leaned forward, pulling out the top drawer of his
desk. With a snick, he cut the end off one of the cigars Major OMara had
given him and lit it. Leaning back once more, he let his mind wander as
he took the first draw.
Hed take the offer.
---
The command staff of the 69th Virginia Expeditionary Force
assembled in the small conference room. Once everyone was seated,
Colonel Henley began.
Its time to say goodbye to Rasalhague. Ive got sealed sets of
orders for each of you. First, Captain Salt and her crew, along with
Captain McMillian and his men, will be traveling to Clipperton in the Free
Worlds League. There, Captain Salt will oversee the overhaul of the
units new Union-class DropShip as well as the replacement of our newly
acquired JumpShips solar sail. Her crew will also train in the basics of
JumpShip maintenance and Navigation. Once the overhaul is complete,
the Union will carry a full company of Mechs along with a full company
of infantry. The Scout will carry a new aerospace asset. Captain
McMillian and his unit will train in zero-gravity combat while waiting for
the work to be completed on the two ships.
I will be traveling to Thorin, in the Lyran Commonwealth, on
other matters.
The rest of you will be returning to Galatea. Captain Weddle will
assume overall command in my absence. He will need to find three new
MechWarriors and complete the sale of Shadowfax while I am on Thorin.
Dawg will also be recruiting infantry to replace our losses on Alshain.
He looked at each of them in turn. I expect each of you to keep in
fighting trim. This is not, repeat, not, a vacation. If you wish to take
personal time, please come and see me in private. The next time we are
all together there will be more than a few new faces and the 69th will be a
complete combined-arms company with full transport.
He allowed himself a rare public smile. Dismissed. Captain
Weddle, Id like to speak with you in my quarters.
---