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Ionus, Illium Naval Engineering Shipyards
Marik-Stewart Commonwealth
12th November 3071

   Following their successful raids for engineers and scientists willing to help with the refurbishment of the MHS Caesar the Marian Hegemony now launch an ambitious raid into the former-Free Worlds League realm the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth targeting the Ionus based Illium Naval Engineering Systems Shipyards.

   Unlike the previous Capellan Confederation raid which netted that realm the Thera-class Carrier Delos the Marians do not go for a long drawn out strategy instead jumping transport DropShips in days before at regular points then once they were within range of the shipyards jumping in at a well-known pirate point with over one hundred aerospace fighters and dozen DropShips (most of the Marians Naval forces).  Although the defending Mordred, an Eagle-class Frigate, causes considerable damage to the assaulting Marians destroying six of their DropShips and over a dozen fighters the Periphery raiders are persistent and know where to look capturing almost all the supplies they were wanting and an entire DropShip full of germanium, the expensive component critical for JumpShip construction.

   Days later Marik-Stewart Commonwealth Captain-General Corrine Marik declares that her nation is at a state of war with the Marian Hegemony because of the raid.  Unfortunately because she shares no direct borders with the Hegemony and because the other Free Worlds League realms are unwilling to assist there is nothing she can do at present to retaliate for the raid.  The Free Worlds League’s disjointed unorganised SAFE organisation are unable to concentrate against the Marian’s due to the ongoing internal Free Worlds League troubles.

President’s Office
New Promise, Gillian’s Gold
Rim Collection, Periphery
28th November 3071

   Following months of negotiations with the Lyran Alliance through their Ambassador, Merle Briggs, the Rim Collection’s leader President William Roberts is ready to sign the Rim Alliance with the Lyran Alliance however he knows he must keep his people on his side and maintain the Rim Collection’s independence in these times so heads a press conference as the contract is signed. 

   â€œGood Evening Ladies and Gentlemen of the Rim Collection.  Today marks an important moment of our history.  Alongside me is Ambassador Merle Briggs, leader of the Lyran Alliance envoy based here on Gillian’s Gold.  In February of this very year the Lyran Alliance approached us with a proposal that would increase income from trade and travel and provide the Rim Collection with a stronger defence.  In conjunction with Colonel Jerry Able, leader of the Able’s Aces and of our nation’s small but courageous military defence forces we opened up a line of negotiations with the Lyran Alliance.  A line of negotiation which ended just yesterday with an agreement.”  He said pausing to allow the news of an agreement with a far larger realm sink in, William knew many of these people had come here specifically to avoid living under the rule of a larger realm and that there could be panic with this news, Colonel Able had put his forces on standby to act as support for the local police units to keep law and order if need be.  “We will maintain our independence with this agreement.  Businesses will now be able to trade without tax or restriction with the Lyran Alliance on both imports and exports.  The military will receive newer equipment and upgrades for current stockpiles as money permits.  The Lyran Alliance will be allowed to set up trade embassies on all of our worlds and station a company of troops within our borders based primarily on Gillian’s Gold.  Speaking with Colonel Able and other advisors we believe that the Rim Collection is getting a better deal out of this than perhaps we could ever have wanted for.  Only time will tell if this is the best choice we could have made but it is a decision that has been made.  I call on all Collection citizens to support this plan for the future and look forward to a prosperous future with the Lyran Alliance as our trusted ally.  I thank you for your attention and you continued support, blessed path to all.”  He said signing off the camera man signaled that the camera was over with and the three went their separate ways “well it’s done, Ambassador the Lyran Alliance had better uphold their part of this deal.”

   â€œWe shall Mr. President, just ensure that your people are kept under control I would hate for that company to have to be used in defence of Lyran Assets from a domestic threat.”

   â€œIf they were my Aces would gun them down and then tear your Assets to bits, Ambassador, keep your dogs on a leash.”  Colonel Jerry Able said quietly “Mr President, my forces are on standby on all six Collection worlds.  If we are required please call, good evening to you.”  Jerry said bowing his head slightly then leaving the room, in his heart Jerry knew this was a mistake but his Aces’ formerly a mercenary command were now so entwined in the Collection’s day-to-day affairs that they could never leave, hell he was part of the President’s staff.  All they could do is keep working away with what was thrown at them and that the Able’s Aces had always been good at.

Orestes, Battle Armour Production Plant
Rasalhague Dominion
14th December 3071

   On the site of a former ComStar Battle Armour factory for the Kobold Battle Armour Clan Ghost Bear opens a new Battle Armour factor to be run by Rasalhaguen born workers and initially be distributed to former Free Rasalhague Republic units still operation within the Rasalhague Dominion borders.

   In an effort to welcome more native Rasalhague-born warriors into their Touman and make these warriors more effective the Ghost Bears have developed the Clan Standard Battle Armour suit developed using Clan technology but specifically for the generally smaller build freeborn infantry warriors.  Because the suit is designed specifically for them the Ghost Bear Khans and Rasalhague Prince Galaxy Commander Ragnar Magnesson ensures that the production of these suits go to conventional infantry units in service already before forming any new unit.

   Quick to smell a deal the merchants from the Sea Fox Clan soon arrives around Orestes to trade for the design transferring almost and entire Cluster of Equipment and a massive shipment of HarJel sealant to the Ghost Bears to gain full rights to the design and be able to manufacture it.  By the end of the following year almost every faction has access to the design with some such as the Nova Cats and Exiled Wolf Clans mass producing the design.

Protector’s Palace
Samantha, Taurus
Taurian Concordat
25th December 3071

   On Christmas Day as people around the Inner Sphere celebrate the giving and receiving of presents the Taurian Concordat wakens to bad news.  During the night their Protector-Governor Grover Sharplen passes away in his sleep.  This robs the Taurian Concordat of a leader however Brenda Calderon steps into the breach temporally keeping the nation stable.  Although deep into her retirement the seventy-nine year old marshal promises that she will not hold onto the position and instead strive to reunite the Taurian Concordat and the Calderon Protectorate.

   Soon after her taking of the position Brenda contacts the Federated Suns and asks for permission to send Janice Calderon to the NAIS for treatment of her Brisbane Syndrome, a dilapidating condition that has taken the far younger Janice away from the linage to the throne.  Knowing that she may not be able to unite the Concordat and Protectorate alone or before she herself dies Brenda is setting her nation up for the future.

   She also sends a message to Marshal (Baron) Cham Kithrong leader of the Calderon Protectorate informing him of Grover’s death and the steps she wants to take with the Concordat and Protectorate.  Kithrong does not respond to her message immediately leaving Brenda worried that reuniting the nations may be more difficult than she thought.
 
Twycross, Deathstrike Command
Clan Sea Fox Territory
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
29th December 3071

   Involving three of the Clan Sea Fox Khanates, Faulk, Territorial Waters and Deathstrike, Clan Hell’s Horses and Clan Sea Fox trade WarShip assets.  The Sea Fox vessels Tracy and Sharon (both Essex-class Destroyers) and Space Hunter and Predator (both Lola III-class Destroyers) are transferred to Hell’s Horses command under the watchful eyes of Khan Hanna Coston standing aboard the Terror of the Deep, a Nightlord-class Battleship, command vessel of the Faulk Khanate and her Clan’s flagship.  At the same time the Hell’s Horses were transferring the Agamemnon and Blood Horse (both Potemkin-class Troop Cruisers).

   This deal significantly increases the Naval strength of the Hell’s Horses Touman and increases the amount of Troop Cruisers available to the Sea Fox Clan to Nine with the Faulk and Territorial Waters Khanates both receiving one of these vessels each.  The Deathstrike Khanate instead of gaining a WarShip gains enough troops and equipment to fill out two Clusters worth of troops increasing their ground troop forces to six clusters more than any of the other Khanates while still controlling three WarShips maintaining Hanna Coston‘s grip on the largest portion of the Clan‘s forces.  The Sea Fox Clan then sneaks both new Potemkin-class Troop Cruisers out of the Inner Sphere and back to the Jarnfolk territory for refitting joining the rest of the Clan’s Potemkins.  Fortunately several of the vessels are complete so the refitting for the two new vessels can begin immediately.

And so ends 3071

Alpha Galaxy Command
Clan Wolf Occupation Zone
Tamar, Administrative Capital
3rd February 3072

   After being bondswomen to Khan Vlad Ward, leader of Clan Wolf, for five years Katrina Wolf, formerly known as Katherine Steiner-Davion, becomes a MechWarrior with the Crusader faction of Clan Wolf.  Under new Wolf Guidelines, introduced due to the Wolf (in-Exile) Clans split from the true Clan Wolf, Inner Sphere Freeborn will never get higher than MechWarrior so her fate seems set. However secretly Katrina is Vlad’s closest advisor on the Inner Sphere and his lover.  For a Mech she is assigned a Griffin IIC with Katrina and Clan Wolf playing on the Lyran tradition of a pair of Griffins being assigned to defend the Archon’s throne room.  Within the Lyran Alliance there is renewed calls for a rescue mission to drive into the Clan Wolf Occupation Zone and rescue the former Archon however opponents of this point out that Katherine went willingly and has accepted life as a warrior of Clan Wolf.  They also point out that Khan Phelan Kell was able to drive a stake into Clan Wolf once by gaining the Wolves trust, perhaps Katrina can do the same.

Temple Ford
Roma, Augustine
Rousset-Marik Alliance
12th February 3072

   On her way to Sunday services in the centre of Temple Ford Captain-General of the Rousset-Marik Alliance Ana Marik is killed when a car-bomb detonates as her convoy moves through the city.  Riding alongside her is her younger sister, and only surviving relative, Alys Rousset-Marik who is slightly injured by the blast.  Intelligence Agencies fail to find the bomber responsible making for a double blow to the Rousset-Marik Alliance following the death of Duke Jonas Rousset-Marik only a month earlier.

   As Alys is sworn into leadership of the Alliance she finds that things are going from bad to worse for her nation as two Marik-Stewart Commonwealth WarShips engage and destroy the Rousset-Marik WarShip the Jiri Rousset, an Impavido-class Destroyer named for her father, is ambushed and destroyed by two Marik-Stewart Commonwealth Eagle-class Frigates in the Iran system further hurting the Rousset-Marik Alliance‘s navy halving its strength in one fight.

Calderon Royal Residence
Taurus, Hyades Cluster
Taurian Concordat
18th February 3072

   Following an invitation by Protector (Pro-tem) Brenda Calderon, Marshal (Baron) Cham Kithrong and Erik Martens, the illegitimate son of Jeffery Calderon who Grover Sharplen blocked ever becoming Protector by claiming power for himself, arrives on Taurus.  For Cham and his bodyguard unit, all former members of the Taurian Military, the return to Taurus is very emotional especially seeing the devastation that has befallen the world with the nuclear bomb detonation below the city and the damage done by the Fighting Urakhai Mercenary Regiments.

   Following a week of negotiations and with Erik Martens DNA results coming back confirming his Calderon blood both sides agree that one Taurian nation is better than two.  For now Marshal Cham Kithrong will take the post of military leader of the Concordat then once Brenda Calderon steps down he will become Marshal-Protector until Erik Martens-Calderon is ready to take the throne.  Following a joint statement by Brenda Calderon and Cham Kithrong the reunification process begins.

Training Ranges
Luthien, Pesht Military District
Draconis Combine
1st March 3072

   Leading his command lance Coordinator Hohiro Kurita sat at the helm of his Dire Wolf, Clan Assault Mech, one hundred tons of killing machine below him.  Like First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion he had received his Dire Wolf from Jamie Wolf in 3051 during their training on Outreach.  The OmniMech had served him well in the last twenty years and although now it was beginning to show its age in places it was still one of the premier machines in the whole Inner Sphere and Clans, and although Hohiro did not boast about his skill, with him at the controls it was an even more deadly machine.  Arrayed beside him were three more Assault OmniMechs two Draconis Combine built and designed Sunders and one Clan designed Warhawk all deadly designs all piloted by warriors of the elite First Genyosha Regiment, Hohiro’s personal command and bodyguard.

   Moving in a marching line the four assault Mechs faced eight computer controlled combat turrets all armed with powered down weapons arrays.  “Hold your fire until we are at optimum range” Hohiro said into the communication range as the range between the Genyosha Mechs and the targets.  As the range counted down all the Mechs reached range at the same time and all four opened fire in unison.  “Fire at will” he ordered all four Mechs fired at the eight targets together cutting down half in the opening volley.  Moments after the volley landed six OmniMechs of unknown allegiance stepped out from behind the targets all were firing at Hohiro‘s Lance.  “Genyosha, continue to fire” Hohiro said his mind racing he recognised five of the OmniMech designs but not their configurations while the sixth design was a totally unknown design.  Targeting the nearest Mech, a fast charging Owens, Hohiro triggered his Dire Wolf’s arm mounted Gauss Rifle.  The supersonic ferro-nickel slug flew from the rifle barrel across the distance between the Mechs and slammed into the Owens’ left leg, the impact ripped the limb clear off the OmniMech and threw the Mech forwards ploughing headfirst into the ground killing the pilot and taking the Mech out of combat.

   Off to Hohiro’s left the unknown OmniMech design opened fire with a pair of Heavy Particle Projection Cannons, a Snub-Nosed PPC and a pair of Extended-Range Medium Lasers, all new advanced weapons, whoever these people were they were well financed.  The weapons combined tore massive ruts in the left side of the Dire Wolf’s torso breaching the extra-light fusion engine’s shielding.  Hohiro twisted the OmniMech’s torso and opened fire with his Gauss Rifle, paired Heavy Large Lasers and a trio of Streak Short Range Missile launchers briefly overheating the Dire Wolf‘s heat cooling system.  The unknown OmniMech was hit all over the torso, arms and legs however the OmniMech absorbed the fire without pause continuing to move forward.  “Genyosha Actual to Genyosha command…”  Hohiro said into the communication system attempting to contact the Genyosha regiments command base however the communication system never got through to the base, they were being jammed.  To his right a seventy ton Avatar on the enemies side opened fire with paired Heavy PPCs, pulse lasers and Extended-Range lasers, all the hits slammed into Hohiro’s Dire Wolf again tearing into the side torso.  Armour exploded off the Clan Assault Mech and again the fusion engine shielding took a hit, the cockpit of Hohiro’s Mech overheated again as the Mech’s heat cooling systems were flooded by excess heat and radiation breaking through the damaged shielding.

   Moving the Dire Wolf backwards Hohiro tried to pullback from the incoming enemy Mechs the enemy Avatar was savaged by the Genyosha Avatar and the Guerrilla was destroyed by a salvo of Medium Range Missiles from one of Hohiro’s Sunder allies, the second allied Sunder was destroyed by an enemy Black Watch OmniMech its gyroscope housing caved in by heavy weapons fire, unable to stand the Sunder was out of this fight and crashed to the ground, not happy with just taking out the Mech the Black Watch pilot walked over to the Sunder lifted a foot and crushed the cockpit killing the Genyosha warrior.  Twisting the Dire Wolf’s torso towards the Black Watch Hohiro caught only a glimpse of the shot that killed him.  A gauss rifle slug from the Black Watch slammed into the lower half of the cockpit travelling upwards through the cockpit crushing his body as it decapitated the OmniMech.

   The Coordinator of the Draconis Combine died at that moment seeing their leader killed broke the morale of the Genyosha and within three minutes of battle the rest of the lance had been killed.  The mysterious Mechs destroyed the remains of all the Genyosha OmniMechs and the remains of their own making them nothing but scrap before disappearing into the deep undergrowth of Luthien as more Genyosha Mech arrived to search the area.  By the end of that very hour the Luthien system had been locked down by the DCMS as the surviving Mechs were searched for - no trace of the Mechs were detected by the DCMS or found.  Although the line of succession was to move from Hohiro to his six year old son Vincent because of the child’s young age Minoru Kurita, Hohiro’s younger brother and a Draconis Combine Duke, stepped into the position on a temporary basis Minoru would take the position until Vincent came of age.  Because it is a temporary appointment Minoru is afforded the title Warlord instead of Coordinator.

   The Draconis Combine leadership caste and the lower castes were unsure of this plan although Minoru was a combat veteran he was not as seasoned as Hohiro had been nor was he ever trained to be leader of the Draconis Combine these facts alone drove many into the reborn Black Dragon Society who immediately used the death of another of the Kurita line as a sign the Kuritas really were coming to the end of their usefulness as leaders of the Combine.

Niops VII
Niops Association, Periphery
12th March 3072

   The entire Human Sphere awakens to surprising news as they discover the Niops Association, a tiny Periphery State of three worlds on the Free Worlds League border has been conquered by the nearby aggressive Marian Hegemony.  In the past the Niops Association’s stockpiles of Star League-era technology, peaceful existence and an entire Aerospace Regiment’s worth of fighters and DropShips had kept the system free however the Marian Hegemony had broken through the defences with several assault DropShips and the newly launched MHS Caesar, a Dart-class Light Cruiser.  The vessel found just over a year before deep within Marian borders had been repaired using technology found or stolen from nearby states and the Marians had decided to unveil it under the very public arena of conquest.

   Using the vessel’s capital grade weapons to gun down the Niops Association DropShips the Marians had secured air superiority over all three worlds of the Association in less than four hours then led by the Caesar Julius O’Reilly himself Legio I, II and the Cohors Morituri had landed on the capital world of Niops VII.  In a brief bloody battle with the Niops Association Militia and the Black Heart Roses, a Mercenary Battalion hired for extra security, were brushed aside by the three Marian units despite their upgrades in Star League technology received from the Association’s warehouses.  These upgrades allowed the Niops defenders and their mercenary back-up to destroy the Legio II with massed firepower however Caesar Julius O’Reilly called on the MHS Caesar to fire several volleys into the capital and the surrounding area.  One of these Naval Autocannon grade attacks tore through the government building killing Director Rayanne Nellis, the leader of the Association, in his final act as leader of the Association’s defences Brigadier L. Jamieson Fallon announced the Niops Association’s surrender to the Marian Hegemony.

   Following the securing of the world Caesar Julius O’Reilly eliminated the remaining governmental leaders on Niops VII including Brigadier Fallon and placed the Cohors Morituri in charge of the defences of the world then moved to the two other worlds in the system securing them after brief conflicts on both.  Returning to Niops VII the Caesar found that the Niops Association’s famed scientific community had been protected from the ground battle and the orbital bombardment by several bunkers and were safe and well.  Following some persuasion, including the public execution of three astronomers by Marian troops, the scientists agreed to serve the Caesar.

   Across the Inner Sphere Intelligence branches all began investigations on how the Marian Hegemony was able to build/or salvage a Dart-class Light Cruiser and be able to use it in the conquest of the Niops Association without anyone else realising they had that capability.  As for Caesar O’Reilly he had the job of reorganising his forces after taking so much high-grade salvage from the Niops Association and following the well disciplined display by the Cohors Morituri, a unit normally filled with the undesirables of the Marian Hegemony’s army and used as cannon fodder by Marian commanders, the Caesar unwilling to use them this way anymore has to find another place for this traditionally trouble spot unit.

Ft. Damien Hasek
Kittery, Capellan March
Federated Suns
18th March 3072

   Following a years’ service with the Kittery Training Battalion with duties ranging from training, garrison and raiding missions against the Capellan Confederation and the Taurian Concordat Damien Redburn youngest son of Andrew Redburn graduates from his Training Battalion class and is promoted to Leftenant (junior grade).  Instead of being transferred to the regular army for further training and orientation Damien is transferred to the Albion Military Academy on New Avalon to begin Officer Candidate School and further advanced training programs.

Near Orbit
Oceana, Independent World
Free Worlds League Remnant
22nd March 3072

   In near orbit around the largely water world of Oceana the WarShip Gawain, an Eagle-class Frigate, a vessel in the league with the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth is ambushed by the Kirsten Marik, an Eagle-class Frigate, a vessel in the hands of the Rousset-Marik Alliance.  The Rousset-Marik Alliance vessel not only is able to get in the first strike against the Gawain, causing heavy damage, but this also opens up enough room for The Krushers Regiment under the command of Captain-General Duchess Alys Rousset-Marik to land on the planet while the space battle continues.  In the ensuing battle the Kirsten Marik is able to destroy the Gawain and claim a Marik-Stewart Commonwealth Assault DropShip intact securing space superiority for the Rousset-Marik Alliance.

   On the ground The Krushers meet the Fifth Free Worlds Guards Regiment in a massive battle in the centre of the capital city, a massive floating complex built on and around the largest Island on the planet.  During a climactic six hour long battle the Fifth Guards and half of The Krushers are destroyed.  During the fighting the same company of SPT-NX Spartan BattleMechs seen during First Lord Peter Steiner-Davion’s fighting on the Clan border are seen fighting both sides during their battles before once again disappearing onto a DropShip and off the planet without a trace.

My my my what interesting changes for the free worlds former league

It won't get much better for them... for a while


Clan Wolf Command
Tamar City
Tamar, Clan Wolf Occupation Zone
4th April 3072

   After using a relatively quiet time to hold back the Hell’s Horses Invasion of their Occupation Zone Clan Wolf has rebuilt and reorganised and led by Khan Vlad Ward is ready to move once again on their enemies.  Sitting in his office Vlad looked at a holographic representation of the Inner Sphere “soon very soon it will be all mine.”  He murmured

   â€œWith a little help from some friends” she said from his side Vlad looked down into the face of the woman who rested on his lap Katrina Wolf, formerly Archon Katherine Steiner-Davion of the Lyran Alliance, she’d proved herself a warrior in Clan Wolf and her mind on tactics and long term strategy worked for Vlad so she’d also become his closest advisor.  In recent months she’d also become his companion in the bed chamber, something no-one else was aware of.

   â€œAff, the warriors of Delta and Gamma Galaxy.”  He said smiling looking at her, she made no reaction to his comment, she’d been the one who had given him most of these insights and targets - especially the six former Lyran Alliance worlds that would be Gamma Galaxy’s targets.  “How many worlds do you believe we will conquer?  Truthfully” he said, one thing he’d found out quickly about her was Katrina told a lot of half-truths.

   â€œWe should be able to secure both Karbala and Meacham from the Rasalhague Dominion and the Jade Falcons without problem.  Marthe may send forces against us closer to Tamar to dissuade us of attack but they will be of insignificant threat to cause Alpha and Beta Galaxies problems, and if she does she opens herself up to assaults from Phelan’s troops and our own counter attacks.  The Rasalhague Dominion may pose a heavier threat, their troops are like ours well upgraded and bored, this could cause a problem.  However with Beta standing between them and Tamar we should have little trouble from them, also the Ghost Bears seem content to claim former Rasalhague Republic worlds, worlds we can afford to loose.”  She said analysing the two opposing Clans in this operation Vlad almost was tempted to rebuke her for her saying Clan Wolf could abandon anything but remained quiet, there was something she had not mentioned.

   â€œWhat of the Lyran defenders?”

   â€œThe worlds we have targeted are generally lightly defended - except for one” she said reaching out to the last world on the list.  “Arcturus will be a problem, it was the capital of the Commonwealth when it was first created” he said mentally recalling information on the world’s history “and is currently home to three Lyran units, the Second Royal Guards, the First and Second Skye Jaegers and it is home to two Lyran WarShips the Flygia and the Fredrick Steiner.  They could cause a significant threat to us, especially the Flygia she is a Lyran designed Battle-cruiser, a formidable opponent.”

   â€œWith the Nicholas Kerensky attached to the force the Lyran vessels will be of little consequence.”  Vlad said smiling as he mentioned the Texas-class Battleship, one of Clan Wolf’s most formidable vessels, the Clan flagship (since the fall of the Dire Wolf) and the carrier of the Clans‘ founder‘s name. “And the Stavag Star League Defence Force?”  He cursed probing her thoughts he knew as much as her on deployments but she new units better than him.

   â€œOnly the First Royal BattleMech Brigade stands in our way it is also on Arcturus officially training with the Lyran units stationed there.  The First is commanded by Archer Christifori, he is a Lyran born officer who fought the Smoke Jaguars in the Inner Sphere during Bulldog and on Huntress supporting Serpent.  He battled with my brother on Strana Mechty and gained the Star League Medal of Honour for his troubles.  Some believe that he will become the next Commanding-General when Morgan Hasek-Davion steps down to retire.”

   â€œChristifori will be a problem.”  Vlad said without another thought “cut orders for Iota Galaxy to join Gamma Galaxy, they will secure worlds behind Gamma and only engage in front-line combat if they are so attacked.”  He said to her, secretly he’d been allowing her to cut order in his name for a month or more, her trusted her to do it right.

   â€œOf course my Khan.  There is the threat more SLDF troops will arrive from further along the border or from their Protectorate worlds near Terra.”

   â€œThen we will kill them like the freebirth dogs they are, nothing will stop our assaults.”  Vlad said smiling at the idea of more worlds falling to his Wolves and more Inner Sphere troops falling to their guns.

   The next day troops of Clan Wolf’s Gamma Galaxy dropped on Karbala in the Rasalhague Dominion and Meacham in the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone.  Surprising the Wolves on Karbala they discover two Rasalhague units are present not the one they’d expected, Gamma Galaxy find both the 283rd Battle Cluster of Rho Galaxy and the First Rasalhague Armour Cluster of the Rasalhague Galaxy both on planet.  Instead of offering the Wolves a Batchall the Rasalhague commanders informed the Wolves of Gamma Galaxy they would defend the world with everything they had.

   A long battle between the on planet Rasalhague defenders and the Seventh and Eighth Battle Clusters of Gamma Galaxy ensues with the Wolves only just coming out on top with two gutted Clusters for their trouble.  Although they had been supported by the WarShip Trailblazer, the Vincent Mk. 42-class Corvette, the vessel remains out of the Trial instead ensuring no Rasalhague reinforcements attempted to land on planet during operations.  By the end of April nothing remains of either Rasalhague Dominion Cluster the Wolves are left in possession of the world folding the Seventh Battle Cluster into the Eighth to bring it back up to strength.

   On Meacham the Wolves had expected a heavier fight the Bronze Keshik, 271st and 272nd Assault Clusters all land on the planet where they find the Second Hussars and Second Velites both of Gamma Galaxy of Clan Jade Falcon.  After a lengthy Batchall roughly a cluster culled from both sides fight a battle on the plains of Meacham for possession of the worlds in traditional Clan combat.  Although the Jade Falcons are almost victorious the Wolf Galaxy Commander Edwina Carns called in another fresh Supernova Trinary from her Bronze Keshik.  The presence of another full unit of hard hitting Wolf troops is able to overwhelm the Jade Falcons before any further troops can be called into the battle by the Falcons ending the battle quickly.  As per Clan rules of warfare the Jade Falcons are allowed safcon from the world once the Trial is over.

Blue Diamond, Fatima, Morningside, Gangshoren
Lyran Alliance, Arc-Royal Theatre
8th April 3072

   With both Meacham and Karbala secured by the Crusader Wolves Gamma Galaxy the units of Delta Galaxy forge ahead supported by Iota Galaxy broke into the Lyran Alliance hitting four worlds of the Arc-Royal Theatre simultaneously.  The First Wolf Lancers of Delta Galaxy struck Blue Diamond just over the border overwhelming two Battalions of the Fourth Lyran Regulars on planet securing the world in less than sixteen hours of combat.  Because the Wolves were able to overrun the Lyran Defenders Landing Zones capturing or destroying their DropShips no Lyran troops made it off planet and all were either killed or taken as bondsmen. 

   On the nearby world of Morningside the Third Wolf Lancers Cluster struck the third Battalion of the Fourth Lyran Regulars and a battalion of supporting militia troops.  With only militia troops supporting them the remaining Battalion of the Fourth is overwhelmed in less than seven hours of heavy combat.  Like the combat on Blue Diamond none of the Lyran troops were able to retreat from combat and the Fourth Lyran Regulars ceased to exist on the planet.

   While the First and Third Clusters of Delta Galaxy hit Morningside and Blue Diamond the Second Wolf Lancers Cluster struck at Fatima finding the Grave Diggers Mercenary Battalion defending the world.  The mercenaries decimated twice before plan to make the Wolves pay for every inch of the world and though it is  fighting retreat they make the Wolves pay for every kilometre of the planet they win, fighting a constant retreat and counter-strike campaign.  They soon lift off planet after loosing half of their combat strength and the majority of the world, the Wolves allow them to leave, passing on more word of triumphant Clan Wolf forces.

   With the Fourth Wolf Lancer Cluster held in reserve with the Wolfkin Keshik the Fifth Cluster was the only one left to act and it dropped on Ganshoren the closest Lyran World to Terra to be targeted in this strike.  On the planet they found the First Alarion Jaegers Regiment.  Although the combined-arms regiment had an entire wing of aerospace fighters supporting it the Wolves overwhelmed the Lyrans with superior firepower and tactics.  After sixteen hours of combat the Wolves agree to allow the Lyrans to leave the planet, less than a company of combat troops are able to retreat with the DropShips with four aerospace fighters in support ending the Lyran presence on the planet.  When the survivors reach Arc-Royal the LAAF High Command choose to demobilize the unit permanently.

Apostica
Lyran Alliance, Arc-Royal Theatre
9th April 3072

   A day after the invasions by elements of Delta Galaxy the Twentieth Wolf Regulars Cluster of Iota Galaxy forge ahead and land on Apostica finding the Delilah’s Gauntlet Mercenary Company and a Battalion of conventional combined-arms militia troops.  Although the Wolves are second-line troops compared to the Delta Galaxy troops they are still far superior to the mercenaries and the militia troops, soon the battle is over and all Inner Sphere troops are dead at the hands of the brutal Wolf troops who target cockpits of Mechs and kill even surrendering vehicles and troopers.

   Soon after the Wolves think they have secured the world a Clan Jade Falcon Trinary comes looking initiating a Trial of Possession for a factory worth of Mech Actuators.  In a brief battle the Wolves are caught completely off balance by the appearance of two Wasp BattleMechs, dubbed ‘IIC’ by Inner Sphere Intelligence officers, within the Jade Falcon force.   Almost no Clan had upgraded the Wasp, they had plenty of light Mechs and had no need for the Wasp.

   These Wasp BattleMechs were not only upgraded they were modified with wings, Wolf warriors and Inner Sphere intelligence believed they were fully powered flight capable BattleMechs, like the Land-Air-Mechs of the First Star League, to start with as the Wasps roared into the air on Jump Jets and flew far beyond standard Jump Distances completely outflanking initial Wolf defences.  It turns out that these ‘Partial Wings’ extend a Mech’s Jump Distance in proportion to the power of their Jump Jets and their size, the Wasps were capable of Jumps almost sixty metres more than standard designs proving the concept of the design.

   As the fight wore on the Wolves were able to down one of the light Mechs and claim it despite the Jade Falcons winning the Trial.  Even though Clan Wolf was able to capture a partially intact Wasp it is unknown if their science caste  will be able to perfect the new technology without help.

   The Jade Falcons retreated with their prize content that the Wasp IIC and the Partial Wing concept was a proven one in battle.

Nadir Jump Point, Arcturus
Lyran Alliance, Arc-Royal Theatre
11th April 3072

   Two days following their initial attacks led by the WarShip Nicholas Kerensky, a Texas-class Battleship and Clan Wolf flagship, Clan Wolf’s Fifth Wolf Lancer Cluster and the Wolfkin Keshik Commanded by Galaxy Commander Katya Kerensky enters the Arcturus system.  Ahead of them the WarShips Fredrick Steiner, a Fox-class Corvette, and the mighty Flygia, a Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser.  Neither Steiner vessel offers the Wolves any Batchall or safcon for their ground forces and both vessels charge into attack hitting the mighty Battleship with capital missiles, Naval-class Gauss Rifles and Autocannons.  The commander of the Nicholas Kerensky did not wait a second longer than was necessary.  With fighters and DropShips engaging all around the Texas-class vessel turned to face its broadside onto the vessels.  While the two Inner Sphere vessels engaged the vessel damaging its heavy armour but causing no real telling damage.

   Once in position the Nicholas Kerensky’s gunners were given green lights and the broadside arc of twelve class-55 Naval Lasers fired at once.  One of the heaviest barrages of Naval Lasers known to man was directed on the two hundred-and-forty thousand ton Fox-class Corvette, the Fredrick Steiner.  The front and sides armour of the Fox was scarred and torn but amazingly the vessel remained intact with only two reported compartment breaches, five fatalities and one destroyed naval autocannon onboard they had gotten lucky in so many ways.  The Nicholas Kerensky’s broadside missile gunners also targeted the Fox with a pair of heavy Whale Shark Missiles however again the Fox survived this time with minor thrusters damage, for such a small vessel it had impressive armour and was demanding respect from the massive Wolf Battleship.

   Moving attempting to flank the Texas, and in a move that should have been mirrored by the larger Flygia the Fredrick Steiner attempted to cross the fore of the Texas and fire its broadside into the weaker armour at the front of the Nicholas Kerensky.  Unfortunately the near-legendary Mjolinir-jinx, as Lyran Naval Officers called it, had struck the Flygia’s main drives had ceased to operate.  The Battle-cruiser could fire but not manoeuvre.

   With the Flygia not moving in the Nicholas Kerensky’s forward gunners opened up on the Fox.  Eight Heavy Naval Particle Projection Cannons, four per forward flank, spoke nearly as one all converging on the already damaged fore and broadside flanks of the Fredrick Steiner.  This sort of firepower normally reserved for WarShips of similar mass to the Nicholas Kerensky quickly destroyed the armour of the vessel and tore into the insides of the Fox before tearing straight out the other side opening a gaping hole in the centre of the craft ending all hopes of the Fredrick Steiner continuing in this fight.

   Now with one opponent gone only the Flygia remained to face the Nicholas Kerensky, however with its main engines obviously not functioning and the Lyran Battle-cruiser rapidly leaving the battle the Nicholas Kerensky’s commander allowed the vessel to continue on its course unharmed sending ground forces around the Battle-cruiser’s course.

   Instead of landing her troops on the planet instantly and having them destroyed in an onslaught by the Inner Sphere troops arrayed against them Galaxy Commander Katya Kerensky contacted the on planet commanders Lyran commander General-of-Armies Keane Sortek, who had arrived two days before, and Star League General Archer Christifori who had been on planet since the beginning with his Brigade.  “Gentlemen, I would like to offer you safe passage from this world” she said as the faces of the two Inner Sphere commanders appeared.

   â€œCommander, I think not, this is a Lyran world and will remain one as long as I breath air into my lungs.”  Keane Sortek said defiantly.

   â€œThe Star League Defence Force will fully support it’s Lyran allies in their decision and resist this unprovoked aggression from Clan forces.”  Archer added in.

   â€œFine Gentlemen, then we fight.  Will you agree to a batchall?”

   â€œAye, my opening bid is everything we have, my battlefield is Arcturus.  This is also my last bid” Keane said.

   â€œI bid the WarShip Nicholas Kerensky, the Fourth Wolf Lancer Cluster and the Wolfkin Keshik as my first bid.” She said instantly smiling as she noticed the surprise on the Inner Sphere General’s faces on cluster against around eight combined arms Regiments would be destroyed even with the Keshik in support.

   â€œGalaxy Commander, I think that you have taken insufficient forces to win this battle, the lives of the crew of the WarShip Fredrick Steiner are enough leave now and there will be nothing held against you Clan.”  Keane said more confidently.

   â€œNeg, you see, if you are not willing to enter a bid that honours the forces arrayed against you I will order the gunners of the Nicholas Kerensky to open fire on your troops and your bases, not my first choice but honourless dogs deserve nothing less.”

   â€œAnd risk another Bulldog?”  Archer warned Clan Smoke Jaguar had annihilated a city on the world of Turtle Bay in the Draconis Combine and been annihilated themselves by the reborn SLDF during Bulldog, Archer’s warning was not without weight.

   â€œI do not believe that your Inner Sphere governments are ready for anything on the scale of your so-called Bulldog.  If you will not fight honourably then neither will we, you will have been the ones who have escaladed this.”  Katya warned “gunnery positions prepare for a demonstration, something small.”  Katya said over her shoulder the two men on the ground looked shocked she would make such a move “now gentlemen a revised bid, please” she said smiling again.

   â€œGive us one hour” Keane said and the image winked out.  An hour later the Lyrans and SLDF troops came back with a revised bid of one reinforced combined-arms regiment and a wing of aerospace fighters.  Katya matched them with the Fourth, the Wolfkin and the Nicholas Kerensky’s fighters the troops would meet two days later on the plains of Arcturus and end this conflict.

   On the twelfth the troops of the defending Lyran/Star League met the invading Clan Wolf troops.  The fight was to the end and lasted almost fourteen hours with heavy casualties on both sides but ultimately the Wolves were defeated with the Wolves fully retreating following death of Galaxy Commander Katya Kerensky and the retreat ordered by Star Colonel Cameron Vickers, the second in command of the Wolf forces.  The Wolf invasion was over but they had made their point with five Lyran and two Clan worlds added to their Occupation Zone, the message was clear the Wolves were once more on the prowl.

Zi-jin Cheng (Forbidden City), Sian
Sian Commonality, Capellan Confederation
20th June 3072

   Sitting on his ancestral thrown in the heart of the Capellan Confederation’s capital, Zi-jin Cheng, the Forbidden City.  Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao stared at the Tri-Vid camera for several seconds before speaking to his left was Magestix Naomi Centrella-Liao, his wife, and to his right was Colonel Hohiru Tanaga, the Ronin Samurai warrior from the Draconis Combine who commanded the Hell’s Black Aces Aerospace Regiment, the reason they were here today.

   â€œHonoured Citizens of the Divine Capellan Nation and Citizens of the Expanded Inner Sphere and Periphery” Sun-Tzu began, everyone who had access to an HPG would receive this message.  “After fifty-two years the Hell’s Black Aces returned to the Capellan Confederation to serve their home nation once more as mercenary warriors but as Capellans Reborn.  Ten years of honoured service later the Hell’s Black Aces have chosen to return to the fold and become fully part of the Capellan Confederation’s Armed Forces, in honour of their status and the non-Capellan officers still serving in this blessed unit the Hell’s Black Aces will remain an independent unit attached to the Capellan Brigade and under the continued command of Sang-shao Hohiru Tanaga.”  The chancellor said raising to his feet on cue Hohiru Tanaga bowed his head as did Naomi Centrella-Liao, although not as much from her.  “Sang-Shao, ensure your pilots continue to strike fear into our nations enemies and the Capellan people will be eternally grateful.”

   â€œI shall, Chancellor, I shall” Hohiru said raising his head slightly to look at the Chancellor “the Hell’s Black Aces are Honoured to be home.”  He said speaking for his unit if not himself, he was an old Ronin warrior, he had no home only his unit that was enough, it always had been.

Vehicle Proving Grounds
New Haiti, Nova Cat’s Den
Periphery
24th June 3072

   With assistance from Clan Nova Cat’s Tau Galaxy the engineers and scientists of the New Haiti Armoured Vehicle Plant debut the SM-2 Tank Destroyer on schedule onto the New Haiti Proving Grounds.  Like the SM-1 the new vehicle goes onto make an impressive showing.  Unlike the SM-1 which mounted a ferocious rapid-fire autocannon the SM-2 mounts a Gauss Rifle making it the sniper of the series.  For anti-infantry defence the SM-2 makes use of the vehicle’s fusion engine and mounts eight micro pulse lasers on a turret making them devastating to infantry and Battle Armour alike as well as threatening armour at point blank ranges.

   Because of the help provided by Tau Galaxy in the development and testing of this craft and like the move made on the SM-1 Tau Galaxy receive an entire star of these vehicles before any other unit in the Nova Cat Touman.  Within the Nova Cats there are rumblings that Tau Galaxy is little more than a show unit for new technology and yet they still get the new toys first.

Planetary Government, President’s Office
New Promise, Gllfillian’s Gold
Rim Collection, Periphery
3rd July 3072

   Sitting in the President’s Office, Colonel Jerry Able, President William Roberts, Economic Minister Tracy Hawkins and Lyran Ambassador Merle Briggs were sitting around discussing the trade alliance that the Rim Collection shared with the Lyran Alliance.  “With Lyran forces supporting your own pirate attacks have dropped by more than forty-five percent, from a singular military and security perspective the alliance has done well by your nation.”  Merle was saying.

   â€œI agree with the Ambassador, our nation has been far safer with the Lyran Alliance garrison’s supporting our Able’s Aces and conventional militia.”  Jerry Able said carefully, sometimes he thought his Aces were becoming the Collection’s secondary defence force.  “The Lyrans have however been slow on their upgrade kits for our military equipment.”  Jerry’s own unused Atlas was the only Aces’ Mech that had received any upgrades and two of their aerospace fighters were the only other units to receive upgrades.

   â€œWe have concentrated on upgrading your economic networks, Lyran defence forces that have been protecting trading posts have been filling the gaps that your Aces have not been able to cover.”

   â€œAye, but we defend our home not the Lyrans” Jerry said quietly, he could feel he was getting too old for this, soon he’d pass this over to one of his officers.

   â€œAlso economically our links have not been as improved as was originally promised” Tracy Hawkins said supporting Jerry Able glancing over to him winking at him.  “The Lyrans have built monorail links on all six of our worlds however they go from the landing zones to the Lyran depots only, unlike originally promised linking every population centre on each world.”

   â€œWe have had slight problems in supply and cost in travel, the Alliance has been suffering from attacks in recent months from several angles.”  Merle said she knew the Alliance had not completely honoured their trade treaty now she was forced to make up for it and propose the next level of the alliance.  “I have spoken with links on Tharkad, they are willing to fully re-compensate the Rim Collection at zero cost.”  She said, instead of the Rim Collection putting resources towards this the Lyrans would pay it all, a massive bonus for the Periphery state.  “Also I have been promised an entire Lance of Brand-new BattleMechs will be on the next trade mission and upgrade kits at knocked down prices will be made available as soon as they land.”

   â€œAn entire lance of Mechs?”  Jerry Able said quietly that was quite a bonus for his people, even if they were ancient reconditioned designs his Aces‘ would make nice use of them.  “This would help us be more effective indeed.  And I am sure it is at great cost for the Lyran Alliance Armed Forces, at what price?  May I ask?”  He said looking at William Roberts, the President was also getting too old for this.

   â€œThe Lyran Alliance would like to move further into the Rim Collection and have stronger links to your economy and society.”

   â€œIt sounds like a wide scale alliance you speak of?  A merger of realms?  A disillusion of the Rim Collection?”  Roberts asked moving closer to the edge of his chair, the Lyran Alliance has never shown any interest in expanding into the Rim Collection, why now?

   â€œEffectively.”  Merle said quietly without quarter “your Rim Collection would become part of the Timbuktu Theatre with Gllfillian’s Gold becoming the command centre of all Lyran Military Assets in this region of space.  Colonel Able and his people would become the centre piece to a new Alliance Periphery Protectorate Guard, a new Brigade in the LAAF.”

   â€œThat is a very big step Ambassador, a step far bigger than any we have ever discussed before.  Why make such a move now?”  Tracey asked the Ambassador looked over at the Economic minister.

   â€œThe Inner Sphere and Periphery are changing places, Minister, the Lyran Alliance plans on being at the fore of all future moves.  This will be our first step.  Your people will also benefit, they will have a higher state of living than any other in the Periphery.”

   â€œAmbassador, your plans intrigue me” Roberts said “but first the Lyran Alliance must honour its previous commitments.  You honour those and we will consider your plans for the future.”  The President said his words were the last on this subject, the Lyran Alliance would wait for another day for their grand plan for the Rim Collection.

   â€œWe will honour our commitments.  To the future. Good day”  Merle said raising from her chair, the three Rim Collection members of the meeting also raised as Merle left the room.

   â€œJerry increase our security, the Lyrans may try something to force this, I won’t let us fall pray to a larger state’s plans.”  The President said, he was suddenly full of life as was Jerry, both could feel trouble was on the horizon.  “Tracey ensure we get what the Lyrans promised us before we go any further down this road.”

   â€œAgreed” both said motioning towards their chairs.

   â€œYou’re tempted aren’t you?  Jerry whispered to Roberts before he moved from the room.

   â€œAye, I am Jerry, our people could use an easier future, part of one of the Succession states could be better for our people.”  The President said quietly “I feel the winds of change Jerry, we will see what happens in the future.”

   â€œAye, we all feel the winds of change, Mister President.”  Jerry Able said moving towards the doors, leaving the President’s office Jerry headed directly back to the headquarters of the Able’s Aces, it was time for him to begin the future for his unit, not only his nation.

Downtown Augustine Capital
Augustine, Rousset-Marik Alliance
Former-Free Worlds League Territory
14th July 3072

   In a small bar approximately one kilometre from the Rousset-Marik family mansion an assistant of Duchess Alys Rousset-Marik was meeting with a contract negotiator with a group that would do a special job for the Rousset-Marik Alliance.  Following actions against the Rousset-Marik family, the deaths of Ana Marik and Jonas Rousset-Marik and assaults from the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth, the small nation and the Duchess herself had come to a decision that they could not turn back from and now was the first step against their greatest threat.

   At the meeting a price was agreed and a decision was made.  The negotiator’s people would assassinate Captain-General Corrine Marik leader of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth.  They would do what the Rousset-Marik Alliance could not do themselves, to do so would cause war, they would strike a crippling blow to the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth.

Various Worlds
Cirincus Federation
Periphery
23rd July 3072

   On the morning of the 23rd July the Marian Hegemony launches an all out assault of the Cirincus Federation dropping troops onto Blantleff, Maximillian, Zron’s Keep and Hardisey’s Haven at once with the MHS Caesar supporting their efforts and many of the Marian units supporting upgraded weapons the Cirincus forces begin to fall back.

   Only on Zron’s Keep do the Marian’s face significant threats the Bullard’s Armoured Cavalry Battalion and a Battalion of the Cirincus Federation’s McIntyre House Guard Battalion all of whom are sporting heavy weapon upgrades with advanced weapons. 

   The Marian Hegemony troops find themselves quickly bogged down on Zron’s Keep fighting constantly.  During this fighting a company of SPT-NX Spartan BattleMechs are seen fighting on both sides at various parts of the battle causing heavy damage to all sides, during the battles they are non communicative and take no salvage or prisoners from any battle.  Like other instance the Spartan’s have been seen in the Inner Sphere these Mechs retreat onto a hidden DropShip and disappear without a trace after every time they have been seen.

In system en route to Jump Point
LAS Archon’s Pride, Avalon-class Cruiser
New St. Andrews System, Lyran Alliance
5th October 3072

   Following lengthy discussions and negotiations with the Council President of New St. Andrews and the local mercenary commander Captain Michael Nelson, commander of Nelson’s Longbows on planet defenders Archon Peter Steiner-Davion had been able to secure protectorate status for the world, rights to land troops on the world which he had begun by leaving a mixed company from the First Royal Guards RCT and a contract from Nelson’s Longbows which would keep them on the world for the next five years Peter was back aboard the Archon’s Pride heading back to the local jump point when hell broke loose.

   The Archon’s Pride was hit heavily from the port by several heavy impacts and weapon blasts, even in his conference room deep within the vessel Peter could tell they were under attack.  As he headed for the bridge, made easier with gravity since the vessel was under motion he felt a hit on the starboard side as well.  Reaching the bridge he looked immediately to the Holo-tank in the centre of the room from the picture he was able to make out the vessel was under attack from one large target and six smaller vessels, DropShip sized targets.  In the centre of the room Admiral Henry Hayes who was barking orders to the helm while ordering the main gunners to hold fire while the vessel turned.

   â€œAdmiral, what’s our situation?”  Peter asked stepping up to the Holo-tank as the Avalon was slammed by another blast to the port side.

   â€œWe have a mite on our back and are preparing to swat it, sire” the Admiral said without missing a beat.  “Port Gunners continue hold for thirty seconds, Starboard Gunners kill those DropShips now.”  He said finally looking up to the gunner controllers.  The Archon’s Pride’s gunners along the right hand side of the vessel answered almost in unison.  Naval-grade Autocannons, Lasers, Missiles and Gauss Rifles began to fire from the Avalon’s eight hundred metre length.  Four of the six DropShips were destroyed or disabled in the opening volley while the last two were killed on their attack run against the Cruisers, only mass numbers of DropShips really stood a chance against a WarShip and even then only if they carried capital missiles or nuclear weapons.  Meanwhile the enemy WarShip had positively identified as the MHS Caesar, a Dart-class Light Cruiser, the flagship of the Marian Hegemony.

   â€œLooks like we pissed someone off” Peter whispered under his breath as the vessel fired yet more Naval Autocannon, Missile and Laser blasts into the port armour.  “Admiral, shouldn’t we swat that menace before it does some real damage?”  Peter asked looking at the Admiral who didn’t seem bothered by the attacks.

   â€œThe Avalon has the armour to handle it, sire, not to worry.”  Hayes said Peter looked at him then back to the Holo-tank, he didn't like someone messing up one of his ships but no-one seemed overly concerned by the Light Cruiser, the Caesar was on an outbound flight now trying to escape.  “Not happening my friend.”  Hayes said “Port Gunners, gloves off, fire at will!”  He barked.  The Port gunners who had patiently taken their beating from the Caesar without reply now had their chance.  Instead of Naval-grade Autocannons, Lasers, Missiles and Gauss Rifles spread over a multiple targets like the Starboard’s targets had been the Port’s were now all focused on the single Dart trying to escape.

   Looking at the Holo-tank was great for positional data but Peter looked away to a secondary display for damage, three of the four Medium Naval Gauss Rifles had hit the aft and port armour causing heavy but not crippling damage, two Naval Autocannons had also struck the port side while the naval lasers had hit the aft section.  As he watched all four Killer Whale Capital Missiles struck the aft armour, the Avalon’s advanced sensors could tell that two of the Dart’s thrusters had been hit severely damaging its propulsion units.

   â€œHelm continue the turn” Hayes said, the Avalon was twice as fast as a Dart normally now with the damage caused it was a sitting duck.  “Aft weapons take that pest out of my sky” Hayes said smiling he’d always wanted to say that.  At that very moment the smile dropped as did all sensor data on the Dart as the MHS Caesar disappeared in a blink.  Hayes audibly cursed in German on the command deck of the LAS Archon’s Pride, he’d been robbed as had his crew the vessel‘s first kill had gotten away.

   â€œWhat happened?  Were they destroyed?”  Peter asked wishing he knew more about space combat the flash of energy on sensors could have been anything.

   â€œNegative, they jumped, the crazy bastards supercharged their K-F Drive with Fusion Reactors and jumped.  Really dangerous and desperate in their condition but they are gone.  Only way we could get them now is if we chased them all the way back to the Marian Hegemony, with their Lithium Fusion Battery they could be sixty light years away by now.”  Hayes said cursing several more times in his native tongue.

   â€œAdmiral, for the first combat this crew has faced I believe you did well, take it for what it is and let’s go home.”

   â€œAye, sire, next time we will get the little bastard” cursed one last time “and we still have six DropShips for our name, the guns have been blooded, next time it will be just a couple more and the icing on the cake.”  He promised “engineering and damage control, I want a damage assessment made on this vessel before we jump.  Helm, take us to the jump point and home.”  The Admiral said passing out orders before he cursed a couple more times under his breath Peter secretly wondered about the man’s attitude but according to the High Command he was the best man for the job so he’d leave it as it was.  Around him the crew of the Archon’s Pride began assessing damage and preparing the vessel for the journey back deeper into the Lyran Alliance.

Upsilon Galaxy Command
Barcella, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
28th October 3072

    Following the vote on Strana Mechty that saw the Clans decide not to abjure Clan Sea Fox for its dealing with the Inner Sphere states Khan Canin Rosse walked off the Vanguard, a Vanguard-class Troopship used by the Watch Keshik, and onto the tarmac of Barcella Spaceport to a welcome of Galaxy Commander Sophie Rosse, commander of Upsilon Galaxy of the Nova Cats.

   â€œGalaxy Commander” Canin said in a simple welcome

   â€œMy Khan, welcome home” Sophie said Canin smiled broadly he hadn’t considered Barcella home for a long time, but he knew many members of the Clan still considered it as such.

   â€œThank you, Galaxy Commander, it is good to breath the air we were all born to.”  Canin said quietly that part at least was true, it was good to return to the Homeworlds just to see Barcella again, to breath the air he'd grown up in.  “How are things on Barcella?”

   â€œThings are as they have been my Khan, we are fully combat ready and have fended off trials from several of the other Clans but we do nothing but fight defensively.  Some of my warriors begin to feel restless through just defending, the local civilians feel left out they cannot enjoy the standards of living in the Nova Cat’s Den, there has been a couple of incidents.”

   â€œIncidents?”  Canin asked, he did not like the idea of Nova Cat warriors acting against their own people.  He indicated to her to begin moving towards the command tower, they began to walk.

   â€œAff, a civilian riot of sorts.  People demanding more from the military and merchants and for passage to the Nova Cat’s Den.  We have kept them in check, casualties have been kept to a minimum in most areas however my people are not a police force.”

   â€œMost areas?”  He asked because the world of Barcella had not always been controlled exclusively by the Nova Cats there were civilians from other Clans still on the world and no doubt a source of trouble.

   â€œAff, the former Jade Falcon population, who we have been all but barred from travel to the Den, have been causing troubles.  I deployed the 109th Battle Cluster, being a former Jade Falcon unit, to the area in hopes that their common heritage would keep hostilities down.”  Sophie said quietly, Canin could tell she was unhappy with the decision and regretted what had happened.

   â€œAnd did it?”  Canin asked knowing the answer as he saw her make a disgusted face “Quineg?”  He asked again when she did not answer immediately.  At present Sophie was his most senior officer in the Homeworlds, he did not like speaking to her in this manner.

   â€œNegative, my Khan that stavag, Star Colonel Fresic Irons, commander of the One hundred-and-ninth Battle Cluster, opened fire on the people.”  Canin stopped dead, Clan warriors did not open fire on civilians, at least Nova Cats ddn't.  Sometimes the Smoke Jaguars and Jade Falcons did but everyone had seen where that had gotten the Smoke Jaguars and the Jade Falcon civilians were some of the least productive of all the Clans.

   â€œWhat was the body count?”

   â€œLast I checked three hundred and forty-two, all former Clan Jade Falcon civilians, two BattleMechs were slightly damaged.”  Sophie said quietly “the Jade Falcons have been causing a lot of noise about troubles, their people brutalized by a Nova Cat warrior even though Irons is trueborn Falcon!”  She said it was obvious to Canin she‘d had plenty of trouble from the man.

   â€œA military reaction?”  Canin asked quietly, the Jade Falcons did not have a heavy presence in the Homeworlds so a military attack was unlikely.

   â€œThey have made some noise but have made no moves against us, I don't think they have the hardware available.”

   â€œAnd Fresic?”  Canin asked omitting the rank and the bloodname of the warrior.

   â€œI have restricted his unit to base duties only.”

   â€œI think I need to meet this man.”  Canin said looking to Sophie Rosse, after a moment she nodded and they headed off.  An hour later Canin and Sophie reached the base where the One hundred-and-ninth Battle Cluster had been stationed.  Entering the base the One hundred-and-ninth were ready for their Khan as he stepped from his Vehicle they snapped to attention Mechs and Battle Armour snapping to attention as they saw the Khan’s crest.  The unit still looked very Jade Falcon to Canin, even the Unit Insignia a Nova Cat with wings and Jade Falcon talon’s rimming the bottom looking at the equipment he could see a very Jade Falcon set up was still evident despite there being Nova Cat factories on the planet.  Ahead of them stood a seventy ton Summoner OmniMech, primary heavy OmniMech of Clan Jade Falcon.  Star Colonel Fresic Irons stood at the foot of the Mech, he looked like the typical arrogant, better than you, Jade Falcon as he walked up to the Khan and Galaxy Commander, he didn‘t even salute Canin he just looked at the Khan and the Galaxy Commander both senior officers.

   â€œWhat is required of us?”  Fresic asked looking at Sophie, not even acknowledging the Khan.

   â€œKhan Canin Rosse, meet Fresic Irons, Star Colonel and commander of the One hundred-and-ninth Battle Cluster.”  She said looking from Canin to Fresic, the Star Colonel straightened slightly but made no obvious notes to notice of being in a Khan’s presence.

   â€œStar Colonel, what is your problem?”  Canin asked looking the Star Colonel up and down.

   â€œI have a problem with this planet, this Clan, this Galaxy and You.  I declare a Trial of Refusal against you ’Khan’ Canin Rosse.”  Fresic Irons said looking at the Khan straight out.

   â€œYour terms Star Colonel?  You cannot declare a Trial against our Khan without grounds.”  Sophie Rosse said stepping forward.

   â€œThis planet is ours, it is time we strike out yet we remain here.  This Clan is weak and has run from the Homeworlds, this Galaxy is unwilling to step up to the threats of public mutiny and you are never here.  This “Khan“ consorts with a freeborn regularly and supports another Khan despite it being fractured worse than the Fire Mandrills.”  Fresic said quietly “I declare this trial for the good of our Clan and my troops.”  Fresic said angrily.

   â€œIf you have a problem you have it with me, Star Colonel” Sophie said stepping forward to her Khan’s defence “I am you commander” she reminded him however Canin had already passed her.

   â€œStar Colonel choose you trial and we will meet in a Circle of Equals” Canin said loud enough for all to hear looking straight at the former Jade Falcon warrior, everyone looked surprised at their Khan’s announcement, Fresic Irons looked amused and happy at the prospect of facing his Khan in combat.

   â€œWe will fight where we were born to fight in the Cockpit of a Mech, six hours in the firing ranges to the east of this base.”  Fresic said after a few moments Canin only nodded then turned to Sophie Rosse.

   â€œGalaxy Commander make it happen.  It appears that the One hundred-and-ninth Battle Cluster is indeed ready for combat, let us show them how a Nova Cat truly fights, Quiaff?”  He said loud enough for all to hear before heading back into the transport, he would return here but next time at the helm of his Dragon Cat.

   â€œAff, My Khan” she said watching him enter the vehicle before following the Khan without another word.

   Six hours later Canin walked his Dragon Cat OmniMech onto the firing ranges near the One hundred-and-ninth’s base at the other end of the range was Fresic Irons in his Summoner.  Looking at the Star Colonel’s Mech just over a kilometre away Canin could see the Summoner was outfitted his OmniMech in the Alternate Alpha configuration giving the Star Colonel a Gauss Rifle, Short Range Missile launcher and Large Pulse Laser along with the standard built-in Jump Jets on the Summoner design.  Canin had likewise outfitted his OmniMech with the Alpha configuration giving the Dragon Cat a Gauss Rifle and three Heavy Medium Lasers tied to the Targeting Computer, an Short Range Missile launcher as large as the Summoner’s but linked to an advanced Fire Control Suite and a set of five Jump Jets matching the Summoner, this would be an interesting fight both Mechs matched in tonnage and were close in firepower.

   Activating the communication’s channel it was Fresic who spoke first “I Fresic Irons, Star Colonel and commander of the One hundred-and-ninth Battle Cluster of Clan Nova Cat, have challenged our Khan to a trial not through the want for personal gain but to bring the Nova Cats back onto the path we were destined to follow by the Great Father.  And to ensure the Nova Cats are established in the Homeworlds as a force to be reckoned with, not just here for the sake of it.”  He said then continued “this Circle is not to the death but if that is what it takes then so be it.”  The Star Colonel said Canin noticed the Summoner flex its joints slightly as he finished talking, Fresic really did like to play the crowd Canin thought knowing that everyone in the area would hear and see that, now it was his turn.

   â€œI am Canin Rosse, born to this soil, I am Khan of Clan Nova Cat and I have answered this challenge, may no other enter.”  He said then together they finished with “Seyla” keeping with tradition there was a moments of silence Canin flipped the communications suite to passive and waited he’d let Fresic make the first move, it would be one of his last.  Unlike Fresic Irons the Khan had already decided the fate of the loser of this battle, only one would walk away from this.

   The Star Colonel accelerated his Summoner forward and to the right attempting to get into range of the still stationary Dragon Cat.  Instead of moving Canin Linked the left arm mounted gauss rifle to the targeting computer, instantly he could feel the rifle be held in line by the advanced piece of equipment.  Dropping the cross-hairs over the Summoner, he saw a second set lock over the seventy ton charging Mech and both sets go black, as the computer also achieved a lock there was an audible ‘bang’ as the Mech shook with the launching of the slug.  The gauss round crossed the distance in a blink of an eye the supersonic piece of Ferro-nickel impacted the Summoner’s left leg obliterating nearly a ton of armour.  To Fresic Irons credit he didn’t stop or falter in his charge instead he launched the OmniMech skyward firing one of his own gauss slugs in reply as the Mech reached the top of it’s jump.  The gauss slug slammed into the Dragon Cat’s upper torso missing the cockpit by a metre or so, the stationary OmniMech took the hit easily and Canin had little to do controlling his Mech the stabilizing gyro doing its job.  Instead he began to accelerate the heavy Mech bringing his Mech to a run straight for the Summoner.  Just within range he linked the three right arm mounted heavy medium lasers to the targeting computer at the same time firing another gauss slug into the Summoner’s left arm this time.  Fresic Irons replied with a right arm large pulse laser, the pulse blasts hit the lower torso section on the Dragon Cat, the armour on Canin’s OmniMech could easily take it and the Dragon Cat continued to charge forward, closing the gap.

   Glancing at the range Canin noticed it read four hundred metres and launched the Dragon Cat skyward still heading right for the Summoner which was continuing on its course, Fresic Irons turning the Summoner to track the Khan’s Mech.  In Mid-air Canin opened fire with the short range missile launcher, six high explosive missiles shot towards the Summoner, guided by the Dragon Cat’s Artemis Advanced Fire Control suite, the Summoner’s return flight of missiles missed the Dragon Cat by five-to-ten metres detonating overhead becoming a spectacular expensive fire work display.  As the Dragon Cat began to fall, ending its jump, Canin brought the heavy laser suite inline with the Summoner as well and just as his own missiles hit blossoming fire over the OmniMech he triggered the Lasers, notoriously inaccurate normally the hit would have missed but because of the targeting computer they fired true.  Two of the opal beams hit the right arm while the third hit the torso less than a metre from the Summoner’s cockpit.  Landing the Dragon Cat Canin was hit by a wave of excess heat from the fusion engine, the heat sinks were beginning to be overloaded by the constant moving and firing.  Instead of stopping Canin slapped the override and fired the gauss rifle, at less than three hundred metres and with the targeting computer there was no chance of the slug missing and it slammed into the Summoner’s upper left arm, there was a massive explosion as the supersonic slug his and the entire arm and attached gauss rifle flew clear of the OmniMech, robbing Fresic Irons of his main weapon.

   To his credit Fresic did not give up instead he launched the Summoner airborne on Jump Jet flame leaping towards the overheating Dragon Cat firing more short range missiles, only three of the six missiles struck two shaking the Mech up causing minor damage while the third struck the cockpit throwing Canin around and damaging the life support systems, things were going to get a lot hotter in here if the Khan didn‘t finish this fight.  “Stavag!”  He cursed under his breath launching another six short range missiles into the Summoner striking all over the OmniMech’s already damaged leg armour, he followed it up with another gauss rifle slug to the torso.  By keeping to low heat generating weapons the Dragon Cat’s temperature had at least, temporally gone down.

   The damaged Summoner continued to close firing its pulse laser and missiles constantly hitting the leg, arm and torso armour constantly doing damage, slowly creating cracks in the Dragon Cat’s thick ferro-fibrous hide as it closed, less than a hundred-and-fifty metres now.  Twisting the right arm into position, tracking the Summoner’s movements with a torso twist, Canin pulled the trigger and the three lasers sparked to life guided by the targeting computer the lasers tore through the already damaged armour burning to gyroscope in the centre of the torso to a crisp.  Without this stabilizing piece of technology the Summoner stumbled, initially Fresic fought the fall but the damage was too great, the Mech then fell forwards smashing into the ground face first, because the Mech had been travelling at over eighty kilometres per hour the Mech tore across the ground on its face then flipped over smashing and crushing the pilot and cockpit an unfortunate end to a good warrior who had failed to adapt to his new position.  This trial was over and the message was clear, the Khan was in command, even so Canin had received the message as well.  His warriors were ready for war.

   In the coming weeks a Nova Cat warrior, Star Colonel Lucy Nostra, formerly of Upsilon Galaxy’s Justice Keshik.  With the arrival of a new commander and the death of Fresic the One hundred-and-ninth began to make further strives forwards changing their unit insignia to a simple Nova Cat design and trading much of their equipment for Nova Cat built designs, although the rest of Upsilon Galaxy and the population of Barcella were still wary of them the unit were making progress towards acceptance in their new Clan.

3073

Proving Grounds
Northwind, Star League Protectorate
8th January 3073

   For the first time in months Lt. Colonel Jeremiah Rose was sitting in his Warhawk’s cockpit leading his troops onto the field and it felt great.  The eighty-five ton Clan-designed and built OmniMech moved confidently and reacted as if he had never left but Jeremiah felt different somehow.  Since becoming a Colonel of Northwind there was a new sense of purpose and responsibility in him and the other former Black Thorns.  The Northwind Renegades were a brand-new unit, and although they had received some experienced warriors from other Highlander unit’s the were very inexperienced and were organised in a completely new way.  Over the next few months they would be watched very carefully.  “Okay people let’s make sure we put on a good show, Stirling’s Fusiliers are one of Northwind’s best and most famed units, we are here to show we deserve to be the next to join that line and to gain the Inner Sphere’s respect.  No mistakes, no trouble.”  Jeremiah said quietly “Thorn One to Control check.”  He said on a separate communication frequency.

   â€œClear Thorn, we have a couple of stragglers in the epsilon quadrant but they are picking it up, nice speech by the way Colonel.”  Control said, Jeremiah smiled Control was his younger sister Riana Jackson.  Although she was a MechWarrior and would normally be riding alongside him because of recent myomer implants in her legs as treatment for damage caused in battle.  Riana was on a strict light duty order from doctors, she’d pushed to be allowed in the Regiment’s command vehicle near Castle Northwind watching the battle via remote operated vehicles (ROV‘s).

   â€œUnderstood, keep an eye for me.  What about the Fusiliers?”

   â€œThey are pushing forward still just beyond the canyon, looks like Stirling wants to give us a straight fight.”  Riana said quietly “the air-cover on both sides are fully engaged.”

   â€œAnd?”  Jeremiah asked spotting the first Fusilier’s Mech on his scanners, a forty-five ton Shadow Cat, Clan OmniMech.

   â€œWe are being hammered, their superior numbers and tech are telling.”

   â€œUnderstood, have spotted enemy.  Keep an eye on the fighters, I want to try to keep at least a squadron in reserve but commit as necessary.  Engaging single Shadow Cat at point Zulu Sixteen-One.”

   â€œUnderstood Thorn One, good hunting” Riana said and cut the link.  The Shadow Cat fired a single volley from its paired Extended-Range Large Lasers then began to run, wishing to report what it had discovered.

   â€œI think not.”  Jeremiah said quietly linking all four of his assault Mech’s arm mounted Extended-Range Particle Projection Cannons to the targeting computer module buried in the torso.  Pulling the trigger Jeremiah began to feel the heat from the weapons overwhelm the heat sinks, one problem with the Warhawk it always seemed to want to overheat when its main weapons were used.  In the great distance three of the four bolts of man-made lightning struck the Shadow Cat one on the left leg the other two on the Mech’s back.  The powered-down weapons burned away simulated armour and tore into internal structure and systems.  Off to Jeremiah’s right a brand-new Black Watch OmniMech opened fire on the Shadow Cat as well this time with a Light Gauss Rifle.  The Ferro-nickel slug tore into the same area Jeremiah’s Extended-Range PPCs struck on the torso and must have hit something critical because the forty-five ton OmniMech dropped like a sack of bricks smashing into the ground as simulated damage overwhelmed the gyros and dropped the Mech to the ground.  The first kill of the day.

   Eighteen-and-a-half hours later the battle was over following Andrea Stirling’s command company over-running Jeremiah’s own command unit, Jeremiah’s own Mech falling following heavy engine and leg damage.  The units had both fought well but the Fusilier’s better skill and superior aerospace cover had won them the day, during the debriefings several of the Fusilier’s officers had commented on the Renegades promise, however in Jeremiah’s eyes they still had a long way to go.

University of Thorin
Thorin, Freedom Theatre
Isle of Skye, Lyran Alliance
12th January 3073

   Following three years in and around the site of the University of Thorin archaeologists are convinced that they have salvaged all they can from the previous site and clear out allowing construction teams to move in.  The teams instantly begin to clear the site of and dig down to lay the foundations for the first building of the rebuilt University of Thorin.  The guarding Fifteenth Royal Battle Armour Battalion, of the Second Battle Armour Corps of the Star League Defence Force, shift their defensive duties from the archaeologists to the construction teams and their equipment.  Because of the local Thorin Militia however these troopers are finding they are more often assisting in construction duties than combat or training.  To ensure the troopers do not get totally disheartened Major Katherine Spade, the unit’s commander, sets up a series of monthly excises with the local Militia troops in an effort to maintain discipline and combat readiness.  This move is supported by both the SLDF Commanding-General, the local Isle of Skye Regional Commanders and Lyran Alliance High Command officers.

Peace Conference
Barren Rock, Pleiades Cluster
Capellan March, Federated Suns
21st January 3073

   There had been one stipulation for the planned peace conference that both Marshal Baron Cham Kithrong, commander of the Taurian Concordat, military and Field Marshal Baron George Hasek, commander of the Federated Sun Capellan March, were both in attendance.  It had taken months to arrange first what security could each take, then where it would be, when, how long the talks would take place for.  Eventually the two men met aboard the Ajax, a Fortress-class Assault Ship, belonging to the Medusan Mercenary Command which had landed on a barren rock within the Pleiades Cluster but one that had been untouched by the recent fighting.  Although the Medusans were in the employ of the Federated Suns the Taurians had agreed to the talks taking place here because the Medusans were not a Federated Suns unit and not engaged in ground operations against their military.

   Following several days of talks which included a complete break-down and threats of total war from both sides the Hasek and Kithrong came to an agreement.  The Taurians would retreat from the Pleiades Cluster worlds and the worlds would be given the right to vote for their independence from the Federated Suns and a return to Taurian rule after centuries under the Suns.  With this agreement the Federated Suns begins a staggered withdrawal from the Cluster leaving only regular garrison troops in place, the Taurians follow suit as agreed.

   A month later once all the fighting had stopped and all foreign troops had been removed the Federated Suns as promised allowed the Pleiades Cluster population a vote on where they wanted to stand and under what flag.  Although there was rumours of a DMI or MIIO backroom ‘fixing’ of the vote the results came in a week later and the Pleiades Cluster had narrowly voted to remain part of the Federated Suns.  A week following this result the Taurian Concordat announce that they respect this decision and are standing their militaries down to peace time readiness.  Field Marshal Hasek responds to this by standing down local Capellan March forces and allowing the Taurian Concordat more trading concessions with the Cluster saying that “although the Pleiades people are more comfortable living under the flag of a succession lord, the Flag of House Davion, we will not forget where they come from or who they are still connected to.”  Although the Federated Suns do also increase the size of the local militia to a full RCT with two full aerospace wings in support to monitor the increased Taurian presence in the region.

Periphery system
Near Taurian Concordat
29th January 3073

   At a nadir point in the Periphery an Invader-class JumpShip, the Independence of Filtvelt, was sitting idle charging its Jump engines before the next jump on it’s long haul journey from Filtvelt to Fronc as part of the Reaches Coalition Pact shared by the two nations.  This journey was normally no trouble however today a Taurian Quetzalcoatl-Scout-class JumpShip, the ship had been on a routine patrol when Taurian Intelligence assets, the Taurian Ministry of Intelligence (TMI), directed them to this system.  The fighters launched from the Quetzalcoatl-Scout quickly surrounded the Independence of Filtvelt, under the threat of destruction the JumpShip crew surrender.

   Following fifteen hours of interrogation by their Taurian captors the secrets of the Reaches Coalition Pact are revealed.  Six hours later orders fall down from Taurus that the Independence of Filtvelt and its crew are to be released and allowed to travel on its way.  A week later JumpShips arrive in both the Filtvelt and Fronc systems baring Taurian Concordat colours.  Following several discreet meetings and negotiations between the three nations the Taurian Concordat are added to the Reaches Coalition Pact.

Hi All hopefully you've enjoyed things up until now.  A confession now, I love April Fool's day always have...  In the timeline I've tried to show this:

The launching of CASE WHITE on that date in 3067

The Nova Cat capture of an Ice Hellion Potemkin in 3068

The Attempted assassination against George Hasek in 3071

And the next event coming soon... Hope you enjoy it

Regards

Dragon Cat