OBT Forum

Would love to see the stats for the Pegasus and the Infiltrator III.

Would love to see the stats for the Pegasus and the Infiltrator III.

Me 2 Have fun 

I actually thought it was up already

http://ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/columbia-class-battleship/

Look here for the Battleship's stats

http://ourbattletech.com/forum/intelligence-reports/intelligence-report-fss-pegasus/msg22921/#new

And here for some exclusive OBT information on the design also courtesy of Starbug

And the Infiltrator III Heavy Battle Suit another one that should have been on here 

http://ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/infiltrator-iii-heavy-battle-armour/msg22925/#msg22925

Liberation Fleet
New Avalon system
Crucis March, Federated Suns
7th May 3073

   Near orbit of New Avalon’s moon Valiant a Riga-class Frigate and a pair of Pinto-class Corvettes jump into the New Avalon system, the three ships immediately set an intercept course for the Davion Guards and their escorts intent on stopping them reaching New Avalon.  After the battle these ships would be positively identified, using SLDF records, as the same vessels that attacked the Nineteenth Striker Regiment of the Eridani Light Horse in the Periphery.  In the initial salvos the Alexander Davion takes a hit on the port side cargo bay door causing an explosive decompression venting its contents to space causing sensor confusion and dangers to aerospace fighters.  As allied and enemy aerospace fighters and DropShips try to avoid the Alexander Davion the Riga and its Pinto escorts moved in for the kill on the Davion III-class Destroyer however in doing so they exposed themselves to fire from the Andrew Davion.  The Avalon-class Cruiser although damaged in previous combat with Varnay forces still had plenty of firepower availiable moving at a course parallel to the Alexander Davion is able to catch the enemy WarShips attention by destroying one Pinto with a volley of ten Killer Whale-class capital missiles.  With the Alexander Davion still struggling to deal with containing its hull breach and spilled cargo the two enemy craft turn on the Anderw Davion with has now shown itself as a serious target.

   With Naval lasers and autocannon they struck out at the Andrew Davion trying to hold back the Avalon-class Cruiser, however the Andrew Davion was intent on clearing the way for the Davion Guards and returned fire with its own weapons cutting large swaths of armour off both craft.  At this moment the Alexander Davion and several assault DropShips having been given time to regroup into a combat formation then rejoined the battle and cut the second Pinto apart in a mass hail of weapons fire.  Seeing the demise of both its accompanying vessels and the return of the Alexander Davion broke the will of the Riga’s crew now outnumbered and well outgunned the ship began to try to run from the system.  The remaining AFFS forces in the ystem however had other plans, every DropShip, Aerospace Fighter and both WarShip in weapons range fired on the Frigate.  The massive concentration of missiles, autocannon and lasers cut into the Riga giving the crew of the Frigate the feeling of a death by one thousand paper cuts as the vessel was torn to pieces around them.  With complete Naval supremecy the remaining Davion forces were able to approach New Avalon unmolested within an hour of the Naval battle the Davion Brigade of Guards began landing all over New Avalon.

   On the ground the arrival of the Assault, Heavy, Light, Second, Fourth and Fifth Davion Guard RCTs proved to death kneel to the Forty-first and Thirty-ninth Avalon Hussars RCTs which were cut apart with the combined firepower of six of the most elite, most upgraded and most committed units in the whole AFFS, their Ducal Family and capital had been attacked and they were out for revenge.  With so many reinforcements and no Naval vessels supporting Varnay faction‘s challenge was effectively over but they continued to fight, now with new purpose to hurt House Davion where it hurt the most kill the First Prince and his family.

New Avalon System
Crucis March, Federated Suns
12th May 3073

   A group of JumpShips arrive at a pirate point, in the New Avalon system less than a day from the planet, dropping several DropShips towards the planet, on-board is the Twentieth Avalon Hussars RCT, these forces have ignored orders from the First Prince to stay away from the planet and avoid all Davion and Varnay forces landing on the planet.  The arrival of the Twentieth means all remaining active Avalon Hussar regiments had broken orders and travelled to New Avalon.

   Following their landing actions and their complete avoidance of Varnay forces it becomes very clear the Twentieth are not here to join the Varnay forces.  Instead the regimental combat team under the command of General Jack Roberts had come to clear their name, marred by its sister units, and help finish the Varnay threat to the Davion family.

        The Twentieth immediately goes on the attack against Varnay forces continuing to harry to First Davion Guards linking up with First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion’s command.  Although none of the Davion Guards or the New Avalon Guards trust them Victor sees a unit trying to make amends for mistakes of others and adds them to the forces holding around the capital pinning the First Chisholm’s Raiders and their three support regiments in place ready for the final assaults.

Davion Family Retreat
New Scotland, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
28th May 3073
   
   Since their evacuation from the Davion Royal Palace masterminded by Arden Sortek and throughout the whole occupation of New Avalon Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion and her children had been hidden away on the planet moving from one safehouse to the next, some under the Davion name others under the names of trusted families so far they had accomplished this without incident.  Unfortunately the Varnay Irregulars, commanded by Jacob Varnay, plus attached units had been tracking her and had avoided the Davion Guard units that were rapidly taking control of the planet.  Jacob Varnay was driven now to cause as much pain on the First Prince as possible.

        At almost the same time as Jacob’s force was approaching Danai’s position Victor Steiner-Davion was embroiled in an attack on Avalon City.  He'd miss calculated not expecting them to track down Danai, he had pushed all his forces into an attack on the capital to end the rebellion swiftly in one action.  Now that choice could cost him his entire family to break away would cost him the Battle for the city and probably the whole Davion Heavy Guards.

   As the Varnay Irregulars moved in the Fox’s Teeth Company, with Colonel Ross McKinnon, his wife and a group of NAIS Academy cadets who had remained attached to the unit throughout the conflict, held the main defence.  They were being supported by elements of the Eighteenth Federation Airborne Infantry Brigade commanded by General Sheldon Zibler.  Together they had a very capable force however they knew would be enough to stop the Varnay Irregulars and their support.

   To make matters worse for the Davion liberators in high orbit the AFFS WarShips detected the Severn Leroux and several Nova Cat DropShips burning for the planet, with the FSS Alexander Davion or the FSS Andrew Davion unable to intercept in their current conditions.  The Nova Cats had neither been invited or expected in the system by the AFFS, with the Nova Cat Embassy and Firebase on New Avalon’s New Scotland continent remaining quiet during the entire conflict.  Without communication to any force on the planet’s surface elements of the Nova Cat’s Watch Cluster and of Tau Galaxy dropped directly ontop of Danai Centrella-Davion’s position.  Colonel Ross McKinnon now found himself facing off against Khan Canin Rosse, someone her respected, and Tera Varnay, some he despised.  Unable to fight both McKinnon needed to know the Nova Cat’s intentions so he took a gamble and ordered his force to turn his back on the landing Nova Cats and class the incoming Mechs and Battle Armour as friendly.

   On the field of battle Jacob Varnay could not help but brandish a irresponsible smile although the Victor Davion had arrived with his Davion Guards, the Thunderchild was destroyed in space and his forces were on the verge of being driven from the capital city he would soon win a personal victory over the House Davion crippling their future.  Moving steadily forward in his Atlas he could see the villa that covered the bunker Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion was hidden in, her and Victor Davion’s children.  “Continue to move forward.”  He ordered the warriors of the Varnay Irregulars, some were from regiments of the Avalon Hussars and were here through a promise of a better future others from bars Jacob had frequented and others he’d simply paid to be here they had loyalty to him as long as he could pay and thanks to the Liao’s he could pay plenty.

   â€œSir, we are detecting DropShips overhead.”

   â€œDropShips?  Who are they?  Victor has no remaining forces…”  He said his voice trailing off as he saw several Mechs Drop from the sky, they were all Clan designs, he was in trouble.  “Unidentified force, leave now and you won’t be harmed; this is a House Varnay operation.”  He said into the open communications channel he couldn‘t help but sound worried.  He’d known that Victor was in bed with the Clans but he’d never expected a combat force to land on New Avalon.  For all he knew they could threaten the entire Federated Suns, it was his duty as a leader to oppose them.

   â€œNeg” the voice answered “Jacob Varnay, I assume it is you I am speaking to Quiaff?”  He asked continuing as the first Clan designs began to land.

   â€œI am he” Jacob said, he wasn’t about to hide the fact he was here to crush the Davion families next generation like the Davion family had tried to do to his family.
]
   â€œGood Jacob Varnay, I am Khan Canin Rosse leader of Clan Nova Cat and I declare a Trial of Annihilation against your forces.”  The voice said Jacob didn’t understand it how did Victor have them supporting him?  The Clans should be rejoicing at his demise.  Why they were here?  What had Victor Davion given them from the Federated Suns for them to be here on New Avalon no-less!

   â€œKhan Rosse, you have no right being here” Jacob said trying to recover “this is an internal Federated Suns matter.  If you are interested in exploring our relationship following this conflict, I will be willing to listen to your Clan’s proposals.”

   â€œNeg, Jacob” Canin said dropping the man in his estimation even further. “I have every right to be here, your actions threaten to destabilize the Federated Suns and threaten my Clan’s position. You also threaten those who cannot fight for themselves, something I personally despise.”  Canin continued “This Trial begins unless you stand down now and submit to war-crimes against the Federated Suns, and a Circle of Equals against myself.  Surrender now and you may save your men.”

   â€œNegative, you stand down” Jacob said triggering his AS7-11D Atlas’ weapons firing on a nearby seventy-five ton Timber Wolf cutting into the Clan Mech’s armour.

   â€œYou cannot even pick the right target” Canin said, his Dragon Cat was off to the left of the Timber Wolf and he was in perfect position to fire. “Watch Cluster, Tau Galaxy, fire at will. Destroy these dezgra dogs” the entire Nova Cat battle-line fired as one tearing into almost every single Varnay Mech, vehicle and trooper at once.  The Khan’s use of the term dezgra immediately released them from their dueling rules of engagement, concentrating fire the superior Clan weapons began to cut down units left right and centre.  Canin’s own Heavy Lasers and Advanced Tactical Missiles ripped into the Atlas stripping the forward armour of all sections, Jacob tried to return fire however his weapons fire was not nearly as effective as the Clansmen’s fire.

   The Khan’s Dragon Cat was too swift for Jacob to track and Nova Cat vehicles and Battle Armour as well as what little Federated Suns infantry and battle armour began to break through Jacob’s lines cutting down Mech after Mech.  The Nova Cat’s new hover tanks and missile tanks were proving to be most effective in their attacks while the superior Nova Cat gunners and MechWarriors were proving the end of many Varnay Irregulars Mechs.  “Canin Rosse, perhaps you are correct, I am ready to stand down.  I will surrender to you Khan Nova Cat, not the Federated Suns”

   â€œToo late” Canin answered firing again into Jacob Varnay’s Mech one of the Heavy lasers breached Jacob Varnay’s cockpit killing him instantly, the Atlas remained stationary for a moment suddenly lacking in any control, then the one hundred ton assault Mech toppled forward smashing its cockpit into the ground thirteen metres below there was nothing left of Jacob Varnay, the rest of the Nova Cats continued to fire brining down Mech after Mech until there were no Irregulars left.

   Inside Avalon City at the same time First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion was leading a full strike into the capital targeting the First Chisholm’s Raiders Mechs tracking down the last forces that faced against him.  The Varnay forces were crippled, now the aim was limiting the damage they could do to his capital and his people.  He’d heard of the Nova Cat WarShip over New Scotland and that Khan Canin Rosse had landed forces around his Danai’s position but he had heard nothing since that report.  He had no choice but to trust Ross McKinnon, his Prince’s Champion, knew how to handle the Nova Cat leader.  Here in the capital his people were still too busy mopping Varnay’s rebellious forces to check out the situation on New Scotland, he needed to show he followed through on operations and what he was willing to sacrifice to ensure his nation survived.

   Stalking his Dire Wolf Prometheus through the battle torn streets of Avalon City Victor fought a tear from his eyes, this was not the way things should have happened.  This was his capital all these people were his people, even those he fought against, he’d failed them all.  To himself now in Prometheus’ cockpit he promised he would never fail like this ever again.
As he moved his Mech forward he saw a Sagittaire BattleMech painted in Avalon Hussars colours standing at the end of the street, Victor immediately recognised the Mech and opened a communication channel to the Mech.  “Tera Varnay at last we meet.”

   â€œShame it couldn’t be under better circumstances” she said opening fire immediately with various pulse lasers and a heavy particle projection cannon.

   â€œWrong move” Victor said sidestepping his massive Clan Mech as he pulled his primary firing button on the command joystick triggering four Extended-Range Large Lasers and Long Range Missiles at the Sagittaire as he moved forward.  Tera’s Mech was lighter, it carried less guns and armour than Victor’s Dire Wolf but the Sagittaire had one thing in it’s favour it was designed to be an infighter, luckily for the First Prince so was the Prometheus.  Continuing to move left he pressed down on the second trigger of his joystick triggering his Mech’s main weapon an ultra-class assault -devastator autocannon along with his lasers, the combined fire of the weapons all together tore up the forward armour of the Sagittaire, the assault Mech even stumbled slightly before returning fire with its pulse lasers.  The Sagittaire’s fire was accurate cutting into the Dire Wolf’s legs and arms Victor wasn’t finished and continued to fire as he closed on the Mech.

   With all the weapons fire going off at once the Prometheus’ temperature raised several degrees Victor held the assault OmniMech firm with what seemed like sheer sense of will.  Tera’s return fire continued to cut into the Dire Wolf’s armour her accurate pulse lasers designed for exactly this kind of fight.  She even triggered her particle cannon but not at Victor, instead she targeted a building beside the Sagittaire.  The building wasn’t built to withstand such a blast and exploded with bricks and mortar flying everywhere.  The wanton destruction angered the First Prince even more, she was firing indiscriminately no care for the people of New Avalon she just wanted to hurt someone if she couldn’t beat him she’d kill his people.

       The First Prince’s anger boiled out of control he triggered his autocannon again and again, the shells tore into the torso making massive holes its armour.  The bursts of high explosive shells worked their way up over the Mech into the cockpit killing Tera Varnay almost instantly, the mighty Sagittaire now with no brain to keep it standing began to fall, Victor saw the Mech begin to fall, he’d seen the cockpit crushed under his fire, but he didn’t care he continued to fire autocannon shell after shell into the disabled Mech.  Finally his autocannon ammunition ran out leaving only the smashed husk of the Sagittaire to hit the ground with Victor’s Dire Wolf standing over it.  Where it had remained for several minutes before paniced calls from his Lance brought Victor back to reality “Tera Varnay down, continue mop up operations” he’d ordered on an open channel letting the remaining Varnay followers how he considered their continued fight.

       The battle for Avalon City, although it would take weeks to clear out the last of Varnay’s supporters there was one image of the conflict that would travel around the Federated Suns and Inner Sphere beyond.  Victor Davion’s Prometheus standing over the destroyed remains of Tera Varnay’s BattleMech, people latched onto the image claiming it showed that their First Prince was dedicated to their freedom and would go all out to ensure they live free, Victor told no-one that in that very moment he was not in control of his actions and had been a danger to all around him.

       Immediately after the battle however Victor had one concern the Nova Cats held the ground where his family were, a Nova Cat WarShip hung over them and the Nova Cat Khan was blocking all attempts from others to close on their position.  Leaving the capital Victor and his command company got on the first DropShip and headed for the New Scotland continent to see what the Nova Cats were up to, he didn’t want to go to war with them but would if necessary, if anything had been proven by recent events it was that his family was the most important thing to him over and above everything else.
 
Davion Family Retreat
New Scotland, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
30th May 3073

   Though the threat to Danai Centrella-Davion, her family and their home appeared to be over the Nova Cat force were not willing to allow a single AFFS trooper, officer or civilian near the families position.  At the same time not a single Nova Cat trooper had attempted to enter the retreat.  Landing over a kilometre from the retreat Victor Steiner-Davion and his command company, rearmed from their battles in Avalon City approached the Nova Cats under a flag of truce.  His troops were ready for combat they really didn’t want to engage the Nova Cats and risk Danai and his family being in the crossfire.

   â€œThis is First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion to Nova Cat forces, I demand to speak to who is in charge here”  Victor said scanning the Nova Cat Mechs, Vehicles and Battle Armour troopers, in the air there was even more Nova Cat OmniFighters and Aerospace Fighters.

   â€œNova Cat Forces Atten-hut!!”  A familiar voice said over the radio, with that all the Nova Cat ground forces saluted the First Prince.  Mechs and Battle Armour troopers crossed an arm over their chest or chests while vehicles raised their turrets and fighters tilted their wings in salute as they soared by in a completely unexpexted show of respect.  “Nova Cats Honour Detail” Victor Steiner-Davion watched as the Nova Cat lines part and a single Dragon Cat OmniMech appeared at the end of the line and in a display that only an elite Clan warrior could perform the Dragon Cat preformed a half bow before the warrior spoke again. “Victor Steiner-Davion your family.”  He said stepping aside Danai and his children were on the porch of the retreat Victor had recognised the voice and the Mech as soon as he‘d, it was Khan Canin Rosse himself.

   â€œKhan Rosse, what is going on?” Victor asked demanding to know what was going on, he didn’t understand why they had come so far for so little, it was completely unClanlike.

   â€œA vision brought us from the Clan Homeworlds to this point, First Prince Davion.”  Canin answered looking over at the Dire Wolf.  Visions were strange beasts they came at you when least expected and could explain away a whole number of actions “your family were a target while you struck to liberate your capital, I could not let a coward kill a family just because he had failed, so we struck.  Friends and allies watch each others backs Quiaff?   With you and your family in charge of the Federated Suns the Nova Cats know where they stand.  I have little time to break in new rulers.”  The Khan added, which Victor guessed was a joke, when Canin didn’t speak more Victor wondered what had really motivated his actions, had his sister had an effect on Canin Rosse that even the Nova Cat Khan didn’t realize.

   â€œThank you, Khan Rosse and thank you Nova Cat warriors, you have served the Federated Suns and your Clan immeasurably today and this will be awarded.”  The First Prince said in an open channel reply, it would be hard to award the Clan but he would.

And so ends the Varnay Crisis, hope you enjoyed

Special Operations Command Office
Fox’s Den, Mount Davion Mountain Range
New Avalon, Crucis March, Federated Suns
14th July 3073

   Federated Suns’ Prince’s Champion Colonel Ross McKinnon sat at his desk in the Fox’s Den looking through reports on the Fox’s Teeth and other special forces under his command.  The fighting against the Varnay forces before the Nova Cats had arrived had completely gutted the Fox’s Teeth and the other forces.  Ross himself had his left arm in bandages, and hurt all over, from a fall during combat, his wife Rachel had permanently removed herself from the chain of command choosing to retire and look after their son full time.  The company’s full time commander Captain David McKinnon was the only surviving full time member of the Fox’s Teeth and he was fully ready for duty, not sustaining even a scratch during the battle though he accounted for six Mech kills, young Damien Redburn had returned to Albion to finish his studies along with the survivors from the Albion Academy though Ross had earmarked him for duties within the Fox‘s Teeth or Special Operations in the future after his work here and with the Kittery Training Battalion.

   Lost in reading reports and filing things within the office Ross did not even notice Field Marshal Bishop Sortek, commander of the Davion Brigade of Guards, enter the room.  His own First Davion Guards RCT had been temporarily taken off the TO&E of the AFFS following the Varnay Crisis and would be for months as they rebuilt and retrained.  Sitting reading the reports Ross heard a small grunt and looked up immediately stood up saluting as he saw the Field Marshal.  “Sorry Sir, I didn’t see you there.”

   â€œThat’s quite alright Colonel, you are not the only one licking the wounds of the past conflict.”  He said ruefully, the AFFS would likely take years to rebuild from this conflict ten BattleMech Regiments destroyed, five WarShips lost, one missing and several others heavily damaged, the Varnay family had failed to secure leadership of the Federated Suns but they had their revenge.  “Have you heard the news?”  Sortek asked sitting down opposite Ross, speaking to him as an equal, the position of Prince’s Champion had its benefits Ross quietly thought.

   â€œNo, I’ve been too busy shutting down the Special Operations and transferring things over to the DMI.  Its their theatre now.”  Ross said, such was the damage to his command the entire thing had been cashiered by the High Command too much resources were required to rebuild the damaged Davion Guards and replace other lost units.  Even his position as Victor’s Prince’s Champion couldn’t save the unit from the cost of rebuilding.

   â€œWell your command has not been the only one to take a fall.  The Avalon Hussars have been stricken from the rolls permanently.”  Sortek announced he could still barely believe it, the Avalon Hussars had almost to the man sided with the Varnay family.

   â€œWhat of the Twentieth?”  Ross asked, the unit’s name alone would be enough to get it cashiered and the troops transferred.  So far it had remained on New Avalon, a unit without name just a number.

   â€œThey are transforming into the Third New Avalon Guards RCT” Sortek said with a small smile, it made sense it would keep them together as a unit through this difficult time, it would stop further resignations and defections.  The move also added another RCT to the Davion Guards Brigade so of course Sortek would be happy, Ross thought, this lasted a moment as Sortek continued.  “The Three New Avalon Guards units are slated for rebuilding to full strength and then will be separated into their own Brigade under the command of Gates Berman, who’s been raised to full Field Marshal.”  Sortek said raising back to his feet, Ross followed suit a short visit then?  Ross thought.  “I’ve been commanded to come down here by the First Prince, Colonel to do a solemn duty.”  He said “firstly I want to say I’m sorry, it’s not good for you, you’ll be lucky to see the inside of your Mech once a month.”  He said reaching into his pocket.

   â€œSir?”  Ross asked confused, he’d lost his command but it sounded like Sortek was giving him another one.

   â€œColonel, the Fox’s Teeth though destroyed have won you a position in the AFFS Regimental Command list.  They are to be fully expanded to a BattleMech Regiment then a full RCT within five years.  And the First Prince wants his Champion to have a unit - Leftenant-General” Sortek said handing him a new set of rank insignia, Ross looked at it a shoulder epaulette with two broad bands and one thin one, the lowest of the general officers.  “The new unit will be set up like the Fox’s Teeth, with highly specialised companies and Battalions, they will rarely be assigned alone to a mission but get all the special operations they could ever want.  The Fox’s Teeth Company have officially been given a transfer from the Crucis Lancers Brigade, the Seventh are not happy, to the New Avalon Guards Brigade.”  Ross was too shocked to say anything other than look at Bishop Sortek wide-eyed “they all feel like that when this happens.”  He said leaving Ross’ office heading down the corridor without another word, Ross still stared at the epaulette without saying a word.

coming up some of the fallout of the last few chapters, hope you enjoy

comments, questions always welcome

HPG Sites
Across Federated Suns
8th September 3073

   After months of planning, delayed by the Varnay Crisis, and in a series of lightning raids the Federated Suns DMI units storm all Alpha Hyper Pulse Generator Sites run by the Department of Communications, though the Star League/ComStar personnel do not resist the Star League council does quietly question the Federated Suns’ actions on higher levels.  The Federated Suns High Command informs the Advisory Council on Defiance that NAIS can take care of the operations of all Federated Suns HPGs without help from the SLDF or anyone else.  The Star League is ordered to vacate the class-B grid or face the same actions by more SLDF forces.

   Within hours NAIS experts arrived at several primary HPG sites taking up operational matters, for years they had studied a half dismantled HPG at NAIS and contact with Clan Nova Cat had added to their understanding of the technology.  Although construction of replacement sites lost in combat would be difficult for the Federated Suns to do alone this was not seen as a great difficulty as HPGs were not generally considered a target in general Inner Sphere combat.  By the end of the week all of the class-A grid was in NAIS/Nova Cat hands with no drop in efficiency.  It would take until the end of September before the Class-B grid was also fully operational, during this time there was grumblings from some corners of the Federated Suns as communications were difficult however Black Box communications kept units upto date with changes in orders.

   On Terra the Department of Communications contacted the Star League’s Intelligence Command instructing them to find out how the Federated Suns had taken over their HPG Grid so easily and why?

   For their troubles in assisting with the Federated Suns take over the Nova Cats are supplied with raw materials and military technology such as rotary autocannons, autocannon special munitions and screen launcher technology.  Though the Nova Cats do not incorporate any of this technology into their military forces they do begin to break down the technologies and share them with the other Clans in an effort to replicate them for Clan technology.

   The Federated Suns create their own Department of Communications under Director Julie Forman who reports directly to the First Prince as part of the weekly updates on any issues with the Communication’s grid.

Hasek family Memorial Garden
New Syrtis, Capellan March
Federated Suns
12th September 3073

   In front of a gathering of all the nobles and high ranking Commanding-General Duke Morgan Hasek-Davion stepped up onto a small podium in the Hasek family Memorial Garden, it saddened him that no members of the Sandoval Family of the Federated Suns’ Draconis March or any members of the First Prince’s family had attended.  He knew that Victor did not hold his son in high regard but still, it was a shame on the Hasek family that Victor had not come.

   â€œIt is a solemn duty when a father has to bury his son” Morgan began, he and George had never been close but still family was family.  “I and my son were not close, duty took us apart, however we both understood each other and wanted the best for our people here and in the wider Capellan March.  Against foes foreign and domestic he strove to better the lives of all citizens of the Federated Suns.”  He took a deep breath, though George’s time as leader of the Capellan March had not been as torments as others through the ages he had done great things.  “Under the rule of Baron George Hasek the Capellan March saw the rebirth of the Star League based within its borders, he led led the Federated Suns into the remains of the Sarna March where unrest and chaos created by others had caused so much pain and suffering.  He repulsed attacks on the Pleiades Cluster and defended against an unwarranted attack on this system’s shipyards, he also saw Ares taken from our longest enemy.”  Morgan noticed the Capellan Confederation representatives look uneasy at the remembrance of that fact, though the Capellans had taken Tikonov in the exchange and eventually retaken the world it was still a major feat for the Federated Suns to have accomplished.  Although credit was probably due more to Reinhart Steiner than George, the Baron had been the March’s leader and could claim some credit.

   â€œAll the peoples of the Capellan March have been secure under George Hasek they have known that he has their best interests at heart, and though I will not be returning to command the Capellan March.”  He noticed several surprised looks “the March will be in the capable hands of Field Marshal Nathaniel Hasek until George’s daughter Kim is ready to take her rightful place as Baroness and if she chooses, Field Marshal, of the region.”  He said looking over at George’s six year old standing by her mother head lowered. “I will remain on New Syrtis for the time being, until the line of command is complete, before travelling onto Defiance for the final events of the Third Martial Olympiad.”  He said stepping down from the podium moving away, once out of earshot of the crowd of mourners he turned to Nathaniel who was near by “I want to see everything you have on my son’s death.”

   â€œYes, sire” Nathaniel said looking to his uncle, he knew when not to mess with the Duke of New Syrtis, Morgan wanted to know what was going on and wouldn’t be stopped for anything.  From

Outback
Crucis March, Federated Suns
24th September 3073

   Following the unrest on New Avalon and the Federated Suns opening diplomatic relations with Clan Nova Cat the worlds of Broken Wheel, Wetumpka, Morven and Memphis all break away from the Federated Suns to join the Filtvelt Coalition.  Although First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion contacts the leaders of each of these worlds personally to voice his disapproval of this move the AFFS is not involved militarily instead they withdraw all assets owned by the nation from each worlds defences leaving them with the barest protection.

   On Broken Wheel the Broken Wheel Training Battalion and Militia refuse to remain on the world with while they do not serve the AFFS, the units have more loyalty to their home nation and the AFFS than the newly formed Filtvelt Coalition or their homeworld.

More!!!


First Prince’s Office
FSS New Avalon (Whirlwind II-class Destroyer)
Tikonov, Capellan March, Federated Suns
4th November 3073

   The time of the next Whitting Conference was almost upon the leaders of the Inner Sphere once more First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion was travelling away from home for the Star League but this time it wasn’t so far.  This year the Star League Advisory Council and the current First Lord, his younger brother Archon Peter Steiner-Davion, had chosen to reopen Unity City closed for the centuries since the fall of the First Star League.  Meaning the leaders of the Inner Sphere would have less of a distance to travel for future conferences.

   First priorities came first however as the internal Federated Suns trouble came first.  In front of him was Field Marshal Carver Felsner commander of the Department of Military Intelligence Division of the AFFS “Field Marshal, have we had any successes with these Spartans?”  Victor asked, as far as he knew they had nothing but it was always good to check.

   â€œNegative sire, we have no more information on the SPT-NX Spartan other than some basic combat characteristics and that in every combat situation they have been encountered in we believe they are the same unit.  And that they have not been defeated.”

   â€œUnderstood, how would you like to get your hands on one of these Mechs maybe the pilot too?”  Victor asked looking up at him from his desk, the Field Marshal smiled broadly.  “Then I have a job for your people first.”

   â€œWe are always ready to serve, sire.”

   â€œGood, I need your people to contact the Bounty Hunter and his people.  I know the DMI maintains links to his network.”

   â€œThe Bounty Hunter?  Sire, my people can hunt down these BattleMechs all we need is a location.  Also the last we checked the Bounty Hunter is under the contract of the Capellans or the Free Worlds League.”

   â€œI agree, Field Marshal, and I have every confidence in your people that if necessary your people could disable and capture the entire company if you needed to.  However, these people most likely originate out with Federated Suns borders in fact I am convinced they do.”  He noticed the Field Marshal was about to speak again but he cut him off “and yes I know the DMI have conducted operations out with the Federated Suns before and will continue to do so if it is required.”  He said the Field Marshal nodded “however if these people resisted and if you were forced to fight in the open then we cannot afford Federated Suns personnel, even secret operatives, to be caught fighting in another state.  The Bounty Hunter affords secrecy and doesn’t care about borders or laws.”  The Field Marshal understood there were political considerations to be looked at before operations began.

   â€œWe will contact them in the next few days.”

   â€œThank you Field Marshal, ensure the Bounty Hunter receives their usual accommodation.”  Victor said Felsner nodded and saluted his First Prince, Victor returned the salute.  Twenty minutes later a Vampire Special Operations DropShip released from docking ports on the side of the destroyer, the DropShip was one of the smallest ever built massing in at four hundred tons, it had fallen out of use over the centuries and only recently returned to service with the AFFS as a special operations vessel held under DMI supervision.

Star League Conference Centre
Unity City, North-West America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
12th November 3073

   Situated on the west of North America in what used to be the old-United States of America’s Washington State the Unity City, or the Court of the Star League, had been the jewel of the Terran Hegemony and of the Star League.  Unfortunately it also made the city a major target for aggression and a good example for those wanting to hurt the spoilt people of Terra.

   When Stefan Amaris had launched his Coup de’tat against the Cameron Family seizing control of Terra he had first used a nuclear weapon to destroy the Royal Black Watch Regiment to the North West Salt Plains the explosion had blackened the north and west of the city killing millions.  At almost the same time Fort Baker and Fort Cameron, known as the Citidel, had also been hit with nuclear weapons. Following this half the city had been flooded by mud-slides following torrential rain.

   With Stefan Amaris unwilling to do anything hundreds of thousands had died through starvation and disease as the conditions in the city grew worse and worse.  During the occupation by Amaris forces more damage was done to the city as the Rim Worlds Republic forces had hunted down Cameron loyalists tearing down entire city blocks to kill the insurgents.

   The Liberation of Terra brought peace to the planet but at a heavy cost, the Star League troops liberating the world had been forced to engage Rim Worlds Republic forces inside the cities of Terra literally fighting building-to-building, block-to-block, causing yet more damage.  The final push from the Liberation Forces led by Commanding-General Aleksandr Kerensky had caused yet more damage as Amaris loyal forces didn’t care what they targeted trying to cause as much destruction and chaos as possible.

   Following the fall of Amaris and the disillusion of the Star League Council there had been a mass exodus from the city as civilians no longer wanted to live in a city that was full of death and destruction.  Looters had taken over the city searching out any riches as the SLDF pulled out, when Director of the Department of Communications Jerome Blake had taken over Terra following the Exodus he had used the forces available to him to hunt down the looters and seal the City for all time.  Preserving what remained as a reminder of the Coup and the fall of Humanities Golden Age, few people on Terra even cared about the city and it had slowly become heavily overgrown as the area was overtaken by nature.

   With the reestablishment of the Star League the Advisory Council had chosen to reopen the city as soon as Terra had joined the Star League Protectorate.  The first thing that had been decided was it would be an Inner Sphere wide operation.  Legions of IndustrialMechs and support vehicles manufactured from across the Inner Sphere and companies from every corner of the Inner Sphere were hired and moved to Terra under Star League Defence Force employ.  The influx of visiting workers had improved Terra’s economy as well as moved forward Star League goals which helped a world still recovering from the wounds of the Word of Blake and ComStar’s battle for control.

   It had taken nearly a year but the Whitting Conference Centre, on a scale worthy of Unity City, had been built and was ready for the Star League Conference - two weeks before the Succession Lords had arrived.  The Conference Centre was fully tested and ready for the beginning of the Whitting Conference with Archon Peter Steiner-Davion stepping up to the podium to open the Conference as the standing First Lord.

   â€œMy fellow Lords welcome to Terra” Peter started looking around the table he could see his Brother Victor, leader of the Federated Suns, Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao, leader of the Capellan Confederation, Prime Minister Kai Allard-Liao of the St Ives Compact, Warlord Minoru Kurita, leader of the Draconis Combine the council of the Star League.  Beside him sat Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion, the oldest man in the room he was from their parent’s generation but he easily kept pace with them all and knew how to keep every single one of them, including Sun-Tzu Liao, in check.  When Peter had first seen him on Terra he’d noticed that the recent death of his son George had aged the Commanding-General many years, he looked weary tired of the politics and war, despite this he still had a commanding presence over the Council and would have the final say if things got out of hand.

       â€œIt has been many years since the leaders of the Succession Lords were here on Terra” Peter continued, everyone knew of that event when while marrying Melissa Steiner, heir to the thrown of the Lyran Commonwealth, Hanse Davion, leader of the Federated Suns, had started the Fourth Succession war.  Peter’s parents wedding forty-eight years ago, before any of the ruling Succession Lords were alive “it was before the Clan Invasion before the Second Star League then was a dream even though not it is two decades old.  All because of the efforts of the people in this room for it to work and to be a power for all of the Inner Sphere, as it once was.”

   â€œTerra has changed, we have changed, but the Inner Sphere remains the same, the threats against us remain, and now threats will no doubt rear their heads in time.”  He said looking to each of them, he wasn’t a doomsdayist, he was a realist and he wanted the others to be just as grounded. “The Star League was originally conceived as a golden age of mankind, not just a military force to support the Succession Lords wars.”  He noticed that Sun-Tzu Liao was yawning as if to show that he did not care for what happened, as far as he was concerned it was his vote to lose.

      “Remember what this organisation means and continue the work that has been started before you, the Star League University on Thorin, the Renovation and Rebuilding of this City, the Martial Olympiad, the continued expansion of the League and the notion of bringing peace to the Inner Sphere, thank you.”  He said finishing, hopefully he’d gotten through to them, he noticed approving nods from both his brother and Morgan, he’d done the best he could for the Star League.  There was nothing else anyone could ask of him.

   â€œI’d like to call for a vote on the New First Lord Immediately, the sooner we can be done with this the sooner we can go home.”  Sun-Tzu said completely breaking protocol, Peter rose from his chair to answer Sun-Tzu.

   â€œChancellor, first there are affairs of the Star League to be undertaken, you will wait until it is time for the vote.”  Peter said looking round the other Succession Lords “if there is nothing else then we will adjourn this meeting until this afternoon.

Star League Conference Centre
Unity City, North-West America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
13th November 3073

   Through the course of the day and into the next the decision was made between the Succession Lords that the High Command facility would move from its position on Kittery to Sandhurst, England in the British Isles.  Unlike the original Star League which had been commanded from the massive Citidel complex outside Unity City they decided that the two would be in separate locations.  Sandhurst had always been a massive military training complex in the history of the British Isles and that had continued into the Star League and during ComStar’s time on Terra.  The Word of Blake had begun massive fortification and upgrading of Sandhurst which the Star League had quietly continued, it would be a grand command complex when completed more than capable of controlling the Star League Defence Force’s movements anywhere in the Inner Sphere.  The facilities on Kittery would remain as an SLDF training world under Federated Suns stewardship however the real power of the Star League would be on Terra where it belonged.

   The next day bigger decisions were made.  Firstly it was decided that the Taurian Concordat’s suspended vote was to be overruled with the nation receiving their full vote back.  The Taurian Concordat leaders Protector Brenda Calderon and Baron Cham Kithrong agree to sign the Ares Convention for the first time in the Taurian Concordat’s history, taking a major step for the Concordat towards peace and towards acceptance by the other States of the Inner Sphere and Periphery.

   â€œLadies and Gentlemen, like yesterday today we have seen great steps towards strengthening the Star League Defence Force” Governor of Terra Gavin Dow said addressing the Succession Lords, considering how Chancellor Liao had reacted to a delayed vote for the new First Lord the choice had been made to have Gavin lead the second day’s meetings and hopefully steer things away from the First Lord’s position.  “And today we take another step forward for the Star League Protectorate and the Star League Defence Force.”  He said “today I would like to propose the growing Star League Protectorate to be given a voice at this Council.”  He said looking round the tables there were a couple of scoffs at the very idea of power to a Protectorate but there was also a couple of nods.  “With Terra, Northwind, Outreach and most worlds of the former Chaos March part of the Star League Protectorate I believe it is time that these worlds gained a voice at this council.”

   â€œJust to give yourself a little more power eh Gavin?” Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao said very informally forgetting rank or status, as Governor of Terra Gavin Dow hadn’t expected such a cavalier attitude towards his position.

   â€œI rule Terra only through democratic vote from the citizens of this world.  I represent the people of the Protectorate through my position of Terra, however if they chose any world’s representative could lead the Protectorate.  If you think this is my power ploy Chancellor then I’d expect your vote will be correspondingly fit this belief.”  He said “I do however ask for such a vote?”

   â€œWell I will play this little game with you Governor.  The Capellan Confederation vote no, there is no need for a new Terran Hegemony.”  Sun-Tzu said harking back to the nation at the centre of the first Star League, an obvious but likely effective scare tactic.  The Terran Hegemony had been the elitist nation of the first Star League with its people gaining the benefits of their position before everyone else, when the Succession Wars had begun following the fall of the first Star League the nations surrounding them had torn into the pampered worlds of the Hegemony causing misery for its people and devastation in its wake.  Many former Hegemony worlds had been utterly destroyed or made uninhabitable as their populations stubbornly refused to bow down to the Succession States, or were caught in the crossfire between states.

   â€œWhat the Capellan Chancellor does not see is that this will not be a new Terran Hegemony” the Prime Minister of the St Ives Compact Duke Kai Allard-Liao said, Sun-Tzu looked more than a little upset that Kai, the leader of a break away Capellan State, had been the first to speak up after him. “There are no Cameron’s to run this Star League and to have their citizens higher than the rest, the Star League Protectorate only wants a voice at this council instead of being in what is effectively a military dictatorship.  The St Ives Compact votes yes” Kai said nodding in Gavin’s direction, another small state would hopefully bring slightly more balance to the council vote.

   â€œThe Lyran Alliance will also vote yes” Archon Peter Steiner-Davion said standing up briefly he did not elaborate on his answer and sat down again.

   â€œThe Federated Suns will not be involved in deciding the fate of another nation, at least not at this table.”  First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion said with a small smile before sitting back down, the Federated Suns was a militaristic nation, if he showed he was supporting a democratic nation then his rule over the Federated Suns may be under threat, given recent difficulties it was one area he would gladly avoid.

   â€œThe Draconis Combine will reject this proposal, there is no need for another break-away state to gain power, there are enough faces at this council.”  Warlord Minoru Kurita said the Draconis Combine had plenty of experience with break-away states in that of the now-defunct Free Rasalhague Republic, there was no way they would support such a move by the Protectorate, Gavin had expected such a response.  This only left the Taurian Concordat, only just regained its voting rights.

   â€œThe Taurian Concordat and its people with vote yes, all voices of the Sphere and Periphery deserve a voice at this council.  We are glad to welcome you into the Star League, may your time in this body be prosperous for your people and our own.”  Protector Brenda Calderon said very eloquently closing the voting, the Star League Protectorate officially was a voting member of the council with a one vote majority.

   â€œI now call for a temporary recess until this afternoon’s council meetings.”  Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion said standing at his SLDF representative table and now unofficially the only member of the council with no vote.  Morgan’s position would still carry a veto on many matters and count as a tie-breaker in event of an equal vote however now all the others had equal power.

Airborne tour over New York City
North American Continent, Terra
Star League Protectorate
13th November 3073

   During the fighting between the Word of Blake, ComStar, the Allied Mercenary Command and the SLDF New York City had been badly damaged by conventional and nuclear weapons.  The massive city spread far and wide now covering more than half of the North American Eastern seaboard however it was largely a ghost town at the moment as survivors struggled to salvage what they could and begin to rebuild.  Star League constructions teams continued to try and clear flooding from large parts of the city much of which was toxic and even radioactive.  It would be years until the city was back on its feet however the damage done had become something of a tourist attraction as people wanted to see how much damage had been done by such a brutal and recent conflict.

   This particular tour was a very special one Danai Centrella-Davion and her six-year old son Burton were members of the group observing the ruins and remains of Manhattan Island which had partially sunk during the attack.  Looking out the windows they could see that the entire island was flooded, cracked and broken the result of the Word of Blake’s liberal use of Weapons of Mass Destruction in an effort to destroy what they could not have, the ultimate in literally “scorched earth" tactics.  Suddenly Danai felt a cold chill run down her spine almost like she was being watched teams try to clear flooding down below, turning away she saw her younger sister Naomi Centrella-Liao standing less than a foot away with her three-year old son Dao-Shen Liao standing beside her, Danai could see the Chinese-features in him the legacy of the boys father Sun-Tzu Liao.  However it was her younger sister she was caught by, it had been so long “Naomi, it is good to see you”

   â€œThat would be ‘Magestix’ wouldn’t it Duchess?”  She hissed sure enough Danai could see she wore the crown of the Magestix, although the Magistracy of Canopus was no-longer a separate nation the her husband had allowed Naomi to keep the title of Magestix, no doubt because Danai still laid claim to the title of Duchess of Canopus.

   â€œOf course, Magestix, my apologies” Danai said bowing her head slightly she’d play her sister’s game for now.  “How are you? Naomi”

   â€œI’m happy, big sister, enjoying my position and my families position.  And you still enjoying your exile?”  She asked rubbing in the fact that Danai had not seen her homeworld since long before the beginning of the Clan Wars, nearly twenty years before.

   â€œI am happy with my choice and with my family” she said coldly, Naomi had changed since they were last together.

   While the two sisters had an uncomfortable reunion on a smaller level Burton and Dao-Shen were also having a less than comfortable meeting, although they were technically cousins by the blood of their mothers neither was happy to see the other.  The Capellan child though smaller than his Davion cousin was not intimidated he walked over to Burton looking up at him “my father will destroy your father” Dao-Shen said quietly.

   â€œMore like my father will do what my grand-father did and cut your nation in half in one war.  Or maybe he’ll leave it to me.”  Burton Davion said smirking as he reminded Dao-Shen of what Hanse Davion had done to the Capellan Confederation during the Fourth Succession War.  And what the larger nation was capable of in the future.

   â€œWe shall see, perhaps it will be my turn” Dao-Shen said turning away, walking with Naomi without saying another word.  Burton looked up to see his mother watching her sister walk away a small tear running down her cheek.

   â€œNot how we planned, mother?”  He whispered

   â€œNo son, but expected.”  She whispered back turning round looking at the ruined island again, just like her family she thought, all because of the choices they had made it would have broken their mother‘s heart but there was nothing Danai could do about it.

I couldn't help this scene, it had to be included, hope you enjoy

now into '74 with a gamble


3074

Outside Luck City, Kyeinnisan
Clan Sea Fox Land hold
Former Free Worlds League
8th January 3074

   Known by many names over the centuries, the most recent being the Gambler’s World, Kyeinnisan was a nearly completely lawless.  Corporate police tried to keep control in the worlds multiple gambling establichments and games areas of the world which sat near the centre of the Free Worlds League between the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth and the Duchy of Oriente.  During the united Free Worlds League-era leader Captain-General Thomas Marik allowed the world to flourish as a gamblers paradise and promoted the world as somewhere that anyone in the Inner Sphere could make money.  This had increased the tourist trade on the world immensely and created plenty of crime and intelligence operations on the world.  Thomas Marik’s united Free Worlds League had the power and resources to place a heavy intelligence (SAFE) and security presence on the world keeping the locals and visitors in check and external states operations under control.

   When the FWL had fallen into disarray many of these SAFE employees had found work for local law enforcement and much of the security forces had been folded into the militia on the planet making Kyeinnisan was one of the most secure worlds in its former territories.  This was why Clan Sea Fox had picked Kyeinnisan as their newest target and why the Territorial Waters Khanate led by the Fifty-first Strike Cluster and the WarShip Perilous, a Carrack-class Transport, had come to the world.

        The local population barely noticed the Clan take over, the milita forces agreeing for them to land on the world without a shot fired, although the Sea Foxes do take control over their Mech forces for their own security.  In exchange the Sea Foxes agree to defend the world from all outsiders and not to put any controls on local business or attempt to stop the flow of tourists to the world.  Like the Fox’s Whelps move before on Spica the Khanate took possession of the world for the Khanate first and the Clan second.  The Territorial Waters set this world up, like all other Sea Fox Inner Sphere Worlds, as a trade world open to all members of the Former Free Worlds League.

   A few days after this move, by the Territorial Waters, the Deathstrike Khanate with a trade base on Tortuga in the Nova Cat’s Den trade Clan Nova Cat the Plasma Cannon technology for a star of brand new SM-series Hovertanks.

Pride of New Samarkand, Kyushu-class Frigate/Carrier
Draconis Admiralty Fleet
Periphery Near Draconis Combine
20th January 3074

   Following the discovery of the Nova Cat involvement in the Federated Suns to stop the Varnay attack on the Davion family, the Nova Cat opening of an embassy on New Avalon and the growing amounts of Clan technology in the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns the Warlord Kiyomori Minamoto of Pesht decides that enough is enough and takes efforts into his own hands. 

   Without orders from Luthien to counter this threat possessed by the Federated Suns/Nova Cat alliance the Warlord took steps to minimize it contacting the Pride of New Samarkand, a newly retrofitted Kyushu-class Frigate/Carrier, and ordered it to conduct operations in the Periphery and destroy and Federated Suns or Nova Cat supply ships or patrol craft.

   Sitting in his command chair aboard the WarShip Tai-sho Cameron Saito waited for the K-F Drive to jump to its next system when the sensor operator spoke up “Captain, we are detecting incoming Jump Signatures” she said, though Cameron’s rank was the equivalent to an Admiral it was tradition for commanders to be called Captain and he allowed it, after all he was Captain of one of the Draconis Combine’s most powerful WarShips.

   â€œFinally” he muttered quietly they had been searching for any trace of their prey for two weeks and found nothing, “good, all crew to battle stations” he ordered into the chair mounted communications systems “all DropShips prepare to detach, fighters prepare to launch.”  He said the Pride of New Samarkand was a vessel with many utilities it was time they all worked together to show the vessel‘s true.  “How many vessels are we looking at?”  He asked looking back at the sensor operator.

   â€œAt least four, possibly five” she said predicting what would come through the Jump was never easy but this was a state of the art WarShip they should have some idea.  Five vessels closely matched a Clan Star minus a command vessel, exactly what a Merchant trading star may have.

   Twelve minutes later the first vessel appeared a Lola III-class Destroyer bearing the markings of Clan Nova Cat, the roaring cat with a twin starburst, the vessel was bigger than the Kyushu-class Pride of New Samarkand but the Draconis Combine vessel far out-gunned it.  “Bring us into attack position, not what we were expecting but let’s make the most of it.  Launch DropShips and a fighter wing.”  All four DropShips and eighteen fighters launched from the vessel’s underside closing on the Lola III.  Moments later four Carrack Merchant-class Transports arrived near and around the Lola III, the trade ships, the Nova Cats always did like their armoured transports instead of conventional JumpShips.  “The rest of our catch.”  Cameron whispered “launch all fighters” he said five wings of fighters launched from the underside of the Pride of New Samarkand joining the already launched wing, two regiments of fighters were now approaching the Nova Cat trade fleet.  “Bring weapons to bear on that destroyer.”  He ordered, the Nova Cat escort ship was already firing while ten OmniFighters were launching from the vessel.  The destroyer itself was ignoring the Pride of New Samarkand’s incoming fighters, all its weapons reached extreme range, eight naval lasers and several capital-class White Shark missiles, and all were targeted on the Frigate the Draconis Combine WarShip shook under the hits.

   â€œFiring forward weapons” the weapons officer said the forward Heavy Naval Particle Projection Cannon engaged the Lola striking it’s port side severely damaging the armour.  The Nova Cat destroyer instantly returned fire again with Lasers and capital missiles, just as the Samarkand’s fighters arrived, the destroyer continued to ignore them instead firing yet again on the Combine vessel.  At that moment all four Carrack Merchants opened fire with their weapons arrays - though they didn’t carry naval weapons they did carry extensive conventional weapons designed to defend against heavy aerospace fighter forces.  With the volume of fire put out by the four Carracks any aerospace fighter or DropShip caught in their fire would be in for a very bad experience.

        Again the Pride of New Samarkand fired again its Particle Cannon missing the destroyer by several thousand metres while all four Carrack Merchants launched their DropShips a mixture of Broadswords, Union C’s and a pair of Titan-class Aerospace Carriers.  Cameron suddenly realised what he was facing, both aerospace carriers immediately dropped thirty fighters each into space while the Broadswords and Unions were all well armed, combined with the Carrack Merchants conventional weapons Cameron‘s fighters would be heavily outgunned.  It was time to begin to even the odds a little.

   â€œClose on targets, ignore the destroyer.”  Cameron said, suddenly the destroyer wasn’t a threat despite the constant naval laser and capital missile weapons fire.  The Pride of New Samarkand began accelerating intent on brining its Heavy Naval Autocannons to bear, they would make short work of the Nova Cat Merchant forces.

   â€œI’m detecting fluctuations in their Jump Cores, the vessels are attempting to jump again.”  The sensor operator said.

   â€œUnderstood weapons bring main guns on the Carracks, I want them destroyed before we even target that destroyer again.”  Cameron said as the destroyer engaged them with eight Naval Autocannons, several lasers and capital missiles, it was beginning to bite, ‘our turn’ Cameron thought moments before the Pride of New Samarkand’s main broadside guns opened fire either side of the ship.  The Glory Road and the Bright Star, Carrack Merchant-class vessels died in an instant as the heavy naval autocannons ripped through the weak armour and structure of the vessels, two Nova Cat crews died in an instant.

   Moments later the one of the remaining Carrack Merchant vessels disappeared in a flash as its K-F cores activated allowing the craft to escape.  The Pride of New Samarkand’s last shots shattered the back of the final Carrack-Merchant just as its K-F Core activated, the Enlightened Path, the vessel was shattered beyond recognition by the barrage, the unexpendable K-F energy ripped the Merchant craft to pieces as it looked for a way to release the energy.

   All that remained was the destroyer and the remaining four Nova Cat DropShips and most of the fighters.  The Pride of New Samarkand’s own fighters were being cut down in their droves and two of Cameron’s supporting DropShips were gone.  The destroyer continued to engage the Draconis Combine WarShip again with all its broadside guns, the vessel was beginning to damage them with engines and rear armour both damaged already.  “Fall back to a safe distance, have the DropShips and fighters break off from the Nova Cat Destroyer we are leaving.”

   â€œWe’re allowing them to escape?”  His executive officer asked

   â€œHai, we are” Cameron said looking at the man, he was loyal to a tee but sometimes not all with the plan “this was a Warlord’s order not a Coordinator’s” he said “we may destroy that vessel but we will also be destroyed, weapons cover our DropShips and fighters during the retreat.”  The New Samarkand’s weapons destroyed the remaining Nova Cat DropShips as it moved away allowing the fighters to make their retreat, unfortunately the Nova Cat Destroyer wasn’t quite finished engaging them with Naval lasers the entire time.  The Lola III cut down Cameron’s last DropShips before it gave up the pursuit joining the remaining Trinary of OmniFighters.  “Load our fighters and jump us away.”  Cameron ordered a few minutes later the Pride of New Samarkand jumped clear of the system with less than half of its fighters, hours later the Carrack Merchants that had previously escaped returned to help pick up the remaining Nova Cat fighters, the Combine had started trouble today, the badly damaged destroyer and the surviving merchant would struggle back to the Nova Cat’s Den to report this attack.

   The Nova Cats would have their vengeance.

Secret Complex
Baltazar III, Timbuktu Theatre
Lyran Alliance
28th January 3074

   With their year long contract with the Lyran Alliance nearing and end the Gray Death Legion help House Steiner engineers to unlock the last secret parts of the former-Blakist Factory.  As the last secrets of the factory are exposed the Blakist’s new toys begin to reach the day of light.  The Legion suddenly realise that they may not be getting the technology easy however as two Legions of Marian Hegemony Ground troops arrive in system in JumpShips escorted by fighters.  Periphery states usually don’t step up to the Succession States, however with the Gray Death Legion exposing the secrets of the factory they understand the reason for the attack.