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Time for a proper update    And this is a busy one. 

I didn't write all this one.  Once again some excellent writing from James Tanaga has brought the Fire Mandrills to life again.

 Hope you enjoy.

Unit Wedding, McCarron Base Camp
New Kyoto, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
2nd September 3090

   Following a whirlwind romance while their units are on New Kyoto Elizabeth McCarron and the Executive Officer of the Eridani Light Horse Nineteenth Cavalry Regiment Lt Colonel Malcolm Hague are married in a private ceremony within the McCarron base camp.  Malcolm leaves SLDF service to join the McCarron's Armoured Cavalry as Elizabeth's XO as the First and Second McCarron's units merge into one extended Regiment following heavy damage to the second during the fighting with the Free Worlds League.

   Elizabeth McCarron chooses to retain her McCarron name to ensure her children inherits her surname keeping the McCarron family line alive and well.  Although it is not a widely known fact outside the McCarron's Armoured Cavalry Elizabeth is currently pregnant with her new husband's first child.

Nova Cat Reinforcements
New Aega, Nova Cat's Den
Periphery
4th September 3090

   From the cockpit of her Shadow Cat OmniMech Star Commander Sonja Rosse could feel the vibrations through her Mech as the Broadsword-class DropShip dived through the atmosphere.  She felt nervous, it was strange, she had seen combat before but this was her first combat with a Bloodname, it really did make a difference.

   â€œBattleMechs, this is Bridge, SLDF forces have pushed out to the primary OZ.  DropShips are redirecting, hang on.”

   â€œBridge, this is Star Commander Rosse, request permission for a hover-drop insertion over Primary OZ.”

   â€œThere are hostile BattleMechs and Armour attempting to overwhelm DropShips...” the DropShip commander warned.

   â€œUnderstood, open the doors” Sonja ordered realizing the pilot would react better to an order from a Bloodnamed warrior than a request from a Star Commander.

   â€œAff, opening doors.”  The commander reported Sonja steadied her OmniMech as she stepped it closer to the doors.  Slowly the doors opened in front of the Shadow Cat.  “Leveling out, watch out for hostiles.”

   â€œUnderstood, Striker One away” she called out of the Mech bay triggering her Mech's jump jets.  She heard the other four members of the star calling out as there Mechs stepped off the DropShip.  As she dropped through the air Sonja scanned the ground seeing several green painted BattleMechs and Armoured vehicles battling against the darker coloured Nova Cat units.  All around the falling Nova Cats were other DropShips and aerospace fighters supporting the reinforcements insertion.  Sighting a Star League BattleMech, a fifty-five ton Wraith BattleMech, blasting away with its lasers she aimed her OmniMech's Gauss rifle at the BattleMech and fired a shot.  The supersonic slug crossed the distance between the two slamming into the Mech's torso knocking the warrior back.  Sonja increased the jump jet output on her OmniMech as it fell slowing her descent “Striker One down.”  She called out immediately her OmniMech was slammed by a flight of Long Range Missiles the Shadow Cat rocked heavily as the high explosive warheads ripped at her Mech's armoured hide.  Turning around she spotted the origin of the missiles a Joust Medium Tank.  Sonja snarled angrily as she cut off another gauss rifle shot at the vehicle originally produced by Clan Nova Cat, she guessed that Clan Sea Fox had sold it to the SLDF but it could have easily been traded by a Nova Cat trader.  Trade of weapons was always a double edged sword although it brought resources into the Clan one day those weapons could be turned against the seller, just like today.

   Sonja never even bothered to watch as the supersonic slug slammed into the Joust's turret turning away she turned back to see the Wraith she had attacked through her decent.  With the Gauss Rifle still reloading she targeted both her Mech's Extended-Range Medium Lasers on the Wraith striking the Mech's torso with both blasts.  The Wraith returned fire with its pulse lasers burning away some of her Mech's leg armour.  Sidestepping her Shadow Cat Sonja glanced at her gauss rifle's status and saw the weapon go green indicating it was reloaded ready to fire with a glance up she pulled the trigger sending another shot into the medium design the gauss slug slammed into the Wrath's faceplate decapitating the medium Mech.  “They are falling back” another Nova Cat's voice reported over the radio glancing around Sonja could see several SLDF and Taurian Concordat Mechs turning around that the Taurians had supported the SLDF's actions made Sonja even more angry her father had given the Taurians a chance at peace with the Nova Cats, instead they had thrown it in the Clan's face with this attack.  Sonja Rosse didn't feel this fight was over just yet throwing her Mech into the air she scanned the Battlefield finding the Joust she had damaged before was part of the group retreating firing both her lasers she was satisfied seeing one burn across the side of the vehicle, although it was nothing that would threaten the tank or its crew she had put them on notice that the next time they would not be so lucky to be able to retreat.

Throne Room, Davion Royal Palace
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
14th September 3090

   The Federated Suns navy and planetary defences had been put on alert as an unknown vessel had been detected entering the system via a pirate point.  Their fears had been put at ease slightly as the SLS Mopelia Island, the Star League Defence Force's newest Patriot-class Heavy Cruiser, had emerged from the jump broadcasting its IFF.  Communicating with the ground the Mopelia Island had informed New Avalon that onboard they had General Katya Christifori, Head of Star League Intelligence, who needed to speak with the First Lord immediately.  Under escort of the FSS Destiny, one of the Federated Suns First Prince Block II-class Battleships, the Mopelia Island had been allowed to enter New Avalon orbit with Katya taking a DropShuttle directly from the DropShip to the Royal Palace.  Such unannounced arrivals were not common even from high ranking members of the AFFS as First Prince of the Federated Suns and First Lord of the Star League Victor planned to make abundantly clear to General Christifori that she better have a good reason for the manner of her arrival.  He knew Katya quite well having met her on several occasions with her husband, retired Commanding-General Archer Christifori, he also knew she was a former Lyran Commonwealth Intelligence Officer.

   The doors opened and General Katya Christifori marched into the throne room saluting in traditional Star League Defence Force style.  “Sir, I apologies for the unannounced visit” despite her Lyran heritage he noticed she used her military position instead of respect for his rank and position within the SLDF.

   â€œYou are very lucky, General” Victor said raising from the throne “when last a ship arrived unannounced in this system it was commanded by Anastasius Focht.  I informed him that day he was lucky not to lose his ship, you are similarly lucky, we do not take intrusion into this system lightly.”

   â€œI apologies again, First Prince Davion, I have a matter that effects the stability of the Star League and of the Federated Suns border.”  She explained she said producing a small computer pad passing it to the Federated Suns leader “on this noteputer is details of recent findings by the Star League Intelligence Corps.”  She said pausing for a moment as he began to look at the information “as you are aware the SLIC were tasked with investigating what happened to cause the First Royal ComGuard Brigade to go rogue and assault Clan Nova Cat held space.”  She said as he read the summary page of the report “we began on Althea's Choice.”  She began “although the First RCG Brigade removed much of the salvage from the battlefield there were two BattleMech Chassis and three Elemental Battle Armour suits that had been deemed as too badly damaged to be recovered in the limited time they had before launching their attack.”  Victor nodded as he changed the display screen showing an image of three badly damaged Elemental suits all had suffered severe damage and still had blood on them, most likely from the troopers who had worn them.  The next screen showed what looked like a Nova Medium OmniMech and a Summoner Heavy OmniMech, the Nova lacked both of its arms one looked like it had been completely blown off while the other was severed in the middle of the arm while the Summoner was missing both its legs which had been severed at the knees and the cockpit, both were painted in Nova Cat camouflage however they looked wrong to Victor.

   Although the First Prince knew that each Clan had examples of nearly every type of Clan Mech in their Toumans and few considered any type of fighting equipment to be taboo or beneath their use Victor knew that both of these OmniMechs were far more popular with Clan Jade Falcon he had fought against both types of OmniMechs during the early stages of the Clan War.  “Five examples of Clan technology does not prove anything, General, in fact I would say it goes to prove the First RCG's case.”

   â€œWe didn't stop there, sir, our agents tested the remains of the Battle Armour troopers” she said Victor imagined that had not been the most pleasant of jobs given the state of the armour “none of the three troopers were of Elemental birth” again not conclusive evidence Victor knew that the Clans employed freeborn, or natural born, warriors in their Elemental forces.  “In fact one, at one point, applied for SLDF Battle Armour training.”

   â€œSLDF” Victor said surprised praying that this attack had not been perpetrated by their own people, that would really set the Nova Cats off and could kill the Star League Defence Force's future.

   â€œHe applied but did not get through basic training.  He was originally born on Taurus but had emigrated to the Capellan Confederation when a child.  When he failed to join the Capellan military he chose to try and join the SLDF.”

   â€œWhat did he fail on?”

   â€œPsych evaluation” Katya explained Victor was surprised he had failed to make it in the Capellan Armed Forces, the last he checked 'a little crazy' was part of their recruitment policy.  Katya made no effort to read the amusement that played on Victor's face instead carrying on “as the Battle Armour Corps is quite often the SLDF's first contact with the general public each of its candidate troopers are screened this particular warrior showed a tendency to resolve conflict with conflict striking first at his enemy in sometimes the nastiest way.

   â€œCould he have joined a mercenary force and been captured by the Nova Cats?”  Victor asked Katya shook her head.

   â€œOnce we had established that he was who we believed we tracked his personal details through the records of private companies transporting personnel and equipment in the region of the Capellan Confederation, St Ives Compact and Federated Suns Capellan March.”

   â€œRecords which are supposed to be sealed and under State oversight not SLDF.”  Victor said angrily although he respected everyone who joined the SLDF and wished them all the success he did not like them stepping over their bounds and oaths, not did he like that neither the DMI or MIIO had picked up on this infringement.

   â€œSir, you ordered us to find the truth to this attack.  This was the length we had to go to.”   Katya explained equally serious as the First Prince had been angry Victor nodded for her to continue.  “Sir, we tracked his name to Taurus.  There he enlisted with the Taurian Concordat again choosing to join ground forces and to join the Battle Armour training program.  The Taurians do not have the same checks or requirements as the SLDF.  He was successful in joining the Taurian military.”

   â€œAn inside job?  The Taurians attacked the SLDF?”  He said now becoming irritated again “why?  Where did they acquire so much Clan technology to pull off such a strike?”  He asked none of this was making enough sense.

   â€œOnce part of the Taurian military he served for three years before completely disappearing from sight.  After our people had established that he had served in the Taurian military we began to look at the other elements of this puzzle.  Members of the SLIC challenged and won a dual with a Sea Fox merchant based on Spica, there we gained access to their trading records.”  Victor nodded he had heard of intelligence agencies challenging the Foxes before for information more often than not bargaining some of their own information in return.  He knew of three instances the DMI had engaged in such activities and had become quite annoyed when he had been informed that the DMI had not always been successful in such activities.  “Under a fake Taurian Marshal's name the Taurian Concordat have been funneling funds and resources to Clan Sea Fox.  In return the Sea Fox Clan have been providing the Taurians with Clan equipment.”

   â€œYou can hardly blame them.  The Capellan Confederation has hardly been a stable place recently and Clan Nova Cat is active in the Fronc Reaches which is on the Taurian front door, their new colonies have brought them closer and closer to Taurian claimed systems.  I would not be surprised if Clan Nova Cat launch raids against the Taurians?” He saw Katya nod confirming that the SLDF was aware of such activity “so how can you blame the Taurians for trying to acquire such material?  The Federated Suns do the same as does the SLDF, this is why trading worlds such as Spica, Hamilton, Itabiana and Kyeinnisan exist.”  He said naming the four trading worlds in the Succession States the only nation not to feature such a world was the Capellan Confederation due to problems the Sea Fox Clan and the Capellans had experienced on Sarna.

   â€œYes First Lord, however the Taurian line regiments have not become much stronger despite the Sea Fox Clan providing them with more than a regiment worth of equipment.”  Victor looked at Katya surprised the Taurians had been able to acquire so much.  “Instead with the Sea Fox records we tracked these shipments to a single location the Davetal system.  In the heart of the Taurian Concordat not a single Sea Fox ship was allowed to offload their equipment on the planet instead they were ordered to dock with two modified Shoden Mining Stations which act as sentries for the system.”

   â€œWhy spend such an amount of resources on a system so deep inside their borders?”

   â€œUnknown, so far we have not been able to penetrate their defences.  Each time we do we come across troopers belonging to a unit we have never seen before.” She explained as Victor changed the screen onto the last page showing a Taurian uniform arm with a red ancient Greek “Omega” letter from Terra superimposed over a blue number six.  “For obvious reasons we have dubbed this unit Omega Six.”  She said Victor nodded looking at the image before scrolling back through the images.

   â€œAnd this evidence points towards this unit?  Anyone within the Taurian Government implicated?”

   â€œI'm sorry, sire” she said more respectfully as she apologized again “we have not got enough information on that.”

   â€œI understand, General, I will take this to the Nova Cat Ambassador and hopefully end this conflict.  I wish for you to remain on New Avalon for the foreseeable future I do not assume that will be a problem?”  He asked

   â€œNo, sir, the SLS Mopelia Island, myself and the four teams of the Eighty-Third Special Operations Battalion, of the SAS, are at your disposal until this problem is resolved.”  She explained Victor nodded liking the idea of having the Patriot-class Heavy Cruiser and its Special Forces troopers around.

   â€œHopefully Arch won't mind too much?”  He said on a more personal note talking of her husband retired SLDF Commanding-General and Governor of Thorin Archer Christifori.  Victor had served with Archer during the Clan War when they had both served within the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT.

   â€œHe has left me waiting plenty of times First Lord, perhaps it is my turn.”  She said with an amused smile.

   â€œI will have an office set up for you at the Palace.”  He offered she nodded a silent reply Victor looked at the pad again holding it tightly, hopefully this was the start of ending the current conflict.

Fire Mandrill Settlement
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
19th September 3090

   Kindraa Leader Cassandra Faraday sat on a play-ground swing, watching children playing while their parents watched them. Both the children and their parents kept their distance from her, though she did not mind. The cool morning air brushed at her back as she kept to her thoughts.  The past few weeks had been a period of transition to both her people and to the population of All Dawn. The first few days was filled with tension on both sides, but by following the advice from the few members of Clan Sea Fox with them and acting as refugees rather than conquerors that tension had largely dissipated.  Until last week. That tension returned nearly in full though, as news of a ship from the Rim Collection had managed to jump away from All Dawn minutes after arriving had given these people hope. And meant her people were once again in danger. The enclave was on full alert and orders have been given in case her Kindraa once again needed to evacuate. Within Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga there was a strong sense of anger, but also with one of hopelessness, with many beginning to think they would never find a new home.

   Two days ago, a negotiation team from the Rim Collection jumped into the system on board the same JumpShip that had escaped. This time, though, the ship had been identified as the RCS Enduring Freedom, a Merchant-class JumpShip specially modified with a L-F battery and gifted to the Rim Collection by the Star League when the Rim Collection regained its independence from the Lyran Commonwealth.  Galaxy Commander Evangeline Clarke of the Steelsoul Khanate, herself having arrived just hours earlier had identified the ship, had also pointed out that the Star League Ambassador had traveled to the Collection aboard it. The mere fact it was carrying the Star League ambassador meant they had to proceed with caution. Her Kindraa could not risk angering the Star League; not yet, she thought with a small feral smile.

   Back in the play-ground a pink and blue ball rolled to her, bringing her out of her thoughts, looking to where it came from she noted a small group of children.  They were looking at her and each other, as if trying to gather the courage to come get the ball; finally a young girl seemed to gather enough courage to do so. She ran forward to the ball, only to stop a few feet from it as Cassandra stood up off the swing. Staring at the young girl, the warrior saw many emotions come across the young girl’s face; displayed there was anger and fear, but also courage, Cassandra noted to herself, giving the girl a small nod of encouragement.  Ever so slowly the girl crept her way to the ball, staring at Cassandra, no she was glaring at the Clan woman.  Definitely had courage, Cassandra thought as she silently watched the young girl finally reached for the ball.  Cassandra took the two steps it took to reach the ball as well.  'Let me see if you have brains as well' Cassandra thought the smile remaining on her face. ‘Many sibko children did not at your age.’

   As the girl leaned down to get the ball, Cassandra did as well, putting her hand on the top, pinning the ball to the ground.  Cassandra saw a frown come across the girl’s face, just as what had to be her mother come running behind her.  She stopped only a couple feet away from them her eyes shifting back and forth from her daughter to Cassandra. Finally the young girl spoke “Can I have the ball back please?”  So she does have brains asking before trying to take the ball from the Clan warrior, Cassandra thought, as she continued looking at the young child. Finally she nodded and let go of the ball. Watching the girl grab the ball and turn around, she saw the girl’s mother wrap her arms around her, whispering quietly to her as they turned back.

   A voice startled her snapping her from the small scene. “Enjoying scaring the locals to death Cassandra?” Jacob Faraday, her lover and the Loremaster of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga asked.

   â€œNeg. I came here to gather my thoughts. You know I enjoy seeing children smile and laugh even if they are Freeborn and not of our Clan.”

    â€œAff,” was her sibkin’s reply. She made it a point throughout her leading Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga to be seen with the lower castes, fostering a very healthy respect between all the castes. He continued. “Jerold Danforth just reported the Rim Collection negotiation team has landed. He and Evangeline Clarke are with them and are bringing them to HQ.”  Cassandra’s smile turned into a snarl, for the mentioned Crusader warrior had long become a thorn in her side. His strength of leadership and ability to put the good of the Kindraa before the good of the Crusader cause allowed her to respect him however.  The Sea Fox warrior Evangeline Clarke had been invaluable to the Sea Fox Clan so far although they had to give the Foxes much it was a service well worth it.

   â€œLet us get this over with,” she answered him.

   â€œAff,” was his reply. “Perhaps later we could enjoy the company of each other.” He winked at the end.

   Rolling her eyes, despite the seriousness of the situation the man still had time to think about sex, she answered him nonetheless with a single word and a knowing smile of her own. “Perhaps.” Quickly, they exited the park and reached their vehicle, where two burly warriors of Elemental stock guarded. Once inside they made their way back to HQ in quiet silence.

   Later at their HQ Cassandra Faraday rested her head on her hand, listening to the head of the Rim Collection negotiation team, an elder man as old as Jerold Danforth in a black suit.  His name was Robert Strauss and he knew how to speak, no argue with Jacob Faraday.  Back and forth, the two had argued over every little thing, while she, Jerold Danforth, Theodore Albiev, and the young Star League ambassador, Joseph Conway, a man of thirty-some years of age kept quiet, allowing the Sea Fox Galaxy Commander Evangeline Clarke to play the mediator in this dispute.  Fortunately it was something that Clan Sea Fox had done quite well throughout its history, she thought, with no small disgust; they had always found themselves a way to find themselves useful.  Still the Sea Fox Khanate Evangeline Clarke led was perhaps their only ally the Fire Mandrills of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga had at the moment and were the only way that her people could establish themselves over a longer term.  Fortunately the Sea Fox woman had somehow kept the negotiations going forward until this issue reared its ugly head. Jacob Faraday had demanded total secrecy for their Kindraa, something that Robert Strauss said was simply not possible due to All Dawn being the primary entry point into the Rim Collection. Something she, nor her Mandrills, had thought of when they selected this world as their new home. Truthfully, they only selected the world as it lay on the Lyran Commonwealth’s border. The fact they could control the Rim Collection through this small world gave her Kindraa a huge advantage in these negotiations, however.

   She came out of her thoughts as she heard Ambassador Joseph Conway speak, causing her to lift her head from her hand to listen to him. “The SLDF will likely inform the Lyrans of you being here, for it is their duty to serve each of the Star League's member states after all. Secrecy is just not possible.” Cassandra saw her lover start to say something, only to be stopped as the ambassador continued, no doubt angering the prideful warrior. “However, you see the new Star League it is what it is, we have responsibilities to our member states. I propose something different.”

   She raised her hand to silence her people as she nodded giving the younger man her permission to continue. “Secrecy just is not possible," he repeated "Your WarShips are a dead giveaway something is not right. Your detaining of JumpShips will antagonize the Lyrans and the Star League into handling you, aggressively."  He said quietly. Theodore Albiev and Jerold Danforth both raised to their feet antagonized by Joseph Conway's words, causing Cassandra to once again raise her hand in an instant silencing their responses as Robert Strauss spoke up.

   "Kindraa Leader, I can inform you now that the Rim Collection would prefer to avoid a military confrontation.  We have only recently regained our independence we have no wish to become involved in something that may lead to us rejoining the Lyran Commonwealth, nor would we welcome an influx of SLDF troops within our territory.” He paused, but shortly after he continued. “What I propose is this. Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga of Clan Fire Mandrill will provide 'services' to the Rim Collection" he said carefully seeing the reactions play on the Fire Mandrill's faces "and in return, the Rim Collection will allow Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga to remain on All Dawn, but will not interfere with the local population unless it effects the safety of your people.  All Dawn will remain a member world of the Rim Collection" Strauss said sternly. "Your Kindraa will join as an additional member, will have a full say in Rim Collection politics, and will remain so as long as they continue to provide agreed upon services for the Rim Collection.  Should the Rim Collection or Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga decide to leave this agreement, Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga will peacefully leave the Rim Collection after a period of three months under SLDF escort, either deeper into the Inner Sphere or to the borders of the Rim Collection.” Not once did he use a contraction, impressive, Cassandra thought to herself. She hated the idea of her Kindraa, what remained of her Clan, being little more than mercenaries to the Rim Collection's side.

   Jerold Danforth spoke for what was in many of her thoughts then. “This…agreement effectively means we become dezgra mercenaries!” Cassandra caught the eye of Evangeline Clarke, the Khanates of her Clan were in a similar position, living their lives on worlds of other nations and in the dark of space.

   â€œIt is that or Annihilation,” Evangeline Clarke pointed out gaining angry views from the Fire Mandrills.  “You can follow the rest of your Clan.”  She spat out she was equally angry with the surviving Mandrills than she was those who remained in the Clan Homeworlds.  One piece of information that the Clan had brought with them was to confirm that the WarShip Armageddon, a Sea Fox Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser had been captured by the Society in the Periphery before it could return to the Inner Sphere.

   â€œAnd Clan Sea Fox has similar agreements concerning their Khanates.” Conway said nodding his thanks to Clarke as he brought the Fire Mandrill warriors gaze back on him. The Sea Fox were independent in this, there was no need for Clarke to take the brunt of the Fire Mandrill anger.

   â€œThat is true,” answered Evangeline Clarke. “Yet we are only contracted to defend worlds our enclaves share, not an entire nation, and we do control our own territory when it is required.”

   The room became quiet, as both sides seemed to gather themselves for the next confrontation. Cassandra and Jerold both looked at each and nodded it was time to break the cycle. “We will remain on All Dawn regardless of what is threatened towards us.  Our people will not run any longer."  She said defiantly she knew that was what her people needed to hear, it was however, also the last thing that Robert Strauss and Joseph Conway wanted to hear.  "However we are not the Smoke Jaguars," she said naming the former clan. She knew the image of that Clan and its fall would hit her own people especially since they had died at the hands of the new Star League.  "Provided we can come into an agreement with the Rim Collection concerning specifically these services our people will provide," she said carefully, "our Kindraa will stop interdicting JumpShips, we will help defend this world and the Rim Collection. Understand this, however, we are Warriors of Kerensky, we are not mercenary scum to be ordered about. We will work with you, not for you. Quiaff?”

   Some of her Mandrills started to speak up Cassandra thought for a moment he would they would speak out against her, before any could speak Jerold Danforth slammed his fist on the table, eliciting a jump from many in the room, including Conway, Strauss and the Sea Fox Evangeline Clarke. “As long as the Rim Collection minds its place, and remembers who we are it has my support.”

   As her Mandrills became quiet once again, Cassandra Faraday spoke up. “The next move is yours, it seems we have made our decision and our new bed.”  Slowly, but surely, the agreement was drawn up. It took an additional four days of intense arguing, but eventually it was completed. Clan Fire Mandrill had finally found a home.

Starliner One, Main Conference Room
Unknown Periphery System
20th September 3090

   Standing in front of the cameras Sir Richard Branson X spoke to reporters that would carry this story throughout the Inner Sphere as Virgin Interstellar unveiled its next big project.  The Starliner One had journeyed from Terra to be the observation point for the launch of Virgin Interstellar's next big project the Starliner Two.  Richard Branson X had chosen this remote system for two reasons firstly it was because this was where the WarShip that had become the Starliner Two was being held by the SLDF and secondly it was because this project was something a little different for Virgin Interstellar unlike the Starliner One's original mission to take people around the Inner Sphere on one continuous multi-year journey the Starliner Two would follow a different path.

   â€œSo ladies and gentlemen that is what the Starliner Two plans to do.”  Richard Branson X said he was a middle aged man, he had kept his body in shape with various sports activities during his life and now his hair and goatee were both silver in colour.  He looked out at the crowd seeing their stunned faces and tried not to smile.  “Questions?”  He asked instead of the usual rush made by reporters trying to be first it took several moments before one stood up.

   â€œSir Branson, Simmone Ashe Interstellar News Network, are you seriously telling us that the Starliner Two is a generation ship?  That will take people away from the Inner Sphere.”

   â€œWell yes that is what the Starliner Two is but we don't plan to be on the ship for the rest of our lives.  It is a scientific and social experiment more than anything.  The vessel we have selected for the Starliner Two was once a Carrack-class Transport vessel in services with the Star League Defence Force.  Due to some combat, which unfortunately I am unable to detail this ship has completely lost her ability to jump from system to system.  The Star League Defence Force has the ability to repair this ship however we at Virgin Interstellar have had a superior idea.”  He said proudly “there are scientific experiments that cannot be completed within the bounds of a laboratory.  JumpShips and their attending DropShips very often do not have the space or the time to be involved in such experiments so we have turned the Starliner Two into the largest traveling laboratory ever created.  We will take twenty years to travel with this ship into the depths of space and explore the areas between the stars, the Starliner Two has its own water recycling systems, we will grow our own food, and we will create our own entertainment.”

   â€œSir Branson, you are saying we a lot.  Surely you mean the people on board the Starliner Two?”  A male reporter with a brown suit and blonde hair asked.

   â€œNo Jamar” he said recognizing the reporter “I mean we, I have chosen to travel on board the Starliner Two.”  He said stunning the reporters now unlike before there was a swarm of reporters raising from their chairs but Richard Branson ignored them all raising his hands calming them to silence “ladies and gentlemen.  I have spent the last forty years of my life building Virgin Interstellar into the company that it is today.  I have pioneered the way that the people of the Inner Sphere see Interstellar Travel and how they see WarShips, you are the product of that today standing on board a vessel that was once a tool of destruction which is now a passenger vessel.”  He said stressing the point “my company nor the people of the Inner Sphere need my continued interference to continue.  Instead I think I'd like to write my memoirs and have some time to explore another area of my life.”  He said seeing the reporters trying to comprehend his choice.  “Now perhaps you would like to see the Starliner Two?”  He said as the room lights darkened the massive clam-shell doors covering the massive space window began to open revealing the darkness of space.  It was a strange feeling to be beside such a massive window that looked out onto space thick enough to resist a minor impact the window was completely transparent standing so close to the window Richard could almost reach out and touch space.

   The view was incredible as was the sight directly in front of the window several thousand metres away the massive two-point-three million ton, almost three kilometre long Newgrange-class Yardship the SLS Mercy hung in space.  Alongside the massive green painted vessel were several DropShips and aerospace fighters.  “Ladies and Gentlemen this is not the Starliner Two, but instead this is the Star League Starship Mercy, one of only three known survivors of the Newgrange-class Yardship employed by the First Star League Defence Force.”  He explained to those not aware of what the massive vessel was it truly was spectacular especially given the views from the Starliner One's observation deck.  “And this is the Starliner Two” He announced as the massive forward doors of the Newgrange opened, the vessel was gigantic but as the massive “jaw”-like doors at the front of the ship opened the reporters could see another far smaller ship exiting from the craft.  She was painted in the same colours as the Starliner One a white base with a deep red lower hull.  “at three hundred thousand tons and nearly a kilometre in length the Starliner Two will play host to myself and six thousand other volunteers, crewmen and scientists as we travel through the void between systems.  On board are dozens of relay communication satellites which we will use to send messages back to the Inner Sphere and hopefully received letters from family and from those interested in this journey.  All details of this journey will be broadcast along the Star League's Entertainment Grid and be available to all subscribers.”  He said getting in the company briefing “this is a journey into the unknown, a journey of a lifetime, and we plan to make the most of it.”  He said finishing off his presentation as the Starliner Two turned away from the Mercy moving over the Starliner One passing directly over the observation deck allowing the reporters to see the modified Carrack's own observation decks and special modifications for future scientific experiments.  As the ship disappeared from view the reporters burst into applause Sir Richard Branson X stood smiling knowing that yet again his company had succeeded where no other had even tried, this story would sell across the Inner Sphere and make millions his legacy was secured and the journey had yet to begin.

St Ives Garrison Contracts
St Ives Compact Claimed space
22nd September 3090

   With the Capellan Confederation continuing to raid the beleaguered St Ives Compact the remains of this small nation are boosted by the arrival of Khasparov's Knights and the Blanc's Coyotes Mercenary Regiments.  Unlike the mercenary units which St Ives had “borrowed” from the Federated Suns these units would fight for the St Ives Compact and hopefully begin to stem the tide of the Capellan advance.  Arriving nearly simultaneously the units are posted to Nashuar and St Loris both on the Capellan border to boost the St Ives defenders.

Oriente Protectorate Raid-in-Force
Former Free Worlds League
3rd November 3090

   With the Capellan Confederation's focus on the St Ives Compact and the Magistracy of Canopus the Oriente Protectorate take advantage of the situation launching a raid in force on the worlds of Deschanes, Kanata, Ryerson and Xantha III.  Only on Ryerson do they encounter serious resistance from Laurel's Legion Regiment.  The First Fusiliers of Oriente Brigade conducted a hover-drop on-top of the Capellan's main base of operations unfortunately Laurel's Legion were not within their barracks.  While this did give the First Fusiliers a ready to use base of operations it also meant that Laurel's Legion could launch retaliation strikes.  For three weeks the Legion continued to attack the First Fusiliers however without support eventually the troops had no option other than surrender into Oriente custody securing the system for the Oriente Protectorate.

Draconis Combine Assaults
Shimosuwa, Rasalhague Dominion
15th November 3090

   Following the successful liberation of the world of Gram from the Rasalhague Dominion and the destruction of Clan Ghost Bear's Twelfth Bear Chevaliers Cluster all Rasalhague Dominion units were on their highest alert level.  When the DCS Draconis Rift jumped into the system the 332nd Assault Cluster stood on full alert the Kyushu-class Frigate deployed four Nekohono'o-class DropShips.  None of the four DropShips carried Mechs however the Draconis Rift was able to carry an entire Regiment in her cargo hold.  For seven days the Ghost Bears prepared for the Draconis Combine WarShip and her deadly cargo when the Draconis Rift finally did arrive the defenders were surprised as swarms of aerospace fighters dived into the atmosphere.  It had been well known that the Draconis Combine had made some of their Kyushu-class Frigates into carriers but the defenders hadn't expected a WarShip with four assault DropShips to deploy aerospace fighters instead of BattleMechs from its bay.

   The 332nd Assault Cluster's own Aerospace Trinary raised to engage the attacking Draconis Combine troops finding that each followed a very similar design, almost as if they were the same base machine, each was small no more than thirty-five tons in weight the fast lightweight craft were full of surprises as the first volley from the Combine craft included nearly twenty Arrow IV Missiles modified for use in air-to-air engagements.  Immediately half of the Ghost Bear fighters were destroyed the Ghost Bear counter-attack claimed nearly thirty Combine fighters as nearly a third of the Draconis Combine craft fell from the sky.

   As the remaining Ghost Bears returned to refuel and rearm the remaining Combine craft returned to the Frigate while several Small Craft took advantage of the Ghost Bear's lack of air cover and dived through the atmosphere depositing several squads of Battle Armour troopers.  Detected by the planetary sensors the Ghost Bears remaining four Clusters of ground troops began searching the jungles of Shimosuwa while the remaining Aerospace Star prepare to defend against a second round of aerospace fighter attacks.

   Instead however the Combine troops had a completely different surprise for the Ghost Bears far from losing a third of their number in the initial attack an entire company of Stinger LAM Mechs walked from the woods around the Ghost Bear landing strip.  Firing inferno missiles the remaining star of Ghost Bear OmniFighters were burned before one could get off the ground.  At the same time the Ghost Bears hunting the Combine Battle Armour found themselves the target of near continuous Arrow IV missiles armed with Inferno fuel.  As the ground forces took more and more damage the remaining aerospace fighters converted into more BattleMechs adding their firepower to that of the Battle Armour troopers and original group of Stinger LAMs.

   Within six hours the remains of the Ghost Bear's 332nd Assault Cluster surrendered to the Draconis Combine troops and with them they surrendered the world of Shimosuwa.  Finally with hostilities to an end the liberating regiment was named as the newly formed First Yokosuma Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF), named for a unit from Ancient Japan on Terra, permanently based on board the DCS Draconis Rift the unit has shown the utility of LAM units and given the Draconis Combine a whole new idea for their Kyushu-class vessels.

Grand Melee, Philip Drummond City
New Barcella, Nova Cat's Den
22nd November 3090

   Following her vision on New Aega Star Commander Sonja Rosse traveled back to New Barcella, in some ways she felt that she spent most of her life traveling between the stars.  On New Barcella Oathmaster Zane Carns confirmed to the rest of the Clan that Sonja had, in his opinion, experienced a vision.  With the Oathmaster's confirmation Sonja's vision placed her on the path towards power within the Nova Cat Clan.  Despite her birth, or her actions to date, a warrior that was blessed with visions was destined for greatness within a Clan so wrapped up in its mystic trappings.  With Zane's support Sonja was sponsored to the Oathmaster's Grand Melee.

   The Grand-Melee was a yearly challenge within Clan Nova Cat to choose the next Oathmaster.  Only the best warriors, those who knew the Remembrance like it was their own memory and those who were blessed with visions entered.  Most years the Oathmaster defended their position, only once had an Oathmaster voluntarily stepped aside leaving an undefended position, this year was no different from tradition Zane Carns looked set to defend his position defeating all in battle and in the knowledge tests set down by the Clan Council.  Sonja Rosse had struggled in both the physical tests and some of the knowledge tests however many could see her raw potential and few were surprised to see her in the final round against Zane Carns.

   After holding the post for twenty-seven years Zane knew that his visions were not as strong, not as accurate as they had previously been, he had been lucky to have a Khan who had such strong visions that his were not required as often.  In Sonja he saw someone with the youthful spirit that Clan Nova Cat needed in a loss that many would question in the future Zane Carns' term as Oathmaster ended and the new rein of Sonja Rosse began.  Due to her lack of combat experience Sonja was named as newly named Galaxy Commander Zane Carn's aide within Alpha Galaxy.  Many within the Clan are glad to see that Zane's influence would still be strong with the office of Oathmaster while Sonja is glad to have Zane's insights close at hand.

A small bonus - The Yokosuma

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/factions/unit-profile-special-naval-landing-force-(first-yokosuma)/

A new unit the Shadow Hawk SHD-X3M LAM - hope you like it

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/shadow-hawk-shd-x3m-lam/

Nice tie-in with current events with the Starliner One entry. Hopefully, the future has better luck than the present in finding the missing craft.

Actually a complete coincidence this storyline has been in the timeline for a long time.  (Since I created the Starliner One in fact)

Grand Melee, Rosse Bloodline
New Barcella, Nova Cat's Den
Periphery
3rd February 3091

   After a successful campaign on Davetal III Grayson Nova Cat had been recalled directly to New Barcella.  With the recent casualties in combat on Davetal III, the lost Nova Cat WarShips and the combat on New Aega there were plenty of vacancies in the Nova Cat bloodhouses.  Like his sister weeks before Grayson Nova Cat sees off all others to become Grayson Rosse, some are unhappy with this freeborn's elevation, something won in victory could not be taken away.

   On the seventh of February Grayson Rosse wins a second victory, this one a Trial of Position, for the rank of Galaxy Commander.  To stop any immediate Trials of Refusal to Grayson's position or name Khan Canin Rosse orders Grayson Rosse to take command of Upsilon Galaxy on Davetal III with the Lucian Carns, an Anna Rosse-class Battle-cruiser, for support.  Along with Grayson's new command his former unit the 450th Assault Cluster transferred with him now under the command of newly Bloodnamed warrior Star Colonel Katrine Rosse, Grayson's long term rival within the Clan.

Radstadt (Conqueror-class Battle-cruiser)
Nadir Point, New Barcella system
Nova Cat's Den, Periphery
8th February 3091

   At the Nadir point the Nova Cat Conqueror-class Battle-cruiser Radstadt was flanked by the WarShips Ranger, a Lola III-class Destroyer, and the Mastiff, a Drake-class Corvette, beside them were six JumpShips carrying three Cluster's of Alpha Galaxy and the Luna, a Bug Eye-class Surveillance Craft.   Oathmaster Sonja Rosse and Galaxy Commander Zane Carns had been briefed personally by Khan Canin Rosse.

   The Khan explained that he'd experienced a vision of a Nova Cat and a Fox near the Sea, both had traveled far together but that time had come to an end.  Now they would travel the same path but on different routes.  He also explained that there was evidence found by the Watch that Clan Sea Fox had supplied the Taurians with the majority of their Clan technology which had caused Clan Nova Cat and the Star League Defence Force so much trouble.  Khan Rosse ordered that Oathmaster Sonja Rosse personally ends Clan Nova Cat's involvement with Can Sea Fox.

Stewart Offensive
Marik-Stewart Commonwealth
Former-Free Worlds League
9th February 3091

   In an unauthorized campaign Duke Leonard Stewart leads the Stewart Home Guard Regiment in a three pronged attack on the independent worlds of McAffe, Sheridan and Gannett.  With a Battalion deployed to each planet they quickly overwhelm the local militia forces Duke Leonard Stewart showing off his new SHD-X3M Shadow Hawk LAM during the battle.  On Marik and Atreus the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth's leadership wonder what steps that Leonard Stewart is willing to take to extend the Stewart's family influence in their nation.

Royal Visit
Davion Royal Palace, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
13th February 3091

   Returning a visit that Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion made in 3091 Edre McEvens, younger sister to Danai, travels from the world of Fronc to New Avalon visiting her sister's home.  During the visit Danai also meets Captain Emma McEvens, Edre McEvens daughter and Danai Centrella-Davion's neice, who acts as Edre's head of security.

Masterston Memorial Spaceport
Regulus City, Principality of Regulus
Former Free Worlds League
20th February 3091

   An Aqueduct-class Liquid Transport DropShip plunges from the sky after two of it engines had failed during landing, the  forty-five thousand ton DropShip smashes into the tarmac, scattering debris and its liquid cargo across the spaceport.  As Regulan City emergency personnel attend to the crashed ship   the twenty-seven thousand tons of liquid explodes into fire.  These fires highly reactive to the atmosphere of Regulus and the fire retardants used by the emergency personnel causes several explosions causing hundreds of casualties.

   As further emergency crews react across Regulus Colonel Michelle Cameron-Jones, commander of the First Cameron-Jones House Guard and wife of Prince Titus Cameron-Jones, activates the defence regiments of Regulus to assist emergency crews.  As she is moving to her BattleMech a sniper targets Michelle Cameron-Jones severely wounding her with their first shot.  Eight more members of the House Guards are killed trying to reach Michelle before the sniper uses their last shot to end Michelle Cameron-Jones life.

SLIC/Watch Operation
Samantha, Hyades Union
Taurian Concordat
24th February 3091

   Since the fall of the Davetal system the Star League Intelligence Corps and Clan Nova Cat's Watch had been pouring over information about who had been behind the attack on Althea's Choice, New Aega and behind the formation of Omega Six.  Continuous intelligence had pointed to Taurus and an office close to the Protector of the Taurian Concordat, Marshal Cham Kithrong.  The Marshal had been against Nova Cat operations in the Fronc Reaches and Filtvelt Coalition but they had nowhere near the firepower to oppose them.  Intelligence supported a theory that Cham Kithrong had planned to use the SLDF's considerable resources to oppose the Nova Cats and force them out of the Periphery.

   With the Taurian Concordat's long history with the Star League Defence Force well known Star Colonel Sandra Rosse, commander of the Nova Cat's Third Watch Cluster, and Colonel Larry Moss, commander of the Eighty-Third Special Operations Battalion of the SAS Division, had come up with the attack plan without involving the Taurian authorities.  Slipping into the Taurian system on civilian ships they had landed three squads of Battle Armour from the Eighty-Third and two Points of Battle Armour from the Third Watch Cluster onto Taurus.

   Moving through the Taurian capital of Samantha City the Nova Cats and the SLIC personnel set-up across from the Taurian Command.  “That is the most secure building in the entire Taurian Concordat.”  Larry Moss pointed out looking at Sandra Rosse, neither was a Battle Armour trooper by their original training but because of their units purpose they had cross-trained and neither planned on missing this arrest.

   â€œAff, however this man must pay for the blood on his hands.”

   â€œHe will but we need to ensure collateral damage is kept to a minimum.”  Cooper said looking at Sandra Rosse “non-lethal weapons unless absolutely necessary.”

   â€œOur armour should protect us from the small arms fire.  However should we need to use lethal force we will.”  Sandra Rosse said forceful Cooper nodded.

   â€œShift hand-over is in four minutes, we strike then, Baron Kithrong is in his office.  We isolate it and capture him before security can react.  Once that is done we will inform Taurian authorities”  Cooper explained.

   â€œAnd should they oppose us?  The Taurians will not be happy that we have launched this operation on their soil.”

   â€œThe rest of the Eighty-Third and Third Watch will be entering the system soon, if they arrive before we secure Kithrong he will have time to destroy any incriminating material he has” Cooper pointed out.

   The minutes passed quickly while the Nova Cats and the SAS troopers prepared for the assault all were dressed in advanced Battle Armour suits but the Taurians had BattleMechs, Armoured Vehicles, Battle Armour and Infantry units in far larger numbers.  With their timetable so tight Speed was more important than stealth so when they were ready a point of Nova Cat Slyph VTOL Battle Armour suits left the roof of the building flying over the perimetre fence bombing the defences.  Immediately after the rest of the Nova Cats and SAS troopers charged through the breaks in the fences caused by the bombs immediately crossing the perimetre the Battle Armour launched into the air smashing through the windows of the building.

   Immediately the Taurian defenders mobilized attacking the SLDF and Nova Cat forces fortunately the immediate response forces was made up of conventional infantry forces armed with weapons that could do minimal damage to the Battle Armour units.  Knocking troopers to the side with their additional mass and speed smashing through internal doors as they went the SLDF/Nova Cat units quickly secured the whole floor that they had entered on including Marshal Cham Kithrong's office and the marshal himself.  “What is the meaning of this?”  He shouted at the faceless black Nighthawk Power Armour suits facing him their weapons were pointed at him.  “Do you know who I am?  You will all be imprisoned for this!”

   â€œNeg, Marshal we will not” Sharon Rosse stated her suit stepping through the others the Nova Cat insignia on her black suit's shoulder very visible.  “You are going to pay for everything that you have done.”  She promised him Kithrong did not reply instead he dived towards his desktop computer the troopers beside him reacted quickly restraining the Taurian Marshal against the wall their massive bulk stepping him from moving again.  “I would have been disappointed if you had not tried something Marshal, this is over.”

   â€œIt will only be over when your Clan is dead.”  Kithrong promised

   For the following twelve hours there was a tense stand-off as the Taurian Concordat military reacted to the SAS/Nova Cat operation.  The Taurians had threatened the “invaders” with complete destruction should they not turn over Kithrong and all their weapons however no attack came.  Sharon Rosse and Larry Moss kept their forces on alert even as Cham Kithrong's interrogation and the analysis of his files began.  Protector Erik Martens-Calderon arrived on the site of the stand-off as morning began to break he informed Colonel Moss that he had been in direct communication with First Lord Victor Steiner-Davion and that the Taurian Concordat would be cooperating with the SLDF Investigation fully.  He also informed the Protector that the SLS Mopelia Island and another unidentified WarShip had entered the system backing up the operation.  Two WarShips was probably not enough to breach the Taurian Concordat's defences of the Hyades Cluster however they were a clear message to the Taurians that the SLDF meant business.

   In the following weeks of interrogation on Taurus Cham Kithrong admitted to the formation of and funding of Omega Six under his orders.  He also admitted to hiding the unit from the Protector and using the unit for his own objectives.  In an attempt to justify his position Kithrong explained that he saw Clan Nova Cat as the greatest danger to the Taurian Concordat since the first SLDF and the Reunification War his goal was to turn the current SLDF against Clan Nova Cat however he had not anticipated the First Royal ComGuard Brigade's reaction to the Nova Cat attack.  The deployment of two Taurian Concordat Regiments to support the SLDF had been intended to show the Taurian Concordat's continued support for the SLDF and attempt to draw further SLDF units into the battle.  Analysis of the Baron's computer records and those in the Davetal system backed up Kithrong's statements and pointed confirmed information the Nova Cats possessed on where the Clan technology had come from.  Once the Nova Cats and SLIC had gained all they could from Cham Kithrong he was remanded into Taurian Concordat custody at the request of the Taurian Concordat Protector who had stated that Kithrong would now face the Taurian Justice system for the use of government funds without authorization.

This is a Man Clan Fennec would welcome as an Ally and Fear as an Enemy.

Into May

Ghost Bear Staging Area
Buckminster, Orestes District
Rasalhague Dominion
3rd May 3091

   Following the attacks by the Draconis Combine on the worlds of Gram and Shimosuwa the Ghost Bears of the Rasalhague Dominion had staged the entire Beta Galaxy on the planet of Buckminster.  As Beta Galaxy prepared for operations against the Draconis Combine a Quetzalcoatl Scout-class JumpShip jumped into the system near the planet deploying twelve aerospace fighters which immediately began to burn towards the atmosphere.

   As Ghost Bear aerospace fighters of Beta Galaxy rose to engage them the lead fighters intentionally engage multiple targets creating an instant melee.  Between these dueling fighters the last two craft, a pair of heavily modified Ironsides CX-19s, dive through the fight instead of engaging the Clan fighters they dive to the surface.

   Once under one hundred metres the two fighters skimmed the planet's surface until they reached Beta Galaxy's main base of operations.  The two fighters immediately opened fire with their seven Short Range Missile Launchers the warheads flew over the entire base exploding over the ground forces covering the base in an A-232 chemical nerve agent the fighters then flew over the capital of Buckminster showering the city with the same warheads before being shot down by ground air defences.  Although the Ghost Bear Aerospace Fighters and other automated defences were able to destroy the rest of the attacking aerospace fighters within hours nearly two hundred thousand men, women and children including the vast majority of Beta Galaxy were dead.  Their deaths were immediately attributed to the A-232 detonations as were the thousands of other casualties in critical condition across Buckminster.  From across the Rasalhague Dominion there is widespread rage at the attack however the Ghost Bear Khans order Buckminster cared for before any revenge is taken.

Capellan attack
Vestallas, Capellan March
Federated Suns
9th May 3091

   Escorting three JumpShips the CCSS Chancellor's Pride, the Capellan Confederation's sole Thera-class Carrier, jumped into the Vestallas system deploying several DropShips including three Lung Wang P3 Pocket WarShips.  The system formerly held by the St Ives Compact was now held by the Federated Suns and defended by the FSS Melissa Davion and the FSS William Davion and the First Kittery Borderers Regiment.  Both Federated Suns Avalon-class Cruisers were damaged from the previous battle for the system however that stopped neither from moving into the engagement supported by several Arondight Pocket WarShips and a Vengeance Fighter Carrier the two Avalons started by volley firing Killer Whale capital missiles.  Unfortunately as the Capellan vessel was capable of carrying three Aerospace Fighter wings which were acting as a point defence for the Carrier and the DropShips as they closed on the planet meaning few missiles were getting through.  As they closed DropShips charged towards the planet landing two entire Regiments of Capellan Mechs.  With the two Avalons taking significant damage from the fighters the ground force commander ordered a general retreat from the world, however, even as they were evacuating the planet the Borderers were taking mounting losses.

   As they reached orbit the William Davion exploded from within as its capital missile magazine was breached by Capellan weapons fire shattering the Avalon.  The Melissa Davion continued to hold the line against the aerospace fighters and DropShips while the ground forces retreated from the planet however the vessel took mounting losses as the Capellan Confederation force continued to attack.  Unable to jump clear before the ground forces were clear the Melissa Davion suffered hit after hit until the Avalon could take no more the Capellan Confederation fighters continued to press their attacks even as the Melissa Davion's crew began to abandon ship the cruiser rolling out of control.  The majority of the First Kittery Borderers JumpShips jumped clear of the system before the Capellans could fall on them however they remained in system just long enough to witness the FSS Melissa Davion's final journey an uncontrolled spiral that took the Cruiser straight into the sun.

   With House Davion driven from the system the Capellans began to reassert themselves on the world and launched raids against Scituate, Gurnet and Weekapaug keeping the Capellan March on edge.  Following the loss of two Avalon-class Cruisers to massed fighter attacks and the continued trouble with the FSS Sarah Davion, the Avalon Block II prototype, the AFFS High Command orders that once the three Avalon Block I-class vessels under construction are completed production of the class is halted until further notice.  The owners of the McKenna Shipyards of Kathil, the producers of the Avalon-class, immediately begin to intensify work on repairing the bugs in the Sarah Davion's systems to make the ship suitable for AFFS Naval operations while the Duke of Kathil Petyr VanLees begs the Hasek family for help with reversing the High Commands decision reporting that the McKenna Shipyards could loose valuable expertise to other shipyards should the Avalon yard be shut down permanently.

Command Bridge, RMA Kirsten Marik (Eagle-class Destroyer)
Augustine, Rousset-Marik Alliance
Former-Free Worlds League
15th May 3091

   A week before an unidentified Black Lion-class WarShip had entered the Augustine system at the Nadir Jump Point.  The ship, painted in black, had immediately began to make a burn towards Augustine ignoring hails from the Nadir Point jump station and from nearby JumpShips.  As it had traveled in system the Battle-cruiser had deployed four DropShips, all Union-class, and had continued to ignore any attempt by the local population to communicate.

   The RMA Kirsten Marik, the Rousset-Marik Alliance's only Eagle-class Frigate, had been dispatched, along with a squadron of six DropShips, to intercept and stop the Black Lion by any means.  Standing within the command bridge of the vessel Kapten Michela Hunter watched as her WarShip entered weapons range with the Black Lion.  “We give them one last chance to stand down.”  She ordered “this is the RMA Kirsten Marik to unidentified Black Lion you are entering restricted space.  Reverse your course immediately or be classed as hostile.”  She said glancing at the communications officer who shook his head, no response.   â€œFine, Black Lion is considered to be hostile paint with ECM!”  She said raising her voice.

   â€œDefensive ECM just went fully active on the Black Lion!”  One officer called out “we have aerospace fighters launching from Black Lion and all DropShips.  We are being targeted with hostile scans.  Incoming capital missiles!”

   â€œReturn fire with forward cannon and Lasers!”  She responded even at this range they might get lucky and cause damage to the bigger WarShip.  “Anti-Missile defences to engage missiles as soon as they come into range.”  She ordered as she saw her vessel's naval lasers miss their target.  Moments later the Black Lion changed its facing slightly as the Kirsten Marik's Naval Gauss rifle shot slammed into the side of the ship tearing open the armour.  A cheer rang for a moment just before the Eagle's Anti-Missiles defences kicked in five of the ten enemy missiles were torn from the space around the Frigate however that still left the other five.  One White Shark missile completely missed passing by the WarShip harmlessly burning out the other two White Sharks and two Barracudas did not plowing into the six hundred-and-twenty-five thousand ton WarShip.

   Even deep in the WarShip Michela felt the WarShip rock heavily under the impacts she knew her ship couldn't take many of those.  “Prepare a second forward salvo.  Naval autocannons in support, as soon as we fire turn our port armour to face them.”  She ordered the gunners did not have a chance to line up their shot however as Naval autocannon fire from the Black Lion began exploding all around the WarShip blasting at the space around them causing damage to the Kirsten Marik, the DropShips around her and their aerospace fighters.  “What the hell?”  She shouted “how can they be hitting us that accurately at this range?”  She demanded

   â€œThey are bracketing us!”  The officer reported the original Star League had developed the technology using multiple Naval Autocannons to “bracket” an enemy target calculating where it could be in the time and firing cannons to all possible locations.  It was less damaging than direct fire but made weapons far more deadly at range.

   â€œDo the same!  Return fire” she ordered the Rousset-Marik Alliance had gained that same technology from the reborn Star League Defence Force although her crew were not experianced in using it there was not time like the present.  The Kirsten Marik's forward bays opened fire this time the forward gauss rifle missed completely.  Two linked autocannons caused a little damage to the charging Black Lion while the Eagle's Naval Lasers burned gouges in the Battle-cruiser's port armour.  Something along the ship's seven hundred-and-seventy metre long hull exploded as a weapon was destroyed but the ship continued to close.

   â€œThey are rolling!”  The helm officer reported as the Kirsten Marik began her own turn as both ships attempted to bring their broadsides into play.  Both ships would be presented with fresh armour and loaded weapons.  Looking at the range ticking down Michela knew that all her ship's broadside bay would be ready to fire unfortunately she knew that the Black Lion's weapons would also be ready.  Even as she called on the weapons screws to fire she saw on the Kirsten Marik's holotank and on the external high-resolution cameras she saw the Black Lion's massive broadside bay unleash their full potential.  Sixteen Naval autocannons tore through the Kirsten Marik's armour and hull as if the Eagle-class Frigate was an ancient sailing vessel on Terra the ship's entire structure was shaken to the core as the Black Lion's gunners pounded them with not one but two volleys the second volley also took in the Eagle's escorting DropShip and fighter force virtually wiping them all from space in a matter of minutes.  What was left of the Kirsten Marik and her crew would have barely registered on the Black Lion's sensors as the ship slid past the destroyed WarShip on towards Augustine.

   Two days later the WarShip arrive in orbit of Augustine several DropShip rose from the surface to engage the Battle-cruiser but they had no chance against the massive vessel as its array of autocannon and missile tore through ship-after-ship as it settled into orbit.  Even as Duchess Alys Rousset-Marik issued a general surrender and a plea for mercy the Black Lion's guns opened up again releasing hell on the surface of the planet.  Targeting first the Rousset-Marik family home the Black Lion's guns then indiscriminately tore through Augustine's capital city and the continent of Kabuko destroying the worlds HPG, its industry, spaceports, military bases and government buildings.  For eighteen hours the bombardment and aerospace fighter bombings continued until the Battle-cruiser moved out of orbit heading deeper into the system.

   From the planet's other continents military units belonging to the Seventh Free Worlds Legionaries arrive to find The Krushers Regiment and the First Rousset-Marik Militia destroyed in their bases unable to retaliate against the orbiting target.  At the nadir point the recharge station crew dispatch the limited relief personnel they have available and they send JumpShips to nearby systems to call on aid however it is not until the end of May when really support personnel arrive from the nearby Marik-Stewart Commonwealth, the Oriente Protectorate and from the SLDF.

   Across the world people tell stories of the “Night the Sky Fell” as homes, families, units and lives were shattered.  With no clear indication the Black Lion even left the system many of the local population demand to be moved to nearby systems or leave to join relatives elsewhere.  In the ruins of the Rousset-Marik family home Duchess Alys Rousset-Marik is found dead along with her husband deep within the house in a specially built bunker that had been designed to survive such an attack but failed when tested for real.  Their twenty-three year old daughter Duchess Quinn Ana Rousset is nowhere to be found within the ruins or on the wrecked planet.  Without a functional government the Seventh Free Worlds Legionaries declare martial law.

Invasion debrief
Council Chambers, Lesnovo
Rim Association
29th May 3091

   It was a cold day on Lesnovo, the capital of the Rim Association, winter was gripping the world tightly and even the best heaters and insulation could not completely counter.  General Trent Higall wished he was in a BattleMech cockpit instead of here the Council Chambers of Lesnovo seat of Duke Raymond Brewer-Cameron-Jones.  The Duke was an old man now pushing into his eighties he had so far refused to pass over leadership to his son, Ethan, although the Rim Association believed in many voting freedoms here on Lesnovo leadership would still be inherited through family.  The world belonged to the family and with it leadership of the Rim Association was likely to follow.

   Today who was in charge did not matter so much as the topic recently the Rim Association had come into conflict with the Magistracy of Canopus as Rim Association forces had assaulted the worlds of Glevakha, Rohinjan, Payvand and Ayn Tarma all former Free Worlds League held systems that had fallen to the Capellan Confederation and then the Magistracy of Canopus.  On Payvand and Glevakha the Liger Warriors and troops from the recently joined Twin Sons systems had led the battle and although successful they had sustained losses more so than the Rim Association was willing to accept.

   â€œGeneral Higall, I hope you are well?”  The Duke began Higall immediately stroked his goatee it was a habit he'd developed he knew the goatee had far more gray hairs than colour now.

   â€œI am well” he replied

   â€œGeneral, our recent combat with the Magistracy of Canopus has some of our analysts a little worried.”  Higall remained quiet “on the worlds of Payvand and Glevakha we sustained heavier than expected losses especially within the Liger Warriors and the First Twin Sons Regiment.  Considering their superior training and the technology we would have thought the opposite, considering the defenders were little different on those worlds compared to the other worlds.

   â€œAff, but the objectives were achieved.”  Higall said slightly annoyed that his people were being questioned.

   â€œYou don't sound surprised Trent” the Duke said “mind explaining that?” he said raising his hand directing Trent Higall to sit down.

   â€œNeg, I was not surprised.”  Higall said quietly sitting opposite the Duke “the warriors involved in the recent battles were the oldest of the Liger Warriors and some of the oldest of the former Smoke Jaguar warriors from the Twin Sons system.”

   â€œIf they are that old then surely they should have been retired, we should not have been endangering our people with them in combat.”

   â€œThey were no danger, Raymond, no danger except to themselves.” Higall snapped.  He said looking at the man he was not Clan he could not understand “these warriors were too experienced and still too combat capable in a cockpit to be replaced.  They were Clansmen to their very bone and they were tired” he said “when this chance to fight with honour and quite possibly die for what they had sworn to defend I could not turn them away.”  Trent admitted he wished in some ways that he could follow them but he knew that the Liger Warriors, their culture and the families that had grown from them needed protection even now.  “They took our Clan technology that had deteriorated more than the rest but was still combat capable and they fought longer than any other unit on each planet.  We allowed them to die like Clansmen which is their last wish.”  He explained Higall realized the Duke did not understand “they were the last who wished such a service, your decision to liberate the lost Free Worlds League worlds from the Magistracy was the excuse they needed and saved us internal issues on the Twin Sons.”

   â€œSo these men and women wanted to die?”  Raymond said quietly “and you are fine with their losses?  You sent them knowing they would not return.”

   â€œI honoured their last wish” Higall said defiantly “I would have done so again if required of me.”

   â€œI cannot support your choice Trent.  However I also know that replacing you would be a mistake you still have much support throughout our armed forces.”  Raymond said “I want to know if you have any more of these hail-mary's planned, give me a chance to speak with those warriors, I need to understand it.”

   â€œYou will not understand” Trent said quietly “but I will involve you in the future, if you can live with saying goodbye to people on their own terms Quiaff?” he said every now and then Trent used the Clan terms it was all he had left of his upbringing Raymond Brewer-Cameron-Jones understood some of them after working with Trent Higall for so long.

   â€œAff, General, I will try.”  He said agreeing to learn to understand.