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Clan Stone Rhino Stronghold
York, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
1st June 3079

   In a series of assaults between the First and Fifth of June nearly a full galaxy of Steel Viper warriors land on York and begin to make head way against the defending Stone Rhinos.  In orbit the WarShips General Stuart, an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser, Unleashed, a Samarkand Block II-class Carrier, and the Crazy Rhino, an early model Essex-class Destroyer attempt to block the Steel Vipers route however the WarShips the Snake in the Grass, a Whirlwind-class Destroyer, and the King Viper, one of the newly activated Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruisers push through.

   The combined firepower of these two WarShips is concentrated on the Crazy Rhino holing the hull in several places forcing the Stone Rhinos to evacuate the vessel.  This also forces the General Stuart and Unleashed to fall back allowing more Vipers to land and the world.

Operations Room, Fox’s Den
Avalon Mountains, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
7th June 3079

   When someone entered the Fox’s Den under the Avalon Mountains on the capital world of the Federated Suns, New Avalon, many people remembered its advanced computers, high walls and the bustling movement of the staff never stopping always busy.  For Tina Howard things were slightly different, she was a Leftenant part of the Rabid Fox Team Eight recently returned from the Draconis Combine, and she’d remember today as the day she met Victor Steiner-Davion, First Prince of the Federated Suns, her nation’s leader.

   Entering the small briefing room behind her direct commander Field Marshal Carver Felsner, the Director of the Department of Military Intelligence (DMI), she saw Victor Steiner-Davion standing beside a table in the centre of the room dressed in a Field Marshal’s uniform with many campaign ribbons on his left breast.  Stealing a glance Tina could see two unique medals both from Star League service Operation Bulldog and Operation Serpent, although the First Prince had many more impressive medals these were special especially so for Tina her father had served in the First Kathil Uhlans during Operation Serpent then on Strana Mechty ending the Clan War.

   â€œLeftenant?” Carver said questioning her Tina blinked she’d missed his introductions.

   â€œSir” she said crisply looking at the Field Marshal embarrassed by her mistake in front of her commander and her realm’s leader.

   â€œYour findings?”

   â€œOf course” she said opening a small folder placing its contents on the table it was a series of photos taken in space of two large vessels surrounded by what appeared to be a structure made from building scaffolding. “Sire, these are long range pictures taken from one of our Skyward satellites just over the Draconis Combine border in an unnamed or inhabited system.”  She said “as you can see there are two large vessels in the system under repair or construction.”

   â€œWarShips?” Victor asked looking at each picture in turn.  “A construction yard so close to the border?  Surely not.”

   â€œWhen we collected the data we were not sure, however consulting records at NAIS and using some contacts we have within the Star League we have been able to find the closest matching profile.” She said pacing a new picture on the table.

   â€œI’m sorry Leftenant, I’m not completely familiar with Draconis Combine or Star League WarShips, I’ve spent most of my career on the ground.”  Victor said glancing over the design it looked robust with three weapons ports forward as well as a double launch bay system possibly a carrier or a troopship he wasn’t sure.

   â€œOf course sire, my apologies” she said “this vessel is a Robinson-class Transport, from our best guess the two vessels are of Block I creation.”

   â€œThe Robinson?” Victor asked he was embarrassed he’d never heard of a WarShip named after the capital of the Draconis March.

   â€œSire, it was a troop transport during the Star League period well armoured and armed the Robinson carried an integral Battalion of BattleMechs and an aerospace fighter wing.  Impressive craft” Galen Cox, Field Marshal of the Crucis March said stepping forward Tina hadn’t even seen him enter behind her although she was surprised a Lyran national knew more about Federated Suns designs than her First Prince.

   â€œI’m impressed you know that Marshal.”  Victor said with a small smirk “So how do the Combine have two of our transports, ancient as they are, and why are they restoring them now?”  Victor asked.

   â€œSir, we looked at our own records and those of the Star League’s and we think we have something.”  Carver Felsner said “during the First Succession War at least three Robinson-class Transports were captured by the Draconis Combine, the original Block I had weak anti-fighter protection and limited internal defences.”  He said pausing “we believe they used the Robinson’s BattleMech dropping capacity and copied it for their Kyushu-class Frigates, the Robinson’s capability of dropping in a Battalion of Reinforcements is well documented in the Ceti Hussars records.”

   â€œSo now they want to use two of our WarShips in their navy against us?”

   â€œWould make sense, losses against the Ravens and Bears have taken their toll on the combine’s naval fleet.”  Galen Cox said quietly.

   â€œSire, we have a plan” Tina said quietly looking at Victor, the First Prince took note of her she was a young officer with very non-descript features you’d never pick her out or say she was stunning but in her eyes he saw determination.

   â€œA plan?” Victor asked cautiously “Leftenant you are aware that we are at peace with the Draconis Combine and that any action against them could be seen as an act of war.”

   â€œYes, Sir” she answered “however, they are our ships. Sir” she added quietly.

   â€œOkay Leftenant let’s hear it, I can’t say we’ll use your idea but you never know.”

   â€œYes, Sire.”  She said taking out a final picture “as you can see this system is a three Jumps into the Combine in the Irurzun Prefecture at least two jump from any other inhabited planet, traders don’t go near the area because they are so far away from inhabited planets.  Our idea is for a Monolith-class DropShip carrying seven Vampire-class SpecOps DropShips enter the system, we make a run at both Robinsons capture them and work out which is best for salvaging.  We then take it all the way back to either Galax or Camelot Command.”

   â€œCamelot would be better” Galen said quietly

   â€œSir these ships served House Davion and were lost because the Star League fell, we just don’t want to see them used against our troops in the future.” Tina said impassioned by anger at the idea of Davion ships being used against the Federated Suns.

   â€œWe’ll see what happens, Thank You Leftenant, you’re dismissed.” Victor said she nodded saluted her three superiors and stepped out of the room.  For the next three hours Victor, Galen and Carver continued their discussions about the Combine, the basic plan she‘d outlined and the Robinson-class Transports.

Stone Rhino Lines
York, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
8th June 3079

   Battles raged across the former Clan Blood Spirit Capital world with Clan Steel Viper forces pushing constantly against the Stone Rhino defenders.  From across the Stone Rhino lines however Mechs, armour and Battle Armour were disappearing, in the skies above the WarShips General Stuart and Unleashed had both closed on the planet again and were engaging Steel Viper vessels inside the gravity well of the planet.

   At almost precisely 12 noon six DropShips raised from the New Tara Spaceport all bearing the Omega Galaxy crest, of all the Stone Rhino forces this unit alone had the most Blood Spirit warriors amongst its numbers.  Almost thirty minutes later one final Outpost-class DropShip launched from the Strathclyde mountains leaving behind several large detonations, as the DropShip joined the others in orbit massive volcanic eruptions could be seen consuming the mountain face.  The two Stone Rhino WarShips escorted the DropShips to waiting JumpShips even under heavy Steel Viper pursuit fire.
 
Stone Rhino Territory
Hector, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
12th June 3079

   Following the Scorched Earth tactics employed by the Stone Rhino Omega Galaxy during their retreat on York and the Stone Rhino Khan’s refusal to speak out about the Galaxies actions the Fire Mandrill Khan Garret Sainze declares the Stone Rhino Dezgra in his Clan’s eyes and in an almost unheard of show of cooperation leads a multi-Kindraa Galaxy strong force against the Stone Rhino forces on Hector.  Supported by two Fire Mandrill WarShips other Clans were more surprised to see the Temple Hill and David’s Point both supporting the assault.  These two York-class Carriers were both new additions to the Clan Coyote Touman, no Coyote ground forces were seen on the planet and the Coyote Khan Salas Kufahl refused to comment on Clan Coyote movements.

Star League Naval Command Headquarters
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
14th June 3079

   The newly built Star League Naval Command Headquarters on the outskirts of the rebuilding Unity City had only been open a single month but Fleet Admiral David Natale was already looking at a diplomatic crisis, on his own front door. Doctor David Lear son of the famed Kai Allard-Liao was petitioning for an expedition to be sent to the outskirts of the Terra system.  The generally unexplored region known as the Kuiper Belt was home to the Terra system’s most distant bodies, moons, asteroids, comets and even frozen planets who’s orbits were so distant they couldn’t be considered to be part of the solar system.

   Dr Lear, a lecturer at Chicago University believed that there was an abandoned Star League Defence Force research base inside the Kuiper Belt abandoned for centuries.  Admiral Natale had looked over the data three times and although he agreed there were anomalies readings coming from the belt he did not agree that they indicated a base, SLDF records recovered from Unity City, ComStar and Word of Blake records did not indicate there was anything there either.  Although he did not want to insult the Doctor the Admiral refused to waste resources on a jaunt into the back end of the Solar system without concrete information.

Entry Points
Hector System, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
16th June 3079

   At almost the same time forces belonging to both Clan Goliath Scorpion and Cloud Cobra arrive in Hector system.  On entry into the system they join Clan Fire Mandrill’s declaration that Clan Stone Rhino as a whole was Dezgra.  Fortunately for the Stone Rhino ground forces both Clan Goliath Scorpion and Cloud Cobra immediately turn on each other’s invasion force causing heavy damage to each other including the destruction of two WarShips, a Cameron-class Battle-cruiser the Incense on the Cloud Cobra side and the Serket a Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy cruiser on the Goliath Scorpion side.

   On the frozen ground of Hector the Stone Rhino ground forces led by their saKhan continue to resist the Fire Mandrill Clan’s forces while units bearing Clan Coyote insignia are also spotted engaging Stone Rhino forces.

Clan Stone Rhino Territory
York, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
21st June 3079

   In an act of pure desperation and defiance against conventional Clan thinking the Stone Rhino WarShip Exeter, a Quixote-class Missile Frigate, bombards Clan Steel Viper ground positions on York with capital missiles and autocannon fire in a clear breach of engagement rules annihilating two cluster of ground forces including the 401st Assault Cluster of Gamma Galaxy and the Seventeenth Viper Regulars Cluster of Nu Galaxy.

   As volcanic eruptions on York cause heavy damage to the capital city New Tara and cause hundreds of deaths Khan Brett Andrews of Clan Steel Viper leads Chi Galaxy to the planet to reinforce his Clan’s forces and supervise the destruction of the Stone Rhinos.

Liger Warriors Command Complex
New Hedon, Herotitus
Periphery
22nd June 3079

   Standing in around a small table Colonel Trent Higall stood with his three Trinary Commanders and the three leaders of the conventional regiments that had joined the Liger Warriors since their conquest of the world of Herotitus.  “The Star Fairer detected seven DropShips entering the system bearing the insignia of the Regulators Mercenary Regiment and that of the Second Canopian Fusiliers.  It appears we’ve incurred the wrath of the Confederation.”

   â€œWe can hold ‘em” one of his former mercenary warriors said smiling “if you release the first and second regiments to my command I can take them directly against their landing sites it’s the last thing they will be expecting and my units can show our use.”  He said glancing at the other regimental command with a small smirk, Trent Higall suppressed a smile he hoped to use these conscripted troops as cannon fodder and here they were volunteering themselves for just that type of duty.

   â€œI’m sure you are more than capable of such a duty.”  Higall said quietly a plan coming to mind.  “First through Third Regiments will prove their metal in engaging the Regulators DropShips as they land assuming they do not head straight for the Capital.  The Ligers will hold command base while aerospace forces flight combat air patrol.”  Higall turned to his conscripted officers “my Ligers have proven themselves it is not time for the Lions, Leopards and Tigers to show their worth.”  He said naming all three units by their unofficial nickname.”  The three officers nodded and walked out leaving Trent Higall and his own people in the command tent.

   â€œWe will allow them to soak up the Capellan resolve while we make good our escape, load as much of the supplies onto our DropShips and ensure the JumpShip is ready to collect us.  I want to ensure that as much of our forces get off planet as possible.”  The others nodded, six hours later it played out just like that the First and Second Regiments died destroying the Regulators at their landing zones while the Third Regiment died fighting the Canopian Fusiliers as they charged towards the city.  The Liger Warriors reinforced by several companies of Arbiter Combat Industrial Mechs escaped the planet, the Arbiters tied down as cargo for the trip.
 
Grand Hall of the Khans
Katyusha City, Strana Mechty
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Homeworlds
24th June 3079

   "This session calls into question the honour of Clan Stone Rhino. Khan Elizabeth Radick you have been called to defend the actions of Clan Stone Rhino and answer these challenges."

   "Loremaster, Clan Stone Rhino has only defended itself during these last months and I would face all the Khans of the Clans not these few who are present.  You say that Clan Stone Rhino's honour has been breached I ask where are the Khans of the Honourable Clan Wolf, Jade Falcon or Sea Fox?  If they are not willing to show face then why should I answer your questions."  She said glaring at the Loremaster of ceremonies "even Clan Nova Cat sends their third Khan to these proceedings, It is almost as though this body has lost its strength and Clan Stone Rhino is being targeted to soften the blow to your egos." She said eyeing all the other Khans.

   "Enough of this! Khan Radick I call you out in a circle of equals" Khan Brett Andrews said stepping down to the floor, the leader of Clan Steel Viper had led the attacks against the Stone Rhinos already and was more than ready for a fight.

   "The floor recognizes..." The Loremaster began but Radick cut him off

   "On what grounds, more dezgra attacks on Clan Stone Rhino?"

   "Dezgra!"  Brett Andrews screamed "you're clan use naval bombardment and abandon the field of battle and you call me dezgra?! We will not wait for a Circle of Equals to ground.  I will kill you where you stand."

   "No!" Dagmar Lahiri screamed raising to his feet "I am not Kael Pershaw, this Hall will be brought to order, the Ebon Keshik will remove anyone who breaks my rule."  He said around the Hall the Ebon Keshik's presence was unmistakable even out of their Elemental Armour they were visible and impressive.  "Khan Andrews has called a Trial, Khan Radick will you meet him?"

   "I shall"

   "Good this Hall is in recess."  He said turning and leaving the two opposing Khans were last to leave.

   "On the plains to the south, two days from now."  Elizabeth Radick said agreeing to the grounds of the circle.

   "Augmented" Andrews said agreeing they would use Mechs.

   "Seyla" they both said completing the tradition before leaving the room silent.

Plains of Kerensky
Strana Mechty, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
26th June 3079

   On the Plains of Kerensky both Khans Brett Andrews and Elizabeth Radick met in a Circle of Equals formed by their two bodyguard Keshiks.  Andrews had chosen a swift forty-five ton Shadow Cat OmniMech as his ride opposite to Radick's slower and heavier Nova OmniMech, the fifty ton Mech carried far more weapons and pod space than his Mech.

   "I Khan Andrew Brett come to this battle ready to defend the honour of Clan Steel Viper and wipe the stain of Clan Stone Rhino from the Radick name.  This is a Circle of Equals, may no other warrior interfere."

   "I Khan Elizabeth Radick will defend my honour and position within the Radick Bloodhouse and for Clan Stone Rhino."

   "You're name and it's legacy will be reaved when I'm done with your Clan."  Andrews taunted her quietly.

   "Seyla" she finished before Andrews could answer her she was already launching her Mech skywards with its Jump Jets.  Andrew's initial double laser strike at maximum range struck the Nova's left leg and torso, he'd aimed high which meant he'd expected her move and was aiming for the cockpit.  Landing the fifty ton Mech flexed as it landed and she ran towards the still stationary Shadow Cat.  Again lasers flared from the Shadow Cat's arms both large bore beams slammed into her Mech's right arm knocking out one of her ten lasers.  Pushing forward she got into range and fired all nine of her remaining Heavy Medium Lasers at the Steel Viper Khan's Mech, at almost the same time the Mech launched skyward throwing off her shot only four of the over powered beams hit two centrally and one on each leg.  Cursing her luck she searched for the Shadow Cat as it disappeared from view, twisting left and right she couldn't see the Shadow Cat but moments later she felt it twelve short range missiles slammed into her Mech's back peppering the armour luckily there were no breaches.  Launching skyward again she turned mid air and fired five Heavy medium lasers the white beams from the left arm struck out but mid jump were erratic and only one hit the Shadow Cat on the right arm.  The lighter Steel Viper Mech returned fire with a pair of red laser beams one stroked the cockpit as her Mech began to fall back to the ground from its jump, Elizabeth Radick didn't see much of the blast that killed her its beam blinding her sensors as it vaporized her armour protection and burned her cockpit to a crisp MechWarrior included.  This ended the Circle and the Stone Rhino's Khan's life.

Unnamed Fringe system
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Homeworlds
28th June 3079

   The Clan Wolf WarShip Athens, a Hyperion-class Heavy Cruiser, traded ranged shots with the rogue Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser General Stuart, formerly Clan Stone Rhino, before the Cruiser and her attending vessels were able to keep the Athens at range long enough to allow them to jump clear of the system, the Athens reported several civilian vessels with the WarShip however no sign of the Unleashed, the second rogue Stone Rhino vessel.  This is the last recorded sighting of these rogue vessels in Homeworlds.

Avalon Base
Strana Mechty, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
30th June 3079

   With Elizabeth Radick dead and their saKhan embattled on York their assets classed as forfeit Clan Stone Rhino's Forty-second Guard Cluster based at Avalon Base, the Clan’s original territory were ready to surrender themselves to the first Clan that came calling however no-one came near.  The Stone Rhino's were surprised when the Ebon Keshik arrived around the base.  A reinforced cluster of six Battle Armour Trinaries, seventy-five troopers, the defenders of the Khan Halls ordered the Stone Rhinos to stand down and claimed the territory for themselves.  The Stone Rhinos were added to the Ebon Keshik's forces as an auxiliary force, officially with no weapons unofficially their Mechs, vehicles and Battle Armour continued to reside at Avalon Base.

Bye, bye Stone Rhino's.

Last remnant of the Smoke Jaguars... maybe a little left in them yet...

Clan Raid
Yed Prior, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
2nd July 3079

   It was an audacious raid by Clan Wolf that alerted the Lyran Commonwealth to a new threat on the horizon.  The Clan force, a little over two Trinaries had engaged the defending Isle of Skye Battalion caused some damage and left.  However reviewing footage captured from the Mechs and observation posts the LIC was able to confirm that every single Long Range Missile shot fired hit its intended target by certain Mechs in the unit and that the Clan Mechs seemed under armed for what weapons they were carrying.  Also within the Wolf force there were several Mechs carrying unknown markings which were later traced through the SLDF as markings belonging to the Clan Coyote.

   It seemed clear to the Inner Sphere observers at least that Clan Coyote and Clan Wolf had moved closer together and were conducting field exercises as a joint force testing what appeared to be a new Long Ranged version of the Streak Short Range Missile Launcher which was deadly efficient and effective despite its obvious extra weight.
 
Old Feuds
Strana Mechty, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
8th July 3079

   Beginning in the morning and working into the night Clan Jade Falcon are attacked on Strana Mechty, where each Clan was supposed to be equal and supposed to refrain from all out conflict Clan Coyote struck the Jade Falcon positions forcing the sole on planet Jade Falcon unit to retreat off world with Loremaster Bryan Pryde in tow.

   Three days later Bryan Pryde returned with the full force of Alpha Galaxy, five full strength clusters and his bodyguard unit dropped all around their former territory and the Coyote's positions.  It took six hours for the Ebon Keshik, the Katyusha Keshik and their auxiliary forces to break up the fighting and even then the two Clan's were only separated when the Loremasters of Clans Cloud Cobra and Goliath Scorpion led their own bodyguard Keshik's between the warring parties to reinforce the Ebon Keshik's position effectively becoming a buffer force between the two feuding Clans.

Orbital Hot-Drop, Neon Light Mercer-class DropShip
Herotitus, Periphery
12th July 3079

   With word that the Liger Warriors were actually rogue Clan Nova Cat warriors formerly of the Fifteenth Battle Cluster, Xi Galaxy under the command of saKhan Jal Steiner had been dispatched.  On the Twelth July they had arrived in orbit and in Clan Nova Cat fashion were intent on making their arrival known.  With the Blood Oath, an Aegis-class WarShip assigned to keep an eye on things from just outside orbit the MechWarriors and Battle Armour troopers of Xi Galaxy Hot-dropped from orbit and the high atmosphere over the planet.

   As the ablative cocoon around his Shadow Cat disintegrated Jal Steiner was able to orientate his Mech with expert skill.  He glanced over his weapons array class-20 Heavy Assault Gauss Rifle (HAG) - green - three Heavy Medium Lasers - Green - two Light Machine Guns – safties off and fully loaded - as the Shadow Cat continued to fall he cut in his OmniMech's Jump Jets to slow the decent.  Unlike most Shadow Cat weapons configurations this Mech lacked an advanced Active Probe so he was unable to monitor communications made by the enemy instead Jal had to rely on other members of his unit.  "Rossei, call out if you have anything" he ordered.

   "Galaxy Commander, we have Capellan Confederation encryption on the ground, no Clan or open frequencies."  His comm. expert Lisa Drummond answered moments later her Kingfisher had advanced communications equipment not seen on normal Mechs.

   "It is unlike them to have changed over to a Spheroid band, Quineg?"

   "Neg, it would cost them much time and effort, which I do not believe they have had nor do I think they would have wasted."

   "So we may have a hostile Inner Sphere force on the ground?"

   "And in the air, saKhan we have a squadron of Inner Sphere Aerospace fighters vectoring on your position.  My fighters are committing" Star Captain Alice Leroux said breaking in her Sythca OmniFighter had been orbiting the entire time watching.

   "All warriors be on the watch for incoming fighters, defend yourself as you are able."  Jal Steiner ordered as the first fighter flew past him an ancient Trident Aerospace fighter, he quickly switched channels to DropShip command "Star Commodore Lossey."  He said calling his overall DropShip commander.

   "Go ahead, saKhan"

   "Find somewhere close to our landing points for your DropShips to land, looks like we may have missed the Ligers and have Capellan forces instead."

   "Understood, we will wait until you scatter point then land centrally for all units.  Armour will stay buttoned up unless we get attacked on the ground."  He quickly said the DropShips would be entering the atmosphere now but would remain in orbit until all units were grounded ensuring no Mech or Battle Armour unit was left out to dry.

   Minutes past and Jal Steiner's command star finally landed, a quick role call confirmed no-one was damaged or down from the drop.  The air was immediately full of weapons fire however missiles, autocannon and laser fire filling the air, soon artillery strikes were landing in the area as well adding to the confusion.  "Rossei on me!" Jal called charging his forty-five ton Mech into the fight firing his HAG-20 as he ran the rapid fire assault gauss rifle connecting with a thirty-five ton Anubis scout Mech that had gotten in his way.  The fire ripped off armour from several areas of the Mech making the pilot lose balance and fall on his back.  Jal didn't stop running his Mech literally over the light Mech crushing it into the ground, his Shadow Cat's feet slipped slightly as he moved over the Mech as metal grind against metal but the move paid off as he ran on the Anubis' long range missile ammo cooked off and exploded gutting the BattleMech in a red and orange fireball.  "Continue to engage until our DropShips ground."  Jal Steiner ordered before switching frequencies "Capellan force, this is saKhan Jal Steiner of Clan Nova Cat; we came to this world to exterminate members of our Clan's Dark Caste.  We are not looking to fight you today."

   "Then you should not have invaded our realm Herotitus is considered to be a Capellan Confederation protectorate world.  There are no clansmen here except you and your unit."

   "We have no quarrel with you" Jal said firing his three lasers at another BattleMech and his machine guns at conventional infantry forces as more and more Capellan targets arrived.  "Rossei fall back" he said switching channels "Lossey ETA?"

   "Fifty-two seconds until touch down.  We are approximately three hundred metres south of your position."

   "Too far" Jal whispered before clearing his throat speaking louder "understood Lossey make sure my Galaxy make it out."  He said striking out with the HAG, lasers and machine guns all at once hitting three different targets slowing the Capellan movements as they considered his threat worth.

   "saKhan?"  Lossey asked but Steiner ignored the DropShip commander his OmniMech was like an immobile titan standing blazing fire at several targets at once firing constantly keeping the Capellans back, the other members of the Rossei had fallen back as ordered but he remained firing constantly.  His lone Shadow Cat was becoming a target of several Capellan designs however his constant fire was keeping them back.  The HAG Rifle which made up the majority of the left arm clunked to a stop and ceased firing, out of ammo, but all three opal Heavy lasers continued to burn.  "saKhan fall back, we have ninety percent all forces on board."

   "As soon as all assets on board launch off world, with or without me."  He ordered throttling his Mech back several steps, on the fourth step however his Mech was hit by a heavy autocannon blast to the right knee, the actuator exploded under the stress and fire blowing the limb in half.  Jal did not fight the fall instead fired his three heavy lasers one more time in defiance before the Mech fell sprawled over the ground.  A green Emperor Assault Mech walked into view as Jal Steiner's sensors confirmed several DropShip launches his Galaxy was away the rolling onto his left arm crushing the useless rifle.  As he raised his right arm in defiance firing his lasers again, the Emperor fired its own Particle cannon and medium pulse lasers consuming the Shadow Cat in weapons fire killing the Nova Cat saKhan.

   With the Nova Cats in retreat and Herotitus' economy in shreds the Capellan Confederation made good on the Canopian Fusiliers commander's claim and made the world a Capellan Confederation Protectorate world and the new home to the Second Canopian Fusiliers.  As for Xi Galaxy unable to track the Liger Warriors and having lost their commander chose to head home instead of antagonizing the Confederation anymore.

Clan Occupation Zone
Ft Loudon, Wolf Territory
Inner Sphere
22nd July 3079

   A raid for Clan Jade Falcon against Clan Wolf turns sour for both Clans as an unidentified unit of Heavy Armour assaults both units during their Trial of Possession.  Both Clans take heavy damage in the exchange with little to show in return.  Neither Clan is able to track their armoured foe although the Ft. Loudon networks are flooded as "Beware the Eisenjaegers" is broadcast on every network including the Clan's Chatterweb.  From Clan Intelligence this is a new elite Armour company formed by the Lyran Commonwealth, the Commonwealth is making an obvious point, they still have interest in lost worlds.  Included with he Eisenjagers are several OmniVehicles and a prototype Challenger XVC from House Davion's experimental weapons division.  The tank proves especially deadly to Clan Elementals and vehicles.

Field Testing
GM Test Range, New Valencia
Crucis March, Federated Suns
8th September 3079

   On New Valencia in the Federated Suns several scientists and engineers under the command of Dr Salana Tarq were testing a new hybrid chassis based on the Templar OmniMech.  The PDG-1X codename Pendragon was a ninety-five ton test bed chassis for testing new weapons and new advances in manufacturing techniques as well as trying to build a new BattleMech.

   The current prototype, Unit 3, was moving at long range for it's weapons intent on bombarding the base positions while weathering return fire Dr Tarq was watching from her position aboard a MR-8C Marco Observation Mech.  The Pendragon was moving carefully over some uneven ground near the a small outgrowth of stones when a hidden particle cannon turret raised from the ground and fired on the Mech causing two hits on the left torso.  Dr Tarq was annoyed to see the hit had penetrated the armour but she knew any internal damage would be contained by the CASE II technology built into the design.  To her horror the CASE II failed and the Extended Long Range Missile ammunition aboard the Mech ripped through the torso blowing through the chest and head consuming the entire Mech in a massive fireball, moments later the fusion engine also gave way and erupted into a huge catastrophic explosion.  Parts of BattleMech were flown hundreds of metres as it disintegrated.   

   Looking around the area with her range finders Salana Tarq couldn't see the pilot, a waste on two accounts, she thought however looking behind the Mech she could see the rocks had been moved and a passage had been opened.  "Pilot, vector medical and salvage crews, take me over there."  The pilot in his half open cockpit moved slowly over to the site of the destroyed Pendragon.  Salana looked over the Mech's remains there was nothing much left but she was more interested in what lay behind the Mech, several cracks in the rocks showed there was something behind them.  "Pilot, is your salvage arm strong enough to open this area?"

   "I doubt it, Doctor, it doesn't look safe in the immediate area.  I'd suggest we get a Tunnel Rat squad out to assist." He said naming the specialist GM manufactured mining suit capable of exploiting just this sort of find.

   "Call them in."

   Three hours later six Tunnel Rat equipped engineers were exploiting the area around the cracked ground.  Amazingly they were uncovering what appeared to be an ancient Vampire-class DropShip, an early Federated Suns infantry DropShip.  The rocks had obviously fallen on the design trapping it and over the years buried it.  Uncovering more of the ship they discovered something else behind the ship.  As the engineers worked through the night Dr Salana Tarq dived into reports about New Valencia, the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns had always maintained a presence on the world almost as a ready world for use against a Capellan Confederation or Draconis Combine strike against the 'Terra Zone' of the Draconis and Capellan Marches.  Dr Tarq believed that the GM test facility had possibly been built over a long forgotten Davion Jump Trooper Test School.

   In the morning three ATAE-70 Uni CargoMech arrived to pull the half crushed Vampire-class DropShip out from underneath the rocks revealing a facility underneath.  Within this facility Dr Tarq’s team discover several Mechs and vehicles from the Star League-era all marked as AFFS property as well as a memory core which includes design specifications for the Defender-class Battle-cruiser, the New Syrtis-class Strike Carrier and the Robinson-class Transport.

Homer, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
14th September 3079

   In retaliation for the joint strike against Clan Nova Cat territory on Barcella Oathmaster Zane Carns leads elements of Alpha Galaxy escorted by the WarShips Remembrance and Path of Honour two Nova Cat Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers.  Striking at a prominent Cloud Cobra world Homer they find elements of Clan Cloud Cobra’s Zeta Galaxy supported by the Eleventh Scorpion Guards of Clan Goliath Scorpions Mu Galaxy.

   When both Cloud Cobra WarShips the Hell’s Fury, a Fredasa-class Corvette, and Trump, a Vincent-class Corvette, refuse to engage the far larger Nova Cat WarShips Oathmaster Zane Carns calls on the Ground Forces to answer his challenge.  The Nova Cat Oathmaster refuses to make an call for possession of territory or units only that the forces of both Clans meet his in battle and answer for their attack on Barcella.

   An hour and a half later the Cloud Cobra commander agrees that a force culled from all three of his Clusters will meet the Nova Cats along with the Eleventh Scorpion Guards.  Satisfied Zane lands with his Shiva Keshik and the 450th Assault Cluster commanded by Star Colonel Elson West.  Though Elson’s Assault Cluster is able to hand the Eleventh Scorpion Guards a crushing defeat the Shiva Keshik receives a minor defeat, though the Cloud Cobra unit against them is devastated.  With honour satisfied the Nova Cats leave the system.

Salem Military Hospital
Salem, Kathil PDZ
Capellan March, Federated Suns
20th September 3079
   
   The Military Hospital at the Royal Salem Military Base was a buzz of activity something had gone wrong while testing a pair of prototype BattleMechs and the hospital was being flooded with injuries from the Davion Heavy Guards RCT based on planet.  “Make a space!  Coming Through!”  Came a shout from a group of infantry led by a Sergeant-Major between them they pushed a trolley with a badly burned and injured man dressed in MechWarrior togs.

   â€œSergeant-Major, this is a hospital, we have injured here.”  The Senior Doctor said stepping in the troopers way.

   â€œSir, we have another patient for you, he needs immediate treatment.”  The Sergeant-Major said stepping aside.

   â€œI have many…” he began but his voice trailed off as he saw who was on the trolley, a barely moving Field Marshal Jonathon Davion.  “Clear the OR, follow me” he said immediately turning around leading the troopers down the hall as the commander of the Davion Guards and a cousin to the First Prince was led into the Operating Room where he would be for eight hours.
 
Pirate Raid
Niops, Niops Association
Periphery
22nd September 3079

   Mere months after the Liger Warriors had arrived on the system of Niops they received their first test with a raid by the Second Order of the Faithful off Astrokazy,  The mainly former Clan unit surprised the Order troops with their use of Elemental Battle Armour suits as well as far more powerful firepower than they were used to.  The back-up provided by the Niops Association’s local Nighthawk Power Armour suits and a few recently produced Arbiter Combat IndustrialMechs proved the better of the Order of the Faithful and they were forced off world.  As was standard Niops Association Policy they sent out HPG warnings to all nearby worlds warning that the Order of the Faithful were on the prowl.

   A week later the world of Lesnovo in the Free Worlds League’s Rim Commonality sent word back to Niops they were under attack.  Answering this call for assistance Colonel Trent Higall led one of his Trinaries reinforced by an entire Trinary of Arbiter Combat IndustrialMechs and his aerospace forces to the world of Lesnovo handing the Order of the Faithful a second defeat though he lost almost all the Arbiters in the fighting.  With the salvage taken from the two worlds the Ligers were able to take their forces back to strength and add forces.  The Rim Commonality Government hearing of this development and the Liger Warriors strength offered them the position of Guardians of the Realm charged with protecting the Rim Commonality.  Having already agreed to protect the Niops Association Trent Higall agreed but only on the condition that his forces also defend Niops.  When representatives of both realms met they went one step further and united their two nations forming the Rim Association with the Liger Warriors forming the core of their defences.

Eighth Whitting Conference
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
14th November 3079

   Following Minoru Kurita’s broadcast from his WarShip the Star League Conference started on a more sombre note with the Draconis Combine leader addressing the council.  “My fellow lords, although I am sure you all have questions of my recent announcement, I would direct you to information Tablet’s being passed around now.  These will provide you with any information on Galedon’s fate.”  He said pausing on a sombre note “now however we have the reason we are all here.  The Star League Defence Force.  I am glad to say that the past few years have been productive and I believe my position as First Lord has strengthened the bonds of the Star League Defence Force and their relations with other nations.  Particular notice should go to Commanding-General Archer Christifori and his staff who have worked tirelessly to return the Star League Defence Force to its previous glory.  I can say with absolute conviction the Commanding-General has my complete confidence.”  Minoru said looking at Archer who sat beside Caradoc Trevena and David Natale at the Star League Defence Force table, although their position on this council was only ceremonial it was a reminder to all the lords as to who truly commanded the Star League‘s reborn armed forces.

   â€œFirst business for this council is the acceptance of two new members to this table Captain-General Kiric Cameron-Jones of the Regulan Fiefs and Chancellor Naomi Centrella of the Capellan Confederation.  The Regulan Fiefs although at this table will have no voting rights until 3082 and the Capellan Confederation because of their previous position on this council and their subsequent leaving the Star League will have to wait until 3085 until they are allowed to vote.”  Minoru said Kiric Cameron-Jones dressed in a well fitted business suit sat between the other two Captain-Generals around the table Jeremy Brett and Corrine Marik, of the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby and the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth respectfully.  While Naomi Centrella sat next to Minoru Kurita facing Duke Kai Allard-Liao of the St Ives Compact.  With so many hostile nations around the table Minoru himself was surprised the room did not erupt into weapons fire.

   â€œThere will be conferences throughout the day and opportunities for the new nations leaders to meet with representatives of the Star League Defence Force and work out how they can best contribute to the League’s Defence Force.  For now however I bid that this session is complete.  Thank you for your attendance.”  Minoru said picking up his papers as his aides moved aside few of the other State Lords moved for a moment as they psyched each other up Victor Davion was the first to leave not because he was intimidated just because he had not time for further discussion with the other leaders.  The others left shortly after the First Prince had left the room.

Eighth Whitting Conference
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
16th November 3079

   The meetings had gone on for two days before the State lords met again in the grand hall chamber.  Minoru Kurita still representing the position as First Lord as well as the Combine stood first as was tradition.  “Today we have a presentation by Commanding-General Archer Christifori on a new program the Star League wishes to begin.”  Minoru said nodding to the Commanding-General who stood up from his table.

   â€œLords and Ladies of the Star League, as was this Star League’s intention the Star League Defence Force has went from strength to strength in recent years with new units forming training and fighting for the Star League and each of your nations.  Even with damage done to the Star League Defence Force fighting the Clans and other conflicts.”  He said quietly, each of the Houses had sparred with the Star League at one point, each knew the new Star League was gaining muscle and could not be pushed around easily.  “I assume no-one had any objections to the efforts the Star League has gone to keep the peace and protect the Inner Sphere from the Clans?”  He asked offering them a chance to complain, no-one spoke.

   â€œGood, because I have.”  He said savouring the look as he saw at least three members of the Council look surprised “the Star League has strength in numbers however what we lack is finishing.  The Martial Olympiad which each of your nations joins with the Star League and hones our skills certainly helps however it is competition, the Star League Defence Force needs a training facility that will turn the good Star League warriors we have into the experts.  The Program I refer to is Gunslinger, originally conceived by the First Star League as a Program for the best of the best troopers I want to bring this program back and put the best Star League warriors through it to turn them into warriors who can challenge even the best the Clans can throw at us.”  Archer said finishing his impassioned speech remaining standing to wait for questions or rebuttal.   

   â€œHerr Commanding-General, I have a question if I may?”  Archon Peter Steiner-Davion asked standing at his desk is Germanic accent perhaps more noticeable than normal for the benefit of the council.  Archer nodded his willingness to answer questions.

   â€œWho will pay for this project?”

   â€œThe nation of bean counters speaks.”  Captain-General Kiric Cameron-Jones said quietly, Archer ignored the Regulan leader as he answered the Archon.

   â€œI have spoken with the Star League Chief of Staff Major-General Caradoc Tervena and we have come up with cuts in the SLDF’s purchasing and unit formations will be cut back.  Also the process of reactivating ComStar’s damaged WarShip fleet will be scaled back slightly.”  Beside Archer David Natale, Fleet Admiral of the Fleet didn’t look most pleased with the announcement but remained silent.  For his part Peter looked satisfied and sat down again.

   â€œWill this be an open facility for our warriors to attend also or an exclusive Star League Facility? “  Victor Steiner-Davion asked from his chair.

   â€œInitially the first three years we will maintain it as an exclusive Star League Defence Facility.  However at the next Star League Conference I cannot see why we would not allow other nations to send limited amounts of personnel to the facility.”

   â€œYou sound like this facility is complete?” Duke Kai Allard-Liao asked raising briefly.

   â€œNot completely however we have run preliminary checks on grounds for the facility and have spoken with the people of the world we plan on building on.”

   â€œWhere is this world?”  Marshal Jeremy Brett asked taking an interest in the project.

   â€œProcyon, the world has a proud heritage dating back to the Terran Hegemony.  Since it an the other Sirian worlds joined the Protectorate they have began to reach towards their Star League heights.  We intend to promote this.  The city of Cleveburg has been a virtual ghost town for the last forty-fifty years we plan on turning into exactly that making the entire metropolitan area a live fire zone for BattleMechs, Armour and Vehicles.  Aerospace units may also be added at a later date however this will initially cater mainly for the conventional army.”

   â€œWhat of Earthwerks they have a factory facility there that sells engineering vehicles and BattleMechs to my nation and others around this table.”  Captain-General Corrine Marik said protesting at the loss of any facility that would support her armies.

   â€œThe Earthwerks Facility would be maintained as it is and the area around it would be converted into academy grounds for the program’s use.  The company would likely find itself in a better position to test its newer designs especially once we get up and running.  I think a good way to test warriors would be to pit them against Mechs they have never seen.”  Archer explained the companies position he didn’t know how they would react but also didn’t really care the Star League needed this facility.

   â€œIf that is all questions I believe we should call a vote”  Minoru Kurtia said “as the outgoing First Lord I will vote for the Draconis Combine first.  I vote for the Gunslinger program to be reinstated.”

   â€œAs do I”  Prime Minister Kai Allard-Liao, the St Ives leader was well known as one of the best Inner Sphere pilots and gunners so it was little shock he supported the endeavour.

   â€œThe Federated Suns will also support this.”  First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion said with it being his turn.

   â€œThe Taurian Concordat will not however, I believe the cost is more likely to outweigh the benefits.”

   â€œThe Marik-Stewart-Commonwealth with abstain from voting, although I am not convinced that Earthwerks will not be infringed on this facility will likely have nothing to do with my nation and I will have nothing to do with it.”  A Corrine Marik said not raising from her chair.

   â€œThe Duchy of Tamarind-Abby will support this and looks forward to the day when its warriors will be able to attend this Gunslinger Program.”

   â€œHouse Steiner and the Lyran Commonwealth will also support this however holds the right to pull its funding if this program endangers its sovereignty.”  Peter Steiner-Davion said ending the voting six yes votes, one abstain and one no.  The Gunslinger Program was back to stay.

Eighth Whitting Conference
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
18th November 3079

   â€œMy fellow lords it has time for us to elect a new First Lord.”  General Caradoc Trevena, the Star League’s Chief of Staff, said standing beside Commanding-General Archer Christifori.  “With exception of our new members and of Warlord Minoru Kurita, as the reining First Lord, the possible leaders to be elected First Lord are.  First Lord Victor Steiner-Davion of the Federated Suns, Archon Peter Steiner-Davion of the Lyran Commonwealth, Duke Kai Allard-Liao of the St Ives Compact, Protector Erik Martens-Calderon of the Taurian Concordat, Captain-General Jeremy Brett of the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby, Captain-General Corrine Marik of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth and Governor of Terra Gavin Dow representing the Star League Protectorate.  Please commence with the nominations.”  He said naming them all in turn before retaking his seat.

   â€œI nominate Peter Steiner-Davion for the position.  During his previous term as First Lord he led the fight against the Clans, I believe he is more than worthy of the position again.”  Kai Allard-Liao said naming the Lyran Archon who had been First Lord just six years before.

   â€œI will second this nomination, the quicker the Clan threat is gone the better for us all.”  Protector Erik Martens-Calderon said standing briefly before sitting.  The chances of a Taurian ever being leader of the Star League was remote so no surprise he was trying to make changes in other ways.

   â€œI accept this nomination” Peter said and with that his place was clear.

   â€œI nominate Captain-General Jeremy Brett to be First Lord of the Star League.” Warlord Minoru Kurita said standing at the Combine’s table now acting as a leader not as First Lord.

   After moments of silence Caradoc Trevena stood “Do we have a second nomination for Jeremy Brett?  Without one his nomination will not stand.”

   â€œI will second this nomination.”  Governor of Terra Gavin Dow said, the former ComStar Primus still happy to effect Inner Sphere politics.

   â€œI will also accept this nomination.”

   â€œWith two nominations voting may commence unless there is a third?”  Caradoc Trevena said raising one more time.  After almost a minute of silence Caradoc continued “unless there is further time required we can commence with voting now.  Peter Steiner-Davion and Jeremy Brett both have two votes with the Draconis Combine, Star League Protectorate, Taurian Concordat and the St Ives Compact votes counted.”

   â€œI will vote for Peter Steiner-Davion, my brother has shown himself more than capable for the role and has shown his willingness to support for the Star League Defence Force.”  Victor Steiner-Davion said raising and sitting again bringing the vote to three against two for the Lyran Archon.

   â€œAlthough I would hate to give legitimacy to Jeremy Brett’s nation I will not allow the Lyran nation to be in command of the Star League for a second time.  I vote for the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby and Jeremy Brett.”  Captain-General Corrine Marik said brining both equal at three votes each.

   â€œThis leaves the vote tied and the Star League Defence Force Commanding-General Archer Christifori has the tie-breaker.”  Caradoc Trevena said raising, beside him Archer Christifori rose from his chair.

   â€œIn an effort to keep one nation gaining sway over this Council Chamber and becoming comfortable holding the First Lord title I will empower Duchy of Tamarind-Abby leader Captain-General Jeremy Brett with the First Lordship under one condition, that he understands the Star League Defence Forces will not become embroiled in a campaign against his former Free Worlds League allies.”  He said glancing at the Captain-General, Jeremy Brett nodded, Archer also noticed Corrine Marik take note of the agreement before he turned back to the other leaders “I elevate Captain-General Jeremy Brett of the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby to the post of First Lord.”  He said finishing the voting and the day’s proceedings.

Eighth Whitting Conference
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
20h November 3079

   As the Eighth Whitting Conference began its sixth day on Terra experts and defence analysts made informed the council of the situation on New Earth which had been depopulated by the Mopelia Attack and its after effects.  Now more people on the planet worked for the SLDF than any other organisation and the economy was spiralling with the Lyran Commonwealth unable to stop it.  The oldest Human colony outside Terra itself appeared to be heading for a slow death.

   Following the presentation Commanding-General Archer Christifori rose from his chair “House Lords, as of today’s date the identity of the attackers on Mopellia Island are still unknown.  The Star League Defence Force has been able to stem the spread of the disease and slow the death rate on the world however more and more people flee in terror of what happened and the uncertainty of whether or not the attackers will return.  I would like to suggest because New Earth is heading for depopulation and no-one wants to work or live there it is turned over to SLDF control, already eighty-four percent of the people on planet either work for or are part of the Star League Defence Force.”

   â€œAnd what would the Star League do with yet another world?”  Naomi Centrella said not moving from her position “my fellow Council Lords I may have no power on this council but allow my voice to be heard.”  No-one rose to block the Capellan Chancellor.  “So far the Star League Defence Force have gobbled up a dozen prime worlds where the Chaos March once stood.  These worlds formerly belonged to the Capellans, Mariks and Davions but the Star League has taken them all, even the Mercenary worlds of Northwind and Outreach have agreed to abide by these protectorate laws.  I ask why the Star League even needs territory?  Is it not here to protect its members?  Instead it appears to be building a power base that may even rival the Terran Hegemony’s power if left unchecked.”

   â€œCommanding-General you have been called out for an answer to the Star League’s intentions for the world of New Earth.  How do you answer?”  Newly elected First Lord Jeremy Brett asked Archer.

   â€œWe plan to build the command complex for the Fifth Battle Armour Corps, all others are at capacity and we want to build an HPG Hub on the world increasing communications between Star League Worlds and with the neighbouring states.  Also in light of what happened to New Earth we believe a Centre for Disease Control Facility on this world would be fitting.  At this facility we would study biological and chemical agents and figure out the best way to treat them as well as study the effects of nuclear and space borne radiation.”

   â€œAnd what will this cost the nations of the Star League as additional to the current amount we invest.”  Captain-General Corrine Marik asked.

   â€œNothing more, the money collected in taxes from the twelve Protectorate worlds will be funnelled towards this.  Terra alone should provide enough financial might for these projects.  It will also promote more population growth on New Earth which at present is very necessary.”

   â€œUnless there are any objections to this move I will place this request onto Archon Peter Steiner-Davion as current House Lord in possession of this world.”  All eyes turned on the Lyran leader.

   â€œI have no quarrel with this plan, however this will have to be confirmed by the Noble Court and the Isle of Skye leadership.”  Peter said confirming New Earth’s fate.  Within two days it was confirmed that New Earth was the Star League’s newest world.
 
Eighth Whitting Conference
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
22nd November 3079

   With the current Conference almost over there was only one final thing for the Star League member states to discuss.  During the course of the Star League Conference a Clan Sea Fox vessel had sent the Star League Conference a message via HPG system asking the conference states as a whole for permission to move their massive ArcShips throughout the Inner Sphere and Periphery making trade with the states as they go.  With permission for activities already given in the Former Federated Commonwealth states it was soon agreed by the Draconis Combine, Duchy of Tamarind-Abby and the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth.  Both the Capellan Confederation and the Taurian Concordat refused to accept these measures and warned the Sea Foxes any ship entering their space would be fire upon.

   Shortly after this brief meeting the Council Members devolved the Eighth Whitting Conference and begin the long journeys back to their own realms.

I dug it. Especially the last bit about the Caspars. Wonder what they might be...

Brotherhood Territory
Hope, Nova Cat’s Den
Periphery
8th February 3080

   Barely a week passed between the rebirth of the Brotherhood of Randis and the Nova Cat’s response.  During this week the various Galaxy Commanders bid for their right to join Khan Canin Rosse’s Watch Cluster in assaulting Hope.  After a week of bidding Galaxy Commander Sophie Rosse and Upsilon Galaxy were successful with a bid of three Clusters taken from her five remaining units it was poetic that the Galaxy that had been wronged would join their Khan.

   On the morning of the eighth the WarShips Severn Leroux, Blood Oath and Vision Quest all entered the Hope system securing the Jump points within minutes.  With the Clan flagship and two Heavy Cruisers in the system the Brotherhood’s nearly exclusive ground forces had no chance of countering them.

   Burning to the planet the Watch Cluster landed on and around Castle Randis while Upsilon Galaxy landed in and around the capital.  “Watch Leader to all units.  Report status.”  Canin ordered as his Dragon Cat moved slowly through the almost deserted Castle which had obviously been on fire very recently.

   â€œMy Khan, we are encountering no resistance in the Castle what-so-ever.”  Star Commander Paul said he commanded the Khan’s Elemental Star attached directly to his Trinary.

   â€œJustice One, we are under heavy fire within the capital, count at least two Cluster of troops including armed industrial designs and previously unseen BattleMech designs.”  Galaxy Commander Sophie Rosse reported from her position, it appeared her Galaxy was taking the brunt of the damage.

   â€œWatch Lead, Justice One, we are on our way.  Hold them you are the anvil we are the hammer.”  Canin said switching to his unit’s command frequency “Watch Leader to Watch Cluster, abandon the castle.  Upsilon is under attack, change positions cut down all Brotherhood Mechs no quarter no chance.”  He ordered turning his Dragon Cat out of the facility charging down the hill towards the city, ahead he could see plenty of fighting.

   Deep within the City’s bounds Galaxy Commander Sophie Rosse gritted her teeth as her Dire Wolf Assault OmniMech took some armour damage.  Her one hundred ton monster was rare in the Nova Cat Touman, the Nova Cats unable to secure full manufacturing rights from Clan Wolf, and the configuration she preferred was probably unique.  Possibly the most expensive variant of the design, a variation of the Alternate C weapons load, it carried a pair of the largest Heavy Assault Gauss Rifles one taking up each arm, four Extended-Range Medium Lasers split between the two torso areas and a nine-tube Advanced Tactical Missile Launcher over the shoulder.

   Turning on the enemy Mech she saw it was a forty-five ton Shadow Cat OmniMech, a popular medium OmniMech within the Nova Cat Touman, Sophie almost snarled at the design a Clan OmniMech wearing Nova Cat colours and she was firing on it.  The Shadow Cat tried to run but Sophie was methodical launching a full attack on the Mech firing both her HAG Rifles scoring hits across the design.  The medium design lost more than two tons of armour in less than ten seconds, forcing the Mech out of control, the Mech staggered and fell smashing into the ground the pilot unable to counter Sophie‘s attack.  Stalking up to the downed OmniMech Sophie fired all four Medium lasers burning through the torso armour puncturing the engine shielding forcing the Mech into shutdown and forcing the pilot to eject.

   Across the city a pair of Nova Cat Pack Hunters were moving through the city searching for targets as they led their Star into a Brotherhood stronghold.  Ahead they saw a single BattleMech painted in browns and gold fighting against two other Mechs as they approached a lower-caste crèche facility.  As they closed the Mech lifted its left arm and fired a tightly packed flight of missiles past them, the pilots could tell the Mech had missed intentionally and instead of closing further began to pick at it with their over shoulder particle cannons.  Instead of engaging them the Mech instead turned and charged the Brotherhood Mechs firing its autocannon and inferno packing short range missiles as it went downing three Mechs in head induced shutdowns followed by precision Autocannon blasts to the head executing each of the downed warriors without mercy.  Knowing they could not hope to take down a proficient fighter alone they did something almost alien to other Clans but exactly what a scout needed to do they called in the enemy Mech’s position and moved to the next target knowing that returning Hope to Nova Cat control was more important in the long run than short term honour.

   As Khan Canin Rosse approached the location of the mysterious fighting BattleMech reported by his scouts he could see the battered Mech still standing guard over the crèche.  “This is Khan Canin Rosse to unidentified BattleMech, I have come to retake this planet for Clan Nova Cat.  If it is your choice to oppose me then your skill affords you a Circle of Equals defeat me and you will be allowed to live.”  he announced over an open communication frequency everyone had heard his challenge.

   â€œThis is Star Colonel Lucas Beckett, I defend this world in the name of the people of Hope.  If you threaten the people of this world then you threaten me.”  A reply came a few moments later Canin was stunned of all the people he’d expected to fight today he’d found the one person he wanted to see.

   â€œWhat is the meaning of this Lucas?”  Canin asked dropping both the man’s former rank and Bloodname “why turn against Clan Nova Cat and then against your own people?”

   â€œI have turned against no-one my Khan, I protect the people of Hope native and Nova Cat-born, I do not know your intentions so I stand against you.  If you mean the people of this world harm then I will stand in your way.”

   â€œHow can this have happened?  How can your people have turned against the Nova Cat way?”

   â€œI do not know, I was following a vision when I returned here several months ago.  My people were on Nouveaux Paris, they have betrayed me as well as you.”  Canin’s head was swirling he’d known of the Oathmaster’s authorisation for Lucas Beckett to return to Hope to follow a vision but following the attempted coup on the world Canin had thought that the Star Colonel’s ‘vision’ had been a ploy.  Now he saw a warrior proud of his people and his Clan.

   â€œI do not mean you ill Lucas Beckett, nor the population of this world, will you join me in eradicating the remains of these Dezgra?”

   â€œIt would be an honour as long as this crèche is protected.”  Lucas Beckett said raising both of his Mech’s arms wide showing his Mech as a barrier against all fire.

   â€œIt shall be, come now we have work to do.”  Canin said turning his back on Lucas heading towards more enemy signals, if Beckett wanted to betray him he would shoot the Khan in the back and Canin knew his Keshik would destroy him but also that he had to show he trusted Becket with his back.  There was no fire against the Khan’s Mech only the strange Mech following the Dragon Cat.

   Over the course of the next three hours Canin, Lucas and the elements of Upsilon Galaxy re-secured Hope one city at a time destroying nearly three Clusters of Brotherhood troops on planet.  Among these rebel facilities the Nova Cats discovered nearly three companies worth of a BattleMech named the HawkWolf.  From Lucas Beckett’s knowledge the Mech was designed locally by the Brotherhood of Randis but had never reached production, now the Nova Cats could see the people of Hope had followed their own endeavours and created the Mech themselves no doubt using Nova Cat technology and resources to finish the work.

   During the course of the fighting the Khan learned that Lucas Beckett’s Mech was a Rampage 2G.  This Mech designed by and for the Rim Worlds Republic had been sold to one of the Periphery nations before the fall of the Star League to Amaris.  The Mech was old even by standards of the Rampage design one of the first to be produced, this particular model had been found by the Brotherhood of Randis years before the arrival of Clan Nova Cat and been stored at a secret location only the Grand Knight knew of.  When Lucas’ OmniMech had been destroyed he sought out the old cache and chose to take the Rampage to war once more.  How the more advanced Clan weaponry used by the majority of his opponents had not overwhelmed the Mech was a testament to Lucas Beckett’s skill.

   With the destruction of the last renegade Brotherhood Mechs the Nova Cats were able to piece together, from figures gathered of the units TO&E and from records of their arrival that a Trinary of Mechs was missing along with a single Union C-class DropShip.  None had disappeared during the fighting and the WarShips reported no out going traffic from the system, so they must have left before the arrival of the Nova Cat reinforcement.  From information provided by Lucas Beckett it became clear that Amy Frews had been a leading figure in the uprising and that she was still missing from the dead Brotherhood units, it appeared that at least some of the Brotherhood would live on at least until the Nova Cats found them.  Following the battle it was also confirmed that the Justice Keshik had been destroyed in the fighting along with Galaxy Commander Sophie Rosse, robbing Upsilon Galaxy of its commander, however that would be a fight for another day.
 
Trials of Possession
Paxon, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
12th February 3080

   Unhappy with the Wolf Clan’s decision to exclude them from the Brian Cache find Clans Star Adder, Steel Viper and Fire Mandrill all decide to assault the planet brining with them ground and naval forces.  Unfortunately for them all three Clans arrive at the same time.  In a confusing melee all three Clans WarShip forces engage each other at the Nadir point of the system as the ground forces run towards the planet charging straight into a Clan Wolf Naval Blockade.

   At the Nadir point the Goliath Scorpion WarShip Bernlad, a Congress-class Frigate, found themselves engaged by the Perth, a Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser in the service of Clan Star Adder.  While the Andromeda, a Volga-class Transport, joined their Ground troops of Rho Galaxy running towards the planet.  The Bernlad had little chance against the heavier armed and better supported Perth and was quickly dispatched.

   The Steel Viper WarShip Viper’s Legacy, another Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser, found itself challenged by the second Star Adder WarShip the Harvest, a Lola III-class Destroyer.  The two classic Star League designs engaged in a traditional snipers dual engaging each other at long range which benefited the Viper’s Legacy over the Harvest.  By the time the inexperienced Lola crew recognized their mistake the Harvest was far too badly damaged to fight further and the crew abandoned ship only to be taken as bondsmen by Clan Star Adder.  The heavily battered Harvest drifted into Paxon’s star exploding like a massive fusion bomb.

   The two remaining damaged Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruisers, one each from both Clan Steel Viper and Clan Star Adder, agreed that they would not fight further instead allow the ground battle to decide their position in the system.  This also effectively ruled both out of any further participation in the system’s Trials.

   Three days later in orbit of Paxon itself the Goliath Scorpions arrived to meet the Provider, a Volga-class Transport and the Night Warrior, a Carrack-class Transport, the only two Clan Wolf vessels in the system.  The Andromeda’s crew challenged both WarShips for battle at the same time buying the Goliath Scorpion ground troops safe passage to the ground.  The Wolf WarShips fought strategically the heavier armed and armoured Provider taking the brunt of her sister ship’s attention while the Night Warrior moved behind the Goliath Scorpion vessel.  Unable to split fire between two vessels and too slow to move clear the Andromeda was almost completely helpless as Wolf Elemental Warriors wearing Aerie Zero-G Power Armour Suits crossed the distance between the two vessels and boarded the vessel.  Within a minute the fifty Elementals deployed had secured every deck and the three hundred crew and passengers of the Andromeda were either captured or dead providing Clan Wolf with another much needed Transport WarShip.  Unfortunately the damage done to both Volga-class WarShips was enough to keep them away from the incoming Steel Viper and Star Adder Galaxies while the Night Warrior was ordered to stay out of the fight.

   As the Goliath Scorpion, Steel Viper and Star Adder ground forces landed on the planet at various landing spots across the world the Clan Wolf Galaxy Commander on planet Sandra Vickers announced that her Werewolves, Kappa Galaxy, would be happy to meet their challenges as would Galaxy Commander Jered Steele of Clan Coyote’s Rho Galaxy who had just taken custody of twenty-five percent of the planet and half of the Brain Cache.  The presence of the Coyote’s stalled the declaration of initial Trials beyond the first door throwing the door open for Clan Coyote forces to launch their own campaign challenging Clan Goliath Scorpion to a series of Trials calculating in the destruction of the Tenth Scorpion Dragoons Cluster and the Goliath Scorpion’s ejection from the planet.

   Seeing the Goliath Scorpion challenge fall to the Coyotes the two remaining Clans immediately launched trials against the Wolves and the Coyotes.  Clan Steel Viper happy to beat the Coyotes instead of the Wolves immediately seized five percent of the Coyote territory destroying the remains of the Four hundred-and-second Solahma Cluster forcing other Coyote units to take in survivors.  The remaining three Coyote Clusters counter-attacked however and forced the Steel Vipers back to their landing zones.  A third trial saw the Steel Vipers ejected from the planet as the Thirty-third Phalanx Cluster lost their trial forcing their troops to abandon the planet rejoining their WarShip.

   With Clan Coyote showing they were worthy of the trust Clan Wolf had placed with them the Werewolves launched an all out Trial against the warriors of Clan Star Adder’s Tau Galaxy more than proving their strength and prowess but at a heavy cost.  The Wolf troops uncontrollable anger cost the lives of almost every warrior of the 101st Battle Cluster however the Wolves cared little as they had successfully defended their claim to the system.

Hell’s Horses Assault
Occupation Zone
Inner Sphere
22nd February 3080

   Clan Hell’s Horses’ Beta Galaxy, the Apocalypse, arrived in the Inner Sphere transported by the WarShip Steel Shield, a Potemkin-class Troop Transport, dropping onto Maxis Planet, Trell I and Derf taking all three planets in rapid fire assaults.  These assaults threaten the stability of the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone threatening to cut off the Lyran Periphery part of the Occupation Zone and the Inner Sphere.  At approximately the same time the Red Knight, Gold Knight, two Lola III-class Destroyer, and the Predator, an Essex-class Destroyer, all entered the Dark Nebula driving Jade Falcon forces from the area claiming it for Clan Hell’s Horses.

I am attempting to read all the way through this (currently just finishing page 7) and I just wanted to comment that I love this format. I've read your bulletted format all the way through a few times and loved it but this has so much more detail its quite amazing, you really take time with every year and try to develop every faction and as a reader I appreciate it!