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Severn Leroux (Anna Rosse-class Battle-cruiser)
Varnay Shipyards, Varnay System
Nova Cat’s Den, Periphery
15th September 3082

   The Clan Nova Cat Flagship the Severn Leroux re-launches from the Varnay system shipyards boasting a refitted capital and standard weapons array along with a new command suite giving the Severn Leroux plenty of new capabilities.  With Star Admiral Anders McKenna, the ship’s usual commander the Severn Leroux is tasked with a shake down cruise through each of the Nova Cat’s Den star systems to ensure its new upgrades are working at full capacity.

World wide pandemic
Trondhemal, Marian Hegemony
Periphery
1st October 3082

   Following weeks of illness, panic and despair the Marian Hegemony declared Trondhemal a quarantine area as a world wide pandemic grips the population killing hundreds by the day.  By the end of the first week long before any other nation can assist the world of Trondhemal is effectively a dead world with over 300,000 dead.  Marian Hegemony units blaming the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby attack their neighbouring state causing fighting on several worlds.  At almost the same time Katrina Ward’s Hunters strike six different Marian Hegemony worlds hurting several units.

Parley meeting
Illyria, Marian Hegemony
Periphery
12th October 3082

   With Marian units on the losing side of battles on Hardisey’s Haven, Thadora’s Land, Blanteff and Maximillian and the Ward’s Hunters striking at worlds with the Marians unable to counter them Caesar Julius O’Reilly sent the Cyclops Station a message he wanted a meeting with Katrina Ward.  Katrina agreed to meet the Caesar on Illyria,

   Several days later the Hanse slipped into a high orbit over the world directly opposite the Marian’s MHS Lothario, a Galley-class Corvette.  Katrina Ward and almost an entire Cluster’s worth of Clan-built machines landed on the world in a single Overlord C-class DropShip.  As they set up defensive positions around their DropShips Katrina met with the Caesar.  “Welcome to Illyria, I am glad you agreed to meet with me.”  The Caesar greeted as Katrina approached the Caesar in neutral ground between the two positions Katrina immediately taking a seat opposite the Marian Hegemony leader.

   â€œMake your intentions known quickly so I can leave again.”  Katrina said her two Elemental armoured bodyguards standing almost five metres behind but no less intimidating.

   â€œI would like to come to an agreement between my nation and your hunters to end these destructive raids.  I am willing to offer…” Julius began but was cut off by a sonic boom as something thundered overhead looking up he could see a flaming object falling through the atmosphere increasing speed as it fell.  “What on earth?”  He muttered looking at Katrina who had a small smile across her face “What is the meaning of this?”

   â€œI’m sorry Caesar, I am not at fault, and perhaps your “WarShip” suffered a malfunction?  Don‘t worry you are not the only one who suffers these problems.”  Katrina said continuing to smile as her two Elementals levelled their weapons at the Caesar’s own Bodyguards and gunned them down “see that was my malfunctioning equipment.”  She said looking at the stunned Caesar “as you are the host however it seems only right I suffer twice as badly as you have” she said raising her hand closing it into a fist.  Moments later there was several deafening booms as Naval Autocannons were fired into the atmosphere soaring over the meeting place they smashed into the Caesar’s Legio I forces, the falling projectiles reaching nearly supersonic velocities as they smashed into the ground, a Union-class DropShip took a direct hit from one of the shots and was physically knocked over by the weapons fire exploding in a ball of flame as impacted awkwardly on the ground.

   â€œWhat is the meaning of this?  This is neutral ground a parley to end our differences not create new ones.  You will pay for this I promise you.”

   â€œOh Julius, I already am, your attack on the Duchy of Tamarind has cost my nation plenty already and for no reason.”   

   â€œNo reason?  They poisoned Trondhemal killing the world’s entire population.  Wait… your nation?  The O’Reilly’s rule the Hegemony not you.”

   â€œWrong again Julius, my forces are hitting three separate worlds other than this one today.  Your remaining forces will be destroyed except your remaining forces on Alphard itself.  And soon they will fall as well.  Don’t worry young Rebecca will follow her father’s fate.”

   â€œYou bitch!  Leave my daughter alone, she’s done nothing to threaten you!”  Julius screamed in anger.  I’ll kill you before you harm hair on her head.”  He screamed reaching for his sword which was still in his belt; this was enough for the two Elementals who both opened fire with their arm mounted machine guns cutting the Caesar down in a hail of fire.

   â€œOr maybe I’ll keep her around as a sign from her failed father.”  Katrina said her smile fading as she stood up “leave him to the crows.”  She said looking to the sky already seeing birds overhead she didn’t know their actual species but it was apt and she’d leave them to it.

Parliament Building
Oriente, Oriente Protectorate
Former Free Worlds League
18th October 3082

   When the Free Worlds League broke-up the Oriente Protectorate formed to protect the border with the Capellan Confederation Grand-Duke Christopher Halas was placed in charge of the Protectorate.  Under his and the Oriente Protectorate’s protection the fake Thomas Marik’s children had grown up and the eldest Duke Jonas had turned twenty years old.

   Under Christopher’s direction a direct copy of the Parliament building on Atreus.  From there each representative planet of the Protectorate was welcomed to the world to help form the direction of the Oriente Protectorate.  Sitting on the Captain-General’s chair at one end of the one hundred seat chamber Duke Christopher sat as young Jonas entered dressed in the captain’s uniform of the Oriente Protectorate Military.  “Welcome Jonas Halas, and how are you today?”

   â€œWell uncle, why did you ask me to come here?  This is your arena.”

   â€œNot anymore, son” Christopher said rising from his chair stepping down onto the room’s floor “Jonas Halas, as of today the position of Captain-General has passed from me to you.”

   â€œBut, sir” Jonas protested respectfully “you are duke of Oriente, I am but a boy, I am not ready for this.”

   â€œYou are correct Jonas I am Duke of Orient, but you are also wrong, you are ready for this job.  It is the end of my time.”

   â€œBut I have only just begun to learn how to be a leader, an officer and a fighter.  I am not ready for this.”

   â€œYou are Jonas, there is no reason you cannot remain an officer of our armed forces.  I will remain at hand here on Oriente to be an adviser however it is time that you took on this position.”  Christopher said forcefully.

   â€œUnderstood sir, I thank you for your confidence.”  Jonas said giving up on arguing with his uncle “I will intend on remaining with my unit, Politics will not take over my life.”

   â€œHa, ha” Christopher said smiling “I can understand that” he said extending his arm towards Jonas who took it and gave it a solid shake “just remember you are not alone, Captain-General.”

   â€œThank you, sir, I appreciate that.”  Jonas said shaking Christopher’s extended hand.  The older man then walked from the chamber leaving Jonas Halas alone with his thoughts.

Hanse (Lola III)
Alphard, Marian Hegemony
Periphery
29th October 3082

   A distance from the Hanse floated the wreck of the MHS Caesar; the Dart-class Light Cruiser salvaged by the Marian Hegemony, the vessel had put up a fight against the Lola III-class Destroyer however it had little chance against the former Ice Hellion vessel.  Years of poor maintenance had cost the Caesar any chance of survival.

   Now in orbit over the Alphard Katrina took her full fury out on the Marian’s capital world “Target the city of Novo Roma, concentrate on the Caesar’s palace I want them isolated but not dead.”  She said looking at the gunner stations they followed her commands without question.  Weapons fire tore through the planet’s atmosphere slaming into the grounds around the palace cracking the ground opening massive craters hundreds would have died caught in the blasts from the Capital weapons but the palace still stood. “Now contact the palace, have they issue an immediate surrender or suffer the consequences.”  She said looking at the communications console.

   â€œA surrender demand?”  Sonja Cage asked

   â€œHopefully the Caesar falling into the atmosphere will be encouragement enough.”

   â€œCaesar” the communications officer addressed Katrina using her newly claimed rank and title “the palace declares they do not recognize your authority.”

   â€œMain guns fire, eliminate the palace.”  She ordered from the Hanse forward guns naval lasers and missiles shot from the Lola III in a precision assault that wiped the marble palace off Alphard’s landscape blowing it to pieces.  “That’s my authority, now communications; find someone willing to surrender to us.”

   â€œI have the commander of the Cohors Morituri, willing to offer his immediate surrender, and the local city governor willing to surrender.”

   â€œExcellent.”  Deploy ground forces, Have my DropShip join us I want to join the ground forces.  Sonja if anyone else unexpected arrives use all assets to remove them.”

   â€œUnderstood, and congratulations.”  The Hanse commander said kissing Katrina’s cheek before taking her seat on the bridge.

   Three hours later the people of Novo Roma accepted Katrina Ward as their new Caesar, an hour after that eleven year old Rebecca O’Reilly was presented to Katrina after being found by Hunters personnel.  Katrina decided to spare her life instead naming her as her own daughter Rebecca Ward.  Over the course of the next week Katrina Ward executes the remains of the O’Reilly family and all supporters of the former Caesar installing her own supporters in place.  The Cohorts Morituri are allowed to stay within the nation’s armed forces as Katrina evaluates this disreputable unit.  Meanwhile survivors from the I and III Legios begin to return to the Hegemony as the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby claim four worlds during this uncertain time for the Marian nation.

LCS Flygia (Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser), Secure Location
Tharkad System, Donegal Province
Lyran Commonwealth
30th October 3082

   Deep within the Tharkad system Archon Peter Steiner-Davion stood aboard the LCS Flygia, the Lyran Commonwealth’s mighty Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser, however today was not about the powerful vessel or the DropShip squadron surrounding the area instead it was about a new type of vessel developed in the Lyran Commonwealth.  Until recently Lockheed/CBM had provided the Lyran Commonwealth with DropShips and Aerospace craft both civilian and military however they had never expanded into new territory now they claimed otherwise.  However so far Peter hadn’t seen much innovation or new toys instead things looked decidedly normal.

   â€œA Gazelle-class DropShip?  Not exactly a ground breaking design, I assume we could buy them from Federated Boeing if we needed to transport our ground forces.”  Peter said looking at the large screen which showed Lockheed’s new craft.

   â€œYes Archon however that is not a Gazelle-class vessel.  In fact that vessel is completely incapable of atmospheric flight despite its wings and the apparent design configuration.”  The Lockheed developer said.

   â€œDoctor Queen” Peter said addressing the man directly “what exactly is this vessel’s intent then?  We do not need another assault craft.”

   â€œI understand” the man said looking at the LCAF naval officer hovering nearby “perhaps this will explain.”  He said raising a personal communicator to his lips “Queen to LCS Peter, execute directive omega one.”  He said the vessel did not move for several moments then in a moment the vessel flashed out of existence.

   â€œOh my god, it disappeared?  A cloaking technology?”  The Archon asked looking at the man who smiled instead of answering Queen manipulated the view screen viewing out from local space showing the Peter at the outer edge of the Tharkad system.  “It jumped…” Peter whispered “but that ship is tiny it couldn’t weigh more than five thousand tons it’s impossible to jump something that small.”

   â€œNo Archon we’ve unlocked the Star League’s Sub-Compact K-F Core that once powered the ancient Bug-Eye Surveillance Craft of the ancient Star League Defence Force.  The Peter-class Scout vessel is the first such modern craft you could hide it within an invasion force and have it jump clear reporting troop strengths, have it scout systems while posing as a standard DropShip.  Unfortunately it is incapable of fighting toe-to-toe with any other WarShip and would even struggle against a decently sized DropShip however combat is not its specialty.  Best of all we can build it on a planet’s surface and launch it aboard a cargo DropShip saving the need for an expensive Shipyard.  The Peter-class Scout, which we have named in your honour, is expensive however we have five already in production ready for immediate purchase by the LCAF.”

   â€œI’d like to have a closer look over the “Peter” the Archon said “see exactly what you have built in it.”

   â€œOf course Archon I’m sure we can arrange that.” Queen said.  Over the next few days Peter Steiner-Davion spent some time aboard the LCS Peter.  The scout ship was compact carrying very few amenities, firepower or a defence however that was not the designs intent, it was the ultimate deception a Jump Capable craft that looked like a DropShip Queen sure did know how to sell the craft.  Overall the Archon was impressed enough to order all five of the new class of craft.

3083

Zenith Recharge Station, Control Room
Brockway, Ridgebrook Combat Region
Capellan March, Federated Suns
4th January 3083

   The Brockway system was a tactically important world along the Federated Suns/Taurian Concordat border however for the most part the crew of its Nadir Recharge Station had little to worry about the Taurians hadn’t attacked the system in several years and pirate raids were few and far between.  As a result the station’s procedures were not as strict as on other stations with only three people in the Control Room that could be manned by more than twelve.  “Another quiet nightshift” Leftenant Alex Osagie said quietly sitting on the commander’s chair in the middle of the spherical room.  Around him facing the walls were the other stations.  On his left hand side sitting at the tactical and sensors station was Senior Technician Derek Smith while to his right at the main engineering console was Chief Matthew Lovie.

   â€œWell I plan on spending it productively” Matt said quietly from the Engineering section.

   â€œWhat was that Chief?”  Alex asked off handily opening a text document on his main screen, it was a novel he’d been working on for the last ten years, endless revisions and corrections had stopped him ever trying to publish it but he still held the faint hope.

   â€œWell LT, I plan on trying to get the main sensor resolution up to 90%”  The Chief stated intently which followed was a near instant roar of laughter from both his colleagues.

   â€œChief, I have been assigned to this station for six years, I’ve never seen it over eighty-four percent.”  Alex said getting over his initial laughter.

   â€œI’ve got a bet with the “old man” he thinks it’s impossible as well.” the Chief said looking up from his screen the Chief was in his late forties and had been a spacer almost all his life born in space, grown up in space and worked there.  He’d been planet side, or dirt-side as he called it, a few times through his life but he couldn’t get used to things not moving.  Because of his time in space the Chief was thin lacking in regular gravity his bones were frailer than most but his mind was one of the sharpest on the entire station.  Alex turned away from his document.

   â€œChief, no offence but I’ve heard you say that before.  What makes you think you’ve got it this time?”

   â€œLeftenant, Union Square control reports all shops and businesses have closed they are powering down for the night.”  Derek reported from tactical during the night all the posts covered more of the station’s controls than normal.  One of these was to monitor the various sections of the station as it closed down for the nightshift.  Union Square was the local name for the shopping mall within the recharge station, roughly one hundred small businesses on the station’s main gravity deck.  Because of the number of businesses in one space local control over their power allotments were controlled from a subsidiary control room.  The Station only logged when they signed out at night leaving the rest to local controls, there would still be people in those sections but only cleaners and essential security and maintenance workers.

   â€œUnderstood log it for the record 23:38 Brockway time, cross it with Ridgebrook time and send the report to the Duchess” the Leftenant said looking over at Derek who nodded and began, at the end of each night the station had to send Duchess Persephone Norinn’s office, on Brockway, a report of the business times which they did something interesting with which was beyond Alex’s pay grade.

   â€œYes sir” Derek replied quietly

   â€œSo Chief you’ve got my attention what have you done to make the sensors work so well?”

   â€œNow that would be telling Leftenant, you wouldn’t want me to tell you everything.” Matt said concentrating on his screens.

   â€œWhat do you expect to see out there with 90% sensors that we can’t see with 84%?”  Alex said looking at the current sensor efficiency before switching back to his novel, the Chief was fantasizing if he thought they’d see anything interesting in this backwater system.

   â€œYou never know what’s out there that we can’t see.”  Matt replied cryptically, Alex turned back to look at the man for a moments seeing Matt’s small smile.

   â€œYou think you’ll find The Legend.”  Alex stated, The Legend was a myth of the Brockway system that descended from the original Taurian inhabitants.  Legend was that during the Star League Defence Force’s Reunification War a Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser, one of the huge Star League WarShips of old, had been travelling through the system and suffered some sort of malfunction disappearing completely from the system.  Some theorized that it’s engines had locked on acceleration and sent the ship into deep space beyond the Brookway system.  According to the legend the crew had stayed aboard to try and fix the problem and neither them or their passengers had ever been heard of again.

   Alex had been told the story when he’d first been assigned to the system and laughed it off as another backwater Legend.  On one of his nightshifts he’d done some research into the Legend if the ship had continued to accelerate it would be light years from the system by now, the crew long dead killed by either exposure to a long duration in deep space or the stress of continuous acceleration.  There was one train of thought that the ship had been snagged by the biggest gas giant however hundreds of expeditions had never found anything the Legend was exactly that, for all anyone knew the ship could have just jumped away and not been logged correctly, or the Star League had intentionally faked the accident to hide the ship and unit from enemy intelligence.  Like all legends there were a hundred different possible explanations.

   â€œLeftenant, I don’t know what I’ll find.  That’s what is so much fun.”  Matt replied still with a small smile on his face.

   â€œBlake’s Blood!” Derek exclaimed from his tactical station “radiation surge, we have incoming traffic” he said looking up at Alex.  Alex looked directly at the main wall mounted view screen which was linked to cameras and sensors across the station, of course there was nothing there, they wouldn’t see anything until the JumpShip completed its jump.

   â€œWhat have we got?”  Alex said checking the schedule there was nothing planned for the next two days, a Starlord-class merchant from the St Ives Compact.

   â€œThat’s impossible” Derek said staring at his sensors with disbelief.

   â€œTech!” Alex shouted trying to break him out of it.

   â€œS-Sir” Derek stuttered looking at Alex then looked back at his sensor images “the computer reads it as a fully loaded Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser….”

   â€œBlake’s Blood” Alex said looking back at his sensors as suddenly with a blinding flash of light the huge 1.5million tonne Troop Cruiser flashed into existence, with a full complement of DropShips attached to its hull it really did look like a flying corn-cob just like the records said.  It’s deep green hull clearly showing a Cameron Star, the insignia of the Star League Defence force.  Alex looked at Matt who similarly was looking at the screen. “Legends” he whispered still stunned by the sight.

Nadir Recharge Station, Control Room
Brockway, Ridgebrook Combat Region
Capellan March, Federated Suns
4th January 3083

   Suddenly the station's control room was a hive of activity "Control to Commander Hayes, we need you up here ASAP, Code Red!"  Alex said rapidly into the communications system "Derek, set Code Red throughout the station all crew to duty stations, civilians to the shelters."  He ordered the young tactical tech who nodded and got to work, mobilizing the entire station at this late an hour could take a while but there was little else for it they needed everyone at their posts and the civilian personnel visiting and living on the station to be safe.

   "Matt, power defence weapons just in case I don't want to be caught with our pants down."

   "If that thing is active we're dead our guns can't stop them and our armour is nowhere strong enough." The engineer protested, it was a futile gesture.

   "I know but I want the records to show we at least tried something."  He turned to Derek "launch the distress buoy set it on a course for the planet."  At least someone would know what happened here.

   "Aye, sir" moments later "Communications from the Potemkin."

   "Movement from the Potemkin" Matt said "two DropShips detaching" he said looking at his screen "I don't know that class." The engineer said, identifying DropShips was a little out of the engineer's job description.

   "Derek, what does the Warbook say?"

   "Titan-class Carriers" Derek replied as the warbook identified the craft. "Only one that uses them now is the Clans" he warned "Potemkin still holding on channel one."

   "Alright put them through, hold our fighters in the tubes unless those DropShips close on us."  Alex said he heard doors open behind him as some of the dayshift arrived however Alex's attention was focused squarely on the main screen.  On the screen appeared a man in his late forties with a well trimmed goatee wearing the original Star League's uniform "Legends." Alex whispered under his breath.

   "I repeat this is Major-General Bannister Cameron to unidentified Recharge Station, please identify, we have encountered a failure in our main KF Drive."  The man said peering into the camera Alex was gob smacked he didn't know what to say, it was like looking into the past.  Behind the man there were other crewmen moving around all wearing SLDF uniform.

   "This is Leftenant Alex Osagie of the Federated Suns Armed Forces, welcome to the Brockway star system."

   "Brockway?"  The man said surprised, almost as if he hadn't expected to be in this system.

   "Listen son, I don't know what kind of game you are playing.  Brockway light years from here, this should be the Kathil system.  Now do some explaining or be considered hostile."

   "I'm sorry, sir, but this is the Brockway System has been since it was taken from the Taurian Concordat by the Federated Suns at the end of the Reunification War."  Alex explained in the barest of terms, there was so much more history to it than that but it was close enough.

   "Listen to me son I was there when this world fell don't give me history lessons its hasn't been that many years, since when did the Federated Suns have time to build a station here?" the man asked surprised to find anything here and still suspicious of Alex's words.

   Another deep voice broke in from behind Alex who turned to see his commander, Station Commander Bill Hayes "General, can I ask you the date please?" He said immediately getting on top of the situation before something else happened.

   "The date?" Bannister asked surprised "12th August 2784."  Bannister answered moments later.

   "General, I regret to inform you the year is in fact 3083."  Bill said stepping down to join Alex.

   "We will contact you further when it is required."  The Star League vessel's commander said logging off his image was replaced with an external camera view of the Potemkin with two smaller craft hovering just below it like fish feeding off a whale's back.

   "They've launched a CAP, six small craft unable to determine type.  They do not appear to be on attack vectors." Derek said moments later as more contacts appeared launched from one of the DropShips.

   "Keep an eye on them" Hayes ordered turning to Alex "so Leftenant, the short version please."  Alex explained everything that had happened during the night and what actions he and his colleagues had taken as events unfolded.  Hayes nodded "a bang up job Leftenant" he said Alex remained silent "if he calls back keep him talking, I'm going to speak with the Duchess."  He said turning heading back up the steps towards his office, Alex looked down at the consoles and smiled in pride in how he'd preformed "so much for your novel tonight" the commander said walking up the steps Alex felt his cheeks boil he thought he'd been so careful and his CO had known the entire time.

   Hours passed before the Potemkin communicated again with the station this time the station was a full readiness and the Control Room was fully manned.  Alex Osagie, Matt Lovie and Derek Smith had been allowed to remain on duty but little else had happened.  When the Potemkin communicated again the General asked to speak directly one on one with Commander Hayes "Understand Commander we are having a hard time across here understanding exactly what has transpired.  What if what you say is correct we have been missing for almost three hundred years, to us it was a blink of the eye one single jump."

   "I understand General but what I say is completely true, I can send you records of what has happened since then, I'm afraid it isn't all pretty reading."

   "I'd prefer if you didn't, not yet anyway, my people need time to adjust.  I would ask does the Star League still stand?  I know Amaris destroyed my family but what of our Legacy?"  He asked as a member of the Cameron dynasty he no doubt hoped the League was still strong and he could have a place in it.

   "The Star League you know has fallen" Hayes said "and risen anew from the ashes, reformed its blade to fight again."
   "My god, in a blink of an eye."  he repeated Hayes guessed he was in shock.

   "Sir, may I suggest you come over to the station, we can discuss this further in person and I can show you the history you have missed.  Perhaps clean up some of the mysteries."

   "I've heard worse ideas in the last twelve hours, Commander; I would be delighted to come over there.  Also a request if I may?"  the General said "that Leftenant who I spoke with at the start I'd like to meet him an impressive young man."

   "Of course" Hayes said severing the link, raising he headed out of his officer back into the Control Room "Leftenant Osagie, best dress uniform for you."

   "Sir?"  the tired young officer asked his face a picture of horror and surprise.

   "You've outdone yourself Leftenant, The General wants to meet with you."  Hayes said Alex's horror melted away into a smile of joy as he realized what his commander was saying.

   "Yes, sir" he said saluting with pride before leaving the control room.

Nadir Recharge Station
Brockway, Ridgebrook Combat Region
Capellan March, Federated Suns
5th January 3083

   At a little after 02:00 hours local time the shuttle from the Potemkin docked with the recharge station at docking bay Alpha Three the best looking of the station's guest berths.  After both ships matched their pressure the doors opened, from the Station Commander Bill Hayes, Leftenant Alex Osagie, Leftenant Michael Stewart and two armed marines stood at attention as a welcoming committee.  Surprising them all the first two people to leave the shuttle were fully dressed in Nighthawk XIX Power Armour suits and carrying compact laser pulse rifles the suits were genesis behind the Battle Armour developed by the Clans and although not up to matching full Battle Armour in combat they were easily capable of taking on twice their number of regular marines.

   Moments later Major-General Bannister Cameron followed.  He was quite a tall man lean built and appeared to be quite athletic even using magnetic boots in the micro gravity of the docking bay.  Behind the General came two aides one a young female with dark hair and another an older man in a non-commissioned officer uniform.  "Party from the SLS Wasp, requesting permission to come aboard."  He called as he crossed to threshold from shuttle to station.

   "Crew of Recharge station granting permission to board.  Wary travelers you will find rest here." Bill Hayes replied completing the traditional welcome to a far traveled vessel's crew.  Bill hadn't used it in over twenty years and only knew the words because his father had done the same job during Bill's childhood.  The three Star League officers snapped to perfect Star League fashioned salutes which the three AFFS crewmen replied with their own salutes.

   "Commander, I thank you for your welcome, you honour us.  I think we have much to discuss."  Bannister Cameron said extending his hand which Bill Hayes shook.

   "Of course allow me to introduce two of my officers, Leftenant Michael Stewart is my head of Security" Bannister shook the man's hand firmly "and Leftenant Alex Osagie, our nightshift duty officer from last night."

   "Leftenant a pleasure to meet you in person."  He said shaking the young Leftenant's hand Alex smiled back.

   "Normally my shifts are so quiet." Alex said quietly.

   "Commander allow me to introduce my own party, my personal aide, Lieutenant Sally Roberts" the young officer nodded to the station personnel.  "And Senior Sergeant-Major Able Parker, my own chief of security."

   "Welcome both to our station, if you will please follow me we'll head up to the conference room."  Hayes said leading the way out followed by Alex then the three SLDF officers and finally Lt Stewart the two Nighthawk suits remaining at the dock.  It was not the easiest thing to traverse the micro gravity of a Space Station and have a conversation at the same time so they remained silent instead concentrating on making the trip quickly.

   Almost twenty minutes later and several decks above they were onboard one of the station's gravity deck within one of the biggest conference rooms.  "General I am sorry our facilities are not better."  Hayes said pouring several glasses of water one for each of them.

   "Quite alright Commander, I would have expected things to be better even here on the rim after so many years."

   "The fall of the Star League and the Succession Wars saw to it that things would be no better,  Continuous raids by the Taurian Concordat and border wars with the Capellan Confederation have kept resources geared towards military assets instead of luxuries.

   "The fate of the League, I knew of Kerensky's Exodus, we were on our way out of the Inner Sphere.  But there was still so many Star League units remaining within the Inner Sphere and Terra still held strong."  Bannister said informing them of what he'd known of.

   "With your permission sir?"  Alex said quietly Hayes nodded "following the departure of Kerensky's armed forces the remains of the Terran Hegemony had little chance the First Succession War began and so many worlds were destroyed, billions were destroyed."

   "My god, Terra?"  Sally Roberts asked in almost a whisper.

   "Terra was protected by ComStar" Alex explained "the Department of Communications.  They bargained for Terra's neutrality in exchange they maintained the communication grids."

   "While the rest of humanity blasted itself to kingdom come."  Able Parker muttered in a disgusted tone.

   "And what of Kerensky's army?"  Bannister Cameron asked obviously interested in his comrades in arms "were they ever heard from again?"

   "They have returned..." Alex began before Bannister's personal communicator beeped surprising all the AFFS personnel; none had seen a personal communicator with that kind of range.

   "Excuse me" Bannister said activating his comm.  "Wasp to Cameron, respond."

   "Go ahead Commodore."

   "Sir, a new ship just jumped in definitely a WarShip but nothing like we've ever seen.  I would suggest you return to the Wasp immediately."

   "Stand-by" Cameron said glaring at Hayes "what is this?" instead of answering straight away Hayes activated a control on the desk a wall mounted screen activated and showed an external camera image showing a red painted vessel.

   "That is the FSS Melissa Davion, an Avalon-class Cruiser." Hayes said in admiration "planet side commanders called on their back up following your arrival."

   "I think we should perhaps cut this meeting short we will return to our vessel and communicate with you further soon."  Cameron said raising from his chair, knowing there was little chance of going back Hayes and the others rose as well ready to lead them back through the station.

   Back at the dock Bannister Cameron turned around and saluted he noticed the disappointment on their faces "Commander I would ask that perhaps you could forward those reports you offered previously?"  he asked "perhaps it would help us understand exactly what has happened to the Inner Sphere."  He turned to Leftenant Osagie "Leftenant, perhaps you would like to see your "Legends" up close?  With the commander's permission" Alex was embarrassed that the General had heard his "Legends" quote but Hayes looked at the young man with both admiration and envy and nodded "how about it Leftenant?"

   "Yes, sir most interested."  He said following the Star League troopers aboard the shuttle soon the craft was heading back to the SLS Wasp across the space between the Wasp and the FSS Melissa Davion.

Onboard SLS Wasp (Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser)
Brockway, Ridgebrook Combat Region
Capellan March, Federated Suns
5th January 3083

   By the time the shuttle had crossed the void between the Recharge Station and the SLS Wasp it was 04:00 hours Alex was approaching a full eighteen hours awake and although he hadn't said a word Bannister Cameron had noticed.  Instead of giving Alex a grand tour of the massive Potemkin-class vessel he had insisted Alex rest and ordered Lt. Sally Roberts to take Alex to guest quarters with a promise that after some rest he would see more of the Troop Cruiser.

   He did not know how long he'd slept or exactly where on the star ship he was but Alex was awakened a few hours later by Sally Roberts.  She informed him that the Major-General was busy in meetings and planning sessions with the Calvary's commanders and Alex would be seen shortly.  Instead of business she'd taken him on a tour of the massive 1.5 million ton vessel, although judging from his initial look of the vessel it was no passenger ship.  Corridor after corridor room after room each packed with equipment Sally explained that some sections of the Wasp were still battle damaged, from an unarmed battle, and inaccessible making moving around more difficult and the ships commander had ordered that only senior officers from its attending DropShips were allowed on board the WarShip giving for slightly risen temperatures between the ground forces and the WarShip crew.

   Eventually they made their way onto the ship's single 95metre gravity deck in one of the mess halls they got some standard SLDF MRE (Meals Ready to Eat or Meals Rejected by Everyone) and sat at one of the tables, the room was mostly empty but Alex's AFFS uniform gained plenty of looks.  "So, Combat Rations?" Alex said looking at his meal, they were not his favourite meal ever a year ago the Recharge Station had failed a total power failure causing all the food to go off for six days all they ate were combat rations until re-supply arrived.

   "We couldn't trust local Taurian suppliers to supply us with sufficient supplies that wouldn't be contaminated.  The Exodus had been called but the McKenna Shipyards in orbit of Kathil had agreed to provide us with supplies before turning fully over to the Federated Suns, the General said he was ordered a favour or two."

   "I don't understand Major-General Cameron" Alex said looking overhead at the lights then back to Sally's petite face "he's a Cameron! Why wasn't he First Lord after the Usurper was gone?  Why out here, the back-end of nowhere, how did you guys miss the Liberation?"  He said asking rapid fire questions, he could see Sally thinking about her response.

   "In regards to General Cameron all I know is the job we were given was only being entrusted to him he had some major backing, it was his project.  As to why he wasn't recalled to be First Lord, I honestly don't know, something to do with a family disagreement, this project was suited to him, but it also got him out of the way a sort of Exile.  When the Exodus was called he was more than ready to follow Kerensky but we never made it that far."  She said quietly looking at the table toying with her ration "what did they say about us?  We just disappeared..."

   "I haven't read the history on the Wasp specifically; the only name we knew you by was The Legends."

   "The Legends, how romantic" Sally said pulling her legs up onto her chair under her "tell me the story"

   "Well I know now some of our details are off" Alex said quietly but Sally remained silent still looking at him waiting for the story "from our perspective it was still the Reunification War, a big Star League ship had been at the Nadir point recharging its drives when something happened, its engines locked on accelerate.  The crew stayed aboard trying to repair the damage and turn around the ship, it simply disappeared never heard of again, some said the Legends of old were safeguarding the ship in deep space until they were needed again.  Others said it had been swallowed by the Gas Giant."

   "Didn't anyone ever look for us?"

   "Plenty of times there were even a couple of ships a few years that jumped into deep space between the systems deploying sensor drones searching for a sign.  But now I know there was no chance of finding you."

   "No chance at all." Sally said quietly "we were just gone stuck in limbo, for us one hour was missed for you and the rest of humanity almost three hundred years."  She said shivering; Alex reached over the table putting his hand on hers reassuringly.

   "I bet the Inner Sphere is completely different now." she whispered quietly turning her hand linking it with his.

   "In places, I wonder if Brockway will ever change."

   "From what I've seen the people are friendlier now." She said with a smile.

   "Bridge to Roberts, get our guest up here on the double, something's happened."  Both immediately got up and headed off the deck as quickly as possible.  The Wasp was a huge vessel just over fifteen hundred metres long with multiple decks each with near identical layouts of long corridors connecting port to starboard and ventral to dorsal hulls.  Huge pressure doors which could close were positioned ever ten metres or so to contain any potential hull breaches.  In the zero-gravity it took nearly forever to travel deck to deck, most were not connected directly to each other meaning you had to go up and across a deck instead of straight along.

   After nearly twenty minutes they arrived on the main command deck.  Built similarly to the Recharge Station's Control Room the main room was an edged oval shape with the command deck at the lowest beside a huge table.  As Alex entered the room he could see the table was in fact a huge Holo-tank displaying the Wasp in the centre, the recharge station off to one side, the FSS Melissa Davion nearby and now several more contacts.  Beside the tank stood Bannister Cameron and another man dressed in white wearing Commodore insignia.

   "Taurians" Bannister spat seeing Alex enter, "welcome aboard Leftenant."

   "Thank you sir, problem?"  He enquired looking at the holotank and the Commodore.

   "Taurian Concordat forces just jumped in demanding the Wasp's immediate and unconditional surrender."  The Commodore said.

   "Why?"  Alex asked not understanding, the Wasp and her crew had only just gotten here.

   "We don't know but they want the Wasp and her crew, identified us by name.  Seems good news passes quick."

   "Appears they follow their history as well." Bannister said quietly

   "Sir?"  Alex asked hearing the General.

   "Nothing Leftenant, do you know do the Taurians have any authority here at all."

   "Not with the Melissa Davion here, the Taurians have nothing that can manage her firepower, this is a Federated Suns system.  But the Taurians are part of the reborn Star League, so I don't know if they can pull political pressure on Prince Steiner-Davion."

   "Steiner-Davion?"  Bannister asked the Steiner realm was the Lyran Commonwealth half a sphere away.

   "Long story, bad experiment, paid our price for it now on our own again. Mostly." Alex added looking at the Holo-tank, the Melissa Davion was moving towards the Taurians although it hadn't gone weapons hot the Avalon-class Cruiser was trying to bully the five Taurian DropShips into leaving.  "She's the Federated Suns Flagship her crew know what they are doing, haven't seen one this close though."  He said with interest.

   "Radiological alarm, one of those Taurians has nukes!"

   "Sir, there are four hundred Federated Suns sailors aboard that Cruiser, you have to make sure they know about the Taurians."  Alex pleaded watching as the Avalon accelerated towards the DropShips.

   "They know." The Commodore promised recognizing the Avalon's movement profile, the vessel wasn't just warning them off.  Suddenly all six of the Cruiser's forward facing AR-10 Multi-Purpose Capital Missile Launchers fired as one engaging each of the DropShips all at once.  Two of the Taurian DropShips exploded into pieces a third, what appeared to be a Buccaneer Civilian cargo carrier lost its entire wing section spinning out of control before exploding, while the remaining two craft received heavy damage.  "Wasp Actual, Hornet deploy fighters attack Taurian DropShips."  From behind and below the Wasp one of the Titan-class DropShip had been moving forward steadily during this unnoticed by Alex.

   "Sir, with respect they will never have time to intercept those DropShips before they are in range of the Melissa Davion, the human body can't take that kind of acceleration."

   "No it can't" he said knowingly.  The Titan-class Carrier was joined by six fighters then a second six and finally a third six an entire aero wing.  the fighters were all identical Alex didn't recognize the design but all shot forward at almost four G acceleration straight away and continued to accelerate as they closed on the battle site.  "Wasp Actual, Hornet, extreme prejudice."  The Commodore said into the communication system, there was no return from the Titan however the fighters continued to accelerate.

   "They are going to rip themselves apart."  Alex remarked focusing on the fast moving fighters "those pilots are insane."  He remarked suddenly the first flight of fighters broke into three pairs of two.  The first two sets of fighters headed straight for the remaining two Taurian craft.  "A flying pass at that speed isn't going to do much damage, fighters travelling at those speeds can't carry that much firepower?"  He asked looking at the Commodore, the Star League fighters approach was brute force no tactics at all.

   "No, but then the fighter can act as a weapon."  The Commodore stated plainly as the first fighter followed closely by the second slammed into the Taurian Overlord-class DropShip.  Alex involuntarily stepped back from the holo-tank as it showed the DropShip spin out of control.  "Damage assessment" the Commodore calmly said.

   "100/100, target completely destroyed Black One and Two lost, no recognizable wreckage remains."  One of the bridge crew said.

   "As expected, we'll have to build more."  The Commodore said turning back to the screen Alex was almost blind with rage how could he be so callous with his people's lives.  "There go the second two" the Commodore remarked almost off hand as the second pair of fighters struck an Excalibur-class DropShip the first catching the DropShip head on the second slamming into the hull about half the way down.  "Damage assessment"

   "Vessel appears to still have power, no movement, radiation readings still lingering."

   "Commit final pair first squadron, commit second squadron for Battlefield assessment."  The Commodore ordered the crew moving about their duties.  Moments later two more fighters intentionally plouged themselves into the remaining crippled DropShip tearing the remains of the vessel to pieces.  "Damage assessment" the Commodore ordered for a final time, this time the sophisticated holo-tank detected three "Excaliburs" then turned into a debris field.

   "100/100, sir mission completed."

   "Good job people, Hornet, second squadron Battlefield assessment, third to CAP relief.  Don't worry we'll replace those losses."  The Commodore said smiling turning to Bannister.

   "Well done Commodore, a good mission..." the Major-General started before Alex screamed in anger and disbelief.

   "What the hell does that mean?  Good mission?  You lost six pilots, six fighters completely destroyed for two DropShips!  The last two sacrificed against a target that was no threat!"  he shouted "what's worse you" he said pointing at the Commodore "you, ordered them to do that without a single shot fired!  No tactics just brute force smash them.  You callous bastard how could you ever raise in the ranks, you should have stayed in your damned time warp, we don't need your kind in this universe!"  He shouted running out of breath.

   "Leftenant, please some respect."  Bannister said quietly

   "No General, I can understand combat losses, I've seen combat losses friends killed fighting the Taurians, the Capellans.  Hell I've even heard of entire wings killed in major engagements but what you just did..." he said "you never even gave them a fighting chance." He was speechless, he just looked at the expanding DropShip debris which at that point disappeared as the debris dispersed too much to be considered to be a ship.

   "Leftenant, perhaps I can explain."  The Commodore said manipulating the holo-tank's controls suddenly an aerospace fighter was displayed.  "You see Leftenant, not a single SLDF pilot was killed in that engagement.  In fact not a single aerospace fighter pilot flies an aircraft for the Wasp or the Second Royal Armoured Calvary."  He said as the holo image of the fighter rotated slowly, Alex couldn't see a cockpit just solid aeroframe all round.

   "No pilots." Alex whispered still looking at the fighter.

   "A drone Leftenant, the SLS Wasp is aptly named for this mission, this is the Mk.30AM Blackwasp Fighter (Advanced Model), this is one of the reasons this entire unit came into being."  Bannister Cameron said stepping beside Alex who hadn't stopped looking at the craft, "I fit with this unit because I brought the funding and the name not because I am a fantastic commander.  I know this Leftenant, in many ways I came to accept it, now in this 'new-world' maybe I can make a difference."  He said the Melissa Davion had successfully moved away and the fighters were moving over the wreckage Alex quietly wondered what he'd fallen into by being involved here, maybe the station's nightshift was boring but sometimes "Legends" didn't play out in reality like you expected them.

Onboard SLS Wasp (Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser)
Brockway, Ridgebrook Combat Region
Capellan March, Federated Suns
7th January 3083

   Over the next couple of days Alex had gotten to know the crew of the SLS Wasp far better and began to unlock some of their secrets.  From what he could gather the four regiments of the Second Royal Armoured Calvary were permanently assigned to the SLS Wasp at some point after the Reunification War.  The unit garrisoned a set of three worlds ensuring they remained loyal to the Star League up to the very end of the Star League-era.  From what Alex could gather many of the people aboard the Wasp enjoyed their time in the Taurian Concordat and held fond memories of their tour there.  Alex also found out that the SLS Wasp held more crew than most other Potemkin-class vessels with dozens of guest quarters, when he'd asked around most just said it was additional maintenance crews for the Drone fighters, which so far he'd been refused any access to see, Alex remained suspicious as there were nearly two hundred of them.

   One area where Alex was making headway was with Major-General Cameron and Commodore Rae, since the SLS Wasp had emerged from its jump the crew had been stuck with emergency battlefield rations as the ship was due to restock with food at Kathil in the past, a long over due appointment.  Alex had been able to convince the two commanders that they could accept food from the system and Commodore Rae had accepted some Federated Suns engineers to come aboard and check the Wasp's K-F Drive, to ensure no further miss jumps occurred, and some pre-existing structural damage from classified combat.  As a result of this influx of visiting personnel Alex had been appointed, by the General, as the "AFFS liaison officer to the Wasp", if there were any problems with AFFS personnel on the Wasp Alex got called.  As a result in this the Wasp's crew had begun to call him "Mr Ambassador" and Lt Sally Roberts had jokingly offered him "diplomatic" quarters, just to annoy her he'd accepted and instead of quarters near the aft section of the vessel he'd been moved to the front closer to the bridge otherwise his new quarters were no different from his old.

   "Leftenant Osagie, report to the bridge, Leftenant Osagie to the bridge."  A voice announced across the ship.  Alex moved quickly from his quarters heading towards the nose of the ship.  Now after three days with these people his AFFS uniform didn't stand out as much however they still provided him with the courtesy allowing him past in the corridors.  Alex floated into the bridge and pulled himself down to the deck slipping into a pair of magnetic slippers as that sat at the entrance.  The slippers allowed a wearer to "stand" upright in the zero gravity bridge and allowed them to concentrate on work instead of just staying upright.  "Sir, how can I help?"

   "I wondered if you knew that ship?"  The Commodore said gesturing to the holo-tank, Alex hadn't even noticed it was on from the amazement he'd felt when first encountering it after just a few days he it was normal for it to be there.  Alex looked at the display looking over the newly arrived contact sitting just above and to the left of the FSS Melissa Davion, it was just under seven hundred and fifty metres long and seven hundred-and-ninety tons in weight.  It also carried the Cameron Star on its bow, there was only one craft of its entire class.

   "That's the SLS Covenant."  Alex said he'd never seen the craft but knew its story originally a Kirishima-class Cruiser vessel had been given to the SLDF for the SLDF's actions that destroyed the Smoke Jaguar Clan and ended the Clan War.  At New Syrtis Shipyards the Star League had modified it and it had become the Covenant-class Heavy Cruiser.  "The Commanding-General's personal WarShip."  Alex explained as the vessel began to unveil its jump sail.

   "Signal from Covenant, sir, they have a DropShip prepped and asking to be allowed to dock.  They say they have the Commanding-General of the Star League Defence Force aboard."  The Communications officer said, Commodore looked at Alex who nodded.

   "Allow them to dock."  Rae said smirking as he looked at Alex "Mr Ambassador, perhaps you should join me.  Call out for General Cameron we'll meet him at the docking bay."  The Commodore said pushing off the deck he headed out of the bridge Alex followed moments later.  Nearly twenty minutes later an Excalibur-class DropShip docked with the Wasp.  Almost a carbon copy of the Wasp crew's arrival at the Brookway Recharge Station two Purifier Battle Armoured troopers marched from the DropShip into the Wasp's dock their armour changing colour and texture as they moved, they were followed by Commanding-General Archer Christifori and two aides.

   The Commanding-General saluted crisply as he approached Bannister Cameron who returned the salute "Permission to come aboard."

   "Granted, Commanding-General, it's an honour to meet you" he said extending his hand which Archer met "Major-General Bannister Cameron."  He said introducing himself.

   "So it is true."  Archer said smiling "Archer Christifori."  He said nodding slightly.

   "Lyran?"  Bannister asked noticing Archer's slight accent.

   "Thorin in the Isle of Skye region."  Archer confirmed "General, I think you and I need to have a talk.  Much has changed since your disappearance."

   "I agree, please come this way."  Bannister said leading the way.  At the back of the line Alex followed in silence, he was not only the most junior officer present but also not his position was of little importance, this was purely a Star League matter now.  The two Purifier armoured troopers remaining at their posts at the entrance to the DropShip.

   Some time later they were sat in one of the Wasp's Conference rooms the Wasp party on one side the Commanding-General's on the other.  Alex was allowed to sit in as an official representative of the AFFS, just before he'd entered the meeting Admiral Napier aboard the FSS Melissa Davion had sent him a meeting to observe and report as much as possible, with the continued Taurian threat and the Wasp's robotic fighters still in system she'd decided to remain aboard her Cruiser.  "Welcome to the 31st Century, Major-General, although I am sure this experience has not been the most pleasant on you or your people but the SLDF is very happy to see you and welcome you with open arms."

   "Commanding-General, we do not yet know where we belong; perhaps the SLDF is not our home anymore."  Bannister admitted recently he'd read of all the things that had happened to the Inner Sphere, some from Alex others from the records provided by Commander Hayes.  He'd also heard of what had happened to the SLDF of old and the coming of the Clans, he wished... Bannister had wished many things in the last week not that he could have done much either way.

   "Where would you go if not with us?"

   "It is not something I have wished to think about."  Bannister said quietly looking at the Commanding-General, the Successor to Aleksandr Kerensky wearing the exact uniform of old even though Archer was probably the youngest Commanding-General Bannister had ever seen he knew that in the last couple of hundred years officers, leaders and victims had become far younger than in his time. "Sir" he said respectfully "what do you know of this vessel?"

   "The SLS Wasp was built in 2780 one of the last Potemkin-class Troop Cruisers completed, she was instantly assigned to the Taurian Region where she was assigned to an anti-insurgency command.  The final entry we have for the vessel is its acknowledgement of Kerensky's recall message from coordinates unknown."  Archer said reciting what he'd read over the last few days about the ship, Bannister laughed lightly so the Wasp's history had been accounted for if not accurately.

   "Commanding-General, have you ever heard of CASE OMEGA BLACK?"  Bannister asked looking at the Commanding-General it was a simple question with a far complicated answer.

   "CASE OMEGA BLACK."  Archer pondered glancing at his colleague who had been introduced as General Caradoc Trevena "Doc?"

   "Nothing I am aware of sir, either in ComStar's records or those we've recovered from Unity City."  The Intelligence chief said after a moments thought.  "But there was many records lost During Amaris Occupation of Terra, the Liberation and the following Succession Wars."

   "Then there is your answer General, no we don't."

   "Then perhaps we should not talk further." Bannister said raising from his chair

   "Sit down, General!"  Archer said sternly raising from his chair "your a member of the Star League Defence Force, grow a pair and act like it."  He said Bannister stared at Archer for several moments as if ready to challenge him however he sat down again.  “Now General I may not know much about your operation or OMEGA BLACK but I do know something about you.  A degree in Military Law by the age of twenty you became an aerospace fighter pilot, you served with three separate units before finally accepting command of the Twenty-second Royal Interceptor Wing which you commanded throughout the Reunification War.  Finally just before Amaris took over Terra you were listed as being transferred to the Taurian Periphery.”  Archer said.

   â€œOperation Memory” Bannister said nodding, “I was assigned to the Periphery region and command over the Second Royal Armoured Calvary Division.  We were assigned to the protection of three worlds and under orders to stop all incursions into these systems by any means.”

   â€œOperation Memory?”  Trevena asked.

   â€œThe Star League’s research into memory armour on BattleMech, Armoured Vehicles and Aerospace Fighters.”  one of Bannister’s aides said she wore Colonel insignia on her uniform.  “In effect armour that would repair itself after every hit allowing an army to stay in combat longer.”

   â€œI’ve read the Star League’s research on this, it didn’t work”  Trevena said quietly the idea of a self repairing battlefield unit had long been on many scientists wish lists however few had came to pass.

   â€œUnfortunately you are correct General, our scientists attempts failed.  However our standing orders remained and we enforced them.”

   â€œCASE OMEGA BLACK?”  Christifori said quietly Bannister nodded.

   â€œThe scientists did their job and we did ours, dissuade any interest in our operations by military and civilian targets by any and all available means.”  Bannister said looking to the table, he knew his unit had done things he wasn’t proud of.  “Our Mechs and our infantry remained out of the combat zone instead the Wasp would jump in and deploy Blackwasp fighters with set orders before jumping clear.  Several JumpShips and over one hundred DropShips were destroyed in operations such as this.  The Blackwasps would kamikaze run into a target before being discovered.  The Taurians knew it was our people but they were unable to repay us for the fighting.”

   â€œHow did you replace your losses, surely your forces did not have unlimited Blackwasps” Trevena asked confused losing fighters in every attack must have meant the unit went through hundreds of the craft, not to mention system defences.

   â€œOne of our planets had a full production facility and the Wasp can manufacture limited amounts of craft to replace combat losses.  We mothballed our facilities when we left relying on those aboard Wasp to maintain us until we arrived with the rest of the SLDF.”

   â€œManufacturing facilities aboard this vessel.  How extensive?”   Trevena asked seeing the potential of having a mobile production facility and automated combat units.

   â€œLimited but we have plans for larger facilities.”

   â€œBack on track.”  Christifori said looking at the General “So your people were not directly involved in harming the Taurians?”

   â€œOnly on rare occasions when they penetrated our defences, a swarm of Blackwasp AM models is a formidable force however it is possible to avoid them.  When that happened the Second Armoured was called to defend our territory.”

   â€œAgainst military targets?”

   â€œOf course Civilians had little interest in our systems only one had a habitable world and there wasn’t a significant civilian population there. Both others are dead worlds which we used as cover.”

   â€œSo the Taurians are angry because you got away from them and they couldn’t hit back.”  Christifori said slowly piecing it together “and the Wasp’s combat damage?”

   â€œWhen Exodus was called by General Kerensky we answered unfortunately the Taurians took issue with this.  We were attacked three times during our trip through the Concordat.”  Bannister explained “the rest you know, sir.”

   â€œAnd now your plans?”  Christifori asked neutrally.  “There can be a place within the Star League for you.”

   â€œWe have missed much.”  Bannister said quietly

   â€œAnd there is much still to happen.  Rejoin the Star League help us make a difference.”

   Hours later Leftenant Alex Osagie was stood on the shuttle dock waiting for his transport back to the Recharge Station.  Major-General Bannister Cameron and Lieutenant Sally Roberts both approached him at the bay.  “General, I regret my time aboard the Wasp was so short.”

   â€œYes Leftenant, it was enlightening for us both I am sure.”

   â€œSo you’re headed for Kittery?”  Alex asked Christifori had offered to take them to Kittery at the first meeting but he’d missed the second meeting as the Federated Suns was closed out of the negotiations.

   â€œAye, the Commanding-General has extended our decision time.  Commodore Rae appears to be inclined to join the rebuilt League, however we will see how things pan out.”

   â€œSir, it was an honour to meet you and your people.”  Alex said saluting Bannister instead extended his arm and shook Alex’s hand.

   â€œLeftenant, the honour was ours.”  He said stepping back allowing Sally Roberts to step forward.

   â€œTake care of yourself.”  She said wrapping her arms around Alex’s neck giving him a small peck on the cheek before stepping back saluting Alex who returned her salute with a smile.

   â€œLegends salute, there is an officer disembarking.”  Bannister said raising his arm in salute joining Sally, all around the bay crewmen joined the General saluting, Alex smiled embarrassed before ducking into the shuttle.  Soon after he was aboard the small craft heading back towards the Recharge Station, behind the shuttle the SLS Wasp finished pulling in its jump sail.

   â€œLegends departing.” Alex said quietly looking at the rear facing monitor as the 1.5million ton Troop Cruiser vanished in a flash, some Legends were solved in the end.  Perhaps after today he’d change things in his life.  The Legends of old would certainly be changing other peoples lives.

Marian Hegemony Raids
Duchy of Tamarind-Abby
Former Free Worlds League
2nd February 3083

   Supported by the Hanse, a Lola III-class Destroyer, Marian Hegemony flagged units raid the Duchy of Tamarind Abby.  The Marian Hegemony BattleMechs and armour forces are supported by a newly debuted Battle Armour unit named the Ravager.  This assault class suit is capable of dealing heavy armour to infantry forces and threaten the armoured vehicles of the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby.  Although unable to make jumps the unit can take heavy damage and appears to carry some sort of rockets and a Heavy Recoiless Rifle.  The Duchy of Tamarind-Abby Militia forces are taken by complete surprise and are forced back.
 
Second Royal Armoured Cavalry Division HQ
Kittery, Capellan March
Federated Suns
10th February 3083

   With clearance from Commanding-General Archer Christifori the entire Second Royal Armoured Cavalry Division had landed on Kittery twenty-five DropShips in all, eleven Regiments of Mechs and Infantry had been given a full five square kilometres of ground.  It still didn’t seem much, with the units carrying about dependents as well as the troopers and officers.  Directly above them the SLS Wasp was stationed in high orbit providing the ultimate protection while flying constant Combat Air Patrols (CAP).  Commanding-General Christifori had guaranteed their safety however Major-General Cameron planned on ensuring there were no surprises from this resurgent SLDF, the Federated Suns or Capellan Confederation.  Upon request Commanding-General Christifori also provided historical information from the time the Wasp disappeared to its return with this information at hand the Second retreat into a state of discussion about their situation and their options they allow no-one from the outside world in for three weeks with BattleMech and Blackwasp patrols keeping all interest back.

Asteroid Impact
Copper Sea, Luthien
Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine
18th February 3083

   The sky over Luthien, the Draconis Combine’s capitol world is lit up by a huge nuclear explosion as the Raven’s Roost; an Inazuma II-class Corvette explodes just outside Luthien orbit.  Many wonder if one of the Clans or the Black Dragons have returned to cause ruin to their lives however these fears are shattered by the realization that it is something much worse.  Less than one hour later the first great meteor shower of Luthien begins with impacts across the Hokkaido continent many massive shards striking in and around Luthien City.  The shower lasts hours with the people of Luthien powerless to resist.

        As the people’s population head for the emergency shelters not used since the Clan Invasion however the true extent of the disaster unfolds as the Elite Second Genyosha Regiment is obliterated by as its base is torn off the face of the planet by an asteroid impact.  The planet continues to reel from the impacts as a second and third shower bombard the planet over the course of three days.

        Finally after mere hours of peace, just as the population think their nightmare is over, the final massive blow is struck as a three kilometre wide asteroid thunders into the atmosphere with a massive explosion is seen and felt across the globe.   The huge asteroid cruises through the atmosphere breaking into several large shards as Luthien's atmosphere tried and fails to consume it, the final piece still over a kilometre in diametre slams into the Copper Sea.  Massive explosions and tsunamis follow with nearly none of Luthien left untouched Skytower City and Buda Weapons Sector on the Aichi Island Continent are vaporized almost instantly, while other sections of the planet are flooded and would remain so for weeks to come.

   Hundreds of tons of rocks are thrown up by the impact tainting the atmosphere, almost as soon as the showers have ended scientists begin to report massive storms crossing the planet and huge temperature drops that go against all historical trends.  Warlord Minoru Kurita emerges from his bunker under the Imperial Palace and immediately orders all available transports to travel to Luthien to render aid to the stricken population.  Hours later as seismic activity, tsunamis and major volcanic eruptions continue to tear the planet apart causing unthinkable damage Minoru issues another message to the people of the Combine, this time it is little more than a plea, to all transports to evacuate his dying world.

Corporate Raid
Lth, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
21st February 3081

   The Wild Geese Mercenary Regiment was beginning to think the “DMI” employers were not completely on the level.  Their most recent contract was a raid against Achernar BattleMechs plant on New Avalon, the Wild Geese connection to Achernar was not a broadcasted fact however anyone within the DMI would have know of the connection.  Brigadier General Alisande Faulkner agreed to conduct the raid against her sub-commanders objections however she also sent word along on back channels to Achernar BattleMechs warning them of the impending attack this resulted in Achernar complaining directly to the DMI and the First Prince’s officer regarding the planned attack.

   The Department of Military Intelligence was taken completely unaware by the revelation of the attack as to their knowledge the Wild Geese were not under the employ of any Federated Suns Agency and had not been since they disagreed with treatment by the Quartermaster’s office.  Instead the DMI agree to help Achernar take damage during the attack from the Wild Geese.  Achernar send back information to the Wild Geese about specific targets to attack and ways around the “thick” defences.

   When the Wild Geese attack there is much commotion, damage, and impressive fireworks with dozens of AFFS “bodies” the Wild Geese powered down weapons hurting but not killing a single person.  The Wild Geese strike team capture two brand-new Grenadier Battle Armour suits before escaping.  No AFFS pursuit lasts more than a couple of kilometres from the planet.

   Away from New Avalon Alisande Faulkner presents her units prize to her employer however behind the scenes both the Wild Geese and the DMI begin investigations into who actually holds the Wild Geese Contract.

Bondsman’s Quarters
Alpha Galaxy Command
Csesztreg, Hell’s Horses Occupation Zone
29th February 3083

   â€œStar Colonel Jake Kabrinski, you are defeated I claim you as a bondsman to Clan Hell's Horses."  The words echoed in Jake's mind his unit had been taken by surprise by a Hell's Horses unit he knew that Star Commander Lita his Mech Commander had been killed in the fire fight as had much of his nova however some how he had been defeated and now was a bondsman.  He hadn't even seen his bondmaster yet instead the Hell's Horses Intelligence staff had given him the once over and he'd been thrown into a small room.  Jake was, had been, a Star Captain of Clan Ghost Bear and a bloodnamed warrior, he deserved more than what he'd received.

   Finally after what seemed like hours the doors opened "This way please."  One of the two armoured Elementals said at the door Jake was confused why would they need two armoured Elementals for him, sure he'd killed the previous Hell's Horses Khan Malavei Fletcher in 3063 but that was ancient history, twenty years ago.  They were the Clans he was Ghost Bear now he was Hell's Horses the two did not like each other much but he'd learn to adapt and with hope fight again.

   Jake was led down the corridors typical Clan corridors missing of much in the way of decoration or distraction finally he was led past a reception desk with a freeborn woman sitting behind it "He is waiting for you."  She said as they passed.  The lead Elemental opened the door and stepped to one side the second Elemental followed Jake in and stepped to the other closing the door behind them.

   "Jake Kabrinski, welcome to Csesztreg capital of the Hell's Horses."  Jake was slightly taken aback he was light years from his previous posting, no doubt the Watch staff playing tricks with drugs he silently cursed.  "I am Khan James Cobb."

   "My Khan, an honour" Jake said inclining his head slightly, despite his previous position as a Ghost Bear and enemy of the Horses he knew his new place.

   "I am sure Jake, I am sure that you would also gladly end my existence just as you did Malavei."

   "I did what was required of me as a warrior of Clan Ghost Bear.  I am now a Hell's Horse quiaff?"

   "Aff, you are Jake."  Cobb said looking at the Elementals "leave us, wait outside."  He ordered firmly Cobb was an Elemental himself but his weight of words certainly brought more to bare than just his size also his standing.  Both Elementals saluted and stepped out of the room.

   "Jake I wonder do you know the story of Phelan Ward?"  Cobb asked moving around the table to stand in front of Jake.

   "The Freebirth surat” Jake cursed “captured by Clan Wolf during the opening days of Revival, aff, now Phelan Kell of the Exiles."

   "Very good, I wonder if you knew the exact way of his capture?"  Jake remained silent "MechWarrior Vlad, who would later become Vlad Ward Khan of the Wolves would capture Phelan but Ulric Kerensky as Khan of the Wolf Clan claimed Phelan as his own because he believed that Phelan had more use to him than just Vlad's bondsman."

   "My Khan, what difference does this make to me?"  Jake asked confused "Phelan was an Inner Sphere Freeborn, I am a Clan trueborn Elemental, a Bloodnamed warrior like yourself."  Jake said confidently, reminding his new Khan exactly what the Hell's Horses had captured.  "I have no interest in splitting the Clans I want to be a Warrior for my Clan."

   "I know that Jake, which is why I have decided that you will be my bondsman.  Just as Phelan Kell became Ulric’s bondsman, someone who helped the Wolf Clan win the most victories in Operation Revival now you will help me settle the Hell's Horse in its new home.  We will do great things Jake Kabrinski, and perhaps you will be a warrior again, far faster than you are expecting."  James Cobb said raising Jake's left arm he cut the first white cord around his wrist, Jake smiled perhaps his new life would be even better than his last.

Fort Winson
Dieron, Dieron Military District
Draconis Combine
5th April 3083

   Despite security measures to contain the information within the SLDF the arrival of the Second Armoured Cavalry Division from its "time-jump" had spread like wildfire reaching Dieron and the Eridani Light Horse.  Still attached to the Nineteenth Cavalry Regiment as a liaison force the Clan Goliath Scorpion Second Trinary of the Third Seeker Cluster of Chi Galaxy hears of these arrivals from the distant past.  Star Captain Rufus tracked down Lieutenant-General Edwin Amis, commander of the Eridani Light Horse Brigade who was coordinating the loading of supplies into a large DropShip.

   "Leiutenant-General Amis" Rufus said respectfully approaching, they'd been here for so long now and been no trouble so the Eridani no longer bothered posting a guard with the Goliath Scorpion personnel.  It appeared that these Clansmen really were more interested in learning about the Eridani Light Horse and Fort Dieron than causing trouble both were holy relics according to Rufus and they had to find a way to show the other Clans this fact showing the Clans were not beyond redemption.

   "Yes Star Captain, how can I assist?"

   "We have heard stories..."  He began

   "Concerning Luthien? Yes we have heard the same an asteroid slammed into the planet.  We are preparing relief supplies right now, it appears the evacuation is well under way.  According to reports Clans Ghost Bear and Diamond Shark have stepped in and declared themselves the new age Interstellar Red Cross providing evacuation transport Pro-bono, would you believe.  Quineg?"

   "Aff General, I would, many times in Clan history two Clans have put their differences aside to avert a natural disaster, and the Homeworlds are far harsher than some of the Inner Sphere's worlds."  Rufus paused for a moment "Sir, with respect that was not what I referred to."  He said quietly not wanting to distract the General too much "there is a rumour that a true relic of the Star League, living and breathing has returned missing in a jump for nearly three hundred years since the Exodus.  We would very much like to meet them."

   "You have as much information as I do, they are in seclusion on Kittery by all accounts there is a near blackout on all information coming out."

   "General, my people are keen to learn more, we are Seekers it is our calling."

   "When I learn more I will assist.  For now Luthien needs our help."
 
Azemi High Council
Alegdi, Benjamin Military District
Draconis Combine
15th April 3083

   The Azemi High Council detected an incoming asteroid on Alegdi and called for DCMS assistance.  Unfortunately operations were still ongoing to evacuate Luthien and there was no reply.  The Azemi ordered their hidden stockpile of nuclear weapons used to engage the asteroids.  Six aerospace fighters rose from the atmosphere engaging the asteroid each carrying a nuclear warhead.  Four caused hits were caused against the asteroid causing heavy surface damage but little else, the last fighter flew directly into the asteroid with its nuclear warhead however even this did little overall damage.

   The asteroid entered the atmosphere at 1800hrs exploding as it entered the upper atmosphere sending smaller asteroids all across the desert of Alegdi before finally coming to rest.  With no return message from the DCMS the Azemi recalled the Arkab Legions to the planet to help with aid but even then they struggled.

Graduation Ceremony
Nagelring Tharkad
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
20th April 3083

   Commander of the Kell Hounds Colonel Daniel Allard watches as his eldest son Patrick Allard graduates from Nagelring Officer Candidate School on Tharkad.  Dan is filled with mixed emotions of pride as a father and concern for his sons health as he takes the bars of an LCAF Leutenant.  He will serve with the First Royal Guards RCT for five years before transferring his commission to the Kell Hounds.

Border Raids
Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
28th April 3083

   The Silver Hawks Regiment of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth raid the Lyran Commonwealth's Isle of Skye raiding several worlds before landing on Murphid.  There they are met by the First Hesperus Guards Regiment in their first combat assignment.  In three days the assault Mechs of the Hesperus Guards smash and drive the Silverhawks from the planet proving they are more than a show unit.

Marian Hegemony/FWL border
Duchy of Tamarind-Abby
12th June 3083

   In response to the Marian Hegemony attack on the SLS Maker the Tharkad-class Battle-cruiser SLS Invincible is redirected by the SLDF to the Marian Hegemony border with orders to interdict and destroy any military unit launching attacks from the rogue periphery state.  The Duchy of Tamarind-Abby welcomes the addition of the ancient Battle-cruiser to their nation showering the crew with gifts at almost every port despite its Lyran origin.

Trade Agreement
Nova Cat Embassy, Avalon City
Crucis March, Federated Suns
18th June 3083

   For several years the Nova Cats had been trading older models of vehicles to the Federated Suns and other periphery nations in exchange for natural resources and intelligence reports on various Inner Sphere nations and the Clan Factions.  In an extension of the deal the Nova Cats agree to continue to supply the AFFS with at least two hundred Clan tech vehicles a year in exchange for natural resources, all the technology traded in this deal are 3050-era tech as before with the Nova Cats ensuring none of the new and experimental tech developed in recent years is included.

   While most of the Technology and units are sent to line AFFS units samples of the are also sent to the NAIS and all major AFFS suppliers for study and possible reproduction.

Azami Brotherhood High Council
Algedi, Azemi Brotherhood
Draconis Combine
20th June 3083

   Following the failure of the DCMS to act in response to the asteroid strike against Algedi the Azami declare themselves independent from the Draconis Combine taking with them the worlds of Algedi, Rukbat, Shitana, Danih and Alebit they set themselves up as an independent nation.  The Arkab Legions support this by refusing all commands from Regional bases.  To reinforce this claim they send word to Benjamin, Dieron, New Samarkand, Terra and Defiance informing the Draconis Combine and the Star League Defence Force of the birth of this new nation.

   With continued troubles in rebuilding their government the Draconis Combine does nothing in regards to the claim while the SLDF issue a strict "No comment" answer when asked by the press.  On the Azami worlds they begin planetary drafts intending on reinforcing the current and building more Arkab Legions.

Planetfall
Astrokaszy,
Periphery
22nd June 3083

   After fleeing Hope in the Nova Cats Den renegade elements of the Brotherhood Cluster, renamed the Brotherhood Randis after the original unit before it was taken by the Nova Cats, land on Astrokaszy under the leadership of Knight Amy Frews, daughter of a previous Grand Knight.  The unit made up of fifteen battered Clan and Star League quality Mechs, ten Nighthawk XIX Power Armour troopers and five Trojan ProtoMechs lands outside a small southern region town.  Quickly overwhelming the local pirate defences the Brotherhood of Randis take over the town and set up defences around the area ready to oppose any who were to come into conflict with them.

Tenth Star League Games
Solaris VII, Star League Protectorate
25th June 3083

   The Tenth Star League Games on Solaris VII takes place at the Star League Stadium.  The open event sees twenty-four BattleMechs fight in one grand melee.  Jade Falcon warrior Yemi takes the crown defeating all challengers in his customized Bane (Kraken) BattleMech.  The Mech carrying more experimental technology than most regiments stuns the competition able to take and deal insane amounts of damage from its Rotary Autocannons, Streak Long Range Missiles and Extended Range Lasers.

Clan Nova Cat Mining Operation
Fronc, Fronc Reaches
Periphery
29th June 3083

   Through the years Clan Nova Cat had made deals with the Fronc Reaches for their natural resources this resulted in the Nova Cats deploying both civilian and military personnel to the Fronc Reaches.  This isolated weak link in the Nova Cats supply chain was the same as every supply chain through history.  A trinary of isolated Clansmen and some civilians workers both local and from the Nova Cat’s Den.

   Struck in the middle of the night the Nova Cats were hit from close range and multiple angles it quickly became apparent that they were using Capellan made stealth armour.  Two SM1 Hover tanks from the second star are able to make it to the Fortress-class DropShip assigned to the unit and pass on information about the attack unfortunately the DropShip is hit by an air strike before it can transmit back to the Nova Cat’s Den with its HPG.  None of the Nova Cats make it clear of the battle site with every Nova Cat civilian and all Fronc Reaches civilians assisting them are massacred and left to lay where they fall.

Archon’s Throne Room
The Triad, Thakad
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
5th August 3083

   The brisk footsteps of a pair of combat boots at marching pace could be heard echoing through the huge building that housed the Archon’s throne room.  Peter knew of his guest’s arrival far beyond seeing him.  Soon Khan Phelan Kell, leader of Clan Wolf (in-Exile) marched into the room stopping a respectful distance from Peter’s chair.

   â€œKhan Kell, welcome to Tharkad, how can I help the Wolf Clan today?”  Peter said greeting the Clan leader, his cousin.

   â€œThank you Archon Steiner.”  Phelan said formally “I wish to propose an extension of the Arc Royal Accords signed by Clan Wolf and by you representing the Lyran Commonwealth.”

   â€œAn extension?”  Peter asked confused the Arc-Royal Accords already gave the Exiled Wolf faction free travel throughout the Commonwealth and complete military autonomy within the nation.

   â€œAff, perhaps you are aware Lupis Major, the space station we brought with us from Clan space can produce any type of armour we need from an Elemental Battle Armour suit to the Werewolf.”  He said naming the Exiled Wolf Clan’s McKenna-class Battleship flagship.  “We are able to produce Clan weapons and other materials thanks to factories we claimed from Clan Ghost Bear in 3060.”  Peter nodded he was aware of the Wolf raid against one of the Ghost Bear “Arks” during the Bear transit from Clan space to the Inner Sphere.  “However our position on the Jade Falcon border has resulted in damage we cannot full repair ourselves, weapons that need removed before repairs or replacement, engine parts etc.”

   â€œI’m sure that Alarion Shipyards could accommodate your ships.”  Peter said knowing that seeing the insides of a McKenna or a Black Lion could not hurt future Lyran Commonwealth WarShip designs.   

   â€œNeg, we can maintain our own ships we just need the facilities.”

   â€œAlarion is our primary shipyards; unfortunately the Commonwealth has no other shipyard facilities capable of WarShip maintenance.”  Peter said quietly, not entirely a lie or a whole truth.

   â€œNot entirely true Archon” Phelan said coyly “my watch operatives have informed me that there are facilities within the Ruins of Gabriel that have…”

   â€œStop there Kell!” Peter said standing up stepping towards Kell behind him one of the two Hauptmann Assault OmniMechs tracked the Archon’s movements if Phelan had moved to attack.  Unfortunately if it fired Peter would have more than likely died too as the blast radius of Assault Mech’s weapons would more than likely have destroyed the room.  “That facility is still under lock and key, has been for nearly ten years.  It hasn’t been decided what to do with Gabriel, or the other Clans reaction to it.”

   â€œI believe they wouldn’t care much for it, the facilities are too deep within the Lyran realm for them to be able to secure and hold before you, my Clan Wolf or the Star League could reinforce and counter attack.”

   â€œSo what of it, there is a habitat built into an asteroid but little else.”

   â€œWe are willing to help renovate the Star League facilities there, making all the habitat available for use, we are willing to assist in the construction of the shipyard facility, maintain it and secure it.”

   â€œHow your Clan isn’t exactly brimming with resources?  The reason you are here after all.”

   â€œAff, we can provide security.  I am willing to assign the Full Moon, our Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser, as a base of operations for the construction crews and to hold resources.  I will also provide a trinary of aerospace fighters for area defence.”

   â€œYou would do this in exchange for?”  Peter asked looking for the cost.

   â€œOnce Gabriel is renovated Clan Wolf gain an entire construction slip for ourselves, we can use it to maintain our units and possibly look at further ships.”

   â€œSo the Wolf Clan can rebuild its strength.”  Peter pondered the Wolves were his allies but too much strength could be dangerous.  “I don’t think an extension of the Arc-Royal Accords will cover this agreement if we made it.”  Peter stated, they simply didn’t cover anything like this “instead perhaps the Wolf Accords, a new agreement for a new future for us all?”

   â€œWell bargained and done” Phelan said extending his hand Peter extended his own meeting Phelan In a firm handshake “seyla” Phelan muttered quietly.  He was too Inner Sphere to be truly Clan, but too changed by the Clans to ever be truly an Inner Sphere citizen again.

Reprisal Strikes
Algedi, Azami Brotherhood
Draconis Combine
8th August 3083

   With Luthien secured DCMS units turn their eyes towards the Azami Brotherhood’s rebellious worlds.  The Azami Brotherhood leadership feels betrayed by the DCMS following the devastation on Algedi and refuse aid from the DCMS or to return to the Combine fold.  With no further discussion on the matter Warlord Minoru Kurita orders the Dieron Warlord to breach the Brotherhood’s territory.  The order alone leads to the world of Arkab experiencing further unrest.

   August 10th the Eighth Dieron Regulars, Third Sword of Light, First Amphigean Light Assault, Seventh Ghost and the Sixteenth Legion of Vega Regiments all hit the Arkab formations on the Azami Brotherhood worlds engaging the four Arkab Regiments almost at the same time.

   On the 14th August Warlord Minoru Kurita personally lead the Third Genyosha Regiment to Arkab he experiences no resistance at all as he speaks with local leaders within an hour the world leaders agree to return to Draconis Combine rule without further trouble.

   On the 18th August the Third Sword of Light Regiment was confirmed destroyed on Algedi the Second Arkab Legion still at full strength.  Dieron releases the DCS Draconis Drift, a Kyushu-class Frigate, and the Third An Ting Legion Regiment to act on the planet moving from their reserve status in the system.  Dropping directly through the atmosphere the Arkab landing in the middle of the capital city, almost immediately the An Ting Legion Mechs come under fire from civilians and Arkab Legion forces, as the An Ting Legion fight close quarters over half of the city is ablaze in hours however the Arkab units continuously move into civilian areas and are supported by the population.  The An Ting Legion’s commander Erik Schmidtt is killed by a sniper aerospace commander Randi Olsen takes command calling in air strikes and orbital strikes across the city, not experienced in ground combat or landmarks Randi’s strikes destroy almost the whole city however strikes continue from an elusive mobile enemy.  Unable to counter this Olsen orders all his ground forces to retreat from the city and orders the DCS Draconis Drift to glass the city behind his retreating people.  In a bombardment that continues for nearly ten hours the entire capital city of Algedi is wiped off the face of the planet taking with it 90% of the civilian population and the Second Arkab Legion.  With this shocking defeat the fighting dies down on Algedi almost completely, the population unable to comprehend further resistance.  Across the Inner Sphere reactions to these actions vary from revulsion to neglect.

   With Algedi pacified the resistance on Rukbat ends, the Fourth Arkab Legion have been destroyed by forces loyal to the Draconis Combine leadership.  Within hours of this announcement the Seventh Arkab Legion surrender to DCMS guns on Shitina, the regiment is given one hour to disarm and leave their firebase.  When the hour elapses infantry and Battle Armour forces storm into the base finding nearly two Battalions of the Seventh Arkab Legion laying dead each member committing seppeku, ritual suicide.

   With all other resistance on Alebit the remaining Arkab Legion regiment, the Sixth, surrenders without another shot fired on the 25th August, unwilling to resist further.  The Arkab forces are taken as common criminals and imprisoned across the Draconis Combine.  The surrender of the Sixth Arkab Legion ended the Azami Brotherhood’s nation brining the rebellious state under control.

   As a final twist to the fate of the Azami on the Third An Ting Regiment based on Algedi trying to help the world recover from the asteroid strike and the orbital bombardment are found by DEST and ISF operatives dead within their bases across the globe each man and woman’s head has been removed with a single blow their bodies displayed in the middle of their bases with no sign of their destroyers.  Following the unrest command of the Algedi Prefecture is passed to Alya with the entire Prefecture renamed after its new capital.  Alya another Azami world did not join the Brotherhood and is seen by the Draconis Combine as maintaining the balance within the Azami/Draconis Combine relationship.

Royal Hospital
Forbidden City, Liao
Liao Commonality, Capellan Confederation
21st August 3083

   Behind closed doors within the Forbidden Palace Chancellor Naomi Centrella gives birth to Aleisha Centrella, named for the architect of the Ares Conventions.  On presenting the child as a legitimate heir to her she claims she was artificially inseminated by cells from her deceased husband Sun-Tzu Liao.  However anyone who sees the baby sees no Liao ancestry at all however none are willing to say this publicly.

Field Posting
New St Andrews
Bolan Province, Lyran Commonwealth
10th October 3083

   The First Royal Guards RCT is hit by a mysterious virus which effectively disabled the entire BattleMech Regiment and vast amounts of the infantry and support personnel.  The unit is combat ineffective for more than a month.

   Medical teams sent to the world to assist the unit believe a biological agent was introduced into their water supply.  Although none of the unit die the majority of the unit is unable to complete their duties for many months afterwards.  Leutenant Patrick Allard is among some of the most ill personnel.  Both LIC and SLIC agents investigate the origin of the biological attack.

Star League Recon in Force
Valerius, Marian Hegemony
Periphery
24th October 3083

   Following an intensive investigation on the biological attack on the First Lyran Royal Guards the Fourth Sirian Lancers Brigade launches an assault on the world of Valerius.  Recently colonized by the Marian Hegemony the barely habitable world is a military camp used as a POW camp for captured Cirincus Federation fighters, former mercenaries and uncooperative members of the Free Worlds League.

   The Sirian forces find elements of the Marian’s Legio IV on the planet which almost immediately attack them attempting to repulse the attack.  The Marian troops are hopelessly outgunned by the SLDF troops and quickly beaten.  On the planet the SLDF find the POWs being used as slaves by the Marian occupiers of the planet to build a sprawling complex of palaces within the complexes they find evidence of biological weapons storage on the planet.  Instead of pulling back from the planet the SLDF troops officially annex the world from the Marians releasing the prisoners held as slaves.

Caesar’s Palace
Alphard, Marian Hegemony
Periphery
31st October 3083

   On learning that SLDF troops have seized control of Valerius and charged the Marian Hegemony with the use of weapons of mass destruction Caesar Katrina Ward realizes she has to act fact to nip this charge before it grows more troublesome.  Instead of fighting the SLDF’s control over Valerius she instead releases the world and all its prisoners from Marian Hegemony rule officially allowing the SLDF to remain based on the planet.  She claims that rouge commanders of the IV Legio ruled the world and controlled the Biological weapons which had been stored there by the previous Caesar.