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My thanks to James Tanaga for his continued work with the Fire Mandrill remnants

Unidentified Assaults
Denbar, Capellan Confederation
18th June 3091

   Two days had passed since the Capellan WarShip CCSS Tikonov had exploded near the Nadir Point.  The Tikonov-class Carrier which had previously been damaged fighting against Federated Suns WarShips in the Vestallas system however it had been completely unprepared for the assaults from an unidentified black coloured WarShip which immediately gone on the attack with a series of Heavy Naval Particle Cannon, Naval Autocannon and Naval Laser fire.  Between the Tikonov's initial report of an intruder in the system and the Denbar ground tracking systems losing contact less than an hour had passed.  The Tikonov's support DropShips and surviving Aerospace fighters had scattered with the ground teams expecting a blood bath as the WarShip hunted down each remaining craft.  Instead a worse nightmare had come true as the WarShip pushed in system.

   Before landing on the world the WarShip had settled into a stationary position over the capital city of Denbar a wide-beam broadcast had been sent to the planet “this is Galaxy Commander Grayson Rosse commander of Upsilon Galaxy of Clan Nova Cat.  I declare a Trial of Possession for Melissa of the Allard-Liao bloodline.  You will surrender her to me or face the consequences.”  He had ordered before DropShips began descending into the atmosphere carrying three Clusters of Nova Cats. Grayson had sent his Galaxy's other units to the Davetal system under the Command of Star Colonel Katrine Devalis, his great rival, she had disagreed with his choice something that had not surprised him.

   â€œGalaxy Commander, you have no authority over Denbar, your actions are already a declaration of war!  Withdraw immediately or face the consequences.”  The commander of the Fourth Liao “The St Andre” Lancers Li Ming Ortega had replied even as Nova Cat units dropped through the air.

   Grayson Rosse was not a stupid man he'd listened to his father many times and knew how the Inner Sphere acted and fought.  As the Fourth Lancers had replied the powerful sensors on the Lucian Carns, his WarShip, had pinpointed the location of the transmission.  Even as Nova Cat OmniMechs and Elementals dropped through the air OmniFighters from the Lucian Carns straffed the Capellan base killing the Fourth Lancers commander and her command lance in a dedicated strike, not the most honourable tactic but an effective one.

   The Nova Cat air raid had rallied the Capellan defenders more than expected despite not having an active regiment commander the battalion commanders gained control quickly.  The experienced Nova Cat Clusters, the Nova Cat Rangers and Nova Cat Renegades Cluster, engaged the Capellans in a running battle with Grayson leading the fight while the less experienced unit, the 201st Assault Cluster, was held in reserve protecting the Nova Cat landing zone.

   The two opposing forces fought for nearly six hours over Denbar until Grayson Rosse reached the Capellan Confederation base eliminating the last defenders.  In all the Nova Cats had lost nearly six full Trinaries of troops the entire Nova Cat Rangers had been destroyed while the Renegades were heavily under strength.  The 201st Assault Cluster had been pulled from reserve to assist in finishing off the Fourth Liao Lancers.  Arriving at the base in time for Grayson to witness Melissa Allard-Liao give birth to the pair's son, a son that Grayson never knew she was expecting, their happiness is cut short as a sniper shot cuts down the Nova Cat Galaxy Commander feet from Melissa Allard-Liao.  The Nova Cat counter-attack is devastating destroying the entire building that the sniper had been based from killing the more than a hundred people to kill a single person.  The instant brutality of it shocks Melissa Allard-Liao as much as Grayson Rosse's death so close to their reunion.

   Rapidly evacuated from the planet Melissa Allard-Liao, her newborn son and the remains of Melissa's unit are taken back to St Ives the Nova Cats following Grayson Rosse's last orders.  Arriving on St Ives on the 29th June the arrival of the Lucian Carns is a massive surprise for the people of St Ives who are still reeling from the attack on St Ives by the Manei Domini, the return of their Duchess is seen as a massive boost to their morale as is the presence of the Clan forces.  Unfortunately for the people of St Ives the remains of Upsilon Galaxy and the Lucian Carns have no intention of staying in the system once Melissa is safely on St Ives the Nova Cat vessel jump clear heading straight for New Barcella to answer for their actions.  The WarShip avoids contact with other units and inhabited systems ignoring all calls from St Ives or from any of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns units it encounters during their journey home.

   What Grayson Rosse had planned for himself and the unit was unknown he would have returned to New Barcella only to face a barrage of Trials and challenges he could not have survived.  Upsilon Galaxy's actions following the loss of their commander clearly shows that the unit had no intention remaining within the Compact instead their reasons and actions are left unanswerable due to the death of Grayson Rosse.  Regardless St Ives found the boost they needed in their darkest hour two days after returning to St Ives Duchess Melissa Allard-Liao reestablished as leader of the St Ives Compact announces her newly born son and heir as Lucian Allard-Liao, named for the WarShip that brought them home, to the people of St Ives.  When questioned about the child's father Melissa replies that the man she loved died saving her and their child ending any further questioning.

Fire Mandrill Scout Mission
Finmark, Periphery
20th June 3091

   These Fins bargained well, Cassandra thought to herself as she led her trinary supernova back to its assigned DropShip, one of many Fortress-class DropShips her kindraa had taken a liking to since she became its leader. Just over three months ago, she left All Dawn with her trinary supernova and the newly built Nineteenth Striker Cluster led by Star Colonel Brian Tanaga to this dusty, barren world.  Finmark had once been the capital of a Province of the Rim Worlds Republic but the years had not been good to it.  For weeks, she negotiated with the surviving locals, nearly ten thousand who fought everyday for survival but had twenty ancient, but well maintained Rampage assault BattleMechs at their disposal. They had finally reached an agreement, the Fins had completely refused to allow her possession of the BattleMech factory at first, she had been informed by the Rim Collection leadership to remove remove the factory from the world as Finmark was too far away properly defend.  Unfortunately the locals didn't plan to allow themselves to be robbed nor did Cassandra fancy tangling with their defence force finally they had agreed to being resettled along with their factory to a world within the Rim Collection.  They would retain rights over their factory and like her kindraa, they would provide services to the Rim Collection, in the form of supplying BattleMechs and maintenance facilities for their position.

   The President’s Council would have to vote to officially accept the agreement, but Cassandra knew they would accept it, for it meant getting a supply of decent assault BattleMechs for them. And us, she thought. Her Kindraa would provide the necessary technology to update the BattleMechs to a modern standard, though she knew she would have to fight Jerold Danforth on that sharing their technology likely wouldn't be popular.  Thinking of the man reminded her she had been forced to leave him in charge of their primary enclave on All Dawn. She had wanted Star Admiral Theodore Albiev to remain on All Dawn in her absence, but with him being needed to command the exploration of what was once the Timbuktu Province and also helping to negotiate various worlds into the Rim Collection with Ambassador Robert Strauss, that meant the crusader warrior she long despised but respected was in charge until she returned from this mission. Her lover, Loremaster Jacob Faraday, and his Sixteenth Assault supernova were on a training exercise with the First Rim Lancers on Gillfillan’s Gold trying to foster further relations with the Rim Collection while the other units had remained on All Dawn as protection for their civilians.  Cassandra had ordered a solid defence remain on planet at all times and for them to use any and all tactics to provide what remained of their Kindraa Jerold Danford had not liked the "Any and All tactics" orders but he understood them, at least she hoped he did.

   At least I was able to see how Star Colonel Brian Tanaga commands the Nineteenth, she thought. A logical thinker, the young Star Colonel did well, keeping his warriors in line while keeping the removal of the ancient Rim Wourlds Republic BattleMech factory smooth. A task that would be nearly completed in a few days, she thought. A task well suited to the new cluster.  The Nineteenth and its sister clusters, the First and Seventh Striker clusters, were conceived by Star Captain Lysa Djerassi to help protect and patrol the newly rediscovered worlds and member states of the Rim Collection without weakening their units much, though it meant stripping apart the Kindraa’s Specialist Cluster and keeping its battle clusters at two supernovas in strength. Each cluster held a trinary supernova of OmniMechs and Salamanders, two specialist trinaries, and an independent star of OmniFighters. Assigned their own Odyssey-class JumpShip and their necessary DropShips, including a Titan Monitor, meant the three striker clusters would be highly mobile units.

   Halfway to the DropShip, her radio crackled to life. “Kindraa Leader, two JumpShips, escorted by a Samarkand II-class Carrier, just jumped into the system by the zenith jump point. Be advised, we have identified them as belonging to the dezgra Rhinos,” Came the voice of Star Commodore Malcolm Lynn, the commander of the CFM Resolute, the flagship of her kindraa’s naval forces and their primary capital ship, who sounded confused. A few moments went by, than his voice returned. “Kindraa Leader,they now call themselves Clan Stone Spirit. Also, all three monitors that were guarding the zenith jump point are now in combat fighting the carrier. Their DropShips are making a beeline towards Finmark. Advise you prepare defensive positions as the monitors are unlikely to defeat a vessel the size of a Samarkand, quiaff?”

   Lovely. “Aff,” she spoke out loud. “Make damn sure that damn carrier does not get into range for an orbital bombardment. We do not need another York to happen, this time against us, quiaff?”

   â€œAff ovkhan. You can count on that,” was Malcolm’s reply the Resolute was a bigger badder ship than the Samarkand II any day of the week but Cassandra did not like this, what the hell were Clan Stone Rhino or Blood Spirit or Stone Spirit WHATEVER!!  She almost shouted, what were they doing out here?  She thought her Kindraa safe from such threats could there be a well equipped Clan near her own?

   She shook her head and switched channels to connect to all her commanders on the ground and in the air. “Alright, everyone. Change of plans. Damned Stone Rhinos, Stone Spirits, whatever they call themselves now, just showed up and want to pick a fight. Someone get the Fins on the comm. We likely will need their help. And tell them to move their asses if they want off this world, quiaff? Star Colonel Brian Tanaga, I want our DropShips planet side to get as close to the factory as possible. Hopefully, that will dissuade them from orbital bombardment if the carrier gets into position to do so. Quiaff?”

   As her fellow warriors replied their affirmations of their orders, only one thought came through her head. Just need to stall them long enough to get the factory and the Fins to our JumpShips. Easy quiaff?

   Three days later, her thoughts became a reality. The Stone Spirit carrier Major Spirit had destroyed the first two Titan Monitors with relative ease before the last Titan Monitor gotten close to the carrier causing some telling damage before being caught by the Carrier's defence fire.  The Titan Monitor had no chance once under the guns of the WarShip its commander had tried to ram the bigger vessel but the Major Spirit's gunners were too fast and had gunned the DropShip down.  For now, the Major Spirit was playing a game of tag with the Resolute while the remaining Titans and Titan Monitors had stationed themselves with her Kindraa’s JumpShips or were helping with aerial support.

   The Stone Spirit DropShips, meanwhile had managed to land close to the factory. Closer than comfortable, if she were to be honest with herself right now. Already, Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga’s abundant air support was making havoc for the Spirits, and, soon, the artillery. Unfortunately, with roughly three clusters of ground forces available to them, Cassandra knew it would be a tough battle ahead. Three battle tested clusters versus barely two clusters. Fortunately, her unit and the Nineteenth were classed as elite unites and judging by the way their aerospace forces fought and the Mechs identified, Cassandra hazard to guess she was fighting a mostly green to regular force, with possibly a veteran trinary or two thrown in. Still, this will be a fight for the ages, she thought, for quantity held a quality all to itself.

   And here they come, she thought to herself, as the two lone Fortress-class DropShips she had on the ground opened up. Roughly fifteen hundred meters away, she thought. Her radio came to life. “Star Colonel, Defender Wing is in position. Over.”

   He’s anxious, she thought. Lovely. “Aff,” she answered the Fin instead, trying to calm the man. “Keep to the plan, Commander Takala.” Her plan was simple. While the Nineteenth, with the BattleMechs from the Fin’s Defender Wing, would hold the line at all cost, with the air support and artillery fire hopefully inflict enough damage to fight them off, her supernova would create a distraction, hopefully leading enough away and buying time for the factory to finally be evacuated. Defeating them was very unlikely at this point until the Resolute was on station and that could was not possible at this moment. They only needed another hour before the factory and the civilians would be evacuated onto the DropShips and be able to evacuate off the planet.

   Thousand meters away now. All around her, Mechs with long rang weaponry opened fire; the Stone Spirits doing the same. As the battle progressed and the Stone Spirits neared, she could see just how dilapidated some of the Spirits equipment was. Half she considered barely fit for combat duties. The other half however would have pit the Stone Spirits on par with any front-line Clan OmniMechs.  She guessed the barely functional wrecks were piloted by the older warriors and that the Stone Spirits despite being cast out of Clan society were throwing their older warriors at their enemies as cannon fodder in traditional Clan form.  The artillery barrage was causing some telling damage on these units cutting them away quickly this had two effects first it allowed her people to target the real threats... second it opened her own people to those same units.  Immediately that was shown as an Adder off to her side was torn to pieces by an enemy Shadow Cat's Gauss Rifle she watched her pilot eject as the light OmniMech disintegrated but it was hardly a nice image.  Immediately she returned fire she saw several others join her in their desperate defence cutting the Shadow Cat down in a hail of fire.  The medium OmniMech fell to the ground and did not get back up.

   Finally, the artillery fire left off, signaling the Spirits finally reached the eight hundred meter mark. The dezgra Spirits and her forces soon were engaged in fierce combat with one another the Stone Spirits not showing they cared engaging in physical attacks with her own units.  Now was the time, she decided. Clicking on her radio to all frequencies, she spoke. “This is Kindraa Leader Cassandra Faraday to dezgra mudbloods. Are there any true warriors amongst you? I ask, for I only see surats trying to behave like freebirth babies on their first day of training.” Near-instantly, heavy fire rained on her position. I got their attention, she thought, as she led her trinary of mechs away from the fighting into the poisoned grasslands, nearly two full clusters of angry Stone Spirits behind her and her warriors.

   â€œCommander Takala. Change of plans. Bring your Defender Wing along my flanks. We will encircle those that did not follow the Kindraa Leader. Do it now,” she heard Brian Tanaga ordered the Fin over the radio. Slowly, she and her trinary led the roughly two clusters of Stone Spirits away from the main battle, all the while humiliating the Spirits over the radio, keeping just out of firing range for the most part. She and her trinary did well until she noticed the Stone Spirits stop and start to turn around realizing their mistake.

   This is it, she thought. “Well you look at that. The mudbloods are running away like scolded children to their mother’s teat. Beth, I told you they were babies,” she chuckled through the radio, knowing full well she was on their radio channel.

   â€œAff. Though from here, it looks like they just shit themselves. Whew! They stink. Yup they are most definitely the rugrat patrol. Aww. Looks like they need a bath. Pity they rather return to mommy then play in the water, quiaff?” On any other day, she would have berated Beth and kicked her down to help with the Technicians for a week or two for her words just now. Today though, she picked Beth specifically for just being herself. And by the sudden turning around of the enemy, it worked.

   â€œKindraa Leader, permission to charge and teach these surat babies how to be proper Clan warriors,” this came from Star Commander Jeffrey. Major ouch to their psyches, she thought with a feral smile. Her entire trinary seemed to be full of themselves and for once, she let them.

   â€œThat’s it you damn ****** monkeys! I, Star Colonel Tanya Furey of the Eighth Stone Guards declare a Trial of Grievance for your words today, Kindraa Leader. Will you stay and fight as a PROPER warrior would? Or run like annoying little children like you have been for the last forty minutes,” the voice of an exacerbated and angry old woman called out over the radio.  Furey was a Jaguar Bloodname, the Jaguars had been dead for decades Cassandra knew that the Stone Rhinos had many Smoke Jaguars in their number, before that Clan's destruction, but she wondered just how old was this warrior?

   Cassandra Faraday allowed herself a feral smile. “I guess I am an annoying little child compared to you, am I not? Grandma?” Instantly, her trinary mates started laughing over the radio and the old woman, whose pride had been battered for nearly an hour, cursed her. As the laughing died down, she called out into her radio. “Fine Grandma. This young girl will teach an old bitch like you some new tricks. Shall we dance?”

   â€œSeyla,” cried out the furious old warrior and soon thereafter a Predator, most likely a gift once from her own kindraa from a time long passed by, separated itself from the crowd of Stone Spirit mechs looking at the Mech Cassandra swallowed heavily despite everything they had been through today and in the battles before the heavy Predator looked in excellent condition its two Autocannons looking very deadly. “We fight here. Now. With no interference. And no running.”

   Now it was her turn to accept and so she did. “Agreed. Seyla.” As she said the last, a smirk came across her face, and so she added mischievously, “Grandma” her only hope today would be to keep the woman angry, and Jaguars were always angry.

   As the trial of grievance started, her radio crackled, startling her. “Zeta-two here. Factory is secured and all civvies on-board and accounted for, both ours and the Fins.”

   â€œCopy that,” she answered to the star captain commanding the DropShips as her BattleMech was hammered by autocannon rounds from the Predator.  Thinking for a second, she then spoke to him. “Get those DropShips in the air now.” Without bothering to hear him confirm her orders, she switched to the frequency of her own DropShips. “Nineteenth Striker and Defender Wing, pull out now! I say again! Get the hell off this rock as fast as you can!”  She called out before her Mech was hit again this time by the Predator's lasers she returned fire seeing her weapons causing heavy damage to the Stone Spirit Mech's left hand side.

   Before either Star Colonel Brian Tanaga or Commander Takala could confirm her last order, the Predator’s returned fire again its main weapons reloaded autocannon fire slammed into her Summoner and smoke filled her cockpit. As she fought to control her battered Mech, maybe she had gotten this warrior too angry, she felt pain in her abdomen. Looking down for a brief second, she could see blood flowing and her screen showing she had taken the round directly to her cockpit, shredding it and key electronic systems her targeting system was already showing the effects cutting out intermittently.  Twisting her Mech's cockpit she fired as her Mech moved she was beyond lucky to not be dead yet, though she doubted she would live beyond this battle, what with the amount of blood she saw and the feeling of blood she felt trickling into her mouth.

   The Predator warrior's next shots thankfully missed targeting the Stone Spirit Predator in response, she fired all her weapons in an alpha strike. Surprisingly, the second line heavy battlemech turned at the last second, allowing its barely damaged right hand side to soak nearly all the damage with minimal damage to any other system. Crap, she thought to herself, as the lighter battlemech turned to once again face her with its weapons.  It's two autocannons leveled at her.

   Just as quickly, she activating her Mech’s jump jets, raising the heat to beyond the safety limits. She was unlucky, though, for again even in the air her Mech came under the enemy’s autocannon fire, this time tearing off the left leg of her Mech, sending her tumbling to the ground when she landed.

   The landing made her spit out black blood. Still, she battled as best she could against her own Mech, willing it to get up, even as her body started to shut down due to her injuries. Just as she forced her battered Summoner up in a sitting position, only to be hit again, this time her humanoid OmniMech was slammed in the "mid-rift" area knocking the Mech backwards as her armour was cored by the impacts.

   Her radio crackled to life then, allowing her to hear her trinary mates try to fight and defend her breaking the Circle of Equals, what had she said "any and all tactics" she thought.  Had her people begun down a path that would eventually end what they were?  What they had been created for?  She didn't know, but she did know that she would not see it, her star mates actions had dishonoured themselves but that did not last long as the Stone Spirits likewise broke the Circle in response cutting down her entire Trinary in a hellish display of concentrated fire.  As blood started pouring from her mouth, a new voice sounded through the radio. “Kindraa Leader, the Nineteenth and the Fins Defender Wing are on our DropShips and heading to your position. Over.” Star Colonel Brian Tanaga announced.

   Switching to the general frequency used by her Kindraa, she forced herself to speak through the pain using the last of her energy. “Neg Star Colonel, my trinary is dead and I soon will be joining them. Tell Star Colonel,” she paused, spitting out blood from her mouth. “Tell Jerold Danforth, I leave the kindraa in his hands, will you?”

   â€œKindraa Leader, repeat the last,” came the hesitant voice of the younger Star Colonel.

   â€œYou heard me. And tell him and the others. We need the collection. And they need us,” she managed to whisper the last at last succumbing to her injuries.

   Minutes ticked by, slowly, until finally Brian Tanaga was brought to his senses. “Acknowledged,” Star Colonel managed to get out. Switching to all frequencies, he spoke. “All friendly forces, I am assuming command until I am relieved by Star Commodore Malcolm Lynn. Star Commander Su, get us to the Resolute as quickly as possible. Over,” he bit out. Switching frequencies to the one the Stone Spirits used, he spoke determinedly and angrily. “Clan Stone Spirit. You have won a great victory today and snatched our noble leader away from us. Take heart and celebrate, for the next time. Next time will be your deaths.”

   Two days later, the JumpShips of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga, escorted by the Resolute, jumped from the system, abandoning the dead world to the Spirits.

Time for another update - again it's big so split in two

Duke's Mansion
Bolan City, Bolan Province
Lyran Commonwealth
2nd July 3091

   The world of Bolan had always been a fractured one the various city states that controlled their population always vying to one up the other or secure resources.  Duke Alder Umayr and his family had done their best to their best to keep the families and city states happy but at times it difficult.  With everything going on at the moment the presence of the Second Biron's Legion Mercenary Command, under Colonel Octavius Brion, had helped keep things from getting out of control.  Working through his paperwork Alder Umayr had barely noticed the passage of time and the sun had faded from outside, there was a knock at the doors, then they swung open.  Stepping into the room was a beautiful young woman with dark hair, his assistant. “Mary” he greeted her she didn't answer immediately instead reaching to the side she switched on the room's lights.

   â€œIt's late Duke Umayr” she said quietly in her hands she held a tray with a cup of steaming coffee he could already smell the sweet smell coming from the cup.  She moved over slowly, seductively, she always did wear tight form fitting clothing and tonight was no difference a single piece black and red jumpsuit with a light brown coloured loose business jacket over it each slow step she took he could see her well toned muscles move in beautiful motion.  Some of his other aides, and his wife, had commented that “Mary Durant needs to learn how to dress appropriately for the position she filled” he however had to admit he enjoyed to watch.  “What are you working on?”  She inquired snapping him from his thoughts.

   â€œThere was another scuffle between Quetta and Sibi last night.  It took a Battalion of Brion's Legion to break them up.  Say what you will about mercenaries Mary but I've very glad that they took our contract offer.”

   â€œThe people have been very fortunate” she said placing the tray down on the table putting the cup in front of him.  The duke immediately reached for the glass “and they have your steady hand to thank for it.”  She said smiling she was a beautiful woman with the prettiest smile.  “It's really a shame...” she began turning away from him Alder stole a glance down her tall body enjoying himself as she did quickly taking a drink from the glass as she turned back towards him trying to cover his voyeuristic action.

   â€œWhat's that Mary?”  he asked swallowing the hot liquid quickly he could feel it burning his mouth and his throat and all the way down to his stomach.

   â€œThat everything has to end” she whispered smiling again.  This time Alder saw not a beautiful smile but one of... pleasure?  He could feel the burning increasing in his stomach the coffee was not settling properly he tried to reach to the left of his desk for a glass of water but his arm wouldn't move he looked at his limb but there was no movement, he couldn't even feel it, what he could feel was the burning in his chest increasing “don't fight it Alder, don't try to call out, or to make any movement.  Just enjoy that feeling” she said leaning over his desk at him he could smell her sweet perfume and hazard a gaze between the zips of her jumpsuit “yes Alder you enjoy that too” she whispered leaning in towards him “for its the last thing you will feel and the last thing you will see.  But your people, your people's journey and suffering have only just begun.”  She said his eyes locked with hers for a moment as the burning continued spreading through his system the pain was unbearable but it seemed never ending “the unbelievers will perish” she whispered as unconsciousness began to draw on his body “starting with your sell sword warriors and never ending” she said as Alder Umayr's eyes began to darken “Peace of Blake be with you” was the last words the Duke of Bolan heard as his body gave out from him and finally the pain, and his life, ended.  Even as the duke's body fell Mary Durant was stripping off the business jacket covering her jumpsuit revealing a broadsword insignia on the left breast and a concealed weapon's belt around her waist.  “This is Specter Forty-Four, the clock is set, the hand has struck, now use the hammer and ring the bell” she said out loud before marching from the office.  The building was empty at this time of night, a shame should would have liked to see others.  Across the city the Second Brion's Legion came under direct assault from an unidentified unit which struck fast before retreating just as quickly disappearing into the night.  Across the continent near the cites of Quetta and Sibi company sized units painted in the scheme of the planetary militia struck at the two city states running amok through the cities causing massive damage before disappearing into the night.

   The next day Bolan was in a state of complete chaos as each of the city states lashed out at each other the report that the planetary duke was dead from heart failure spread quickly and no-one seemed to know how to stop the fighting.  The remains of the Second Brion's Legion attempted to control the fighting however each of the city-states revealed far more arms than anyone had ever expected them to have leading the planet down the road toward civil war.  Stuck in the middle of the fighting, the planetary militia made up of people from Bolan the unit did not know where to turn without direction from the planetary government and duke.

Planetary Disturbance
Galatean City, Galatea
Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
10th July 3091

   A fist-fight in a downtown Galatean City bar results in the death of a MechWarrior from recently formed Mech unit Van Halen's Heavy Cavalry.  The Heavy Cavalry had formed by free agent mercenaries, former house troops and even a couple of clansmen called Galatea home and demanded that the authorities on Galatea acted against the guilty party.  After hours of accusations and disagreements several other mercenary groups had waded into the disagreement besieging the militia base demanding action on the part of the planetary defenders who continued to say that law enforcement was responsible for dealing with deaths within commercial properties regardless if they were mercenaries or members of the general public.  All that was needed was a single spark this was applied when a Buccaneer and Gurkha BattleMech belonging to Azazel's Watchers Mercenary command engaged Mechs from another Company.  The reaction was instant and deadly as warriors from all corners began firing in all directions in the crossfire both the Buccaneer and the Gurkha  fell rapidly but it didn't matter more and more mercenaries waded into the fight causing severe to everyone involved and the militia base.  For eight hours the battle raged along Galatean City streets bringing more and more people into he battle, as things began to calm down Azazel's Watchers, actually the under disguise Manei Domini Forty-Seventh Shadow Division, wade into the battle its commander informing all mercenaries and the militia forces involved that the deaths of his brothers would not go unanswered.  As the Manei Domini force targets anyone who moves within Galatean City the riots not only start again but they intensify causing yet more disruption and death on the Mercenary Star.

   Seeing the fighting beginning again Colonel Elizabeth McCarron, commander of McCarron's Armoured Cavalry, chooses to abandon her unit's landhold on Galatea heading towards the Federated Suns choosing to seek Faith Steiner for advice on a future contract.  Major Steven Risner the McCarron's Special Forces, a Mech Battalion and an Infantry force remain behind to remove the last of the McCarron's equipment while Elizabeth McCarron takes the rest of the unit and their dependents ahead.  Soon after one of the units that the trouble on Galatea started around, Van Halen's Heavy Cavalry commanded by Colonel Alex van Halen, also abandon the planet.  Due to a technical problem they are forced to leave one of their Excalibur-class DropShips behind along with a combined arms battalion worth of equipment.  While the majority of the unit squeeze on board the Van Halen's remaining transport craft a skeleton crew remain on board in an attempt to repair the DropShip and secure transport to follow the regiment which heads for Skye.

Resistance Fighting
Regulus, Principality of Regulus
Former-Free Worlds League
13th July 3091

   As the Regulan defenders struggle to effectively fight the Manei Domini force on their capital world without causing massive casualties among their civilian population Prince Titus Cameron-Jones is killed trying to stop the invaders.  The Regulan defenders fighting only intensifies following the death of their liege lord as the Manei Domini force, tentatively identified as the Forty-Second Shadow Division continues operations.

M5 Casper Drone
Nadir Point, Outreach
Star League Protectorate
1st August 3091

   An unidentified WarShip and a small JumpShip jumped into the Outreach system refusing all contact with the Dragoons or the other JumpShips in the area.  The Wolf's Dragoons WarShip Widow's Lair, a Fredasa-class Corvette, turned to engage the vessel detecting a small shuttle craft moving away from the vessel.  It too the Widow's Lair minutes, an insignificant time for a WarShip, to turn from its holding point near the Nadir point towards the jump signature those minutes were long enough for the small craft to dock with the JumpShip and for the craft to jump clear of the system leaving the unidentified WarShip.

   As the Widow's Lair moved closer the corvette was slammed by several naval particle cannons followed by Naval lasers, missiles and autocannon.  The assault tore the small WarShip to pieces scattering the craft in all directions.  Without stopping the vessel engaged several Dragoon JumpShips with broadside mounted capital missiles before heading in system leaving the damaged and destroyed vessels to fall into Outreach's sun as it moved in system.

   Several days later the vessel identified by the remaining Dragoon WarShips as an M5 Casper Drone moved in on the Beowulf, the Dragoon's Congress Block II-class Frigate, and the Alexander, the Dragoon flagship an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser.  Behind the M5 the Athena, the Dragoon's last WarShip a Dire Wolf-class Heavy Cruiser, had shadowed the M5 staying just out of weapons range.  The Dragoons using their Clan records on the original SLDF's combat against the M5 Casper Drones planned to engage the single M5 from multiple directions at once intending on overwhelming the vessel's systems.  Luckily such a task was capable as the M5 was a single vessel, if the craft had been part of a 'pack' then their strategy would have been impossible.

   As the M5 approached the Beowulf and Alexander the drone opened fire with its combination of naval particle cannons, lasers, missiles and autocannons causing heavy damage to the heavily armoured Frigate as the light armoured Alexander remained in the other vessel's shadow.  The Beowulf returned fire with its Kraken missiles and forward autocannons causing damage to the drone as it closed drawing the M5 in, the Casper continued to accelerate as it approached moving neatly into the Dragoon's trap.  As the Casper accelerated it passed close to the Beowulf engaging the vessel with its broadside naval autocannons at the same time being hit by the Beowulf's own naval autocannons.  Unfortunately for the Casper the Alexander was also now in position targeting the Drone's forward armour with a full naval broadside of Naval Autocannons which shredded the Casper's forward and starboard armour destroying much of the craft's control systems.

   Weapon system's along the Casper's hull continued to pound the Beowulf with its control systems damaged beyond repair and unable to re-target the weapons on the Alexander.  Before any further serious damage could be inflicted by the M5 Killer Whale Capital and Piranha Sub-Capital missiles slammed into the rear of the six hundred-and-eighty thousand ton vessel as the Athena moved into firing range the combination of damage and the precision targeting of the Dragoon gunners exposed the M5 Design's most critical design flaw, the self-destruct mechanism buried deep in the aft of the vessel.  The out of control Drone exploded from within as charges built into the ship's very structure exploded throughout the ship tearing it to pieces.  The Dragoons had lost the one WarShip and another, the Beowulf, was crippled but they had successfully defended their world from an external attacker and they had saved Outreach's population from further destruction.  Unfortunately for mercenaries everywhere this attack did not cause the Dragoons to consider reopening their Hiring Halls in fact it had the opposite effect causing the Dragoons to tighten their defences and rearmament.

Fyhne Family Estate
Arcturus, Arcturus Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
4th August 3091

   The royal family were on Arcturus on holiday Peter Steiner-Davion was enjoying his time away from Tharkad and despite being right on the border of Clan Wolf's border he felt completely safe within the Fyhne Family Estate on the sleepy world of Arcturus.  When the Commonwealth had been founded it had been done so under the world of Arcturus but during the rein of the Nine Archons Tharkad had been chosen by Archon Marsden who had proposed the switch due to Tharkad's position deep within the realm away from the Draconis Combine which had threatened the world several times.  Peter Steiner-Davion and his wife Isis had always liked the world and its present rulers the Fyhne Family and he never felt more secure with two WarShips in orbit and four Regiments of Lyran warriors on the world.  Recently Clan Wolf had been quiet on the worlds they claimed near Arcturus Peter had been tempted to launch an assault to test the Clansmen... but he was on holiday with his wife and business did not matter.

   Sitting in the study Peter was lost with his thoughts Isis had gone out with Duchess Heather Fyhne into the capital city of Malcheema.  The capital of Arcturus was a shadow of the city it had been when Arcturus was capitol world of the Lyran realm but it was still a busy place and Peter knew that Isis would be the toast of the town.  Giving him plenty time to think and enjoy the peace and quiet something he rarely got on Tharkad.

   This peace was shattered as the doors were thrust open and in charged General of Armies Keane Sortek “What is the meaning of this General?  I'm on holiday, I've tolerated your insistence on being here but there is...” he began sitting up looking angrily at the younger man.

   â€œSire, I apologies” he said rushing over to the Archon's side “Sire, there has been a Nuclear explosion on Tharkad in Tharkad City.”

   â€œAn attack?”  Peter almost shouted raising to his feet quickly.  The Archon's Pride and Mount Wotan were both with him here at Arcturus, had he reduced the defences around his capital too much by having a holiday on this far from home.

   â€œWe don't know, the primary HPG has been completely destroyed, we have the barest of information from a JumpShip that jumped clear of the system to relay the message.  The Commonwealth and Victor are both still in orbit over Tharkad, neither have reported an attack.”

   â€œThe secondary HPG should be operation!”  Peter snapped angrily for both vessels to have reported no external attack did not mean much recent sneak attacks on several worlds had shown that no-one was invulnerable.

   â€œSo far it has not connected to the next.  Sire, even when it does we will not have full communications the secondary net is far slower than the primary station.”  Keane reminded him.

   â€œGeneral!”  Peter snapped “forget the HPG it is gone and so is likely our capital!  Send the JumpShips back to Tharkad, get me answers.  For now switch all communications here.”

   â€œHere sire?  This world is exposed” Keane cautioned the Archon.  Peter glanced around the Fyhne family's study as if seeing something.

   â€œThis world is a sleeping giant General” he said looking back at Keane Sortek “who said it cannot be again.”  He said before Keane could reply Peter continued “our capital city could be occupied or destroyed, my home, the Royal Guard could all be gone.  Do we need that hanging over our people?  I think not.”  He said quieter “we need stability, Arcturus can be just that.”  He said determined Keane knew the look in Peter's eyes and chose not to interrupt “get the word out that I want answers from Tharkad and make sure my wife is fine.”  The Archon ordered turning away from Keane looking out the windows the General of Armies nodded and quickly left Peter to his thoughts.

   It took several days for JumpShips to reach Tharkad and for others to relay messages back to Arcturus however the situation appeared bleak.  The primary power reactor for Tharkad, which was actually a series of fusion reactors, had exploded with the force of a dozen nuclear weapons showering massive areas of Tharkad with radioactive materials causing thousands of immediate casualties and hundreds more were to follow.  The First Royal Guard RCT had been vaporized along with their base as had the Royal Court and much of the city itself, the death toll was guaranteed to raise but what the people needed right now was support.  Archon Peter Steiner-Davion directed multiple aid ships to Tharkad from Donegal, Alarion and Skye while at the same time calling on Clan Wolf (in-Exile), the Inner Sphere's Red Cross and the SLDF to assist with rescue and clean-up operations blame could be assigned later for now the people needed help.

Clan Wolf (in-Exile) Council
Wolf City, Arc Royal
Arc Royal Theatre, Lyran Commonwealth
5th August 3091

   Despite the news from Tharkad and the Clan's preparations to assist they had more pressing concerns of their own to contend with.  Despite several attempts to dissuade him Evan Wolf had fought and won three separate Circles of Equals against Bloodnamed Wolf (in-Exile) warriors allowing him to stand in front of the council and plead his case.  Standing in a circular room Star Colonel Evan stood looking at the arrayed Wolves and at the Khan and saKhan sitting ahead of him.  He stood almost six foot tall and even through his formal Wolf uniform everyone could see his muscular body recently turned twenty-one years old he was all a Clan warrior could want to be, even if he was a freeborn.

   â€œStar Colonel Evan Wolf, you have demanded this council and fought for the right.  You stand in front of the Bloodnamed of Clan Wolf.  Say your words and we will listen” Loremaster John Shaw the massive Elemental said once the crowded Wolf warriors had settled into their positions around the hall.

   â€œClansmen, it is every warrior's wish to win a Bloodname to join the ranks of our most revered warriors to add their genes to those that will make up future generations of our Clan's warriors.”  He began Shaw immediately broke in.

   â€œTrueborns win Bloodnames Evan Wolf, you are a very capable warrior and have proven to be a worthy addition to our Touman but you are Freeborn not a Trueborn and are so ineligible for a Bloodname.”

   â€œI am the son of two Bloodnamed warriors” Evan snapped back looking at the Loremaster around the room there was a stunned silence children born to Bloodnamed warriors was uncommon at best to be born to two Bloodnamed warriors was unheard of in Clan Wolf's history most Trueborns saw thought the idea of natural reproduction as an alien concept to even think of taking a child to term.

   â€œEvan Wolf, how do you know of this?” saKhan Ranna Kerensky asked leaning forward in her chair.  She was his immediate superior officer in Beta Galaxy and had been aware of his inquires but she was also his mother, a fact that very few within the Wolf Clan knew, she had not informed her Khan of Evan's inquires nor had she stepped in his way.

   â€œI inquired at the Freeborn creche I was brought up in.  I was informed that I had been abandoned as a child but I checked the medical records for that day.  All the children born in Wolf City like all of our children was assigned a unique identifying number.  My number was linked to a warrior of Kerensky Blood and one of distant relation to the Ward Bloodname, either a failed trueborn warrior or someone who was descended from that line.”

   â€œInteresting work for a warrior Evan Wolf, perhaps you would have a good career with the Watch Quiaff?”  John Shaw challenged

   â€œNeg, and I would contest any plan for reassignment against ANYONE.”  Evan snapped back at the Loremaster making it clear that despite his size the large Elemental did not scare him.

   â€œI would congratulate you Evan Wolf on your findings.  We Wolves know our history well.”  Khan Pelan Kell said raising from his chair “The Founder formed our Clans and our society to ensure that those of pure breeding would lead our Clans along the path he had commanded.”  He said glancing at Ranna Kerensky before back at Evan Wolf “however things have changed as our Clans have moved on.  A handful of the twenty formed Clans remain, those that do have survived because they have been willing to adapt, we must continue to adapt to survive.  What the Loremaster said is true Trueborns lead our society however there are exceptions, I am one of them” Phelan said quietly looking around the room “I was born a Freeborn yet I am a Bloodnamed warrior and I am Khan.  Diana Pryde of the Jade Falcons is a Freeborn born to a Bloodnamed Warrior and she is Khan of the Jade Falcons.  Ragnar Magnesson serves as saKhan to the Bears and despite their efforts we know of at least two Nova Cat warriors who have attained a Bloodname.”

   â€œSo the exceptions are now a ruling?”  One warrior shouted out “all Freeborns with a little skill and drive to discover their origins can win a Bloodname?  This makes a mockery of what the Founder laid out.”

   â€œNeg, there must be control measures in place before any freeborn is allowed to become a Bloodnamed warrior.” Kell responded “this Council must be one of those measures, we are the leaders of this Clan.  We are the warriors who can judge best if a warrior deserves to have their genes used in our breeding programs.  All of you must admit that Evan Wolf has proven himself to be such a warrior worthy of this Council's judgment?”  He asked out aloud

   â€œDoes the Khan call for a ruling?”  John Shaw asked from the look on his face Phelan could tell the man was not happy.

   â€œAff, I do”

   â€œThe Loremaster opposes you on this Khan Kell” John Shaw said looking from Phelan to Evan Wolf “but it is not my decision to make.  Wolves judge Evan Wolf as you see fit and make your choice.”  The Loremaster called out at ever seat there was a small voting pad each Bloodnamed Wolf warrior would be allowed a simple “yes” or “no” all had to vote and a majority result would bring a ruling.

   Several minutes passed as the Wolves voted Evan Wolf stood at a parade's stance as they did under the watchful gaze of Phelan Kell and Ranna Kerensky.  Evan could not tell what the Khan's reaction was his face a mask on his emotions however Ranna Kerensky was a different matter her face beamed with pride at his accomplishments.  The minutes passed and John Shaw raised from his chair again from his face Evan could tell the result and could see the Loremaster's reaction.  “You have the right Evan Wolf to see the details of your birth parents and to compete in a Grand Melee.  Should you be successful Evan Wolf you will join the Bloodnamed, should you fail you will likely be dead.”

   â€œI will not fail” Evan said confidently

   â€œThis council is at an end, Seyla” the Loremaster called out

   â€œSeyla” all the gathered Wolves thundered in return.  In the coming days Evan Wolf discovered his true parentage, the son of Phelan Kell and Ranna Kerensky.  Shocked by the truth Evan avoided both until his Grand Melee fighting against twenty-four Trueborn warriors all desperate for a Bloodname but all equally desperate to stop him.  Evan fought as if he were possessed not caring if he maimed or killed fellow competitors as he went.

   After eight grueling days of combat Evan Wolf emerged as victorious from the Grand Melee much to the anger of many Trueborn warriors within Clan Wolf (in-Exile).  As a warrior of two Bloodnamed warriors and a freeborn he was given choice of the Bloodname, instead of taking a place within the Kerensky Bloodhouse and further angering the Trueborns more, Evan chose to join the Kell Bloodhouse as only its second member after his father.  With his Bloodname won Star Colonel Evan Kell was given command of the recently formed Sixth Mountain Wolf Guard Cluster of Zeta Galaxy based on A Place.  Khan Kell hoped that this assignment would allow Evan to get used to his new status as a Bloodnamed warrior and perhaps the space needed to allow him to forgive his parents for sending him away.

Assassination
Imperial Palace, Yamashiro
Midway Military District, Draconis Combine
9th August 3091

   In the dead of night the Coordinator of the Draconis Combine Vincent Kurita and his wife Tami Moto are assassinated in their sleep by an unidentified assailant wielding a samurai blade, during their escape five of the Coordinator's guards are killed.  With no sign of the assassin and with the Coordinator dead Warlord Minoru Kurita once again steps into the position to stabilize the realm informing the people that a full search of the Draconis Combine will be made and that the Coordinator's murderer will be brought to justice.  He announces that he will protect Vincent's two children as he would his own revealing for the first time his two children to the Draconis Combine public.

   Minoru's children are revealed to be twenty-one year old Battalion commander Hirohito Kurita, of the Third Genyosha Regiment, and seventeen year old Michiko Kurita, a naval trainee Officer, based on Midway both children had been serving the Combine under assumed names to protect them and their father.

Death of a Nation
Rousset-Marik Alliance
Former-Free Worlds League
11th August 3091

   With no direction from Augustine and no wages coming from the Rousset-Marik accounts to pay their troops the worlds of the Rousset-Marik Alliance had begun to fend for themselves hiring small mercenary units to supplement their “House” troops.  Unfortunately they could all see the writing on the wall when the Capellan Confederation invaded Bernardo and Ibstock on the 11th August 3091 with each world fending for themselves no other world was willing to help either leaving the Ninth Rousset-Marik Militia to hold the line themselves.  With Warrior House Doru supported by the First and Second Capellan Defence Force Regiments the Ninth Rousset-Mairk Militia stood no chance and quickly surrendered rather than be destroyed.  The Capellan Confederation would use the salvage taken from these worlds to form the Fourth Capellan Defence Force in 3092.

   With word of Ibstock and Bernardo's fall to the Capellan Confederation nearby Berenson requested and was given Star League Protectorate status with troops immediately deployed from the Battle Armour Training Corps bases on New Canton.  This was quickly followed by Talitha, Van Dieman IV and Wasat as each world requested protection following approaches by the Federated Suns, Capellan Confederation and Marik-Stewart Commonwealth.  To show the SLDF meant business the Wolf's Dragoons Alpha Regiment was deployed from Outreach to assist the Star League Forces the Mercenaries, despite problems within the Outreach system showing that they were willing to assist in the defence and expansion of the Star League Protectorate.  On the worlds of Van Dieman IV and Wasat elements of the Seventh Free Worlds Legionaries and the Eighteenth Rousset-Marik Militia were given two options by the SLDF forces defect to the SLDF and be welcomed, after vetting, as Star League units or leave.  In both cases the units choose to join the SLDF and with the arrival of the First and Second Royal Striker Regiments in later 3091 they are added as auxiliary units to those regiment's brigades. The addition of these units vastly increases the size of the two Striker Regiments which both had been undermanned since their formation due to SLDF funding cuts.  On the 29th August 3091 the shattered world of Augustine and its garrison, the rest of the Seventh Free Worlds Legionaries, also choose to accept membership in the Star League Protectorate.

   On the 15th August 3091 the Oriente Protectorate announces that the worlds of Holt, Avellaneda, Abadan and Hamilton along with their defenders the Second Rousset-Marik Militia have chosen to join the Oriente Protectorate and that the Second Rousset-Marik Militia will now be known as the Fifth Halas Militia and that all citizens of these worlds are welcome to join the Oriente Protectorate's armed forces.

   As the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth moves in to take the rest of the worlds held by the Rousset-Marik Alliance, including the manufacturing world of Irian, the Isle of Skye dispatches the newly hired Van Halen's Heavy Cavalry Mercenary unit eager to prove themselves after the chaos on Galatea the unit successfully takes and holds the world of Brodon fighting off elements of the Fifth Rousset-Marik Militia and an unidentified force.  Elsewhere within the former-Rousset Marik worlds the remains of the Fifth Rousset-Marik militia are destroyed by the Marik-Stewart forces.  On Augustine Duchess Alys Rousset-Marik is confirmed dead while her daughter Quinn Ann Rousset is missing/presumed dead.

The Clan Hell's Horses Yard/Construction Ship

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/forge-hh-1-yardship/msg35415/#msg35415

Attacks everywhere to bring everything on the cusp of Chaos!  I would have to do a Thread board to keep track of all the activity!  Nice update, especially the new SLS Surprise!   Keep it up!

Finally time for more of the timeline - another big one which is one of the reasons it took a while I also couldn't get it to flow right and ended up removing an entire section because it caused too much problems going ahead despite how much I liked it.  #P  I'd like to thank Terrance for their suggestion of the Junkyard Dogs mercenary company on the Merc Unit Challenge thread

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,39137.0.html

This little unit has spawned another spin-off story which we'll see more of going ahead.  If anyone fancy's submitting more mercs or units feel free to on that thread and I'll see if I can fit them in (most likely can).

There's another thread here:

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/general-discussion/merc-unit-challenge-(au-timeline)/

So feel free

Anyway enough speel more story!!

FSS Destiny (First Prince Block II-class Battleship)
Nadir Point, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
1st October 3091

   The Federated Suns High Command sat around a long table onboard the WarShip FSS Destiny, one of the Federated Suns three First Prince-class Battleships, the discussion had varied from the recent Capellan Confederation attack which had resulted in two destroyed Avalon-class Cruisers to the Draconis Combine attacks and the Taurian Concordat assaults against Pleiades.  However the biggest speaking point was the Manei Domini's threat which included the appearance of the ancient FSS Rycon.  “The Rycon is more mobile than any WarShip we currently have available.”  The intelligence officer Leftenant Cathleen Crew replied “currently the vessel is at large within the Federated Suns, its base of operations is also currently unknown.”

   â€œThe Pegasus could match her but she's going to be in refit for the next year-and-a-half, or more, even once the Intrepid docks with her.”  Admiral Brody Scott said quietly the Federated Suns Columbia was in pieces after the conflict with the Draconis Combine.  The Federated Suns support and repair ship Intrepid was traveling across the realm to assist the WarShip but early prognosis from engineers had the ship being out of service at least 18 months.  The Federated Suns still hadn't really paid the Draconis Combine back for the damage done to the ship which wasn't sitting too well with some AFFS hardliners especially those within the Draconis March.  Victor had not ordered a counter-attack in force yet mainly due to his holding of the First Lord post but also due to the Manei Domini threat.  Hopefully in a month or so her could shed the First Lord position and get back to keeping the Federated Suns ahead of its neighbours.

   â€œWe could double up our patrols?”

   â€œThat didn't save the Melissa Davion and William Davion, double WarShip patrols makes our ships more vulnerable to mass attack.”  Another argued “and it would also hinder our border defences we would be able to cover a lot less systems.”

   â€œI agree” Victor Steiner-Davion said speaking for the first time “we cannot have all our WarShips bunched up, we must maintain our defences, I want to increase Pocket WarShip support to our WarShip forces in critical areas move them off the planets and into space.  Meanwhile I plan on taking this ship and an escort to the Star League Protectorate.”

   â€œFirst Prince Davion, I object in the strongest term!”  Reinhart Steiner said, himself speaking for the first time tonight Victor guessed he'd expected this move and the Marshal of Armies wasn't going to let it drop.

   â€œThe Manei Domini need to be stopped sooner rather than later.  I am the First Prince of the Federated Suns but I am also First Lord of the Star League Defence Force until November.  I will not have it said that I turned my back on any people I vowed to serve.”  He said clearly so all could hear November was only a month away but a WarShip could travel far in that time.  “Duchess Jaylen Davion will serve as my Regent on New Avalon until I return.  While Reinhart Steiner will server in support.”

   â€œSire, I should be with you” Reinhart Steiner protested.

   â€œNo, the Rycon is a clear and present threat to our nation and neither the Combine or Capellans are going away.  You will remain and support Jaylen.”  He said he'd have preferred to give Burton or Fredrick his powers during his absence but both were deployed Jaylen served at the Department of Military Justice on New Avalon putting her in the perfect place what she lacked in combat experience Danai and Reinhart could support her with while her education and experience with the AFFS Justice system should keep her ahead with the Davion Royal Court.

FSS Bravery (First Prince Block II-class Battleship)
Zenith Point, New Syrtis
Capellan March, Federated Suns
7th October 3091

   As fighting continued in the Pleiades Cluster and in the St Ives Compact the Capellan March was on high alert.  While the FSS Bravery hung above the New Syrtis star the FSS Damien Hasek, a Congress Block II-class Frigate, patrolled the system searching for any threats.  The sensor operator Cheryl Flint turned to her commander the ship's XO John Quinn “sir, two jump signatures reported at the Nadir Point, two JumpShips a Monolith and what appears to be a Merchant.  Sensor scans indicate both ships are heavily damage.”

   â€œCommunications?”  He asked turning to another officer

   â€œSir, a general distress call, along with some additional material, they report they've made a double jump from the Safe Port system.”  He said looking at the XO “sir, they report the Safe Port HPG is not down for maintenance as reported, they report the world faces invasion from the Capellan Confederation.”

   â€œWhat of that WarShip run by Foundation Industries? The Vidar”

   â€œSir, they report the vessel destroyed.” The communications officer said

   â€œOrder the Nadir Point recharge station to dispatch rescue tugs.  Send word to New Syrtis of the JumpShip arrival and Safe Port's reported condition.  Captain to the Bridge.”  John Quinn said rapidly “engineering reel in the jump sail, begin energy transfer from the batteries to KF Drive, all hands prepare for immediate jump.”

   Soon after the Captain arrived at the bridge of the Destiny at the same time the ship received orders to jump to the Safe Port system and access the situation.  As the Battleship jumped clear of the system the first DropShips began to launch from the recharge station, the two JumpShips reporting continued decompression and internal damage.

   Two days later the DropShips slowly approached the area where the two JumpShips had entered the system DropShips began to abandon the two craft as the Monolith exploded.  As they approached the remaining JumpShip further explosions occurred on the Merchant revealing the vessel's weapons two pairs of Naval Autocannon which swiftly destroyed the four rescue DropShips approaching the vessels.  Before the DropShips were destroyed the AFFS craft identified the vessel as a modified Tracker-class WarShip, the vessel and all eleven DropShips, begin making the trip from the Jump point towards New Syrtis.

Hiring Halls
Arc Royal, Arc Royal Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
10th October 3091

   For the last two weeks Lieutenant Brian “Terrace” Coulson had successfully talked three other warriors into joining him in forming a new BattleMech lance.  Each person he had spoken to had lost their unit or been separated from them during the recent Jade Falcon invasion of the Lyran realm and each of them wanted to get back into the fight like him.  And now he was close to signing on the last part of the unit a Leopard-class DropShip, the perfect craft for transporting his lance.  “And here is where we have the Mechs.  If you were to join use these would be the units you would be carrying” he said to the DropShip Captain Svetlana Gritsenko she was a blonde in her early twenties, very young to be captaining a DropShip, however her circumstances were much like the members of their new command her family business had been based on Antares running cargo along the Clan border.  Brian knew enough about Antares that the only real thing of value coming off the planet was Clan salvage from various raids so he guessed the family had been one of the salvage crews stationed on the world making the most of their new neighbours, until of course the moment that the Jade Falcons overwhelmed the defenders and conquered the world.  He hadn't asked her if much of her family had escaped, some wounds were better left, he didn't know many from his old unit that had escaped the Clan advance.

   â€œThey don't look like much” she said quietly looking at the four BattleMechs each was painted in a gunmetal gray but all looked like they suffered from poor maintenance with several patches of rust forming on all the Mechs.  “So what do you call yourselves?”

   â€œThey will surprise you” he said laughing off her comment “their condition is intentional Captain we are the Junkyard Dogs.”

   â€œThe Junkyard Dogs...”  She said looking at the four Mechs she knew them all one was a mighty Clan built Timber Wolf, one of the most deadly designs ever built, next to it was a Maelstorm, a solid if uninspired heavy Mech it looked similar to the Timber Wolf hunched over with low weapon arms.  Beside the Maelstorm was an even smaller Mech but no less advanced Black Hawk KU OmniMech, one of the original Inner Sphere OmniMechs created by the Draconis Combine the Mech could have been about forty years old and despite its paint scheme looked in good condition, the last Mech was the lightest of all three a fifty-five ton Bushwacker with its low built wide frame.  As lances went they were not the heaviest nor best equipped.  “You wouldn't stand up to much in a major battle.”

   â€œWe don't plan to, we'll only take raiding missions no last stand defences or major assaults, we'll look at getting in fast causing a bit of havoc then get out.  No need to outstay our welcome anywhere in particular.”

   â€œMy DropShip isn't an assault ship, my crew are more used to running cargo, we can get you down but don't expect air support or us to charge down WarShips.  If I say we turn back you listen even if it means losing out on your contract.”

   â€œYour ship comes first, as do the lives of my lancemates” Brian agreed “we'll pick our contracts carefully and only act on good intelligence.”

   â€œThen the Junkyard Dogs have secured their transport you can move your Mechs aboard whenever you are ready.” She said offering him her hand which he happily shook.

   â€œBeginning of a fantastic partnership” he said.

   â€œWe'll see” she said turning back out of the hanger

   â€œGive me a chance Captain, you never know...”

   â€œOnly in your wildest dreams, Mechboy.”  She replied taking one last look back at the four Mechs thinking that maybe they could be the first step in helping free her family.

Time for some more a bit of a talky part setting up the next part which is all pointing to one big fight.  Just in case anyone is worried yes there's lots of WarShip fighting going on (big reason for that I've got lots of them flying around and there fun) but there's also a lot of Mechs involved or going to be.  I'm trying at the moment to balance big fights with character moments.  Once I've jumped through the hoops I've made for the Manei Domini part of this AU it'll hopefully feel a bit more balanced as things change a bit more.

Clan Sea Fox Council
Twycross, Clan Occupation Zone
5th November 3091

   The Clan Council of Clan Sea Fox had representatives of each of of the Clan's Khanates within it none of them looked particularly happy at being summoned to Twycross by the Khan which showed exactly what the problem with Clan Sea Fox was too disjointed.  “You are called to order” Khan Hanna Coston said loudly settling the members of the Council “we are visited by a member of Oathmaster Sonja Rosse of Clan Nova Cat who wishes to speak with you all.”  She said turning to Sonja nodding for her to stand stepping in front of the Council.

   â€œMembers of Clan Sea Fox our Clans have always been allies in trade and in combat.  We have both prospered through this relationship, do any of you disagree?”  She asked looking around the members of the Clan none spoke up “I did not think so” she said continuing “then I will be the one to disagree.”  She said her anger raising “Clan Sea Fox has a serious issue in its trade partners.  No longer are you happy to only trade with the other Clans but you have decided to trust in the Inner Sphere and the Periphery nations.”  There was a murmour of noise through the Clan Council “our Clan has been a victim of your trading in advanced Clan weaponary and I am telling you that it has to stop.”

   â€œIt has to stop?”  Angus Labov called out “what a we children in a creche?  We deal with who we wish.”

   â€œNeg, you do not” Sonja said looking back at the saKhan “Angus Labov, there was a Grand Council in 3056 where dealings with the Inner Sphere was discussed.”  She said quietly “in it each of the Clans agreed that second-line BattleMechs, conventional vehicles, basic individual weaponary and Harjel were all acceptable trades with the Inner Sphere.”  She said listing  what each of Clans had agreed was acceptable, Clans Jade Falcon, Rasalhague Dominion and Hell's Horse rejected the idea completely while Clans Nova Cat and Snow Raven made a small amount of trades within the agreed limits while the Sea Fox had made the most of it.

   â€œWe trade within the agreed terms of all the Clans”  Hanna Coston said Sonja could tell tell by the sound of her voice that it was the truth.

   â€œNot all of you have adhered to this” Sonja snapped back her focus not on Hanna but on Angus Labov.  “I do not know how many of you are involved but one person in this chamber I know authorized trade of front-line equipment to the Taurian Concordat including Heavy Lasers, Advanced Tactical Weaponary and OmniMechs.  SaKhan Angus Labov, you authorized the sale correct?”

   â€œNot that it has anything to do with you” he said glancing at Hanna Coston seeing the anger crossing her face “I authorized Predator Khanate to contact the Taurian Concordat.  They had been struggling to combat the Federated Suns due to Nova Cat shipments of armour and weapons.  You cannot corner a market and not expect competition.”

   â€œThere are limits...” Sonja Rosse began but Hanna Coston had raised her hand silencing Sonja.

   â€œThere are limits” the Khan repeated “the other Clans are still our biggest customers should they hear of our dealings” she said looking at Sonja “then we could face isolation.”

   â€œTo highlight this cost” Sonja Rosse said breaking in bringing the focus back on her “Clan Nova Cat forces have seized your territory on Memphis in a Trial of Possession.  Your traders and their goods are ready for collection from the world at your nearest convenience.”  Now Hanna Coston looked angry at the Nova Cat Oathmaster.

   â€œYou turn on us?  We have been partners for centuries.”

   â€œPartnerships can be broken Khan Coston” Sonja said glancing around the room “they can also be rebuilt, put your Clan in order and we shall see.”

   â€œYou do not make ultimatums in this room...” Angus Labov said angrily raising to his feet

   â€œSilence!”  Hanna snapped loudly raising to her feet she dwarfed the aerospace fighter pilot beside her.  “Oathmaster Sonja Rosse, I thank you for bringing this to my attention, your forces will have safe-passage from this world and you can inform your Khan we will remove our forces from Memphis soon.”  She said dismissing Sonja although the Oathmaster did not like being dismissed in such a way she could see her message had been passed clearly.

   Hours later before Sonja's DropShip left the surface word passed through the population that Hanna Coston had forcefully removed Angus Labov from the position of saKhan, and as leader of the Snapping Jaws Khanate, and the leader of the Predator Khanate Galaxy Commander Raven Ghilbert in separate Circles of Equals.  Both Khanates would be replacing their leaders when the warriors of each had assembled.  Content her mission had been a success Sonja Rosse and her DropShip left the surface of Twycross to begin the journey home.

Rycon (Columbia-class Battleship)
Kathil, Capellan March
Federated Suns
10th November 3091

   Following the attack on New Avalon a state wide search had begun for the renegade vessel Rycon however the Federated Suns hadn't needed to look for the vessel for its crew were not left terrorizing the nation that had originally built the craft.  Entering at a rarely used pirate point on the far edge of the system the Rycon and its fighters made for Kathil using the widest possible course running on the lowest power possible.  A vessel this large was however impossible to hide on the 7th November AFFS warning sensors detected the craft causing the defenders of the system to swing into action the FSS Samuel Davion, an Avalon-class Cruiser, and the FSS Arden Sortek, a Congress Block II-class Frigate, along with eight Pocket WarShips and three Fighter wings deployed near and around Kathil and the McKenna shipyards.

   Two days later the Rycon arrived near Kathil moving into the range of the AFFS defence.  Almost immediately the Battleship faced dozens of capital missiles that even its anti-missile systems and its fighters could not stop.  As the Rycon began to take heavier missile damage the ship changed its course away from Kathil engaging the defenders and the shipyards with long range Naval Laser fire nothing that would effectively threaten the AFFS WarShips or the Shipyards but enough to critically damage the FSS Sarah Davion, the first Avalon Block II, which was still under construction at the yard the collapse of the vessel's hull spread debris across the shipyards disturbing production for weeks although the actual damage to the facilities at the McKenna Shipyards was minimal.

   As the Rycon turned away from the shipyards the FSS Samuel Davion and FSS Arden Sortek followed at a close distance continuing to pepper the vessel with Capital missiles while some of these were intercepted by the Rycon's fighters enough hit the Port landing bays for them to be completely destroyed.  Unable to land all their fighters the Rycon sent them on suicide runs at the pursuing AFFS vessels although most were destroyed before entering effective weapons range two were able to slip through one slamming into a Conquistador Block Runner while the other slammed into an Excalibur type DropShip the combined kinetic forces tore the two craft to pieces.  The Rycon's superior speed took the craft out of the range of the defenders weapons range Davion monitoring stations confirmed the vessel's departure from the system early on the 11th November with a confirmed KF Jump detected at one of Kathil's pirate points.

Command Meeting
Snow Raven Command, Famindas
Alpheratz, Raven Alliance
14th November 3091

   With the ongoing fighting across the Inner Sphere Khan Sterling McKenna had called for a briefing with several of her Galaxy Commanders and her saKhan Brodrick Sukhanov.  “The world of Tresspass has accepted our rule without issue, we should not need a large defence force on the world they have a small population and report that their world have been visited infrequently.”  He said reporting on the Snow Raven's recent annexing of another world from the so-called Outworlds Wastes a region of the periphery that was once part of the Outworlds Alliance but was now largely abandoned.  Work is continuing on restoring the SLS Hood to operational status however the ship is not expected to be jump capable for another year, perhaps longer.”

   â€œToo long” someone muttered the ancient Star League-era Dreadnaught was a source of pride for the Ravens however it was also becoming a sore point as the vessel remained stranded in the Wynn's Roost system.

   â€œThe Federated Suns has been attacked on New Avalon, Kathil, the Pleiades Cluster and there are unconfirmed reports that the world of Safe Port is under assault.”  The saKhan said continuing  “the Draconis Combine similarly have faced multiple attacks and the DropShip crash on Midway a couple of months ago has been attributed to the Manei Domini.”  Brodrick Sukhanov explained taking a drink from the glass on the table in front of him.

   â€œAnd the Nova Cats?”

   â€œThere attack on the Sea Fox trade outpost was a surprise to everyone, something major has happened between the two Clans which our Watch still has not found.  For Filtvelt their attack was possibly more worrying as the Nova Cats have gone on to completely seize the world.”  Brodrick said taking another drink the saKhan was visibly sweating as he delivered his report.

   â€œAny other actions?”  The Khan asked but Brodrick was not looking in her direction.  “saKhan?”  She asked quietly but firmly but still he didn't answer instead he appeared to be staring straight over her head.  “Brodrick” she said more forcefully nodding at one of the Galaxy Commanders who leaned over and gently touched the man's arm the saKhan collapsed off the chair falling to the side shaking uncontrollably.  “Get a medic!”  The Khan shouted as Snow Ravens dived down to try and help the man but it was too late by the time the medics had arrived he was dead.

   Across Alpheratz's capital city more than three thousand further deaths occurred before it was realized that a poison had entered the world's water supply.  Before the water was isolated and cleansed of the poison more than eight thousand people have been infected with hundreds in critical condition and with five thousand six hundred-and-thirty-two dead.  How the water supply to the capital became infected was a complete mystery one that remained uncovered even after the Snow Ravens investigated everyone who worked at the processing plants that served the city.

SIS Candice Allard-Liao (Newgrange-class Yardship)
Pirate Point, St Loris
St Ives Compact
18th November 3091

   For seven months the SIS Candice Allard-Liao had hidden in the St Loris system constructing six Pocket WarShips intended on serving the St Ives Compact.  Routine cargo ships brought the Newgrange a near continuous stream of equipment and supplies for the ships construction.  As a result the approach of two Mule-class vessels had not aroused suspicions aboard the Yardship, for days they had closed on the SIS Candice Allard-Liao and nothing had been mentioned.  However as they closed the crew began to feel something was off neither vessel had communicated the codes required to dock and now they had also deviated from the correct approach course.

   â€œPrepare to jump the ship” the Captain Omar Yanukovych ordered watching the two blips move ever closer “bring weapons online and prepare to target both of those vessels.”

   â€œShould we deploy the Comet?”  His executive officer asked naming the Leopard CV-class DropShip.

   â€œNegative, we'll jump before either of those ships enter effective range.”  Yanukovych said quietly watching the two ships close.  “Lock on targets lets see if that dissuades them.”

   â€œThey could be a couple of pilots who haven't been informed on how they are supposed to approach?”

   â€œWarning shots with Naval Lasers, ready Barracudas on target at the very least they will crack a couple of armoured plates and get the message through.”

   â€œFiring lasers” one of the crew reported the SIS Candice Allard-Liao had been built originally by the SLDF was armed to defend itself but not a major battle.  Its Naval Lasers and Barracuda launchers could hold off an attack but only briefly in this case hopefully these weapons would be enough to convince the Mules to turn away from the Yardship.  “They are ignoring our lasers, Aerospace fighters launching from both craft!”

   â€œMules don't carry Aerospace fighters” the executive officer pointed out “Capital Missile Launch, we've got eight... sixteen missiles incoming.”

   â€œAll conventional weapons to point defence, Anti-Missile Cannons at the ready.”  Yanukovych called out “what is the charge on the jump drive?”

   â€œEighty percent”

   â€œCut in fusion reactors” Yanukovych ordered watching the missiles close, a second salvo fired from the incoming Mules “Q-Ships” the Candice Allard-Liao's commander cursed as the first missiles were engaged by the ship's anti-missile systems.  Unfortunately it was too much them and two of the missiles struck the ship.

   â€œKiller Whales”

   â€œAt least there not nuclear”

   â€œMinor damage to rear areas, damage crews enroute”

   â€œAll weapons fire on those DropShips and fighters” Yanukovych ordered as a third salvo launched from the DropShips by now the fighters were entering weapons range as well although they would face the Candice Allard-Liao's close in weapons they would no doubt cause more damage.

   â€œJump drives at ninety-eight, nine, one hundred percent!”  The engineer called out triumphantly as the Yardship was struck by more capital missiles and by aerospace fighters on strafing runs.

   â€œSecure all stations, all weapons final firing solutions then move to safe mode, cut reactor power to the jump drives” Yanukovych ordered multiple stations flashed green as their systems moved to safe mode the Yardship continued to shudder under the punishment from the incoming DropShips although the aerospace fighters had pulled back.

   â€œAll stations report secure sir” his executive officer reported.

   â€œJump the ship” he ordered, it was the final order he gave and final action that the crew of the SIS Candice Allard-Liao carried out.  The damage done to the Yardship had been light, but it had been significant enough to cause problems in the fragile jump drive of the ship.  As the engine activated attempting to “throw” the vessel from this system into another the K-F Core cracked, in most cases this event would mean the ship's engine failed to complete the jump and burned out stranding the WarShip, in this case this event cause a chain reaction of explosions along the jump drive assembly blowing the core from the inside out as it tore along the Yardship.  When the explosions reached the construction bays and the partially constructed Pocket WarShips within it the ship was already crippled, the further explosions in the cargo and construction bays blew the Candice Allard-Liao into thousands of pieces obliterating everything inside and around the vessel.

   The two Mules turned away from the site recovering their surviving fighters and slipping away before anyone could find them.  An investigation pointed towards the Capellan Confederation as being the source of the attack and that key support ships that should have been on station at the Candice Allard-Liao's location had been redirected by elements on St Loris which were linked to the Capellan regime.

Ghost Bear Charge
Irece Prefecture, Draconis Combine
21st November 3091

   After six months of silence from the Rasalhague Dominion following the nerve-agent attack on Buckminster which claimed the majority of Beta Galaxy the Ghost Bears awoke.  Launching a deep strike against Avon in the Draconis Combine after the Watch pointed to a Manei Domini unit basing off of the world to launch attacks against the Rasalhague Dominion and against the Draconis Combine.

   Under the command of Loremaster David Bekker the Rasalhague Dominion's Epsilon Galaxy, the Polar Bear Assault Galaxy, launched a direct attack on Avon surprising the Forty-third Shadow Division and the Fourth District of Pesht Regulars.  The Fourth Pesht Regulars had been bloodied against the Rasalhague Dominion in 3077 and had held a grudge ever since leading to their open support for the for the Shadow Division.  David Bekker did not care if they were Combine troops or Manei Domini the six clusters of the Polar Bear Assault Galaxy landed on the planet targeting anything else that was armed.  With hours the Draconis Combine and Manei Domini units had been destroyed by the Rasalhague Dominion forces costing the Ghost Bears the First Polar Bear Assault Cluster.

   Following the securing of Avon the Rasalhague Dominion troops spread out into the Port Arthur, Tarazed, Asgard, Yamarovka and Maulang systems securing them all forcefully ejecting the Draconis Combine troops where necessary.  In the Maulang system the DCS Inazanagi retreated in the face of the Rasalhague Dominion advance following orders from the Draconis Combine High Command falling back to the Caripare system.

Inner Sphere Clan Council
HPG Broadcast
22nd November 3091

   Although they had no unified command structure, and had not since the Great Refusal, secure lines of communication were important to all of the remaining Clans for trade and to keep track of the various Inner Sphere states.  Today the Khans had agreed to this “Council” conducted through the “Chatterweb” HPG network by Clan Sea Fox.

   â€œMy fellow Khans we all see the threat of the Manei Domini, their actions in the Free Worlds League and across the Inner Sphere have been destructive on a scale that the Inner Sphere has not experienced since their Succession Wars and that we have not seen since the Pentagon Wars.”  Khan Canin Rosse began sitting in his office looking at the screens filled with Khans from across the Inner Sphere.  There was a significant lag in the transmission for the furthest afield Khan however after a few moments they had all heard his words the Jade Falcon, Sea Fox and Wolf Khans looked little interest but Canin continued.  “I've experienced a vision that the Manei Domini plan only destruction and that they are heading for Terra.”  He said he noticed multiple eyes roll when he mentioned “vision” none of the others Clans had much belief in the Nova Cats visions however they perked up when he mentioned the word Terra, many of the Clans still held dreams of holding Terra.  “So far the Manei Domini have burned a path of destruction striking at worlds not for conquest but for destruction.  They have burned Gibson of all life, attacked and destroyed much of Galatea, and destroyed much on many other worlds.  They have used weapons that all of us have long abandoned in their quest for destruction.”  He said allowing his words to pass to all the Khans.

   â€œAnd what would you have us do Khan Rosse?”  The Hell's Horses Khan asked

   â€œI would have you unite, place forces directly in the path of the Manei Domini...” he began as the first part of his transmission reached the other Khans the new Jade Falcon Khan Uvin Buhallin burst into laughter drowning out Canin's words.

   â€œThe Nova Cat Khan talks of unity and yet he recently removed his own saKhan?”  The Jade Falcon said recalling the recent death of saKhan Michael Drummond at the hands of Khan Canin Rosse.

   â€œAff, I do” Canin said “my vision showed me that the Manei Domini will burn everything that they touch.  Including Terra if they are allowed to reach it.”

   â€œWhy should we care, none of us hold Terra” Khan Hanna Coston of Clan Sea Fox said Canin could see she was still angry following Oathmaster Sonja Rosse's recent visit.

   â€œWhy should we care?” An almost instant reply came from Khan Carl Heller, leader of Clan Coyote, said “we were formed by the Founder to Protect Terra it is a call we can all recognize.”

   â€œWe were formed to conqueror Terra” Uvin Buhallin said his eyes sparkling at the prospect.  We can protect the cradle of humanity by seizing it.”

   â€œNeg” Canin Rosse said cutting in “warden or crusader among you hear me.  Anyone who attempts to use this call as one to conqueror Terra will face the full force of Clan Nova Cat.”

   â€œAs if that should scare us?”  Khan Nathan Fetladral asked smiling

   â€œTotal war among the Clans should put fear among us all” Snow Raven Khan Sterling McKenna said sharply “we do not need to see a repeat of the fighting in the Homeworlds.”  All of the Khans remained silent for several moments none wishing to think of the chaos that had engulfed the place that had birthed them.

   â€œRegardless of what we believe Terra's fate should be we all have to agree having that world burned to a crisp is the last thing any of us want.”  Canin Rosse said looking at them all none could argue with his point “I am taking the Severn Lervoux Naval Star to defeat the Manei Domini to offer the Inner Sphere our assistance and our steel.  I welcome you all to send forces to join us.”

   â€œJoin you?”  Uvin Bulhallin asked “unless you have decide to attack you can count us out.”

   â€œClan Wolf has no interest in this conflict” Nathan Fetladral said quietly “however we will not not see Terra burn.  The Dire Wolf and Night Warrior will join you Khan Rosse along with an attached ground element.”

   â€œYou will have Clan Snow Raven's full support” Sterling McKenna agreed

   â€œAnd once the Manei Domini have been destroyed in the Draconis Combine Rasalhague's Bears will stand with you.”

   â€œHow do you propose to convince the Inner Sphere you are not a threat?”  Nathan Fetladral asked he seemed interested in the Nova Cat plan despite the appearance that he wanted nothing to do with it.

   â€œWe will play on their fear” Canin Rosse said “we have the means to help then defeat the Manei Domini once and for all, if they turn us away they will have to rely on each other after centuries of mistrust.”

   â€œAnd if they turn on you what then?”

   â€œIt will be the last thing they do.  I am leaving word with my Clan that should such an event come to pass all of the Inner Sphere is to be counted as forfeit, war will be inevitable.”

   â€œThen we can only hope the Inner Sphere is stupid” the Jade Falcon Khan almost shouted before cutting his link, Clan Wolf followed quickly after then all the others leaving Canin to his thoughts, the first steps had been taken now he needed to convince the Federated Suns to allow them passage.

Conference Room, FSS Destiny
Zenith Point, Tikonov
Crucis March, Federated Suns
25th November 3091

   â€œArch, are you being serious?  I am the only Succession Lord attending this conference?”  Victor asked angrily he was the reining First Lord but due to the troubles in the Federated Suns he'd been delayed and was still a month away from Terra and the next Whitting Conference.  He'd called ahead to warn Commanding-General Archer Christifori of this and found that none of the other Succession Lords planned to make the trip, even Peter had chosen to remain at home sending his daughter in his place.

   â€œIt does appear that way First Lord” Archer Christifori said using Victor's Star League position.  “As a result there will be no other outcome but for you to retain the position.”

   â€œI do not like this” Victor muttered “this is not a position I covet I am not my father or my grandfather or any other Davion throughout history I don't want to rule the entire Inner Sphere.”  He complained “the idea was that each leader would face being the First Lord, each nation would feel the burden of supporting the League instead the Federated Suns now faces its fourth term holding this mantle.”

   â€œIf it makes you feel any better, sire, you do hold the position well.”

   â€œIt does not” Victor said quietly “what of the Manei Domini?  Do you have anything else on them?”

   â€œTheir ground forces have slipped into the shadows and at present we know of none that are fighting openly.  The fighting the Dragoons and Highlanders have encountered on Devil's Rock has been heavy but it has all been local fighting, more than likely armed by the Manei Domini, made up of fighters from the local gangs and people out to make a name for themselves.  Both merc units have taken casualties but they can hold.”  Archer explained the Wolf's Dragoons had been out of the market for a little while now mending wounds brought by the riots of Outreach they'd answered the SLDF's call for assistance but lacked recent combat experience and looking at the reports Victor could see the Dragoons involved were not the Wolf's Dragoons of the past.  Back up by elements of the Northwind Highlanders the Dragoons were holding their own but it showed they'd been in a fight.  “From what we can tell Fleet elements that belong to, or are allied with, the Manei Domini have been sighted in the Nova Roma, Merak, Gan Singh and Nathan systems.”  Archer said continuing with his report “they appear to be converging on the Star League Protectorate however their overall goal is not apparent.”

   â€œIt doesn't make any sense, with the forces they have deployed, as advanced as they have been, they have had no concentrated effort instead they have struck and faded into the dark or fought until they died.  They don't appear to have any type of long term plan of conquest or have made any attempt to hold territory.”

   â€œOur analysis agrees with what you have just said, they appear to burn brightly but for very short periods.  Unfortunately that does raise an ugly question, should they reach the Star League Protectorate what exactly will they do?  Their ground forces have taken as much damage as they have delivered but those WarShips are another matter entirely.”  Archer said understandably he was worried about the threat the Manei Domini posed.

   â€œWe need to neutralize them mobilize as many SLDF WarShips as you can prepare to concentrate them somewhere near Terra but perhaps not solely in that system.  When my squadron arrives we will take up a similar position then when the Manei Domini arrive we will all jump in on top of them and engage.  I have the Davion Heavy Guards and the Royal Black Watch with me so if they go to ground we'll be ready for them.”

   â€œI'll get things sorted hopefully we can catch them in place, if we miss them then it could get very messy.”

   â€œIt's simple then, we don't miss” Victor said with fake confidence.  Archer Christifori nodded then saluted before cutting his transmission.  Immediately Victor noticed another message waiting in the Destiny's message banks opening it he saw the face of Khan Canin Rosse the leader of Clan Nova Cat who had obviously been thinking along similar lines to Archer Christifori and himself.  And with the Clansmen's thoughts came an offer so tantalizing and tempting but one that went against just about everything he believed in, had fought for, and for what the Star League Defence Force was supposed to stand for.  The new SLDF had been raised to protect the Inner Sphere from the Clans, now the Clans wanted to protect the Inner Sphere?  Victor guessed there would be one likely positive of him accepting Khan Rosse's proposal, when the other Succession Lords heard of this he'd never be First Lord again.