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Nadir Jump-point
Glory System, Clan Space
Kerensky Cluster
5th April 3074

   The Nova Cat WarShips Bond, Chronicle and Path of Honour, all Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers, jumped into the Glory system of the Kerensky Cluster, a system only populated by Jade Falcons and Wolves the first targets of the Nova Cat’s revenge.  “This is Oathmaster Zane Carns, of Clan Nova Cat, you came to our den uninvited.  Now we come to yours.  Prepare yourselves.  We are ready for your challenges; an unanswered call will signal to us you wish to be targeted.”  Zane said looking at the commander of the Path of Glory, his command ship for this operation, at least until his landing on the planet with the rest of Alpha Galaxy.

   â€œNova Cat forces, you leave the Homeworlds to find new pastures then you come back here thinking that you should have sole possession of a world?  The Clans have shared worlds and space since our inception by the Founder, we refute your claim, I bid both my defending WarShips there will be no Batchall.”  The reply from the defending Jade Falcon WarShips came loud and clear, Zane had known that this mission would be deadly and costly his visions had said so, but he hadn’t expected the Jade Falcons to fight without honour.

   â€œNova Cat Alpha Galaxy, Path of Glory continue to target.  Chronicle and Bond have you covered.”  Star Commodore Sel Bavros, commander of the Chronicle announced, he was the most senior of the WarShip commanders and so took tactical control over the situation.  Both vessels turned towards the defending Jade Falcons, already launching fighters and DropShips, Zane could see they were another Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser and a Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser, a significantly bigger and better armed vessel.

   Though technically under Zane’s command the Oathmaster had already cleared them to make decisions, he knew nothing about naval combat, even with this lack of naval tactics knowledge Zane did know one thing the two Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers would be hard pressed to take on a Jade Falcon Aegis and a Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser.

   â€œCommodore, dispatch the Second Nova Cat Titans and both our assault DropShips to support Chronicle and Bond.”  Zane said looking at Star Commodore Annabel Leroux, the Path of Honour’s commander.

   â€œThat will leave us open to attack.”

   â€œYes, but intelligence points to there being no more WarShips in system and sensors are equally blind.  The other WarShips are outgunned, we can help and the Jade Falcons have chosen to ignore the duelling rules of the Clans, once the DropShips and fighters are in transit, set a course for the planet, direct Alpha Galaxy to follow us and for all JumpShips to clear the system.”  Zane said assuming command, with the Khan and saKhan both attending to duties in and around the Nova Cat’s Den he’d taken over as commander in running Nova Cat business in the Homeworlds something that helped when faced with a combat situation.

   As the Nova Cat ground forces cleared the way Sel Bavros noticed the Second Nova Cat Titans and some Assault DropShips still remained, he quickly suppressed the smile, ‘trust the Oathmaster’ was all he thought.  “Chronicle, Bond”

   â€œGo ahead.”  Star Commodore Allan Lankenau replied from the Bond’s command room.

   â€œFollow deployment Delta take the Second and make sure you keep the Hazen busy we have the Aerie.”

   â€œUnderstood, good luck Chronicle” Lankenau said cutting the link, Delta would put the Chronicle up against a vessel far larger than itself, even supported by fighters and DropShips they would be hard pressed to match the vessel.

   â€œWeapons target the White Aerie, full salvos, contact the DropShips ensure they stay out of our firing solution and to move to position Omega.  Alpha Protocol.”  He said looking over at the communication officer who nodded their understanding, passing on the orders.

   The Chronicle headed right for the White Aerie the two ships exchange capital missile and autocannon fire as they approached each other while DropShips and fighters engaged in a no holds bared dogfight between the two capital ships.  In the centre of the fight a Vanguard and a Raven DropShip escorted by a star of fighters broke through the battle lines of the Jade Falcons the Raven taking hits for the larger Vanguard protecting it.  As the Chronicle and White Aerie moved alongside each other showing their Broadsides the DropShips were on the far side of the Jade Falcon vessel deploying ProtoMechs and Battle Armour, while ProtoMechs burned the armour the Battle Armour were tasked with boarding and capturing the vessel.  The White Aerie ignored them opening fire with a broadside of Naval Autocannons, although a few missed their target most hit the Chronicle and soon the Aegis was consumed by an expanding fireball.  Just as the Heavy Cruiser was destroyed Nova Cat ProtoMechs and Battle Armour were boarding the Jade Falcon WarShip, though their command ship was gone their fight was far from over.  The White Aerie turned its guns on the remaining Nova Cat DropShips hoping to destroy them before they Nova Cat assault troops took over.  Already the ProtoMechs and Elementals were burning through the hull.

   In the other battle the Bond was running off the Janice Hazen the superior Nova Cat gunners and fighter pilots, with the two Capital ships matching each other’s firepower it was down to the crews and the Jade Falcon crews were just no match for the Nova Cats.  Soon the Janice Hazen was following the same fate as the Nova Cat’s Chronicle, like the Jade Falcon’s White Aerie the Nova Cat gunners turned on the Jade Falcon fighters and DropShips.

   Onboard the White Aerie the Nova Cat Armoured Elementals had no issues with the Jade Falcon crew despite the close confines of the Black Lion-class vessel their lasers and anti-personnel weapons were making quick work.  Less than an hour later the vessel was in Nova Cat hands, battered but intact, though the loss of the Chronicle had hurt the Nova Cats the capture of the White Aerie made up it and the Path of Honour was still burning towards Glory with Alpha Galaxy.

Path of Honour, Near Orbit
Glory, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
7th April 3074

   The rest of the Nova Cat invasion force continued in system, the Path of Honour escorting them the entire way.  As they closed on the planet Glory one last surprise met them the Clan Wolf WarShip Nature’s Wrath, a Lola III-class Destroyer, although seventy thousand tons lighter than the Aegis it was faster and carried an array of long range heavy naval lasers capable of tearing open the Path of Honour’s armoured hide.

   While Alpha Galaxy headed for the planet Star Commodore Annabel Leroux brought her vessel closer to the Nature’s Wrath brining its Naval missiles into play.  As the ships traded Naval lasers and missile the distance separating them began to close the Naval Autocannons on Path of Honour into play.  The two WarShips continued to close until finally they reached broadside distance where the Path of Honour’s heavy Naval autocannons severely outclassed the Nature’s Wrath’s lighter autocannons.  The heavier cannons tore through the thin armour and internal structure of the Lola III destroying the vessel and all crew though the Path of Honour was badly damaged it was still operational and Alpha Galaxy now had a clear run to Glory.

   Sticking to the plan the Nova Cats landed directly between the Wolves and Jade Falcons landing on a firebase that had been abandoned since the early days of the Clans.  In the centuries since the base had become overgrown and decayed, none of the buildings still had a roof and one of the main base walls had fallen, it did still have two major things going for it however.  Firstly the ferrocrete landing zone inside the base was still in flawless condition as was the landing strip that ran alongside the base.  And secondly neither Clan Wolf or Jade Falcon had anything based in the area for seven kilometres in all directions, the perfect safe landing zone.  By now both Clans would know the Nova Cats were in system and that they had engaged the local Naval forces eliminating them.

   â€œTo Clan Jade Falcon and Clan Wolf, I am Zane Carns Oathmaster of Clan Nova Cat and commander of Alpha Galaxy.  We possess Zulu Command Base on the South West Peninsula, we will conduct all operations from this base.  If you plan on refuting our claim we are ready to answer your trials.”  Zane announced minutes after landing on the world to a wide spectrum radio, anyone who wanted to hear would hear.

   â€œClan Nova Cat, you are not welcome on this world, I Galaxy Commander Nowa Vickers of Clan Wolf refute your presence on this world and bid my entire Tau Galaxy against you.”  Came a reply from the Clan Wolf defenders on planet, Zane expected it.

   â€œClan Nova Cat, we will also refute your presence on this world, Clan Jade Falcon’s Iota Provisional Galaxy will fight you until our last breath.”  The Jade Falcon commander said there was no name or wish for any terms, just as Zane had expected everything was going as he had foreseen.  Neither Clan it appeared wanted to initiate Batchalls or conduct trials.

   â€œWe hit the Wolves and then turn on the Jade Falcons, quickly and surgically.  We know what we want and we know where it is.”  Zane said turning to the other Star Colonels around him, the 449th Assault Cluster and the Shiva Keshik would be attacking the Wolves while the First Nova Cat Guards Cluster and the 450th Assault Cluster remained defending Zulu Command Base and Alpha Galaxy’s DropShips.  All the Nova Cats would be outnumbered but given none of the defences would be expecting them to hit everyone at once.

   Leading the Shiva Keshik and the 449th Assault Cluster forward Oathmaster Zane Carns’ Arctic Cheetah began detecting Wolf forces ahead of him.  First on the list was a Clan Wolf (in-Exile) manufactured Pack Hunter.  Zane almost smiled the Wolves outwardly disdained anything to do with the other half of their Clan, the side that had gone over to the Inner Sphere, but in reality they needed anything they could get to keep their garrison forces fully stocked and ready for the fight.  “Nova Cats, they set the tone of this trial by using stravag equipment, and ignoring the rules of Zellbrigen all warriors fire at will!”  He ordered, though it was not a breach of honour using Clan Wolf (in-Exile) equipment or even using Inner Sphere equipment, the 449th Assault Cluster fielded an Atlas II in its ranks unmodified since the time of the original Star League, it was hypocritical to then use it in combat and that Zane could not stand by.  "Stick to Zellbrigen until they break it.”  He added before one of his broke the rules in a free for all there was no guarantees about the victor.

   The Pack Hunter was the same tonnage as the Arctic Cheetah but it was a regular BattleMech not an advanced OmniMech like Zane’s ride meaning it could not change weapons from fight to fight it was also a one weapon Mech, a single torso mounted Extended-Range Large Laser dominating the weapons of the light Mech.  Though powerful enough to rip an arm or leg cleanly from the Arctic Cheetah’s body they had to actually hit the target and Zane planned on making that very difficult striking out first with his own Mech’s arm mounted Extended-Range Large Laser missing but putting the Wolf warrior off step.  At the same time Zane struck his OmniMechs Jump Jets into life sending the light Mech flying over one hundred metres in the opposite direction, a man-made lightning bolt from the Pack Hunter’s PPC flew straight through the location where Zane Mech’s centre torso had been.  As the Arctic Fox landed Zane pressed the primary trigger again sending another laser blast down the range, the Arctic Fox’s cockpit filled with excess heat from the laser blast, however Zane was rewarded as he saw the laser blast strike the Wolf Mech dead centre.  The power of the beam burning away all the armour and cutting into the torso, something inside exploded and the Mech went down like a ton of bricks crushing the cockpit and the pilot in a flash.  “One down” Zane said dispassionately looking for his next target.

   An hour later the combined elements of the Shiva Keshik and the 449th Assault Cluster were battered but victorious.  The Wolves had surrendered the field, an OmniMech factory two kilometres inside their territory, before the Nova Cats completely overrun their garrison galaxy.  Although this was an important factory they knew the Nova Cats could never hold the world however unbeknown to the Wolves that was never even a part of the Nova Cats planning - instead they seized five working copies of the Lycurgus Assault OmniMech and plans to manufacture more before retreating back to their DropShips their prize secured.

   An hour following the return of the Shiva Keshik and the 449th Assault Cluster the First Nova Cat Guards and the 450th Assault Clusters left the landing zone heading for Clan Jade Falcon’s claimed territory.  The two clusters combined commander Star Colonel Kalvin Rosse, of the First Nova Cat Guards, had picked an Overlord-class Transport DropShip full of brand-new Mechs as their target.  Leading from the centre of the formation was Star Colonel Kalvin Rosse’s Warhawk Assault OmniMech, alongside him was a Nova Cat Heavy OmniMech and a Supernova Assault BattleMech.  Behind them were a pair of SM-1 Tank Destroyers and a pair of Shoden Heavy Tanks though vehicles were not a strong as BattleMechs they still formed an integral part of the combat unit, especially within the new Nova Cat Touman.  “Guards Actual to Alpha Star begin assault, engage at will” he said into the communication suite “maintain Zellbrigen until they break it.”  He said again though they were outgunned and combining fire would probably help the Nova Cats to victory quicker it was the Clans way to maintain duelling rules during a Trial.

   â€œGamma One to Guards Actual, we have a pair Jade Falcon lights combining fire on the western flank.”  One of the Star Commanders reported within moments, Kalvin had expected it to last longer before they broke the duelling rules.

   â€œUnderstood, all forces step back strategy, find your targets and eliminate.”  Kalvin ordered.  In concert the Warhawk, Supernova and Nova Cat all engaged targets at long range with their full weapons.  Kalvin’s Mech and both other Mechs also fired full salvos, the heat in each Mech began to rush upwards, “continue firing” he ordered forcing the heat higher Kalvin noticed fluctuations in his targeting suite.  “One, Two and Three, step back” he ordered all three Mechs stepped back opening a hole in the Nova Cat formation as a pair of heavy Jade Falcon Mechs rushed into the gap in the lines they were met by the paired SM1s and Shodens, the first Jade Falcon Mech took an assault barrage from the lead SM1 followed up by twenty-seven high-explosive advanced-tactical-missiles while the second took missiles then an assault autocannon barrage gunning down both Jade Falcon heavies in moments.  All along the Nova Cat line Jade Falcons were being hit by the ‘step back’ strategy and though Nova Cat Mechs were falling to Jade Falcon guns they were acceptable losses, the Nova Cats were closing on their prize every minute.

   Twenty minutes later the Nova Cats were in positions all around the Overlord making sure that they did not strike the craft, to do so would invite their gunners to become involved in the battle.  “Nova Cat Guards Actual to Overlord Actual” Kalvin said “we have secured the ground under your ship.  I take your ship, crew and cargo as Isorla for Clan Nova Cat.  Prepare to receive boarders.”

   â€œWe are Jade Falcon, not Nova Cat, we will defend ourselves with our weapons if you plan to board.”

   â€œIf you wish to further dishonour your Clan by involving your DropShip in a ground battle I will end the threat you possess to my forces now by calling in support from my orbiting WarShip, the Path of Honour, an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser.”  Kalvin warned, he wasn’t sure if the WarShip was in position but if it was he didn’t really want to use it, an empty threat if there ever was one he wanted the Mechs.

   â€œInvolving a WarShip in ground combat is a great dishonour.”

   â€œIt is but this attack is for revenge, not for possessions, those are bonuses.  If I am required to I will destroy your craft.”  He said coldly, deadly.

   â€œUnderstood commander, we surrender to you, our loading bays will open soon.”  After a few moments the loading bays opened allowing Nova Cat Elementals to enter the craft.

   â€œClaw One to Guards Actual, we hit the mother load commander the bays full of Turkina OmniMechs.”  Kalvin’s Elemental commander reported moments later, they’d checked the inventory and found Watch reports were spot on.

   â€œUnderstood, A prize crew is en route to secure the prize.  The First Guards and the Assault Guards are in control of the field.”  Kalvin reported, the Jade Falcons were in retreat on most of the fronts the Nova Cat Mechs, Elementals and vehicles were easily holding their own.  Within three hours the Nova Cats were fully in command of the vessel, its crew and cargo.  With their prizes secured Alpha Galaxy and its prizes were ready to leave Glory returning to the Path of Honour in orbit, the WarShip then escorted them back to the other Nova Cat WarShips at the Nadir Jump Points.  From there they would return to Barcella, their revenge and prizes secure.

Graduation Ceremony, Albion Training Academy
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
12th May 3074

   As Captain Damien Redburn completed his Advanced training at the Albion Academy in Avalon City Damien felt very alone, because he had first gone to a Training Battalion he was older than most of the cadets graduating, and because of his family history many thought he was far beyond their station and kept their differance.  His father had died in the Varnay Crisis and his mother was too ill to travel to the Graduation Ceremony, almost all his other siblings were busy with their own lives.  Looking at the other cadets happy with their families Damien only wanted to walk away, he already held a rank and had seen real combat this was all just for ceremony.  He knew what these people and their families would go through, it wasn’t glamorous, it wasn’t noble, it was tough, dirty, deadly work.

   â€œWell Captain, do you have a command yet?”  A voice asked behind him Damien turned round and saw Leftenant-General, Prince’s Champion, Ross McKinnon former commander of the Fox’s Teeth Company and Special Operations Group now the current commander of the Fourth New Avalon Guards Regimental Combat Team.

   â€œSir” Damien answered snapping to a salute, around him he noticed several other cadets follow suit Ross smiled sheepishly and saluted them all.

   â€œThe question stands, Captain.”

   â€œNo, sir, I have yet to accept an assignment.  The Kommandant has given me a choice of assignments within the Davion Brigade of Guards, I believe he said Bishop Sortek had a position open with the First, however I’ve not chosen a command yet.”

   â€œThe First is little more than ceremonial, still rebuilding from the Varnay Crisis.  If you want real action I’d go further down the Brigade’s order of battle the Assault Guards or Heavy Guards.  I’ve spoken to the Academy’s Kommandant and he indicated that perhaps you’d be more suited to another command.”  Ross said pushing the issue a bit further without playing all his cards.

   â€œI understand, General” Damien said quietly.

   â€œI’m not sure if you do Captain, I’m offering you a position within my new regiment, we’re not as battle-hardened as the Davion Guards or as Elite as other commands that could offer you a position, but we’re growing and becoming more organized everyday and we’re almost guaranteed to be involved in the action.  I’m offering you a company command, maybe not the Fox’s Teeth but something along those lines.”

   â€œI have to admit I’m interested, General” Damien said quietly “if I accept would you be willing to let me try something a little different?”

   â€œWhich is?”  Ross wondered, he’d seen Damien’s scores they were high even after only a year at Albion so he was more than willing to listen but there were limits even for him.

   â€œI’d like to recreate Delta Company - first seen in the Davion Light Guards and then the genesis Morgan Hasek-Davion used to create the First Kathil Uhlans.”  He noticed McKinnon’s worried glance, thinking perhaps Damien had found visions of grandeur in his studies. Damien was good, potentially very good, but he was still pretty green and he was by no means Morgan Hasek-Davion, not yet. “Don’t worry commander, I don’t want my own Regiment” he said smiling “I just want to make a mark, a command that I can forge into something greater than the sum of its parts, a command my father would be proud of.  And that would fit into your command.”  Damien said pleading for the chance to prove himself.

   â€œOkay Captain, we’ll see what we can do” Ross McKinnon said, this was what his command had been created for, the future prospects of Delta Company and of the Fourth New Avalon Guards RCT’s exploits looked brighter by the day.

Hidden Factory
Baltazar III, Lyran Alliance
Periphery
15th May 3074

   Although their reinforcements had arrived over a month later than originally planned the Gray Death Legion received a welcome bonus to the end of their contract on Baltazar III.  The Lyran researchers who had been discovering the secrets of the former-Word of Blake factory decided to award the Legion, commanded by Baron von Glengarry Colonel Alexander Carlyle, a bonus for keeping them safe.  Before Alexander’s DropShip boosted off planet the engineers provided him with four C-MK-O Malak OmniMechs, these Mechs were brand-new designs never seen before built deep in the factory, weighing in at thirty tons they were some of the lightest Mechs from the factory.  These Mechs had been modified lacking small cockpits and the advanced C3i Computer originally mounted on the Mech instead they had more common technology.

Taurian Military Academy, Taurus
Taurian Concordat, Periphery
20th May 3074

   Standing in front of the Taurian Military Academy Marshal Cham Kithrong watched as Erik Martens-Calderon joined the military of the Taurian Military Academy.  Unlike many young men and women he has no intention on being a MechWarrior instead enrolling with the Infantry Corps - intent on transferring to the Armoured Infantry Command and joining one of the Taurian Concordat’s small but growing number of Battle Armour units.

   The boys father Jeffery Calderon had died on Detroit and his mercenary MechWarrior mother had died years before, in some ways Cham had become the boy’s guardian and his sponsor to the Taurian leadership before the fall of Grover Sharplen.  Now he was like the proud parent watching as Erik stepped into the Taurian Military.  As Erik was yet to graduate the academy and would be busy in his studies Cham would continue as Protector-Regent running the battered periphery nation.

Clan Jade Falcon and Wolf territory
Glory, Kerensky Homeworlds
Clan Space
25th May 3074

   With both Clan Wolf and Jade Falcon weakened by the Nova Cat assaults earlier in the year and both Clans demoralized by the Nova Cats claiming of so much technology both Clans position on Glory is precarious.  Neither has been willing to even test the others borders with a single warrior fighting Trials against the other.  Instead of allowing this to continue in the Kerensky Cluster Clan Steel Viper chose to act taking eight Clusters from throughout their Touman, including the brand-new First ProtoMech Assault Cluster, they launched a full assault on both Clans on Glory.  Nearly copying Clan Nova Cat’s assault method they attacked all the Clan forces on the planet.

   Though it cost them the 131st Phalanx Cluster of Nu Galaxy Clan Wolf’s forces were routed by the end of May with the Fifth Wolf Garrison Cluster was laying on the fields of combat disbanded by the Wolf Clan leadership.

Zenith/Nadir Point
Coventry System, Coventry Province
Lyran Alliance
28th May 3074

   Following several years of work and utilising brand-new weapons developed in the Inner Sphere the two Olympus-class Recharge Stations in the system come back online.  Although they are still unable to resist a dedicated WarShip assault the stations are armed with several newly developed Sub-capital missile, laser and canon systems which are more than capable in dealing with any assault DropShips or heavy fighter assaults.

   Work begins on upgrading and finishing building the Bastion-class Space Stations closer to the planet these are planned to be completed in six years and like the Olympus stations they are intended to utilise Capital and Sub-capital weapons as well as their conventional weapons arrays.

Throne Room, Davion Royal Palace
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
8th July 3074

   Today was a day Victor Steiner-Davion wished he was not First Prince of the Federated Suns; Commanding-General Duke Morgan Hasek-Davion had arrived on planet three hours before on the other side of Avalon City and was slowly making his way through the city.  “How long? Galen” Victor asked Galen Cox one of his closest advisors and allies from as far back as their first meeting in the Twelfth Donegal Guards at the beginning of the Clan War.

   â€œDuke Hasek-Davion’s escort has passed the outer marker, it seems he hit every traffic jam in the city, he should be here momentarily” the man said behind the throne, Galen had been a comrade of Victor’s since early in the Clan War until a failed bombing attempt on Solaris VII.  He had officially died that day submerging himself in another personality, that of Jerrard Cranston.  For a time allowing Katherine to think she had been successful hurt Victor only recently re-emerging as an AFFS Marshal with a close ear to the First Prince.  Many people who thought they had known Galen and Jarrard had been surprised however Galen had retaken his position by Victor like nothing had happened.

   â€œThanks” Victor said, moments later the main doors opened and the two Infiltrator Mk.III Battle Armoured guards stepped to the sides allowing Duke Morgan Hasek-Davion to enter. He still wore the green uniform of the Star League Defence Force’s Commanding-General, however Victor knew he was not here for business.  “Commanding-General, welcome to New Avalon, I hope your trip was pleasant enough?”  He said trying to be welcoming, the look on Morgan’s face told the Prince that his visitor was not here for idle chat.

   â€œDispense with the pleasantries, First Prince Davion, we need to talk about my son.”  Morgan said moving into the room, it was obvious he was angry, the two Infiltrator armour troopers took steps into the room but Victor calmly waved them off.  Morgan was angry but Victor knew him well, this was a man that could never attack the First Prince, he may attack Victor but never the position.  Despite the two being the same Victor would not allow the First Prince’s guards to fight his battles for him.

   â€œI was sad to hear about his death” Victor said he wanted to add that he hadn’t wanted to order his death but had no choice.

   â€œDon’t give me that, Victor, we both know you’re more a man than that and why my son died.”  Morgan said stopping several steps from the throne, Victor rose to his feet and stepped down to Morgan’s level, the man was taller than the First Prince with broader shouldered and despite his years he was still strong.  In a hand to hand fight Victor thought he could win, but hoped Morgan would not take this that far, time for a little honesty.

   â€œFine, I ordered his death” Victor said quietly “George was out for himself, he wanted to make the Capellan March loyal to him, independent of New Avalon’s control while happy to take our money to fund his arming process.  He created a second Templar line on Kathil using funds he gained from New Avalon but spent in his name.  He supplied the Varnay family with Mechs and personnel in their attempt to usurper that throne from my family!”  Victor shouted pointing at the chair of the First Prince stepping closer to Morgan. “And you’re son defied orders from the High Command and from me.  Instead of ordering one of our best placed agents in the Capellan Confederation to return home from operations once completed he ordered them to strike at Sun-Tzu Liao’s family which could have begun another Succession War shattering the Star League in the process.  You ask me why I ordered your son’s death; I say it is because I considered him to be the most dangerous threat to this nation since your father, Michael Hasek-Davion.”  Victor said hitting the Commanding-General with the hard truth instead of physical violence.  “Morgan, I respect you and I cannot thank you enough for your support you’ve shown to my father and to me through my entire career.  But the hard truth was your son had to be stopped and he had to be stopped by me.  I am the First Prince of the Federated Suns and I will protect my family’s position and our realm as long as I breathe air in my lungs.”

   â€œI could have talked to him, I was on Kittery, I could have brought him back to the Davion side of thinking, to your thinking, I could…”  Morgan said continuing on beginning to realise what his son had began to journey towards, something he had seen but ignored.  Looking at the aged Commanding-General Victor felt sorry he’d had to do what had been done and saw Morgan’s world begin to collapse around him.  “My son was no traitor…”  He suddenly said defiantly “he was a patriot of the Federated Suns!” He shouted raising his arm to swing at Victor however this was as far as he got as he stopped in mid-air clutching his chest, fighting for breath as his legs gave way under him collapsing in front of the First Prince.

   The First Prince of the Federated Suns surged forward grabbing the New Syrtis Duke before he hit the ground, Galen a step behind him and both Inflitrators move further into the room. “Get me a damned medic!”  Victor nearly screamed however Morgan was already slipping away whispering something Victor leaned down to him and listened “you’re son cared for the people of the Capellan March and of New Syrtis more than anything.”  He whispered back before the Star League Defence Force’s Commanding-General passed away losing consciousness.  As medics arrived and began to look over the fallen Commanding-General, Victor pulled back giving them room, Galen looked to him wondering what Victor had been told

   â€œWhat did he say?”  Galen enquired; though it may be a private matter he could see that Victor wanted to say something.

   â€œThat my father would be proud of me, and that everything he was and what his family had done was for the Federated Suns.”  He said looking over to the Marshal and close friend.

   â€œA patriot to the end” Galen replied a fitting slogan for Morgan Hasek-Davion if there ever was one.

   â€œHe was a hero of the Federated Suns and of the Inner Sphere” Victor said “and he will be remembered as such.  We have lots of work to do and little time for it.”  He said as the medics removed Morgan’s body to the palace medical facility where he was officially pronounced dead.  Three days later after his family had been informed and had time Morgan’s death was officially announced to the Inner Sphere via the Star League Defence Force and New Avalon.

Throne Room, Hasek Family estate
New Syrtis, Capellan March
Federated Suns
14th July 3074

   As she walked into the Throne room Deborah Hasek felt the weight of the Capellan March land on her she had never expected to reach a higher stage in life, she’d been a general in the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns, a member of the New Syrtis Command no less, which had always been enough for her.  Now she was standing in the Hasek Family estate the same estate the Hasek family had replaced the Varnay family as rulers of New Syrtis and of the Capellan March centuries before.  Ahead of her was the Hasek Throne, dominating the room, though not as glanderous as the Davion throne on New Avalon it was still an impressive, almost scary, sight.

   â€œQuite a responsibility you take” a familiar voice said from behind her, it was Nathaniel Hasek George Hasek’s cousin.

   â€œYes, I’m not sure if I’m ready for it, it should never be mine”

   â€œNo-one is ever sure, if you hold true it never will you are but a Regent.”  He said moving forward reminding her of her duty.

   â€œYou should be the one that takes this position” Deborah said “you have the Hasek blood by right.”  She said ready almost willing away the responsibility.

   â€œAnd George’s heir Kym is your daughter and Morgan‘s rightful successor.  You have the experience in life Deborah.”  Nathaniel reminded her of her daughter the future of the Capellan March “and I am happy to remain as military commander of the March and offer all support I can.”  He said “ but that throne is your place, this is your home now.  You are the one who will carry our family’s future.”  He said saluting his new duchess, leader of the Capellan March Deborah Hasek.
 
Filtvelt
Filtvelt Coalition, Periphery
21st July 3074

   With Morven and Memphis systems defecting from the Federated Suns to their small coalition the Filtvelt Government led by Marquees Helen Trempealeau announce that there will be a planetary draft to fill out their militias and increase the size of the Filtvelt Guardians to a second unit.  As there has been increased activity from the Pirate’s Cluster and both Clans Nova Cat and Snow Raven are active in the area there is very little complaint or resistance within the Coalition towards this move as they see the security of their small nation the most important thing.

Northwind Renegades Base Camp
Northwind, Tara
Star League Protectorate
30th July 3074

   Following less than a month of rest and refit on their Homeworld the Northwind Renegades Regiment commander Lt Colonel Jeremiah Rose accepts a second contract for his unit.  Following a year on the Clan border the unit has several new Clan Battle and OmniMechs and several new Lyran and Kell Hound designs instead of taking another heavy combat mission the Renegades instead accept a contract with the Star League Defence Force defending the Star League Protectorate worlds.  During this mission they will also be training local forces and conducting manoeuvres building unit cohesion again before they take another combat mission.

   On Northwind the First Ghurkhas Battle Armour Battalion remain on planet, unlike before when they accompanied their Renegades.  Instead the Ghurkhas retreat deep within the Highlanders military compounds far from prying eyes.  Within their TO&E can be counted several Clan Battle Armour suits, two squads of Kobold Light Battle Armour of the SLDF and four suits of light armour named the Djinn Battle Armour these suits are of an unknown manufacture.  Also within their TO&E is an Aurora-class DropShip which the claim the found in the periphery however it is in pristine condition and only recently under manufacture in the Lyran Alliance.  The Northwind Highlanders rebuke any question of the origin of their new technology.

Regional Command
Glasgow, Skye
Isle of Skye, Lyran Alliance
4th September 3074

   In a general meeting of commanders from units throughout the Isle of Skye Duke Robert Ryan Kelswa-Steiner informs all units and regional militias that they will be receiving a lower amount of annual funding from the Isle of Skye Command.  Though there is general unrest at this however Robert soon announces that the funding saved will be placed towards the funding of a new shipyard facility that will be built in the Gladius System providing the Lyran Alliance and the Isle of Skye another source of WarShips.  The Fourth Skye Guards RCT are transferred to the Gladius system to set up defensive areas where resources for the shipyard can be stored safely.  This entire move is made without the Lyran Alliance High Command, on Tharkad’s, knowledge and is purely a Isle of Skye project.

Mercenary Training
Arc-Royal, Arc-Royal Theatre
Lyran Alliance
10th September 3074

   After completing basic mercenary operations and forming a double battalion of MechWarriors and Armour crews form together to become the Splinted Shield.  These warriors are almost all former FedCom officers and NCOs and very quickly become a strong fighting force.  They are accepted by the Lyran Alliance to strengthen the Lyran border.

Admiralty’s Office
Fox’s Den, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
18th September 3074

   On orders from the new Commanding-General, Archer Christifori, Fleet Admiral David Natale travelled to the Federated Suns to speak with Fleet Admiral Andrea Petain, commander of the Federated Suns Admiralty.  Under orders of Commanding-General Archer Christifori he was there to negotiate for the possession and purchase of a Davion Block III-class Destroyer.  Travelling to New Avalon aboard his own WarShip the SLS Shining Claw, a Congress Block II-class Frigate, David was proud to represent the Star League Defence Force and to do this particular duty.

   â€œSo Admiral, you wish to purchase a WarShip from us.”  The Davion Fleet Admiral asked surprised, although she knew the First Prince would not be against the news the idea of the Star League beginning an armament process was worrying.

   â€œAye Admiral, in the same way the First Star League increased its numbers this Star League would like to purchase a WarShip from the Member States to build our strength.”

   â€œAnd why would you want such strength?  The Star League was reformed to protect the Inner Sphere from the Clans, so far the Clans have not deployed massive amounts of WarShips against the Succession Lords instead limiting operations to a couple of vessels at a time.  Now we see the Star League growing in strength and numbers, and taking control of worlds that our states used to control.”

   â€œWe have formed a protectorate where there was chaos; we are protecting worlds that were falling apart.  Our numbers are gaining because we are brining together a force that can protect these worlds and help the Succession Lords protect their realms from the Clan menace.  We are standing to the ideals of the last league.”

   â€œAnd what happens when these ideals stand in conflict with that of its member states” Andrea asked, the First Star League had meddled in the member state affairs as often as it liked, it had the power both political and military to do so.  The fear of course was if the new League gained that strength then there would be little to stop it from returning to this type of operations.

      “We also have another reason for wishing to obtain this particular vessel” David said explaining the reason for the purchase of the WarShip “Morgan Hasek-Davion has died.” He said looking at the Federated Suns Admiral; the Commanding-General had died on this planet, on top of this very mountain, in the Palace of the Davion House Lords.  “We want to purchase this vessel because we want to honour our fallen Commanding-General.  We believe that buying a Davion built WarShip would be a way to honour the Federated Suns born Commander of the reborn Star League.”  He said passionately Andrea nodded.

   â€œAs you would be aware Admiral, I don’t have the authority to allow this purchase to go ahead myself.  I have spoken to the First Prince and the High Command about this and they have authorised me to pass control of a Davion Block III-class Destroyer to the Star League’s control.  I have secured the FSS Duvall for this purpose; it is in system or will be by the time you return to the SLS Shining Claw.”

   â€œAnd the price?”  David asked knowing that they would likely have to pay through the nose for such a purchase.

   â€œWe want two billion C-Bills.”  She said David was surprised to hear they were expecting such a low price, he’d expected another five or six billion this was afterall a WarShip.  There had to be a catch “we would also like salvage rights to the CSWS Fire Fang.”  She said naming the Whirlwind-class Destroyer the ComGuards had originally captured from the Ghost Bear Clan during the Star League’s Operation Bulldog.  The vessel had been disabled by Terran defences during the liberation of the world from the Word of Blake.  The SLDF had plans to recover the vessel at some point and try to refit it however there were other vessels that were far further up the chain for work first.

   â€œThat vessel is a drifting hulk.  We have scavenged its weapons and it has been stripped of almost everything useful.”  Because the vessel was so badly damaged the SLDF Engineers had used much of its weapons to for other vessels.

   â€œExactly it is worthless to you; also if you go back through the vessel’s history you’ll find it is a former Federated Suns vessel sold to the First Star League during the Reunification War.  We want it back.  As a lifeless, useless hulk it is perfect for our work which is to bring it back into service with the Federated Suns Navy.”

   â€œAnd you want to just move into the Terra system and salvage the craft?”

   â€œYes, we will come with non military vessels entering at standard points and escorted by SLDF craft if you believe it is necessary.”  Andrea said “we want this craft, if you want to honour Morgan Hasek-Davion this is your price including the two billion C-Bills.”  She said laying down the ultimatum.

      An hour and a half later David Natale left New Avalon returning to the SLS Shining Claw, alongside it was the FSS Duvall, the vessel that would become the SLS Morgan Hasek-Davion in a very short time, the Star League had made their deal with the Federated Suns when they were ready Federated Suns vessels were clear to move into the system.

Nadir point, New Samarkand System
Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine
30th September 3074

   Following several jumps through unnamed and uninhabited systems the time for the taking of their revenge was at hand the Nova Cat Clan was ready to give the Draconis Combine the biggest surprise of the history of the realm.  On the early hours of the Thirtieth September 3074 the entire Santin West Naval Star entered the system escorting the Clan’s Flagship the Severn Leroux.  The Nova Cat vessels spread out throughout the Nadir point weapons systems activating the six vessels immediately began scanning.  “Open a frequency the Combine will pick up.”  Khan Canin Rosse ordered from the Holotank within moments one of the Nova Cat officers nodded “Draconis Combine defenders this is Canin Rosse, Khan of Clan Nova Cat.  Your vessel the Pride of New Samarkand assaulted our merchants in the Periphery; you have brought our wrath on yourselves.  I bring six WarShips to this Trial; I await your counter bid.”

   â€œClansmen you are unwelcome in this system.  We will not bid against you we will destroy you.”  The response came back nearly immediately from the Olympus-class Recharge Station local to the Nadir Point and four Battlesat surrounding it turned their targeting systems onto the Nova Cats.  Four medium-class Naval Lasers from the Battlesats bracketed the Path of Glory, a Vincent Mk.42-class Corvette, the smallest vessel of the Nova Cat force.  The lasers cut into the corvette’s port armour in several areas however they did little penetrating damage, the Olympus-class Recharge Station then opened fire with missiles, lasers and autocannon all of which were targeted on the Path of Glory again the ship was bathed in fire but weathered it and remained in place six fighters were also launching from the station.

   The Path of Glory launched its own four fighters and powered its forward guns two Barracuda Capital Missiles hit the first Battlesat engulfing it in fire.  Next the Path of Glory’s port and starboard Naval Autocannons fired destroying two more Battlesats as the Olympus fired its conventional guns again bathing the corvette in more conventional weapons fire.  From the bridge of the Severn Leroux Canin Rosse was tempted to interfere these barbarians had no sense of honour however the Path of Glory’s commander seemed to have things under control.  “Begin burn in system, we are not needed here.”  He said looking over at Star Admiral Anders McKenna, the vessel’s commander, who nodded even he could see the Path of Glory was more than a match for the local defenders.  The five remaining WarShips began to move away from the Nadir point burning directly towards the system’s shipyards, the Nova Cats real targets.

   The final Battlesat fired on the Nova Cat Corvette causing more armour damage however another barrage of Naval Autocannons silenced the station destroying it in an instant in and around the Olympus the Draconis Combine fighters were being finished off by the Nova Cat fighters.  “Clan vessel we surrender, do not fire on us!”  A panicked voice from the Olympus broadcast, it wasn’t the same person as before, it was also too late two Barracuda missiles slammed into the station destroying one of the DropShips attached to it, the resulting explosion ripped through the station as various fuel and ammunition stores exploded.  Within moments the entire station was reduced to pieces smaller than family vehicles drifting away from each other and towards the system’s star.

   â€œSevern Leroux, Path of Glory, hold position at the Nadir point and secure our exit corridor engage Combine vessels at will.”  Anders McKenna said the corvette was damaged enough to make it voulnerable to further fire.

In System, New Samarkand System
Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine
2nd October 3074
 
   Moving deeper into the Nova Cats encountered the DCS Wisdom of a Warrior, a Tatsumaki-class Destroyer, the vessel immediately declared a Trial against the Nova Cat WarShip Star.  The Bloodlust, an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser, moved forward of the other Nova Cat WarShips answering the Tatsumaki’s challenge.  In the opening salvo a Heavy Naval Gauss Rifle slug slammed into the heavy cruiser’s forward hull tearing open hull plating setting the tone of the fight.  The Bloodlust turned into the Tatsumaki’s attack run returning fire with capital missiles and autocannons. The Tatsumaki continued its run closing firing naval autocannons and naval Particle Projection Cannons in response to the Bloodlust’s weapons.  In and around the two craft DropShips engaged and around them aerospace fighters from both sides fought for supremacy, the Nova Cats heavier numbers in both fighters and DropShips was proving too much for the DCMS forces and soon they were routed and in retreat or trying kamakazi runs against the Bloodlust.  At the same time the Draconis Combine vessel was launching further small craft these full of marine battle armoured troopers, it was clear to the Nova Cats the Combine vessel was not only looking to stop the attack force on its own but also capture the Heavy Cruiser it faced.

   In an effort to keep the Destroyer busy and gave the Bloodlust time to its move, the Combine commander either inexperinaced or thinking the Nova Cats could be trying their own boarding move turned slightly and concentrated on the incoming DropShips.  In a hail of naval weapons fire the Tatsumaki tore two Nova Cat DropShips and several fighters to pieces in seconds; this gave the Bloodlust its moment to turn their full broadside weapons onto the destroyer.  The multiple Naval Autocannons tore through the armour and into the inner structure beginning a chain reaction the resulting explosion tore through the destroyer gutting it in an instant.  As their mother craft exploded the single remaining DropShip, three aerospace fighters and ten of the small craft set collision force with the Bloodlust, the heavy cruiser, its remaining two DropShips and six aerospace fighters turn on the incoming Draconis Combine craft annihilating them one by one, unfortunately two of the small craft slammed into the left side of the heavy cruiser causing heavy damage.  With such heavy damage the Bloodlust was retired from battle moving towards the Path of Glory at the nadir point unfortunately the impact of two small craft on the Bloodlust had allowed sixteen Combine battle armoured marines to board the heavy cruiser, soon the troopers were discovered by Nova Cat security and an onboard battle began.

   These fanatical elite troopers were more than a match for the crew of the Path of Glory, unable to fully utilize their Elemental armour in the close confines of the Heavy Cruiser’s hull. After sixteen hours a large explosion rocked the port side of the Bloodlust as one of the Combine battle armour troopers reached the capital missile launcher ammunition stored there, the resulting chain reaction wiped out the remaining Draconis Combine troopers, the Nova Cat defenders and the Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser Bloodlust.

LAS Ian McQuiston , Near Gabriel Space Habitat
Odessa System, Isle of Skye
Lyran Alliance
8th November 3074

   Admiral Jonathan Kerr looked at his guests and shook his head, for this wild goose chase he had Loki Agent Anton Gramash and Colonel Tasha Snord of the Snord’s Irregulars Mercenary Command, on his bridge.  “It’s the biggest waste of Lyran Tax payers money ever!”  He'd said, his WarShip was not a plaything for Loki's little games. “There is nothing out here, the Intel is wrong" he continued.  "If there was a massive space habitat in one of our systems we’d have noticed it by now.”  He said trying to stress the point, on Odessa they had found a Star League Memory Core in it was information that led them to the middle of the Odessa system behind the outermost asteroid ring and the biggest gas giant.

   â€œOur intelligence is over three hundred years old" Tasha agreed "But the Star League Defence Force were very good at hiding things in plain sight.”  Tasha Snord said her Irregulars had led them to the information, and they had been well paid with almost a full battalion of advanced SLDF BattleMechs, now she wanted to see what the LIC wanted to get there hands on.

   â€œWhy are you even here?”  Kerr asked the mercenary commander “you have been well paid for your discovery.”  He said, he was no fan of mercenaries or of the current leadership that put all their faith in them.

   â€œWe want to finish this, find our place, end this treasure hunt.”  Tasha Snord said “this isn’t about the find now, I just want to see it.”

   â€œWell, I think you will be disappointed Miss Snord.”  Kerr said looking at the Colonel “Sensors, what do we detect?  If anything…”  He said quietly not looking away from his guests.

   â€œNothing sir…” the sensor operator said looking at the display then back to the Admiral then back to the display “Admiral, strike my last” he said “we have contact, by the Unfinished Book, it’s massive” he said as the Fox-class Corvette LAS Ian McQuiston cleared the gas giant’s radiation field to reveal a massive habitat built into the side of a massive asteroid.  “It’s massive the length of that opening could hold a Yggdrassil-class Battlecruiser."  He continued "it looks like some of the facilities have been removed but we are detecting habitats that go deep within the asteroid.

   â€œDeploy DropShips!”  Kerr ordered immediately on edge, “are there any active sensors?”  A station that size would likely be armed to the teeth and if it was active then its sensors and Electronic Warfare capabilities would far out stretch anything in the Lyran Alliance.

   â€œNothing.”  The sensor operator reported as all five of the Ian McQuiston’s DropShips launched from the Fox’s circumference.  Even with the five DropShips Kerr wondered how they would secure such a station.

   â€œHave the Mech Carriers rig their Mechs for EVA, all marines be prepared to board that monster.  I want it searched, scanned and secure in the next ten hours.”  He said it would be a hard ask but still things needed to be done.

   â€œWell Agent Gramash, Colonel Snord, you opened a can of worms today.”  He said looking at his guests who returned querulous looks.  “You really think the other Succession States or the Clans will allow us to hold onto this prize, it is a relic of the Star League, the data held aboard it could preside over a whole new technological revelation.  They will want a piece of it and our government will want to keep it.  This could trigger another Succession War.”  Kerr said there was no glee in his words, though they lived in a universe of conflict it was not something to be treasured.

   â€œWe will prevail” Gramash said quietly confidently Kerr dismissed it as pure Loki self confidence nothing based on it except a history of success.  Unfortunately not everyone was as good as the Loki.

   â€œIf the Lyran Government involve the Star League and have a SLDF presence on the Gabriel structure or on Odessa then there will be no problems.”  Tasha Snord suggested.

   â€œIt's a Lyran find, we shouldn't need to involve others."  Kerr protested then saw Gramash's face "We’ll see what happens” he didn’t want to see a Succession War but he intended on giving the Lyrans the first bite of the habitat.  “And we have touch down.”  He said as the first BattleMech, a Highlander Assault BattleMech, struck the habitat.  There was no resistance no active sensors nothing, it was a derelict.  It would take days to secure the entire asteroid and explore it all but Kerr had a claim to make "by international salvage rights I, Admiral Jonathan Kerr, of the Lyran Alliance Admiralty Starship Ian McQuiston claim this habitat as part of our realm and ownership.”  He said on a broadband frequency so all in the system could hear, it was official now the rest would remain to history.

Proving Grounds
New Haiti, Nova Cat’s Den
Periphery
14th November 3074

   As the Nova Cat warriors put their newest vehicle through its paces the saKhan of Clan Nova Cat watched.  The SM-5 Missile Tank Destroyer was the latest of the series and carried two massive twelve-tube Advanced Tactical Missile launchers mounted forward backed by four turret mounted Extended-Range Micro Lasers for armament on the same hover chassis as the other vehicles of the SM series, in Jal Steiner’s ear the scientists were speaking of taking the craft to its next logical phase - making the vehicle an OmniTank.  As he watched the vehicles move and engage older vehicles salvaged from the Periphery or retired from duty within the Touman Jal Steiner still did not understand the fascination with vehicles his Clan had recently begin to explore the Hell’s Horses placed massive stock in them but he considered the BattleMech to be king, not this small diminutive vehicle.

   OmniVehicles were expensive and it would mean training troopers in using multiple configurations just like the difference between BattleMechs and OmniMechs.  Jal had seen the Hell’s Horses Epona OmniVehicle and the Draconis Combine’s Shrillton, which used a similar method both were very effective weapons systems and though deployed in small numbers they both had a marked increase in power over other craft also recently the Nova Cat military had taken to more and more vehicles, probably because Canin Rosse‘s unit had been heavily mechanized.  Thinking quietly and watching as the last target was destroyed Jal Steiner turned to the scientist and nodded, it was time the Nova Cats had an OmniVehicle design of their own and why not honour the SM-series with such a base.  However he did stipulate one design move that could not be changed on with the designers, the tank received a proper name not a number and description.  Work would begin immediately.

Capellan March Border
Capellan Confederation/Federated Suns/St Ives Compact
21st November-14th December 3074

   With any resource you use it or you lose it this was a well known statement to First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion and he decided to use his resources while he had them.  With two Regiments and two Elite Battalions of Wolf’s Dragoons at his disposal Victor picked the periphery border worlds of Mitchell, Menke, Jacson, Yuris, Zanzibar and Madras for the strikes deep into the Confederation.

   Supporting the Dragoons were the WarShips Melissa Davion, Avalon-class Cruiser, Jason Hasek and Nathan Duvall, both Congress Block II-class Frigate, the Capellan March, a Davion Block III-class Destroyer, the New Syrtis, a Fox-class Corvette, and the Kathil, a Hound-class Heavy Raider.  This fleet of six vessels was commanded by Fleet Admiral Victoria Napier commander of the FSS Melissa Davion. 

   For the ground assaults the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers RCT, commanded by Capellan March Field Marshal Nathaniel Hasek, supported by the mercenary regiment Khorsakhov’s Cossacks,  The Fourth Deneb Light Cavalry RCT supported by the Ninth Illician Rangers Mercenary Regiment, the First Crucis Lancers RCT were tasked with supporting the Dragoon’s Alpha Regiment and Zeta Battalion while the Fourth Crucis Lancers RCT would support the Dragoons Beta Regiment and Wolf Spider Battalion.

   Against them they faced off against the Fifteenth Dracon Regiment of the Capellan Confederation’s Citizen’s Honoured Brigade, the First Canopian Brigade and St Cry’s Armoured Hussars both of the Capellan Brigade, the Second McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry of the former mercenary brigade and the Sung’s Rangers of the Victoria Commonality Rangers.

   The first attacks landed on Mitchell and Yuris with both worlds falling to little resistance, the Fourth Deneb Light Cavalry and Ninth Illician Rangers securing their positions.  However following attacks were far harder repulsed.  On Menke the Alpha Regiment and Zeta Battalion of the Wolf’s Dragoons found the First Canopian Brigade and the Second McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry following almost two weeks of stalemate fighting it seemed the Dragoons would have to call for reinforcements however a Capellan Headhunting Stealth Lance ambushed and destroyed General Maeve Wolf’s command Lance.  The Wolf’s Dragoons turned from warriors almost into feral creatures taking down two battalions of McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry in less than two days when the third Battalion escaped off world making it to a nearby hidden JumpShip the Dragoon’s surviving commander called in orbital support from the orbiting FSS Capellan March.  The Davion Block III-class Destroyer shattered all six of the remaining DropShips still on planet with a ferocious display of naval firepower on the spaceport killing nearly fifteen thousand locals as well as laying slag to the spaceport.  The remaining First Canopian Brigade died to the man unable to retreat off world and the Dragoons unwilling to accept any surrender.

   The only other fighting to occur during this fighting was on Zanzibar and Madras as the Fifteenth Dracon battled the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers RCT, which needed reinforced the Khorsakhov’s Cossacks and the Fourth Crucis Lancers RCT on Zanzibar fighting the St Cry’s Armoured Hussars and a counter attack from the Sung’s Rangers regiment.  The Fourth Crucis were forced to call for assistance from the Wolf’s Dragoons Beta Regiment and Zeta Battalion to complete their mission and force the Capellans into retreat.

   On the 29th November the St Ives Compact’s Second St Ives Lancers supported by the Wild Geese Mercenary Regiment - on loan from the Federated Suns.  Launched an assault on Hustaing defended by Vong’s Grenadiers Regiment.  The St Ives troops supported by the Federated Suns mercenaries captured the world in quick order repaying the Capellan Confederation for the damage done during the Capellan Solution Crisis during the Inner Sphere’s operation’s against the Clans.

   On the 5th December a Capellan DropShip armed with Nuclear weapons penetrated the Menke system and engaged the FSS Capellan March with anti-ship missiles with Nuclear weapons the Davion Block III-class Destroyer was wiped out by the retribution strike equaling the slate for the lives lost at Menke spaceport during the orbital bombardment.

   On the 12th December continuing hostilities the First Kittery Borderers launch an attack on Homestead intent on pushing the Ziliang salient however Capellan irregular forces led by an undercover Capellan commando Jason Zaklan counter the Kittery forces in a guerrilla campaign which results in more than a Battalion of AFFS casualties.

Between me and you...

Into a new year and a year that I personally think the timeline properly takes its own place.  When I originally wrote it I wanted to establish new characters, new nations and new paths for some of the canon ones but this year.  Everything's settled and we can start to explore where things are a bit more.  It takes on more of the Inner Sphere and Periphery and begins to expand more stories.

I hope you enjoy.

Dragon Cat

Press Conference
Forbidden City, Sian
Sian Commonality, Capellan Confederation
2nd February 3075

   During a scheduled press conference on Sian to answer some Capellan concerns about the Centrella take over from House Liao an assassin attempts to attack Naomi Centrella by placing a bomb under her speaking podium.  On of the Centrella Black Guards discovers the bomb before Naomi even enters the room, the bomb detonates prematurely killing almost three hundred people in the building including Duke Gregory Liao Head of the National Bank.  Unfortunately he was a supporter of Naomi’s rulership and now Naomi is implicated in ordering his assassination.

        In response for the stories being spread around Naomi orders one hundred known supporters of Free Capella publicly executed on Sian and on other worlds.  She then orders several of the reporters who had suggested her involvement arrested and taken to locations unknown, virtually none are ever seen again.

Clan Wolf Science Caste Hall
Tamar, Clan Wolf Capital
Clan Occupation Zone, Inner Sphere
7th February 3075

   The Clan Wolf Science Caste Hall on Tamar was a new edition to the Clan grounds on Tamar; it was another step towards the entire Clan moving its resources to the Inner Sphere Occupation Zone.  Scientist General Kate walked over the floor of the main hall entering one of the new meeting halls where three of her scientists were waiting, the paint on the walls was barely dried and there was a strong smell of paint fumes in the room.  Behind the table were Scientists David, Marissa and Henry were all waiting for her briefing “be seated please” she said, all three sat behind the desk.  “Khan Vlad Ward has decided that if our Clan is to succeed in the Inner Sphere we should begin a weapons development program here in our new home.  With the completion of this hall and of its adjoining facilities I have decided that we will begin with producing a series of new second-line BattleMechs that will power our Clan forward and protect our new holdings while the front-line forces of our Clan propel us to Terra.”  She said defiantly, the Crusader Clan Wolf had never and would never give up its claim to Terra and would continue to fight until they got there and became ilClan, leader of all Clans.

   â€œWouldn’t we be better with spending time and resources in a new OmniMech or an OmniFighter, something to help motivate our front-line forces.  The Clan leadership would surely accept that more than some more second-line cast-offs.”  David protested, in the lower-castes of the Clans there was more dissention however rarely did they support the Trueborn front-line forces - unless their lives depended on it.

   â€œThe Khan has given me permission to select the project that I wish, I have chosen this project.  The Clan will accept it or they will face the Khan’s wrath.”  Kate said, she wasn’t sure if the Khan would back her plan, ever since Katrina had arrived from the Lyran Alliance things had changed between them.  But she would stand by this decision as Scientist General of her Clan.

Forbidden City
Sian, Sian Commonality
Capellan Confederation
18th February 3075

   The capital world of the Capellan Confederation was cold to Naomi Centrella’s skin, she could feel Goosebumps on her skin, it had been the same since the fall of her husband Sian had taken a distaste to her.  Today’s distaste had been the newest Capellan affront to her leadership Free Capella, which had died on Terra of all places supporting the Word of Blake, had re-emerged on Sian launching a full uprising against her leadership.  The Centrella Black Guards guardians at the gates to the city had been overrun by almost an entire regiment of them - they were now crushing the remains of the Black Guards Second Regiment, all two battalions of it, the reformed Warrior House Imarra and the Centrella Black Guards first regiment were now at this moment fully engaged fighting for every metre of the Forbidden City and towards the city of Gungxi to the east.

   Leader of the Warrior Houses, since Ion Rush’s death, Hadji Doru stepped up behind her.  It was nice having him here; he was a second Canopian on a planet of Capellans his near fanatical loyal to her helped greatly.  “How goes the battle?”  She asked not even looking at him.

   â€œFine, Chancellor, we are victorious Free Capella are retreating their rebirth has been short lived.  They are doing more damage as they retreat, we have found some evidence this may have been orchestrated by an outside force.”

   â€œAn outside force?”  Naomi asked, she had assumed Tormano Liao’s family, all of whom had disappeared, had orchestrated this.  Why would anyone step against her - who would dare?

   â€œDuring the fighting we have seen a company of warriors piloting SPT-NX Spartan BattleMechs, these are the same Mechs seen on several worlds throughout the Inner Sphere.  They are doing more damage to our forces than anyone else.  We have also spotted the Bounty Hunter in his Marauder II, these two independent forces have not struck at each other but they have both done severe damage on our forces.

   â€œHadji, find out who hired these vermin, and have them eliminated.  And why the Bounty Hunter thinks he can operate in Capellan space.  Have our WarShips shoot down any unauthorized DropShips launching whether they are civilian or military.”

   â€œWe cannot contact our WarShip forces, the Free Capella forces targeted both the Forbidden City HPG and the general city HPG relays in their first strikes.”

   â€œWhat about the Palace’s own relays?”  She asked the city had its relays but so did Naomi’s palace.

   â€œOffline - an unknown source” Hadji reported, someone within this very palace was working against her, someone at the very source of her leadership.

       â€œI have a job for the Warrior Houses Hadji.  See to it personally.”  She ordered handing him a file containing the orders Hadji didn’t even look at them instead he nodded and left. As soon as Hadji had left the room Naomi contacted the commander of the Blackguards and ordered a purge of the Royal Palace, anyone with any inclined loyalties to House Liao was to be brought out into the courtyards and publicily made an example of.