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Marik Palace, Marik
Marik-Stewart Commonwealth
Former Free Worlds League
7th March 3084

   Rarely wining awards for its beauty the windswept Marik Ancestral Palace was a hive of activity although much of the politics had moved from Marik to Atreus since the formation of the Free Worlds League the world still wielded much influence.  Even today when the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth stood alone from its other member states the world was still influential throughout the Free Worlds.

   Today the Palace was a hive of activity not because of a great visitor instead for a departure today nine year old Duke Joseph Marik was heading for his first true trip off the world.  Heading out alone into the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth on orders of his mother he would travel to the world of Washburn little more than a rest stop for the rest of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth it was also home to the greatest concentration of Mormons in the entire Free Worlds League and Joseph’s mother had enrolled him in school there intent on allowing him to learn wisdom and enlightenment from the religious order the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints a small but influential part of the Christian Faith within the Free Worlds League.

   â€œI still do not understand…”  Joseph protested looking at his mother at the entry gantry to his DropShip “I will learn nothing from them that I cannot learn from you.”

   â€œUnfortunately as much as I would love that to be the case, I have our nation to teach as well as you and I will not sacrifice your education and youth just because my duties call me in opposite directions.”  She said kneeling down in front of him “I love you my son however this is a better path for you than the one with me” she said wiping away a tear from her son’s face “you are my son, I expect you to behave yourself and listen to your teachers.  Come back to me and your sister and prove my decision correct.”  She said wiping her own face clear of tears, unfortunately there was little choice than what she was doing today with her Joseph would be a target from within and outwith the Commonwealth.  Giselle had already been targeted twice in her short life, Corrine hoped that sending Joseph to little known Washburn with his bodyguard would hide him from eyes wanting to harm him or her and perhaps give him an education he could use in the future to help Giselle and the greater Commonwealth.  She hated herself for sending him away however in the long run it would be for the best.  “Now be the man I need you to be, that our nation needs, be a Duke of the Free Worlds League and show all these people you are a Marik and proud of this duty.”

   â€œI will mother, I will make you proud” he said bringing himself to attention he mimicked a military salute before giving his mother a kiss on the cheek “I love you mother, I will do you proud.”  He said stepping back nodding towards his mother before turning heading down the gantry entering his DropShip.  Captain-General Corrine Marik remained at the spaceport until the DropShip was ready for take off and watched the vessel fly through the atmosphere and away from her homeworld, she silently hoped her choice was the right one for her young son.

Archer Christifori’s Officer
The Fort, Thorin
Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
14th March 3084

   â€œSir, have you seen this?”  Major Katya Christifori said entering her husbands officer within the Fort on Thorin, her official start immediately alerted the Star League Defence Force’s Commanding-General to trouble he glanced over the order.

   â€œIt looks like the Department of Communications is expanding its influence.”

   â€œBy rights sir the money spent on that should be spend on the SLDF.  The SLDF was reformed as a deterrent against the Clans now they want us to become a construction firm?”

   â€œBroadening their influence and standing within the Inner Sphere, my presence here is a testament to that as well.”  He said Thorin was still officially a Lyran world however day by day more of it was taken over by the SLDF, Archer had already been sounded out by several local officials who were waiting for the day that the world became a Protectorate world.  “Gavin Dow was ComStar he no doubt holds education higher than most things, information and knowledge are just as powerful as a gun.”

   â€œEven if it means less resources for your military.”

   â€œYes, I cannot really complain, with the inclusion of the Second Royal Armoured Division, the Second Black Watch coming to full strength and the Second Knights forming.”  He paused and smiled briefly "and Katya, it's not my military, I purely serve as it's General."

   â€œOf course sir, but what happened to you can never have enough resources?”

   â€œWell quality is better than quantity and I think our people are very well trained and equipped.  And that I won’t complain about.  When the Prefect is complete we will have a heavy Cavalry unit as well.”

   â€œHow far along is its testing?”

   â€œFirst prototype is complete so we shall soon see.”  Archer said the SLDF was hedging much of its resources on the success of the design and as soon he’d seen the prototype he was confident on its strength.  “Let Dow have his schools we have all that we need for now.”

LCS Yggdrasil (Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser)
Gillifillian’s Gold, Rim Collection
Periphery
21st March 3084

   Within the main meeting room of the LCS Yggdrasil Archon Peter Steiner-Davion stood in front of the gathered press.  “Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Lyrans, today I have agreed with President Flack Hunter that the Rim Collection will return to be an independent Periphery state.  This decision I have not taken to lightly however after speaking to the people of the Rim Collection I can understand where this choice has come from and in many ways I can support it.  The Rim Collection will remain a close ally of the Lyran people however change comes in many forms and sometimes making a change is an important time for many people.  If the Collection ever sees the need to return to the Lyran fold they will be more than welcome.”  Peter said stepping back from the waiting press he hated to lose the worlds of the Rim Collection however he also hated the idea of holding and insignificant territory against their will.
 
Mission: Revenge
Norfolk, Regulan Fiefs
Former Free Worlds League
24th March 3084

   As their DropShip approached the planet of Norfolk Brigadier-General Alisande Faulkner entered the Mechbay around her the other eleven MechWarriors, twelve vehicle crews and the assorted infantry that had accompanied her.  “We are on final approach to the planet of Norfolk and our target, we believe they are a subsidiary of Free Worlds Industries working under an assumed name and their entire reason for hiring the Wild Geese was to undermine Federated Suns companies and assets which would allow them to buy shares at rock bottom prices.”  She explained briefly they had all looked at the information provided and knew the data “they used the Wild Geese to forward there plans now we will use them for target practice.  We will land one kilometre inside the Park of Mechs the FWL Militia defending the planet do not patrol inside the park because of cultural and tourism bills.”

   â€œCan we waste it too?”  One of the Mechwarriors asked

   â€œNo, the Park of Mechs is of historical and cultural significance to the world of Norfolk and to the general Free Worlds League it still brings millions of visitors each year.  We are not here to start another Succession War, if it makes you feel any better it has a couple of famous Federated Suns battles…”

   â€œBut none of ours” one of the infantry said “although I admit the idea of Mechs being as small as us is an appealing concept” he said the Park of Mechs had stone statues of Mechs 1/8th their normal size making them approximately the size of most adults, they were highly detailed and attracted much interest.

   â€œJoin the Clans their ProtoMechs are not much bigger than PBIs”  Bondsman Tamara said she’d volunteered for this mission despite her non-warrior status, her Mech was in the bay as well, probably Faulkner requiring the Wild Geese’s best equipment.

   â€œThey will have a battle of ours” Alisande said cutting the discussion short “after today.” she added with a smile.  “Once on the ground we will proceed to the Whyme Weapons Plant, we believe our employers reside in a bunker under the north eastern quarter of the plant.  Once our Mechs and armour have secured the outside the DropShip will land and drop off our infantry who will proceed into the facility.  Any resistance gets put down, anyone who surrenders we capture and all papers we can recover we do so.  We owe the Federated Suns for trusting in us and allowing us to try and make good on our mistakes no mess ups and we all go home.”  She said looking at the couple of dozen faces they all knew the stakes “lets get to it.  Tamara stay a moment.”  She said allowing the others to leave “raise your wrist.”  She said Tamara did so.  “You have come a long way since Corporal Cooper brought you to us from Clan Nova Cat, now you have another step to take” Alisande said severing the cord “become a Wild Geese and honour Cooper’s memory.” Tamara nodded a tear running down the former Nova Cat’s face Corporal Jasper Cooper had died in a raid on Victoria since his death Tamara’s time with the Wild Geese had been more difficult until Alisande had accepted her as her own Bondsman.

   â€œI will” Tamara vowed “was this always the plan?  Why my Mech is here?”

   â€œThere’s no-one else here that can pilot it.”  Alisande said smiling looking at the Sphinx “she is a beauty though, now go get ready.”  The General said heading for her own Highlander BattleMech.

   An hour later the DropShip was burning through the atmosphere turning as it came down towards the surface “Bridge to Wild One.”

   â€œGo ahead” Alisande said trust something to go wrong already

   â€œWe are receiving a call from the planet Priority One, their authentication clears.”

   â€œPut them through.”  She said wondering who even knew the Wild Geese were enroute.

   â€œI repeat this is Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha, Priority One Comm. for Wild One.  Authorization 672-Foxtrot-Delta.”

   â€œRomeo-Zero-One-Alpha from Wild One. Authentication authorized.  State business.”

   â€œWe want to join the party orders of Foxtrot-Sierra-Victor-Sierra-Delta.”  The voice said naming the initials of the First Prince of the Federated Suns, this mission had just become an official one of the Federated Suns.  “You are late, we have been here a week.”

   â€œJumpShip trouble.  Your mission?”  Alisande asked checking the comm. was a secure one.

   â€œSupport you anyway we can, if you chose to do nothing we stand down, we will not prosecute business your show Wild One.”  The trooper confirmed Alisande smiled, the Federated Suns were still supporting them despite recent events.

   â€œLocation”

   â€œWe’re at two positions alpha team eight thousand metres high aboard a Poseidon Mobile Engineering Platform bravo team heading east past the Park of Mechs aboard a Hector Road Train, twelve souls.”  Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha replied although twelve did not sound like much the authorization code that had been given told Alisande that those twelve were members of the AFFS Elite Rabid Fox teams no doubt equipped with the best Battle Armour suit’s the Federated Suns could produce.

   â€œUnderstood we are broadcasting coordinates for our area of operations do what you can and must.  We are going in.”

   â€œUnderstood General, we’ll be there.”  The voice said signing off

   â€œSix minutes from landing, no contacts at landing zone.”  The DropShip commander announced throughout the Fortress-class DropShip.

   Nearly ten minutes later the Wild Geese Mechs and Vehicles were on the ground heading for the Whyme Weapons Plant as their DropShip ascended back into the atmosphere staying out of reach by ground forces, it could "hop" around quicker than them by moving into orbit and landing again it would hopefully limit the fire directed at the ship.  As the ground forces moved towards their objective they were joined by a Hector Road Train with two trailers attached, this eighty ton vehicle could travel huge distances across rugged terrain, this particular vehicle carried a six man Rabid Fox team each equipped with an Infiltrator III Heavy Battle Armour suit a not so insignificant asset for the Wild Geese's raid.

   Thirty minutes later they engaged the defenders at the Thyme Weapons Plant a mixed company of Mech and armour supported by nearly fifty infantry troops.  The Wild Geese Mechs quickly overpowered the local defenders allowing the DropShip to come in for a second landing.

   "Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha to Wild One, we're inbound."  The Rabid Fox commander said Alisande sat in her Mech looking at the screen as six further Infiltrator III Heavy Suits paragliding through the air towards their position firing magshot gauss fire into the back of a twenty-ton Marik Stinger as they glided under black para-foils.  The light Mech suddenly losing nearly a ton of armour from its back and legs toppled forward and fell as the Rabid Fox team fired at its front armour and head.

   "Nice to have you guys on our side."

   "We will go in first create a beachhead - Wild PBI follow us."  Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha replied still completely calm as his team detached their para-foils "Sierra-Zero-One-Bravo sit-rep."

   "All accounted for."  The female leader of the second replied like her counterpart the Rabid Fox commander seemed unfazed by the combat.

   "Wild One to Romeo and Sierra Callsigns, We have the perimeter, remember we want leaders of this little group and any information you can capture.  We were set up, we want to know who pulls the strings."

   "Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha, Wild One, this is why we are here ma'am."  The Rabid Fox commander acknowledged as his six man team led the Wild Geese infantry into the bunker.  The complex was more extensive than it appeared even from the sophisticated BattleMech sensors of the Wild Geese ground units.  Alisande knew this was not her area of expertise and she couldn't do much about what was going on underground despite how confused it sounded she knew the people she had in place were professionals.

   "Wild One, Wild Twelve" Tamara called "I have incoming group of Mechs at long range, possibly a cluster I mean Battalion, they appear to have Regulan colours."

   "Not militia?"

   "Negative, my Mech has the speed and weapons to keep them on edge."  Tamara suggested her Sphinx was a Clan built machine and was faster than most Inner Sphere heavy Mechs and far faster than Alisande's own Highlander.

   "No risks Tamara, Heavy lance follow Wild Twelve's lead she has the firepower and speed for the encounter."  She said she knew Leftenant Nicholas Lockhart was the commander of the lance but she also knew that he'd understand Alisande's reasoning it also gave Tamara a chance to show her worth for the Wild Geese.  The four Mechs accelerated forward Tamara's Sphinx and the lance's Falconer powering ahead of the others Alisande could do little more than martial her troops and prepare for the incoming Regulan forces.  She moved the Rabid Fox's Hector in front of the Fortress turning it towards the Wild Geese forces at each end making a makeshift wall a not particularly strong one but perhaps it would bring them a salvo or two from the incoming Regulans.  All Alisande could do was listen and wait.

   "...turn left ninety degrees"

   "Watch behind you."

   "Tamara, we need to retreat"

   "Neg, one moment, Heavy lance fall back by numbers I have rearguard, Wild One confirmed single Battalion BattleMech.  Older designs.  Regulan colours.  We are falling back, light damage two Mechs."  She said over the comm.

   "That's the final room cleared... Sierra-Zero-One-Bravo All clear repeat all clear.  We are evacuating."  Another voice announced from the facility.

   "Wild One all callsigns PBI and support pulling back to DropShip, Mechs and armour cover fire.  Heavy Lance retreat directly to DropShip.  Main gun, fire at will full cover fire."  Alisande ordered in rapid succession the four Mechs of heavy lance were nearing their location with long range sensors rapidly filling with contacts.  Alisande braced herself for heavier combat behind and above her the massive Long Tom III Artillery Cannon housed in the Fortress' nose thundered into action firing several rounds in rapid succession.  About a minute later behind the retreating heavy lance the Regulan forces were hit by the first salvo of weapons fire several contacts fell under the fire buying the heavy lance some more room Tamara's Sphinx continued to walk backwards firing its lasers taking damage at most turns but dealing out three times as much in return.  Alisande added her own Gauss rifle and Long Range Missiles to Tamara's fire leveling another Regulan Mech.

   "Wild One, Romeo-Zero-One-Alpha, infantry and packages secure, my people will hold the entrance."  The Rabid Fox commander said Alisande glanced at her sensor display noticing the twelve Infiltrator III Battle Armour suits standing at the entrance of the Fortress.

   "Understood heavy lance first, then armour, command will load next."

   "Got you covered Ma'am"

   "Stop calling me that" she complained with a small smile firing her weapons at another Regulan Mech, Tamara and the other four Mechs of heavy lance were approaching the Hector just as the Fortress' Long Tom fired again keeping the Regulans further back.  "Tamara get your Mech inside."  Alisande ordered stepping up to the Hector the Clan Mech was badly damaged but Tamara continued to fire her weapons.

   "Moving, sir" she said her seventy-five ton Mech seemed to skip over the Hector placing Mech's humanoid hands on the rear trailer and skipping over the low area it was an amazingly fluid movement that almost looked like a human skipping a wall.  Moments later an autocannon tore through the rear of the Hector tearing open the rear of the Road Train "surat!" Tamara shouted raising her left arm just ahead of her Mech's arm mounted laser the hand actuator was completely missing torn clear of the BattleMech.

   "Forget it Tamara, we need to go, that's an order get inside!"  Alisande said returning fire from the Regulans was intensifying.  Tamara fired her weapons into the incoming enemy forces reversing her Mech into the Fortress-class DropShip as she continued to fire.  "Armour next our job's done we need to get out of here, people no go slow today.  Bridge begin launch prep T-minus three minutes."  She ordered as Regulan fire tore into the forward section of the Hector, the vehicle exploded in a ball of fire showering Alisande's Mechs with shrapnel.

   "Command lance continue firing, hold them back, Long Tom control are you empty?"  She asked the Main Gun hadn't fired for a while.  "Perimeter guns defensive fire."

   "Bridge, Wild One, we could hit you with accidental fire."

   "Understood if you don't fire we could be overrun" she said seeing one of her Mechs an Albatross explode from internal missile detonations.  "Command lance continuous fire, all call signs retreat Rabids get inside nothing else you can do."  She said seeing a Challenger MBT disappear into the DropShip.  Overhead the main Long Tom Artillery piece fired again and again.

   "Main Gun, Wild One, we're clean and empty."  The DropShip's Long Tom gunners replied after firing several more salvos keeping the Regulan force busy.

   "Understood store the gun."  She said looking around only her Highlander, a Shootist and a Shadow Hawk BattleMech remained "Command Lance inside, I'm last Corporal Thomas you're first, Hernandez you're next."

   "General, my Mech is a bodyguard Mech I should be last."

   "Negative I'm the heaviest and this hail-mary was my idea, I pay for it."  She said firing all her weapons at four targets.  The Fortress' own guns were now also firing Thomas' Shadow Hawk disappeared into the DropShip followed by the Shootist leaving only Alisande's Mech.  She turned her back on the DropShip and walked backwards slowly taking hits from four direction.  "Control, boost off planet as-soon-as-possible."

   "Get on board General" a distorted voice said Alisande however was struck by more fire tearing what was left of her Gauss rifle off.

   "Not much chance of that..." Alisande whispered as something else hit her forward torso armour the Highlander staggered turning it to the left by the blow.  "Control, this is an Omega order leave."  She said the Highlander was stuck again this time on the torso destroying her main missile launcher.  Behind her there was a rumble, the bridge had followed orders the Omega order as the Fortress began to take off "Go..."  She whispered looking at her aft screens the back blast of the engines began to force her Mech forward but Alisande didn't care she typed her personal ID code into the keypad on her left hand side followed by 000X.  Alisande didn't even bother to try and control her Mech or fire its weapons she only looked at the rapidly escaping DropShip and smiled "...with my blessing soar."  she whispered before the Highlander exploded from its heart, the ninety ton Mech's 270 rated fusion engine let go all containment by her order and exploded in a huge fireball that engulfed almost the entire Regulan force around it.  Most of the remains of the Battalion were surrounded in fire, some would survive, some wouldn't, the Wild Geese had their revenge... but was it worth it?  Only time would tell, time gained by this mission.

Field Command Base
Tamarind, Duchy of Tamarind-Abby
Former Free Worlds League
8th May 3084

   Following dozens of raids throughout the Lyran Commonwealth, Duchy of Tamarind-Abby and the Marian Hegemony the Star League Intelligence Command officially take interest in the UD-4L Raider Special Operations craft being seen throughout the region.  The SLIC confirm the UD-4L is not a Marian Hegemony product leading to many believing that there is a secret factory somewhere in the periphery producing them for raider forces.  The SLIC task several Battle Armour teams from the SAS Division to multiple Duchy of Tamarind-Abby and Lyran Commonwealth worlds intending on capturing members of the UD-4L Raider teams and closing in on their base planet or on the construction world.

Intelligence Command
Fox's Den, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
13th May 3083

   Following the breaking of a new level of Free Worlds League encryption House Davion's analysts, surveillance and espionage unit the MI2 and MI3 were working on a wealth of information until they found references to the discovery of the Lucretia in a FWL system.

   House Davion begins investigating their own Lucretia Incident looking over information that was gathered the last time the Lucretia was encountered in the New Syrtis system when it disappeared from the Shipyards there following a K-F Drive failure.  House Davion begin to wonder if the secretive vessel intentionally set up the "accident."

Security Patrol
Silver, Duchy of Tamarind-Abby
Former Free Worlds League
15th May 3084

   As his increasingly ill father Jeremy Brett took a more honorary leadership role of the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby his son Duke Photon Brett-Marik took the public leadership position although he continued to regard his father to be the leader.  With this public role Photon had taken to tours of the Duchy's worlds keeping the public face of security.  During one such trip onto the world of Silver while spending some time with the local farmers of one small town the company from the First Tamarind Militia escorting Photon was overwhelmed in a shower of incendiary and inferno missile fire while Photon himself was caught in a building fire and missing presumed lost.  The next day further Tamarind Militia forces searched the area but found no sign of survivors as the entire township burned, there was also no sign of Photon Brett-Marik's body.

Military Base
Gillifillian's Gold, Rim Collection
Periphery
22nd May 3084

   Following the breaking of the Rim Collection from the Lyran Commonwealth the LCAF High Command chose to fold the Distant Rim Lancer units into the Lyran Regulars forming two new units from these three units.  From the three folded units however and from the First Distant Rim Lancers which had joined the Rim Collection wholly there were those who did not like these two options and instead ended their links to both nations.

   Hearing a call of a new unit forming on Gillifillian's Gold these troops with family owned, salvaged equipment and equipment purchased from the Lyrans the unit formed the reborn Able's Aces a new reinforced Mercenary Battalion.  Standing apart from the Able's Own Regiment these Able's Aces stood under the command of Major Karen Able, grand daughter of original Able's Aces commander and now retired General Jerry Able.  The unit is almost immediately snapped up for a contract in the Duchy of Tamarind-Abby although far from home it seen as a perfect break from Lyran and Rim Collection politics.

Border Dispute
Denbar, St Ives Compact
23rd May 3084

   Capellan Confederation forces raid the St Ives Compact pinning down the Second St Ives Lancers regiment.  The battle rages for three days before the St Ives Lancers push the Capellans off the planet following a charge by the Lancers commander Colonel Sao Feng.  Following the Capellan withdrawal however Sao Feng is no where to be found on the planet nor is there a sign of a body.

Trials of Possession
Dell, Clan Wolf Occupation Zone
28th May 3084

   For his first offensive action as a Clan Hell's Horses officer and commander Star Colonel Jake Kabrinski, an Elemental formerly of Clan Ghost Bear, launches an invasion on the Wolf world of Dell.  Unlike the Wolf invasion of the world during the initial invasion Jake decided a decisive move against the planetary capital of Cosmopolis.  Leading nearly a full trinary of Elementals Jake drops at various points across the capital declaring the world for Clan Hell's Horses.  Local Wolf garrison forces scramble to resist the incoming Hell's Horses Elementals however as they turn to face the Elementals in the city BattleMechs enter from behind them hitting the Wolves from behind.  The Clan dueling rituals are forgotten almost immediately with both Clan forces ignoring all tenants of combat, multiple units combine fire and buildings become legit targets for both Clans.

   After a lengthy battle both Clan forces are heavily damaged with the Hell's Horses winning through.  Star Colonel Jake Kabrinski enjoying his position as a conqueror over Clan Wolf looks to further conquests.

Nice update, only thing is New Samarkand is in the Galedon (later New Samarkand) Military District.

Here's another short bit

First Day
Nagelring, Tharkad
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
3rd July 3084

   The first of the new Steiner family to come of age Duchess Jessica Steiner enrols at Nagelring studying a Physics and Literature degree.  Despite being two years younger than the majority of her fellow students Jessica quickly proves to be extremely capable and throws herself completely into her studies.  By her own choice she takes to living in Student Accommodation at the Nagelring instead of a Steiner family residence.  Her down to earth approach immediately wins her favour of many of the lecturers and of the students who begin to see her as “The People’s Duchess” even students of families that are often rivals of House Steiner support Jessica.  Watching from afar and through various sources her father Archon Peter Steiner-Davion is very happy with the approach his daughter has taken.

HPG Site
Toffen, Ghost Bear Dominion
8th July 3084

   Travelling safely through the Ghost Bear Dominion the Goliath Scorpion’s Chi Galaxy land on Toffen right at the tip of the Dominion.  From there using his contacts within the Eridani Light Horse Star Colonel Rufus Myers gains rights for the Goliath Scorpion Galaxy and their attending WarShip to travel to Dieron and land on the world.  The SLS Shining Claw, Congress Block II-class Frigate, is allowed to jump into the Ghost Bear Dominion to provide an escort through the Draconis Combine to ensure the Clan unit can move unmolested.  The Draconis Combine government and the DCMS allow this transition to be completed unopposed which surprises almost everyone..
 
Negotiations
Thorin, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
14th July 3084

   The Star League Defence Force is approached by Clan Sea Fox for possession over the two remaining Intrepid-class Troop Ships that remain as derelicts in the Terra system.  The Sea Fox merchants are invited to Thorin to negotiate.  Members from each of the Khanates attend meeting with SLDF staff however following several hours of talk the SLDF refuse to hand over the two vessels as they become afraid of the Sea Fox’s Naval Strength.

Capellan Raid
Oriente, Oriente Protectorate
Former Free Worlds League
20th July 3084

   The Capellan Confederation launch a heavy strike on Oriete the capital of the Oriente Protectorate shattering the Second Brigade of the Fusiliers of Oriente causing damage to multiple facilities and causing the death of the recently retired Grand Duke Christopher Halas.  The Capellans retreat before Oriente defenders can mount a significant counter attack; they also take much of their lost equipment with them.

Wolf's Dragoons Encampment
Melissa, Melissa Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
6th September 3084

   The Wolf's Dragoons Beta Regiment, under contract with the Lyran Commonwealth, is ambushed on Melissa by Alpha Galaxy of Clan Jade Falcon under the command of Loremaster Bryan Pryde.  With the Jade Falcons striking from multiple directions the Dragoons are taken by surprise by the fast moving Clan force.  Far from any Lyran Commonwealth or SLDF support the Wolf's Dragoons unit is left to their own devices under heavy fire and stumbling into more and more Clan units the mercenaries have little chance.  Instead of retreating further the Dragoons make their last stand causing heavy damage to the Falcon force but ultimately falling to the increasing numbers of Jade Falcons.  Surprisingly the Jade Falcons do not remain on the planet instead they leave the destroyed Dragoons on Melissa's soil in pieces not taking a single Dragoon survivor as a bondsman or any pieces of salvage.

Major-General Bannister Cameron's Officer
Second Royal Armoured Cavalry HQ
Liberty, Star League Protectorate
18th September 3084

   Sitting at his desk looking at the tri-vid for perhaps the third time Major-General Bannister Cameron shook his head lost in though.  "What is it General?"  Colonel Andrea Kincaid asked Cameron who had not even heard his aide's entry into the room.

   "The Clan wants to see me and our unit."

   "Which Clan?"  She asked, the Clans were a prickly subject for the Second Armoured they were enroute to join the task force leaving on the Exodus when their accident happened.  If the Second Armoured had joined the rest of the SLDF they too would have become members of the Clans or victims of the Exodus Civil War.  Every member of the Second Armoured had friends who had left in the Exodus, some were well known others not so, still the question on how the lived or died played on many of the Clan’s thoughts.

   "The Goliath Scorpions... one I have not heard of."  Cameron admitted of all the members of the unit he was probably least affected by the history of the Exodus and the fate of the SLDF.  He already knew his family’s fate at the hands of Amaris and had been cared of so much by the SLDF that he’d been given a Periphery assignment out of the way forgotten.  In some ways he was glad he missed the Exodus, although the Clans obviously had a lot more interest in him.

   "I have" Kincaid said quietly "they treasure relics of the fallen Star League." She continued "they have no territories in the Inner Sphere however they have taken much interest in the Eridani Light Horse especially the Huntress garrisons."

   "So their interest in a meeting with me could be more than just interest?"  Cameron wondered

   "They could want you, General, a living breathing member of the Cameron living line.  You could have an honoured position within the Clans, maybe even your own House."  Cameron visibly shivered at the thought his house was long dead, he didn’t plan on resurrecting it with artificial technology in a distant land, if his name was to live on it would be though his actions and his upbringing of offspring.  Although he had to admit at forty-two years old he was beginning to wonder if he would ever have children, modern technology made his age largely irrelevant in regards to the biology of things but still didn’t help in the cosmetic changes that came along with age.  All he could do was live well, eat healthy and hope someone came along into his life.

   "Perhaps not, our position is already strange.  We are part of this new Star League given a place within its honoured heart however we are still apart from them. And building a home here on this world, we are unlikely to fight any battle."

   "Perhaps a place within a Clan would be more appealing closer to the Kerensky Line?"  Kincaid joked

   "Negative."  Cameron protested "We need to be careful with these Goliath Scorpions, obviously they share something with the Eridani, no we cannot become equally close to them.  If we show them, the entire Inner Sphere could turn from us; they have lost too much to these Clans of Kerensky."  Cameron said quietly "perhaps a more informal visitation with these Goliath Scorpions."  He mused quietly.

Staging Ground
Murphid, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
22nd September 3084

   The firebase that staged the Fifteenth Arcturan Guards was not much to look at however it was her first planetary base.  Katrina Allard was with a group of new members joining the Fifteenth however she was the highest in rank and position so instead of finding her billings she instead headed for the Colonel's officer knocking on the heavy wooden door she was called into the room.  Inside there were two men the first a large middle aged man sitting at the table the second a far smaller man standing off his shoulder with Leutenant insignia.

   "Welcome to Murphid Leutenant Allard, I am Colonel Felix Blucher." The Colonel said with a deep voice

   "Thank you sir, I am honoured to join such a unit."

   "But not so honoured as your brother within the First Royal Guards."  The Leutenant said with a small smirk

   "The Fifteenth Arcturan is an honoured Regiment with a long history I am happy to join it, Leutenant?"

   "Fisk, Luther Fisk of Odessa."

   "My aide-de-camp." Blucher said quietly "Leutenant Allard you are very welcome to the unit as is your Mech, a Hauptmann a true Lyran OmniMech within our command is most welcome.  Please ensure you are well settled."

   "Aye, sir” Katrina said leaving the room

   "A political appointee?"  Luther asked quietly

   "You could speak Fisk" Blucher said smirking perhaps he finally had someone that could replace Fisk as his aide, given time.  “You have arrived just in time Leutenant, we are being deployed to Baltazar III, hopefully your arrival will bring good luck to our future.”

Corporate Offices, Luthien Armour Works (LAW)
New Samarkand, Midway Military District
Draconis Combine
27th September 3084

   At a press conference at Luthien Armour Works (LAW) offices on New Samarkand the corporation announces it will be fulfilling contracts and obligations made before the fall of Luthien to an asteroid strike.  Although the company holds offices on New Samarkand, Dieron, Pesht and many others throughout the Combine its main complex had been destroyed on Luthien's LAW Island, including more than 70% of its OmniMech production capabilities.  The company announces it will be continuing to trade under the LAW name and furthermore debuts a newly designed OmniVehicle, although the company's new found assets are questionable to many within the Draconis Combine officials within the DCMS and ISF remain unconcerned instead immediately making orders for the newly available equipment.

   Around the Inner Sphere corporations wonder exactly how LAW have continued production so seamlessly despite the losses incurred on Luthien.  They confirm that all LAW have done in recent months is rebuild the armour production facility on Irece, but that does not explain the abundance of OmniMech production that seems to be available to the company.

Backroom Take Away Resturant
Milos, St Ives Compact
29th September 3084

   "You think you can do it?"

   "My team is capable if you can match our price?"  The green armoured Bounty Hunter said wearing a fully sealed suit of Power Armour custom fitted to their body no-one knew if it was a he or a she which all but added to the mystique, it also helped in intimidation especially during contract negotiations.

   "Colonel Sao Feng is in possession of several state secrets of the St Ives Compact, we will match any price for their return."  The St Ives negotiator promised, the Bounty Hunter noted that he'd said "their return" not "the Colonel's return" obviously what Sao Feng was in possession of was important.

   "You know where he is likely to have been taken?"

   "Most likely The Crucible."  The St Ives man said, the Bounty Hunter had heard of the place but like anyone outside the Capellan's Maskirovika had never seen it or even dreamed of ever going there it was a top secret prison the Capellans maintained within the Sian system and only the worse or most important prisoners were taken there.

   "I've heard of such a place but I also know of its significance, an operation against it could cause far worse problems than a simple extraction."

   "We have acquired a Combine registered JumpShip, crewed by people from that region, for carrying your vessel to the system it is equipped with a LF battery, we can insert you anywhere in the Sian system and extract you without having to wait for a secondary charge."

   "Best laid plans..." The Bounty Hunter said "I'll have to cause more than a little chaos on that station to keep them guessing, spring people you may not want sprung to hide the operation's target.  I won't be handing them all to you."

   "Nor would we want, consider their ransom your bonus.  I'm sure other realms would pay greatly to have their people back or the Capellans would pay to have them returned.  And if releasing them to cause more trouble is your pleasure so be it, we can deal with whatever the Capellans handled."

   "I'll do it, I have one job left to collect on then we will complete this mission."  The Bounty Hunter said agreeing quietly his suit's speakers suddenly a far lower volume than they had been "my team will pull off this operation and I will deliver Sao Feng to you."

   "The JumpShip is at the Nadir point, it has been instructed to await your arrival and follow your every order."

   "I've heard that before."

   "It will happen."  The St Ives man promised.

   "We'll see, and I'll be back soon."  The Bounty Hunter promised without another word he turned and left through the restaurants back door.  The St Ives negotiator stood up and turned towards the front of the shop.

   "Manuel, your books seem in order, I'll be back in a couple of months for a follow up visit."  He said walking through the door trying to act like an over picky restaurant chain owner.  "I expect the best, remember that, this should feel like a home to our guests."

   "Si Senior."  The manager replied in a subdued tone, her was perhaps the only man on the entire world of Milos of Hispanic decent making him unique, if anyone actually knew how truly unique this particular manager was.

   "Just remember don't mention any wars, a peaceful business is a productive one."

   "Si Senior" the manager replied for a second time even more subdued.

   "Good, good my business is done, I'll be off" he said specially pronouncing his words "you know, important people to see, things to do" he said finishing his set up scene for anyone listening.

   "Si Senior" the restaurant manager said continuing to play his part, not often was his restaurant used like this but the needs must for the Compact, he would do his duty for its continued survival.

Trials of Position
Tortuga Prime, Nova Cat's Den
Periphery
4th November 3084

   Many things had changed, and many remained the same.  None so different was the world of Tortuga Prime and its single city Raven's Roost.  After hearing stories of the Pirates of Tortuga and the Tortuga Fusiliers Leftenant Prince Burton Davion had relished a visit to the world during his Diplomatic mission to the Nova Cat's Den however what he had seen had surprised him.  Unlike the other worlds of the Nova Cat's Den Tortuga had been allowed to fall to pieces, the first planet the Nova Cats had captured during their assaults in the early 3050s losing both Khans to a determined defence, their replacement Khan West had quickly realized the world would not sustain the Clan and instead had searched for other places to colonize which had resulted in the finding and colonization of New Barcella.  While the Nova Cat's capitol world was something on par with New Avalon or any of the other capitals around the Inner Sphere, Tortuga was a mess probably worse than it had ever been in history.

   On the planet which had really only ever had a single city, Raven's Roost, only two new facilities had been built and maintained by the Clan personnel on the planet, the Spaceport and the Watch Facility.  In the city itself there was an area named the "Green Zone" by the Nova Cats, still inhabited by nearly six thousand civilians many were from a former mercenary unit that had attacked the Nova Cats believing Tortuga still a pirate world others original inhabitants who had refused to relocate while further inhabitants were of the Nova Cat's own criminal nature exiled to the world to try to make a life on the desolate world.  Burton had inquired about a visit to the Watch building in the heart of the city, built on the ruins of the old Tortuga Fusiliers base, however he had been refused few non-Watch Nova Cats were even allowed there.  According to the Nova Cats the Watch had remained under the Khan's personal direction since his time as a member of the organisation and visits to the facility were highly regulated instead Burton was restricted to the spaceport which was fine by Burton as it was comfortable, air conditioned and perfectly placed for him to observe the true reason for his visit.

   Today his cousin Sonja Nova Cat, freeborn daughter of Khan Canin Rosse and Yvonne Nova Cat, faced her first Trial of Position and while the Green Zone was a safe area of Raven's Roost the rest of the city was considered to be an open fire zone.  Live fire weapons were used in the area all the time either in weapons tests or in Trials.  In effect the Nova Cats had turned the city of Raven's Roost into a massive Urban combat zone similar to some of the pits on Solaris, Burton had been careful not to mention such a thing to the Nova Cats present.  The Prince was also surprised to hear that while the city was a live fire zone the Nova Cats did not restrict access to the area, anyone from the green zone could enter and leave as they wished, as long as they didn't mind becoming targets. Burton hadn't understood the Nova Cat logic in this but hadn't inquired further pushing an understanding on the fact would be difficult for anyone beyond the Nova Cats.

   Looking at the monitors Burton could see that Sonja's Trial was about to begin.  At one side of the city Sonja and another warrior stood while across the city six other Mechs stood, he'd seen plenty of vids in school and on entertainment channels to understand a Clan warrior would face one warrior at a time during a trial, destroying one opponent made them a warrior in the Clan, two a Star Commander, three a Star Captain and the unlikely four kills would be a Star Colonel instant command of a Cluster.  From his history lessons Burton knew that the only Clan warrior to achieve four kills was Natasha Kerensky on her return to Clan Wolf while Duke Kai Allard-Liao had gained five kills in the Wolf's Dragoons own trials in 3051 he had used Clan technology against Inner Sphere Mechs of lighter tonnage so Burton wasn't sure of the exact result despite his respect for the former leader of the St Ives Compact.  He did know that Kai had soundly beaten his father in that trial and the only reason Victor had received his Dire Wolf OmniMech instead of Kai was because the St Ives warrior had refused it.

   Manipulating his console’s controls Burton looked at Sonja's Mech, a seventy ton Summoner OmniMech, the table in front of him activating showing him a rotating wire frame image of the OmniMech it was a non standard configuration the design carrying two Extended Range Lasers in one arm, an Extended Range Particle Cannon in the other all supported by a Targeting Computer for additional accuracy.  In the torso a six-launch capable Short Range Missile Launcher and a ten-tube Long Range Missile Launcher resided to support the missiles and hunt for weak points in the armour.  He then looked at her opponents a heavy seventy-ton Nova Cat OmniMech, a medium forty-five ton Shadow Cat OmniMech and finally a second medium OmniMech this one fifty tons named the Nova.

   Glancing at the other trialist's Mech Burton could see it was a squat Cauldron-Born OmniMech a heavy design like Sonja's but before he could look at its configuration the trial began.  Sonja instantly launching her Mech into the air and to the right as the Trial began, as it reached the top of its jump she fired her long range missiles and as her Mech landed they began to pepper her first opponent the Nova.  Burton was slightly confused by her choice if it had been him he'd have struck out at the Nova Cat taking out the heaviest first would make for an easier fight but he wasn't a clansman.

   Now a target the Nova moved forward covering more ground running than Sonja had in her jump the fifty ton OmniMech could match Sonja's Summoner in movement although she had more weapons and armour.  Turning Sonja moved between two buildings coming out onto the same street as the Nova, lifting her Mech's arms she fired both a laser and a particle blast down the street only the particle bolt hit the Nova burning away almost a ton of standard armour off the Nova's left arm.  The fifty ton OmniMech returned fire with its own Large Laser and its own missile launcher, twice the size of Sonja's launcher the Nova's twenty long range missiles peppered the OmniMech's entire body however the laser went wide burning the wall of a nearby building.  Sonja ran her Mech forward disappearing into another street, the Nova launched into the air on its own Jump Jets firing more missiles and lasers down at Sonja's Mech, under the missile fire Sonja's Mech stumbled slightly Burton focused on her Mech and saw one of the missiles had struck her Mech's head rattling the cockpit.  Not the nicest feeling for any MechWarrior especially since the head had the lightest armour on most Mechs.

   Recovering Sonja turned and launched her Mech into the air towards her opponent who had just come in to land at the top of her jump she rained down long and short range missiles adding in her medium laser to the mix peppering her opponent with damage.  Surprising Burton the Nova held its ground and returned fire with four medium lasers three struck the landing Summoner burning more of its torso armour.  Now close together Sonja's larger Mech dodged around the low shouldered Nova the two Mechs exchanging laser, particle cannon and missile fire both Mechs taking damage the Nova taking more damage.  Sonja jumped her Mech again, from his display Burton could see it was beginning to get hot in the fifty ton OmniMech few Mechs ran at neutral heat Clan Mechs especially ran warm.

   The two Clan Mechs continued to dance around each other for several more moments until a mistake from Sonja's opponent landed her Summoner behind the Nova with weaker armour covering the fifty ton machine's back it stood little chance as Sonja's particle cannon and missiles cored through the armour causing the Mech to stumble and fall forwards.  Sonja followed up with two laser blasts to the back of the Nova, the fifty ton OmniMech didn't raise up off the ground defeated, Sonja was now officially a MechWarrior in the Nova Cat Touman.

   In the next battle Burton could see that Sonja's fellow candidate warrior had already killed their first opponent and was almost through with killing their second enemy.  Sonja's second opponent the Shadow Cat was already moving forward, a gauss rifle supersonic slug fired down the streets towards Sonja's OmniMech, the gauss slug tore through three buildings blowing through several full walls of concrete before embedding itself in the fourth building some sixty metres from Sonja's Mech, given the damage the Summoner had already taken it would likely have taken off the Mech's leg if it had hit.  Sonja seemed to realise this and cut right turning her back on the incoming Shadow Cat before jumping one hundred-and-fifty metres away from the Shadow Cat, which already was closing on her at over ninety kilometres per hour, a second gauss slug flew past Sonja's Mech while it was in the air.

   Finally Sonja returned fire with her Summoner's particle cannon and long range missile launcher the particle cannon slammed into the Shadow Cat's left shoulder the missiles struck the Mech's left arm and leg.  The lighter Mech launched into the air at the top of its jump the pilot fired a gauss slug down at the Summoner striking the left thigh of Sonja's Mech tearing through the armour not a crippling blow but tough enough.  Sonja twisted her Mech's torso and fired her short range missile launcher the six missiles flew up meeting the Shadow Cat as it came to land causing damage to the Mech's front and lower legs, she followed up with a particle cannon blast which tore into the grounded Mech.  Launching her own Mech into the air Sonja avoided the Shadow Cat's incoming extended-range lasers, her own lasers and particle cannon fired as the Summoner raised the laser struck the already weakened leg shattering the knee joint while the particle blast tore into the upper torso, the blast tore up the torso tearing into the face of the Mech, the cockpit caved in as the blast traveled through the Mech.  Even from his booth away from the action Burton could tell the Shadow Cat warrior was dead, the OmniMech fell impotent without its pilot to keep it standing.

   "Impressive" Burton remarked watching Sonja's Mech run off in another direction, the Nova Cat tech beside him just grunted an answer.  Sonja now held firepower and speed advantage over her opponent however her Mech was very low on armour.  Her last opponent the Nova Cat matched her in tonnage and had long reaching weapons she'd have to close quickly to even the score in close.  Her opponent unable to see Sonja's Mech visually launched into the air on jump jets, acquiring its target the Nova Cat lashed out with four extended-range lasers, hitting with three they burned what little armour the Summoner had left on its right arm tearing off the particle cannon the Summoner stumbled and fell under the hit and the loss of its limb slamming into the ground causing more damage Burton could see there was still life in the Mech however its long range firepower had been severely compromised.

   Rolling her Mech over Sonja used the left arm to help lever the Mech back up onto its feet and began scanning for her enemy however standing up had made her a target once more, as soon as her Summoner stood it was hit by four laser blasts, the Mech staggered and fell under the second barrage this time sprawled on its back.  Burton averted his eyes for a moment as the Nova Cat closed on the downed Summoner even as Sonja tried to rise the Nova Cat stepped on the Nova Cat's left arm pinning the heavy Mech down under seventy tons of Mech.  For a moment Burton thought the Nova Cat would fire its weapons into the downed Mech however it just stood there looking down at the Summoner, both weapon arms standing ready almost challenging Sonja to engage again.  Instead Sonja shut down her Mech in surrender she'd passed her Trial of Position with two kills enough to make her a Star Commander within the Nova Cat Touman, if she survived, as Burton looked at the downed Summoner still pinned by the Nova Cat he wondered if it would fire.  Officially a Trial of Position did not have to end with one warrior's death however as Burton was learning among the Clans the official line was not always the factual one.  If the pilot fired they would probably face a Trial of Refusal because of the dishonourable way it had ended however Burton had heard of such things happening.  Moments passed and the Nova Cat continued to look at the downed Mech, Sonja had remained within the shutdown Mech obviously not taking a chance out of it despite the likely results being the same.  The Nova Cat straightened up and stepped off the crushed left arm of the Summoner before walking away from the downed OmniMech, the Trial was over.  In the spaceport control booth Burton let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and could not get over one thought 'the Clans are insane' for once he was glad for Academy end of year exams and simulated weapons.

Goliath Scorpion Force
Kentares System
Draconis March, Federated Suns
1st December 3084

   Under orders from their Coordinator Draconis Combine Admiralty forces escort the Goliath Scorpions Chi Galaxy out of the Draconis Combine into the Federated Suns, completely surprising the Combine the Goliath Scorpions show no resistance at all to the DCA forces.  Leaving the Galaxy and its attached WarShip escort in the Kentares system within the Federated Suns Draconis March the DCA forces make a rapid retreat.  Thinking on their feet and realizing their location the Goliath Scorpions ask for and gain access to land on Kentares by Duchess Jennifer Dresari in exchange for some Clan technology.  Landing near the Kentares Massacre Memorial the Goliath Scorpions begin to study the monument to one of the great tragedies of the Succession Wars while the Federated Suns attempt to work out what to do with the ejected Clan warriors.

Second Royal Armoured Cavalry HQ
Quantico Island, Liberty
Star League Protectorate
8th December 3084

   The work done to the former Star League Marine HQ on Liberty was nothing but outstanding from what Commanding-General Archer Christifori had seen.  From what he had been told before the Second Armoured landed here the Buildings on Quantico island were half falling down, relics of a by-gone era with almost no chance of rehabilitation.  On arriving on Liberty he could see things were far different from before the SLDF Division had arrived.

        Although the sea towers which had long ago been the farthest reach of the Island's defences remained empty the rest of the harbour section had been completely refurbished and now sported dockings for several deep-sea blue-water vessels including an imposing looking Davion-built Rapier-type Destroyer, Archer guessed it was part of the local militia since Liberty was mostly a massive ball of water with tiny islands dotting the surface.  Elsewhere in the facility the living accommodations had been completely renovated, the Mechbays rebuilt and in the process of being extended, and engineers of the division had begun to reopen several of the closed off vaults held under the main facility interested to find if anything had been left when he Star League Defence Force pulled out.

   "I'm very impressed Major-General."

   "Thank you sir" Bannister Cameron answered "we are still a long way from completion, most of our dependents are still stuck aboard their DropShips and none of our Blackwasps are stationed on the ground all are still attached to the Wasp."  He said making note to the Commanding-General that the unit still needed the Potemkin-class Troop Ship and their DropShips, he'd heard rumours of the SLDF selling off their large troop carrying ships to one of the Clans for resources, the last thing he wanted done to the Wasp.

   "She'll be around for a while General so I wouldn't worry about losing her."  Archer said almost reading the mans mind.

   "So what brings you to Liberty?"

   "Two issues Bannister" Archer said more informally "first is the Goliath Scorpions that were on Dieron."

   "Were?"

   "Aye, the Draconis Combine ejected them into the Federated Suns about a week ago they are now landed on Kentares."  Archer said he could see Bannister understood the importance of that world, good he'd read some of the Inner Sphere's darker recent history.  "They have again requested to meet with you.  I cannot and will not order you to do so however perhaps it would keep them on their continued peaceful track."

   "I can meet with them, sir, however I will do so on my terms.  I'll take a Battalion to Kentares and meet with some of their representatives."

   "Good"

   "And your second reason for visiting?"  Bannister asked.

   "I'd like to borrow one of your Wayland Mobile Bases."  Archer said spying one of the large vehicles as it crossed the forecourt.

   "Why?"

   "We'd like to produce more of them."  Archer explained "during the Succession Wars all Waylands were destroyed as were their production facilities.  On Terra Bergan Industries still exists and is possibly in a position to completely reproduce further Waylands, also to ensure enough of these vehicles can be produced I'd like to involve New Earth Trading Company (NETC).  They have the production facilities capable of producing enough of these for the SLDF and possibly some export, since they are partly owned by the SLDF we should be able to keep control over the vehicle unless we want to sell them.

   "That is doable, if it gives our people a chance to return to Terra we may even be able to get the crew to go with it away from the unit which would likely help in its reproduction."  Bannister offered he knew at least one of the Wayland maintenance crews would jump at that chance, and if their family could go too on an extended break it would help the unit settle back into the Inner Sphere.  Since leaving their post in the Periphery and landing on modern Liberty Bannister had found that he was more and more a political figure than a military commander, he had to think of his civilian dependents as well as his Division.

   "I'm sure that would be appreciated."

   "I will have it done, sir."  Bannister said despite his family name Archer was beginning to understand Bannister Cameron he was just a man, someone who wanted to fit in, likely the whole reason his unit remained with the SLDF.  Perhaps that was how he'd deal with the unit in the future, treat them just like the other units of the SLDF, give them the acceptance they obviously wanted.

       "Now how about we have a look at some of those Blackwasps you have?  They sound interesting" Archer said quickly changing the topic.  Considering the recent work in the Terran system's Kuiper Belt there were other reasons for the Commanding-General's interest in the Drone Aerospace Fighter but no-need to concern the Second Armoured with those troubles yet.

Bandit Raid
Dead Rock, Periphery
14th December 3084

   As part of duties in guarding the Nova Cat's Den the Clan had taken on itself to keep the area around their space and the Filtvelt Coalition safe of bandit forces, this allowed the Clan forces to move about a bit and use live fire weapons against enemies two things that kept the warriors happy.  Recently larger forces had appeared as part of his assignment with the Nova Cats Leftenant Prince Burton Davion had requested and been granted permission to join one of these missions attached to the 274th Striker Cluster of Tau Galaxy under the command of Star Colonel Jullamon Lossey.  The world was a dead rock there was little to say about it however the Nova Cats had chased the pirate force through several hills and a valley cornering them at the far end of a box canyon.

   "Pirate force you are cornered and under our guns, surrender now and your deaths will be swift." Jullamon Lossey had broadcast from his Huntsman OmniMech, Burton's own Templar OmniMech was less than one hundred metres from the Star Colonel, a veteran Nova Cat warrior he'd thought on many worlds and from what Burton had seen he was an honourable man.

   "Clan warrior, we have one of yours, we will trade you her life our freedom."  The pirates replied there was several moments of silence before Lossey replied.

   "Pirate we have suffered no losses fighting today."

   "Don't lie Clanner we have a Star Colonel McKenna of yours and we'll hold her for long enough to shoot her, you will never get her back."

   "McKenna?"  Burton whispered the McKenna Bloodname was not a Nova Cat Bloodname, despite there being several WarShip commanders with the name, Burton thought it may be a Snow Raven one.

   "Pirate listen very closely we have lost nothing here you have lost much.  McKenna is not one of ours; we care nothing for her survival."  Lossey challenged, that pushed it for the pirates six enemy Mechs supported by a group of Hovercraft charged from the valley attacking the Nova Cat force.  It was in all a slaughter neither Burton nor Lossey were in position to engage however plenty of the 274th were in position and taking full advantage of the pirate's suicide charge.

   The battle was over quickly the Mechs and armour fell quickly leaving only infantry forces on Nova Cat scans.  Pushing forwards Nova Cat Battle Armour forces pushed into the pirate compound slaughtering what remained of the pirate force.  Nearly thirty minutes later the compound was secure and both Burton and Lossey entered the complex to examine what remained, the Nova Cats rarely took salvage from such operations but computer terminals and data sticks were of interest as they could follow the trail to another Bandit base.

       Within Star Colonel McKenna remained bound and gagged within the complex, initially the Nova Cats were going to do nothing however Burton moved forward and cut her bonds she was a beautiful woman long dark hair and a small tatoo under her left eye that singled her out, her clothes were in tatters almost not there.  "I am Prince Burton Davion, you are safe."  He greeted her careful not to use contractions around the various clansmen as he removed his jacket wrapping it around her shoulders.

   "Aff, you are safe and a bondsman of Clan Nova Cat." Lossey said

   "Neg" Burton said turning on the Nova Cat MechWarrior "you did not defeat her, I understand some of your ways you did not win her in battle."

   "Mr Ambassador" Lossey said using Burton's official title among the Nova Cats "you have no authority here; we will do as we need to do Quiaff?"  The Star Colonel asked surprised at the Leftenant's challenge

   "Negative, as a MechWarrior to another MechWarrior, I challenge you to her bond.  I may not have standing within you Clan but I do have a sense of honour and I have standing as a warrior, you will respect me and my challenge."  Burton said standing between the Nova Cats and the woman who was slowly bringing herself to her feet.

   "And if you do not respect him you will respect me, I am Sterling McKenna of Clan Snow Raven these pirate stavags assaulted the civilian trade ship we were travelling with took me prisoner before I could reach my ship, I was taken without a fight I do not plan on this happening again."  The Raven Warrior said regaining some of her strength

   "The Ravens and Nova Cats have never been the best of friends neither have we been deadly enemies."  Lossey said quietly "with respect towards the courage of my Davion Ambassador I will be willing to allow you to return to Snow Raven held space without further incident."  Lossey said nodding towards Burton before turning around and leaving without a further word.

   "Davion?"  Sterling McKenna asked looking at Burton holding his jacket around her shoulders.

   "Burton Davion, Prince of the Federated Suns, I am currently serving as Ambassador with the Nova Cats."

   "A fighting Ambassador?"  Sterling said quietly "perhaps there is worth in the Federated Suns after all."

   "Perhaps" Burton said with a small smile.

   "I appreciate your willingness to stand up for me despite not knowing me; perhaps we will speak again some time." Sterling said, the way she said it Burton took it as a promise more than a question.  With her release Sterling McKenna was returned to Clan Snow Raven by the Nova Cats who despite being unhappy with Burton Davion’s request but honouring it.
 
Goliath Scorpion Encampment
Kentares, Kentares Perimetre Defence Zone
Draconis March, Federated Suns
21st December 3084

   Passing by the Goliath Scorpion WarShips in orbit the First Robinson Rangers RCT land on the world of Kentares to monitor the Clan Goliath Scorpion's Chi Galaxy.  The Goliath Scorpion's do not resist the Robinson Rangers landing and go as far to inviting them to a series of challenge trials offering up Mechs, Battle Armour and Fighters as collateral.  Without orders to the contrary and seeing the Goliath Scorpions are doing no damage Duke Tarncred Sandoval commander of the First Robinson Rangers and the Draconis March agrees to these tests fighting the Scorpion's Trials which take the units into the new year.

And so ends 3084

I've never posted anything beyond this point before neither in the original bullet point thread or on the old CBT forums before the crash.  So from now on everything is new.