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Due to the events of this month if anyone would like an up to date map send me a PM.

Invasion
Clan Occupation Zones
Inner Sphere
1st March 3093

   In an event mirroring the original Clan Invasion the Hell's Horses, Wolves and Ghost Bears are hit from behind by an enemy identifying themselves as The Serpents.  These forces refuse communication with the defending Clan forces instead they attack and kill everyone who strikes against them as more than a dozen worlds fall in a matter of days.

   On March 9th Khan James Cobb dies in battle Oberon V fighting against forces positively identified as elements of Clan Star Adder.  The Star Adders overrun the Hell's Horses defences quickly eliminating two Clusters of ground troops and a Hell's Horses WarShip, the Red Talon, at the Nadir Point.

   By March 14th “The Serpent Line” as it becomes known among the Clans has engulfed seven Rasalhague Dominion worlds, four Clan Wolf worlds, and ten Hell's Horses worlds as the Clans struggle to counter the attacks from beyond the periphery.  Included among the attacking forces are confirmed units of the Steel Vipers, Star Adders and Cloud Cobra Clans none of which are willing to communicate with the defending forces with these new invaders there is a report of civilians traveling with them.  As the Clans struggle new weapons see the first taste of battle as the Hell's Horse Clan rush the Baraq Fast Battle Armour into service.

Counter-attack
Oriente Protectorate
Former-Free Worlds League
14th March 3093

   A counter-attack by the Oriente Protectorate against the invasion by the Principality of Regulus gets bogged down on the worlds of Avior and Emris IV invaders deeply dug in around critical positions across the planet.  Unable to make any headway the Oriente forces are forced to retreat back with the Protectorate's borders.

Trial of Annihilation
Freedom, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
22nd March 3093

   The Wolf Spider Keshik under the command of Clan Wolf (in-Exile)'s Wolf Spider Keshik had tracked down the Ghosts of the Abyss to an abandoned warehouse on the world of Freedom the JumpShip they had been traveling with had needed to refuel unable to find additional transport the unit had landed on Freedom staying away from local transport hubs.  The Wolf Spider had landed half a world away and were even now traveling only under the cover of darkness to ensure they were not detected by the rogue mercenary force.

   â€œsaKhan, this is wrong, we need to challenge them to an open battle Quiaff?”  One of her warriors complained.

   â€œAnd their way of killing Phelan was right?”  Ranna snapped angrily “they deserve no honour.  We will kill them like the dogs they are.  If we find them asleep in there beds then we will slit their throats.”  She said she wanted revenge over everything even seeing the disgust in the warrior's face.

   â€œThis is not what we were bred for.”  Another said “we are Clan warriors we deserve the right to look our enemies in the eye before we kill them.”

   â€œWe will challenge them once we are in range” Ranna conceded “however we will not wait for their answer we will launch our attack regardless.”  She said determined

   The hours of darkness ticked by quickly just before daybreak they entered weapons range of the warehouse beside it the mercenary's DropShip waited silent.  “This is saKhan Ranna Kerensky to the Ghosts of the Abyss you killed our Khan mercenary Dezgra.  You will now die.”  She said short and sweet she was just about to command her unit to open fire when she noticed the communication system was still active.

   â€œLittle wolf, we have watched you sneak around for days, this spying business is not for you.  Goodbye.”  The voice said as the DropShip's engines fired and began to lift the ship into the air moments later the Wolf position began to be bombarded by multiple artillery pieces hidden on an overlooking hill.  Ranna sat in her Timber Wolf OmniMech as the artillery shells landed all around the fire was inaccurate giving Ranna the time to watch the ascending DropShip.

   'The Arc Royal will get them' she thought however as she switched to her direct link with the Coventry-class Corvette she heard several voices including the ship's commander.  “...Where the hell did that Aegis come from?  Have our DropShips screen us and keep away from that broadside it'll cut us to pieces.  What the hell have we gotten into!”  He shouted out the Ghosts of the Abyss had no known WarShip support with them previously its presence added an element to it that Ranna had not expected.

   â€œsaKhan, bombardment tracks!”  One of her warriors called out Ranna looked again to the sky expecting to see the weapons dropping down on her troopers but instead she saw streaks cutting across the sky heading for the planetary capital and primary spaceport.

   â€œSon's of bitches!”  Ranna screamed into her microphone “listen to me Blakist scum I will hunt you to my last breath do you understand me end this here and now or you will be hunted to the ends of time!”

   As if as a final insult to the Wolf saKhan the bombardment continued unabated against the area around Freedom's capital for nearly ten minutes before it suddenly ceased.  “saKhan Ranna Kerensky to Arc Royal, report your status and the status of the Ghosts.  Arc Royal respond.”  She commanded

   â€œsaKhan Kerensky, the Ghost's DropShip and their WarShip have begun to head for the jump point.  We attempted to engage and slow them the but they ignored us as if we did not matter.”  The ship's CO reported the Ghosts of the Abyss were toying with them “we have received minimal damage however the damage to Jefferson City appears to be extensive and we have not been able to contact your DropShip.”

   â€œWe will investigate” Ranna said “use your HPG to signal Arc Royal, Skye and Tharkad inform them of what we have encountered and that Freedom will need their help.”

   â€œAff, saKhan”

   â€œWe will secure transport and rejoin you.  We must follow them as soon as we are able, they must pay for this.”  She said determined switching to the Wolf Spider Keshik's frequency “we will do what we can to help the people of Freedom then we will hunt down the Ghosts of the Abyss and eliminate them by any necessary means.”  She said briefing her people unlike before there was no argument from any of her warriors.

SLIC Raid
Oliver, Star League Protectorate
28th March 3093

   In the biggest operation ever undertaken by the Star League Intelligence Corps three Battalions of the Blackhearts Special Operations force supported by agents of the Star League Intelligence Corps and the local First Oliver Guard Regiment engage and destroy a Sixth of June terrorist cell.  The cell numbering nearly forty men and women had planned to launch a devastating attack on Oliver's government and communication buildings intent on throwing the entire world into chaos.  With the tactics and overwhelming firepower employed by the SLDF Special Forces several of the Terrorists are captured alive despite their attempts to activate suicide implants.  With the situation on Oliver in hand by the Blackhearts and local forces the SLIC take these captured terrorists off world for further interrogation.  According to highly placed sources within the SLIC the SLDF believe the Sixth of June's ranks have swelled in numbers since the formation of the Star League Protectorate and the fall of the Manei Domini.

MY MY MY Very Interesting

Another bonus

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/dire-wolf-heavy-cruiser/

New Tech from the AU

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/

Good update DC.

Glad you liked this next update should help answer some questions I hope some of you have.

I'd also like to thank James Tanaga from the BT site who is continuing to help develop the Fire Mandrill/Rim Collection Storyline

Now to the update - one minor note before you read it.  The Virgin Interstellar storyline was written in a long time ago.  Following the recent tragedy that has befallen their space project I was tempted to write it out completely however I've decided to keep it in.  I hope that this does not offend anyone and if it does please PM me and I will remove it.  My thoughts are to the families effected and hopefully it doesn't derail the space projects of today.

DC

Iron Wombs
Hamarr, Sudeten
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
1st June 3093

   The fire Clan Jade Falcon Elstars are born from the Iron Womb creches on Sudeten.  These warriors bred to be better than any other that had been born into Clan society before now.  Designed to be able to fight as any type of warrior this creche is to be trained apart from others under stringent Clan-law.  To conceive the warriors the Clan scientists used previously reaved blood houses mixed together to create diversity while regular Clan Bloodname Houses are used as the maternal lines.

Virgin Interstellar Press Release
Terra, Star League Protectorate
5th June 3093

   In a press release from their offices on Terra Virgin Interstellar announce that they have lost all contact with the Starliner Two the company's ambitious project to send a WarShip into the Deep Periphery on a “Generation Ship” type meeting without support from the Inner Sphere or faster than light travel.  With Starliner One disappearing in 3091 this second disappearance bankrupts Virgin Interstellar with a multitude of law-suits by the end of 3093 the company's assets have all been seized by the Star League and various courts.

Terrorist Attack
Wiedergeburt, New Earth
Star League Protectorate
6th June 3093

   Less than thirty seconds after taking off a Rose-class Cargo DropShip explodes showering the Wiedergeburt Spaceport with debris killing one hundred-and-forty-two civilians and closing the New Earth primary Spaceport for two weeks.  As a Sixth of June terrorist cell attempt to take credit for the attack an SLIC strike team move in and eliminate all fourteen members of the cell.

   When questioned by the Interstellar News Network Interviewers on how the SLIC strike team were able to strike down the team so efficiently the SLIC infer that they had been tracking the cell for sometime bringing the wrath of the media down on the SLIC and the SLDF as public anger turns against their would be defenders.  Although no rioters take to the street additional security forces are deployed on New Earth to monitor the situation.

Clan Council
Tukayyid, Clan Space
Inner Sphere
13th June 3093

   The Khans of eight Clans of the Clan Council took their places around the large nine-sided table as Loremaster of the Clans Chin Cooper rose to his feet “Khans, we face a threat from beyond the Periphery from the units that previously belonged to Clans Star Adder, Cloud Cobra and Steel Viper.  They have named themselves The Serpents and refused all communications with our Clans.  Khan Bjorn Jorgensson, you called for this Council the floor is yours.”  He said taking his chair as the Ghost Bear rose to his feet the large warrior looked around his fellow Clans.

   â€œFive of us have been struck by these Serpents” the Ghost Bear of the Rasalhague Dominion “I propose we bring them to heel and force them to speak with us.”

   â€œAs ComStar did to us?”  Bryan Pryde asked “why should we?  We are all Clans even if they have fallen from the honour of holding a trial then why should we even talk with them?  They are worse than the barbarians of the Inner Sphere” the Khan of the Jade Falcons said “dezgra” he muttered finally under his breath.

   â€œYou wish total war Falcon?”  Jake Kabrinski challenged “perhaps when more of your warriors are engaged we will see how you go on?”

   â€œAfraid Horse?”  Bryan taunted “my Falcons are worth twenty of these snakes.”

   â€œWould that be because of your experiments in the iron wombs?” Canin Rosse asked surprisingly there was little jest in the Nova Cat's voice.

   â€œTrue warrior spirit doesn't need experimentation, Cat, true warriors are the pinnacle of our years of breeding” Nathan Fetladral said proudly “however I do agree with Bryan Pryde our warriors and our technology are superior to The Serpents we do not need to talk.”

   â€œPerhaps our efforts to end Ulric Kerensky's legacy was a success Quiaff?” Bryan Pryde jested

   â€œThe Blood of Kerensky will always run through our Clan.  And we will always match you Falcon.”  Nathan Fetladral shot back

   â€œAct like a pair of Khans!” Sterling McKenna snapped “this is about lives and honour.  Are these people worth our honour and how many lives are we willing to spend?”

   â€œAll of Clan Hell's Horses will fight these Serpents to the end theirs or ours.”  Jake Kabrinski said he was a Ghost Bear by birth but now he was fully a Hell's Horses warrior.

   â€œAs will the Sea Fox Clan” Hanna Coston said “if they return to the Chainelane Isles we will eradicate them.”

   â€œShould they attempt to land on Basiliano or any of our other worlds then they will regret it.”  Nathan Fetladral said

   â€œWe stand with Clan Wolf in our Occupation Zone.”  Carl Heller said speaking for Clan Coyote.

   â€œThe Wolf and its pet agree I am shocked” Bryan Pryde said sarcastically “we will force them from Apollo and any other world that is within our grasp.”

   â€œClans Nova Cat and Snow Raven will support you in your actions.”  Canin Rosse said glancing at Sterling McKenna who nodded her agreement neither of their Clans had been effected by The Serpents Invasion.

   â€œMust be the Goliath Scorpion blood you took in making you think we care what you do in the Periphery.  This is a fight for the Inner Sphere Occupation Zone somewhere neither of your Clans reached just stay out of our way.”  Brian Pryde said angrily looking at the two older Khans the Nova Cats and Snow Ravens were based far from the Occupation Zone even if a splinter faction of The Serpents reached them both Clans had overwhelming firepower in their territory and had fewer threats around them than the other Clans.  “I assume we are done here?”  He said looking at Loremaster Chin Cooper.

   â€œAn agreement has been made by this Council a united front between the Clans of this Council will face and destroy The Serpents.”  He said glancing around all eight of them “Seyla” they all repeated in unison.  This was not a council of war but it certainly did have some uses with Tukayyid as a neutral meeting ground each Khan could argue with the others without wasting troops and equipment in meaningless Trials of Possession.  Unlike the old Grand Council in the Homeworlds each Clan had enough resources in their territories that could last them forever without taking another world there was less desperation now, more strategy and influence to wield.

President's House
Gillfillan’s Gold, Rim Collection
Periphery
15th June 3093

   Jerry Able sat in his study watching the newsvid from Arcturus. Earlier, the trial of Cantrelle Sherris, the former Duchess of Timbuktu, had begun. At the moment, a retired political general was explaining to the newscaster how the Collection, a relatively peaceful nation, had taken four Lyran worlds without a reply from the Lyran Commonwealth.

   â€œI doubt we’ll be able to pull off that stunt again for a while papa,” came from his daughter Karen, the commander of the First Rim Lancers CCT who herself sat on the sofa next to him.

   â€œI agree,” added his son Frank, ostensibly on leave from the Second Rim Lancers. “Next time we go to war or even decide to just take a border world, the Lyrans’ll ensure we actually have control over the world rather than assuming so. They won’t buy us cutting off their worlds again and they'll strike back with twice as much firepower as we can bring to bare.”  And Jerry well knew the truth in that. While the Rim Collection’s strategy of capturing the HPGs and cutting off communication and then laying siege to the worlds with Titan DropShips at their Lagrange points, capturing any JumpShips that jumped into the system worked remarkably well, it also meant the Lyrans would not fall into that trap again, at least for a long while.

   â€œThat is presuming we do have another war with the Lyrans, lil brother,” noted Karen.

   â€œNo Karen. Frank is right. We need to be ready for any eventuality. Especially with those Spirits to our Galactic North,” Jerry corrected his daughter. “And that is why I asked the two of here to come here.”

   â€œAnd what’s that? Dad,” asked Frank.

   Picking up the three folders from the coffee table, he handed one to both of his children in the room, keeping one for himself. As the other two skimmed through the first couple of pages, he continued. “It is of vital importance we reform the Rim Collection economically, military, and politically if the Rim Collection is to survive with threats on every border.”

   Karen, ever the dutiful one, nodded to him, yet it was Frank who spoke after both had skimmed through the proposal. “Dad, you sure we need all this nonsense right now? Putting these kinds of reforms will create chaos and disorder at a time when we need the opposite.” Having finished, Frank guzzled more beer from the bottle he had nursed for the last hour.

   Jerry decided not to answer Frank for the moment. Instead he waited until Karen finished going through with her preliminary skimming. “It’s certainly ambitious, papa. I see the need why we need to reform the Rim Collection politically, what with more and more worlds screaming at us to allow them to join the Collection while the President’s Council refuses to discuss further membership to keep power for themselves-“. She was cut off by Frank.

   â€œIt’s not just that Karen. Militarily, we cannot protect any more planets. You know it. I know it. And the President’s Council knows it.”

   â€œThen why did we allow two more planets on our border with the Lyrans membership only days after the Six Week War ended,” Karen rebutted her younger brother. Jerry knew where this conversation was heading and he wasn’t about to let it go there. He heard it enough in council meetings in the last month to not need it here between his children.

   He interrupted them. “We are not here to argue about this. Rather, you two are here to sound out on my ideas before I present them to the council.” Seeing them calm themselves down, he waves his hand to Frank. “Frank already told me his opinion on the matter Karen. Now I need yours.”

   Biting her bottom lip softly, Karen leafed through the reforms before deciding to focus on the ones she believed the Rim Collection needed the most. “Reforming the military to include additional ranks is a sure way to earn ire from our clanners, papa. That said, it should be easily doable and is an obvious answer to our need of centering our military leadership.”

   â€œEasily doable until our pet clanners-,“ Jerry interrupted his son Frank then.

   â€œThey are not our pets Frank,” Jerry corrected him sternly, glaring at his son.

   â€œAlright. Easily doable until our friendly, neighborly clanners,” Frank continued undeterred, “decide hell with us. Need I remind you what that clanner woman did to the duchess?”

   â€œShe left her alive. Beaten so severely she needed immediate medical aid to survive, yes, lil brother. But she honored our agreement,” reminded Karen. “So long as we sick to the agreement with them, they’ll stick with us.”

   Jerry concluded the same. “Getting back to the matter at hand, any suggestions on how to handle our friendly clanners, as you put them, Frank?”

   Frank paused to answer his father, obvious in thought. Just as Jerry thought his son wouldn’t answer him, he did. “Maybe make the ranks follow the clan-style leaning we already are is my suggestion father.”

   â€œI agree papa,” added Karen.

   Nodding to both, he had also concluded the same thing earlier when he wrote the proposal. Only reason he didn’t include the idea into the proposal was to see if either of his two closest children would think of it. He was glad both saw the need for it. “Very well. I will amend the proposal to the military reforms to make the new ranking and command systems sound more clan-like. Any problems with the command system I am trying to establish, by the way?”

   Both of his children leafed through their folders until they could study what he had in mind more clearly. “It would depend much on getting your political reforms through papa, but makes sense to use your proposed political districts for the military as well.”

   â€œOnly thing I see that is slightly distressing is that the separate brigades seem to follow the Davion and Steiner models a bit too closely for our clanners, dad,” added Frank. Brigades need to be changed to match the clan-styled system as well. Probably just rename the brigades to galaxies will be enough for the clanners to buy into the reforms.”

   Interesting, Jerry thought to himself, for he did not think about that to be honest. Still, it made complete sense. “What you think, Karen?”

   Karen openly grimaced. “I would worry if I was the Lyrans if their so-called intelligence report that started the war actually had some grain of truth with us leaning more and more into clan teachings. Still, they should know the clanners make up for most of our front-line forces and we have to accommodate the Children of Kerensky. That said I rather not follow clan language laws, thank you very much.”

   â€œDitto sis,” Frank added, grimacing as well.

   â€œDon’t look at me, you two. Clan law can stay exactly where it stays now, as far as I’m concerned. And that is within all-clan units and the clan enclaves,” Jerry spoke seriously. After a few moments to gather themselves,    Jerry continued the conversation. “What about the political and economic reforms?”

   â€œThe President’s Council will want to protect themselves and keep what power they already have,” Karen supplied. Cutting Frank off before he could speak, she added, “Of course and keep our military from being too stretched until we can afford to protect the proposed larger Collection.”

   â€œIf we dedicate the districts to being about military control, they could buy into it,” added Frank a moment later. “Especially if we somehow keep our present members in some kind of control as well. Perhaps keep them on a ‘special’ advisory board and have your proposed Congress be more of a legislative power, akin to the Marik states perhaps?”

   â€œMakes sense papa. Allows the primary members to remain important while allowing the new members their say, though you might want to let each district also have membership on this special advisory board as well, papa.”

   For another two hours, the three spoke animatedly with each other on these reforms in detail. The adding of Galaxy Martial to command the former brigades turned galaxies and Star Major to command the former battalions turned supernovas. The Fire Mandrill clan-only units would be kept in their own galaxy as well, just as the Rim Guards and Rim Lancers were to be kept in their own galaxies.

   On the political reforms, the three had turned the districts into much more then what Jerry had originally planned. Economically, they had all agreed to continue with what was already underway for the underdeveloped members, and push Clan Fire Mandrill into opening its eugenics program to the Rim Collection. That would be an extremely touchy issue, the three all knew and so decided to merely suggest it for now and not actually push the friendly Clan. They also agreed Clan Fire Mandrill enclaves contributed as another district.

   Economically, all three could only agree to continue putting resources into Able’s Glory and to sharing some of the wealth back to the other members. Frank suggested getting a Marik or Lyran shipbuilding company to invest into the Rim Collection, while Karen wanted to use the large Fire Mandrill JumpShip fleet in a manner reminiscent of Clan Sea Fox trade fleets. That was mute until the clan agreed to the suggestion, but Jerry decided to include it into the proposal, again merely asking the powerful Collection member.

   As his two eldest children were leaving, he had Karen stay after. Closing the door, he walked to his desk, taking out a newspaper dated a month before and set it on his desk. “Explain,” he informed his daughter as he relaxed into his chair. He didn’t have a need to explain why to her, for the cover page explained it all in bold words, calling for House Able to lead the Rim Collection back to the glory days of the Rim World Republics.
A moment’s silence passed between the two as Karen visibly thought of how to answer her own father. “I thought the other houses and nations would take us more seriously if the Rim Collection was led by one family, father.”

   â€œI expect this from Frank, Karen. Not from you,” he admonished his daughter.

   â€œI stand by the article sir,” Karen answered back, straightening into a parade stance he had long identified as a defensive reaction to him.

   â€œVery well Karen. Just know this move by you is not what I want, but I won’t stop you and remember not all those Rim Worlds out there are unoccupied.  Your ambitions could bring a devastating war on this nation, and it will be all down to you,” he finally answered warning her. By his answer they both knew what he meant. He wouldn’t fight her view with the rest of their family, nor would he stop her from pushing it in council, but he wouldn’t help her with it either. “Dismissed Galaxy Commander.”

Command Deck, LCS Archon's Pide (Alliance-class Cruiser)
Alarion, Alarion Province
Lyran Commonwealth
20th June 3093

   The senior officers and crew of the LCS Archon's Pride stood in a circle around the command deck in the middle of the crew stood Archon Peter Steiner-Davion leader of the Lyran Commonwealth.  Beside the Archon stood Admiral Urs Burgdorf, the ship's commander, and Leutenant-Kommodore Jessica Steiner, his daughter and the ship XO, “Ladies and Gentlemen, today you lose one commander” the Archon said quietly glancing at Urs Burgdorf “your Admiral has chosen to do what many who serve our nation have been unable to and retire.  You are and those like you across our Commonwealth are the ones who ensure that people can make that choice when their service comes to an end.”  He said “and I thank you for that.  Our nation has many threats and this ship may be called to defend it to do that it will need a new commander.”  Around the room eyes turned towards Duchess Jessica Steiner “today Jessica Steiner is promoted to the rank of full Kommodore and your new commander.”  The Archon said bringing a small smile from the Duchess “I know you will serve her as you did Admiral Burgdorf and make our nation proud.  Atten-sion!”  He called out and everyone saluted their new commander.

Star Adder attack
Kowloon, Incaras Theatre
Coventry Province, Lyran Commonwealth
26th June 3093

   On the world of Kowloon four damaged DropShips two Overlord Cs and 2 Sassanids land.  On board one of DropShips was the former saKhan of Clan Star Adder Dante Truscott the most senior survivor of the Star Adder Clan.  He hated the position that his once proud Clan was in the Society had destroyed them as badly as they had the remaining Fire Mandrills, and abandoned Ice Hellion survivors and the reborn Burrocks, who ilKhan Brett Andrews had finally accepted as a Clan to keep the Society happy.  Day after day they had “Seconded” more troops to their “Special” projects or released their newest “population control method” in an attempt to create the best warriors and the most obedient civilian caste.  For the most part the remaining Clans had been able to remain as viable entities giving the Society what they needed but remaining independent of them the final straw had been the assassination of Khan Hannibal Banacek.  Ignoring the ilKhans calls for calm the Star Adders, mad with rage, assaulted the Society on a dozen of the already ravaged Homeworlds.

   The resulting fighting caused severe hundreds of thousands of deaths among the civilian population as the remaining “free” Steel Vipers and Cloud Cobras joined the Star Adders in their fight against the Society.  As the Clans continued to burn warriors and lose equipment the Society seemed to have an unending legion of warriors to call on.  After three months of heavy fighting the remaining Clans had to admit that they could not defeat the Society and decided that an en-masse evacuation of their territory was needed to ensure their survival.

   Fighting against various Society attacks the three Clans evacuated the Homeworlds joining together in deep space with as many civilians and resources as the three Clans had been able to evacuate.  Together in the darkness they had formed The Serpents which ilKhan Brett Andrews would take direct control over some had called for them to head off into deep space form a new  Homeworlds, others had wanted to conquer one of the known deep space societies the Nueva Castile or the Hanseatic League however both were dismissed as being too close to the Society.  Others had called for the destruction of those who had created and abandoned them to the Society the other Clans.

   Anger of the remaining warrior caste had driven The Serpents to attack the Inner Sphere Clans anger and desperation but now even that was failing the ilKhan and his great flagship were gone.  The Clans were turning the tide on the Serpents just as the Inner Sphere had turned the tables on the invading Clans annihilating the Smoke Jaguars, driving the Star Adders from the Inner Sphere and forcing the Clans to give up a joint invasion.  Dante Truscott knew that The Serpents would fail so he and some of his closest warriors had carefully moved resources and like minded warriors into the same units after  successfully leading The Serpents' attack on The Rock they had jumped away claiming to be moving to the next target instead meeting with the Star Adder damaged WarShip Elysium, a Whirlwind-class Destroyer, and the four civilian carrying JumpShips with it.

   The six jump capable ships had jumped away from The Serpents and would not be returning.  Landing on Kowloon the two Supernova Trinaries culled from about six different former-Clan Star Adder and Cloud Cobra units attacked several supply warehouses around on the planet looting food, water, clothing, spare parts anything that they could use.  The local militia fought valiantly however they could not break the attackers line instead the Star Adder force remained in position until all the supplies had been loaded then they abandoned the planet and the system before the Lyran Commonwealth could respond disappearing into the Periphery.

Family Wing, Davion Royal Palace
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
28th June 3093

   Major Jaylen Davion walked into the family wing of the Davion Royal Palace dropping her travel bag into her room before walking into the main family.  Her father was sat in the room on his favourite chair according to him it had been her grand-father Hanse Davion's favourite chair as well.  He was glancing up over some reports as she entered and sat down then looked back down “welcome home, Major” he said quietly not looking at her.

   â€œThank you, sire” she said she said using his position as he had used her rank.

   â€œA successful trip to Filtvelt?”

   â€œI got my suspect if that's what you mean?  And a confession?”

   â€œAnything else of note?”  He asked glancing over a small smile playing on his lips “perhaps you borrowed a Mech, violated international law, caused a diplomatic incident and cost the AFFS a brand-new BattleMech, and got yourself banned from ever visiting Filtvelt again?”  He said running off the charges.

   â€œPossibly some of that” Jaylen said “however I did what I believed was right in my investigation and in the defence of Filtvelt!”  She snapped “and I would do it again” she said raising back to her feet.

   â€œGood” her father said putting down the paperwork “you're a Davion you should do what you think is right and damn the consequences.  Everyone else around the Inner Sphere think that's what we do.”  He said smiling as he raised to his feet “I'm also glad to hear that your combat training wasn't entirely wasted, two kills single handily on unfamiliar terrain, an impressive showing.”

   â€œYou're not angry I ignored a sovereign state's wishes and could have caused a major diplomatic incident?”  Jaylen asked wondering if she'd gotten away with this.

   â€œI'm furious” he admitted “you broke every rule that I and your mother taught you.  You're going to have to work extra hard to win that trust we placed in you back.”  He said she represented his family and had let him down he wasn't going to let her off completely “which is perfect...”

   â€œPerfect?”  She asked working extra had did not sound perfect to her.

   â€œIt will help you pay off the debt you owe the AFFS for the lost Cuirass.”  Victor said sitting back down picking up his reports.  For a moment Jaylen though that he was joking however when her father did not speak further she knew he wasn't.

   â€œSir, on a Major's salary you cannot be serious!”  She said realizing it would take her years of service to pay off such a debt.

   â€œOh I am Major” he said emphasizing her rank “the next time you do something in someone's back yard think before you act.”  He said “what you did was brave and from what I have read very well executed but Filtvelt didn't want the help.”

   â€œThose Mechs could have murdered the entire parliament.”  She protested

   â€œYes, beheading the Filtvelt Coalition and turning those worlds back towards the Federated Suns fold.”  He said he'd already considered the consequences of her not acting, he knew that Filtvelt probably had to, he also knew that the periphery nation probably had their own ideas on who equipped and sent those pirates and what it must have looked like for a Davion to save them.  “Filtvelt is a proud nation they stepped out of the protective fold of the Federated Suns and they have prospered.”  Victor explained “our relations with them have been good but you riding in on a silver knight and saving them from doom has just reinforced the idea in their population that House Davion is always watching and ready to move with or without their permission.  You did the right think Jaylen and I'm damned proud of how you preformed and your motivations but I hope to hell it doesn't cause us problems down the road.”  He said looking up at his daughter Jaylen realized what he was saying and knew there was plenty she could have done instead but she had done what she thought was right and done well at it she wasn't going to apologies for it.

   â€œIs that all sir?”  She asked formally

   â€œYes, welcome home, your mother should be back shortly I'm sure she will be happy to see you her and Sarah are attending an event in Avalon City.”  He explained naming Jaylen's younger sister who served in the Federated Suns government safely away from trouble.  Jaylen didn't care, as her father said she was a Davion, she would do as she thought was right and damn the rest of the Inner Sphere including Filtvelt.  Marching out of the room she returned to her own bedroom closing the door behind her Victor Steiner-Davion remained on his chair reading the reports smiling as he did she was his daughter alright he thought thinking of the trouble he and Kai Allard-Liao used to get up to.  Maybe just maybe he'd been a little harsh on her he was sure that Danai would have something to say when she returned Jaylen was after all as much her daughter as she was his daughter and when it came to their children Victor knew that saying or doing something without Danai would not go down well.

Khan's Office, Clan Nova Cat Command
Phillip Drummond City, New Barcella
Nova Cat's Den, Periphery
9th August 3093

   His youth was behind him Khan Canin Rosse knew this even if others still saw a man as fit as many twenty years his junior.  The long journey to Tukayyid for the Clan Council and then back again had taken much out of him even with the Snow Ravens allowing the Severn Leroux to travel through the Raven Alliance on their return journey.

   Now he had a mountain of paperwork to look at and yet another request to begin full offensive operations against the Filtvelt Coalition by some of his commanders.  The discovery of Bartrock and Valois had given the Nova Cats new ground to use and to explore already there was promising signs on Bartrock of natural resources the Nova Cats could mine and use in construction and research.  But this effort although celebrated within the Clan was not enough for most Elson West and Katrine Devalis were among the most vocal however others were beginning to call for additional operations.

   Activating his computer system Khan Canin Rosse noticed that there was a message waiting for him opening it he noticed it was from the Planetary HPG.  Only the other Khans would send him a message directly why they hadn't sent it directly to his WarShip was beyond him.  Opening the message he awaited the ceremony that accompanied these messages from which ever Clan it was as they gave him the usual introduction of well wishes but warning of not to judge their friendship as weakness etc, etc.  As he leaned back Canin was suddenly surprised to see the crest of the Taurian Concordat what they wanted with him was anyone's guess.  Moments later the bullhead symbol was replaced with a familiar image.

   â€œFather” she said “as you can see I am doing well.”

   â€œSonja” Canin whispered looking at his daughter saying her name felt good even though there was no way for her to hear him.

   â€œI have chosen through my own free will to come to Taurus is Protector Erik Martens-Calderon.  They have not mistreated me here although their ways are strange and their contractions are deplorable” she joked smiling.  This was not the woman who had informed her Khan, 'her Khan' Canin through his daughter had been very deliberate in her use of his title when they last spoke now there was no mention of it...

   â€œFather, I wanted you to know that I chose to come here not because of a vision or because I could bring glory to our Clan but because I wanted to for me.  My heart brought me here.  You will remember eight years ago I and Erik were stranded together we were forged as one by combat against a pirate force.  When you came to Taurus I knew that on that day I had to return with you or a war would have followed that would have devastated the Taurian people and our own.  You knew this as well but because of who I am you were willing to despite all the caution you have taken with our Clan in the past.”  She said in the Clans caution was often looked down on however it had served the Nova Cats better than many other strategies had.  Canin Rosse often wondered what would have happened if they Clan had joined the Smoke Jaguars and invaded the Inner Sphere.

   â€œNow I send you this message not because the Protector has asked me to but because I want you and mother to know I am alive and... happy.  For the first time in many years I can serve a purpose that I wish for myself and for my future husband.”  She said Canin Rosse stared at the screen in shock he and Yvonne were “married” a very loose term in Clan society and although it was well known that they stayed together few Nova Cats, even his worse enemies, payed much thought to it.  Looking at his daughter he knew that her use of the term was meant as something else “as a result of my choice I have chosen to remain on Taurus permanently.  I do not wish for Clan Nova Cat to come looking for me, my Khan, I wish to live my life.  I also do not want you or mother to worry for me, this is my choice, I want this more than you will ever likely know.”  She said moving slightly in her chair “I wish you and mother a long life and an honourable death. I hope we never come to blows however know this Nova Cat Khan that should that happen I will willingly fight alongside and die alongside the Taurian people.”  The tone of her words had changed she was now more official, more like the Sonja Rosse that Canin had come to know, more determined than before.

   The news of the defection of Sonja Rosse took almost a week to reach Canin's rivals within the Nova Cats and they did not mess around calling for a Trial of Refusal against the Khan.  Despite feeling the years catching him Canin Rosse was still a very able MechWarrior and hand-to-hand warrior defeating a total of three Nova Cats one in a Trial of Refusal then two further in separate Circles of Equals.  Unable to defeat the Khan in battle Canin's rivals knew that with Grayson Rosse dead and Sonja gone once the Khan past his line would go with him.

Border skirmish
Andurien Commonality, Capellan Confederation
15th August 3093

   The Magistracy of Canopus launches a series of raids against former-Free Worlds League worlds held by the Capellan Confederation.  Comprised of the First Canopian Cuirassiers, the First Revanthir Cuirassiers, the First Canopian Fusiliers and the First Magistracy Highlander Regiments.  Within each attack is a well placed company of Pixiu Heavy Tanks a newly deployed unit in the Magistracy's armed forces.  Although these four companies represent every Pixiu available to the Magistracy of Canopus' armed forces the intention is to show this tank on every world showing that the Magistracy is not ready to roll over for the Capellan Confederation.

   Not designed to net the Magistracy any new territory they are surprised to find the world of Scheuerheck in open revolt against their Capellan overlords pressing on with this advantage they turned the raid into a full offensive pushing the Capellan garrison and the Maskirovka unit based there off the planet.  In the aftermath of the battle the Canopians find that the Capellan Confederation purge of Cameron-St Jamis supporters had been extended to dozens of worlds including every former-Free Worlds League system.  Dozens had been reported as dead or missing on Scheuerheck forcing the planet to stand up for itself against the Capellans.

   In the following days the Magistracy of Canopus deploy scouts to each of the Capellan Confederation worlds bordering their space searching for further signs of revolt they could take advantage of.  On each world they find a similar case of the planet's population being held under a case of martial law but there are little signs of open rebellion.

Hell's Horse Counter-attack
Occupation Zone
Inner Sphere
21st August 3093

   Continuing their counter offensive against the Hell's Horses striking at Alleghe, St John and Bruden they crush four Clusters of The Serpent's force and the WarShip Gully's Hall, a Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser, formerly of Clan Star Adder in the Bruden system.  Both the warriors and the WarShip put up a fight against the Hell's Horses forces however they are overwhelmed by the Hell's Horses forces.  Like the Rasalhague Dominion's recent findings the Hell's Horses find a disproportionate amount of civilians with the remains of the warriors.  In an effort to keep them under control the Hell's Horses separate the civilians from the local population to begin interrogations.  With the successes on their own worlds and Clan Wolf showing no interest in their lost worlds they land the Hell's Horses to it upon themselves to land on Mozirje and Feltre defeating The Serpents forces on both of these worlds as well. 

Open Mech Auction
Old Connaught, Arc-Royal
Arc-Royal Theatre, Lyran Commonwealth
31st August 3093

   There was a time when a MechWarrior who lost a Mech in combat would become known as “the dispossessed.”  During the height of the Third Succession War these warriors were a common sight with entire regiments of foot infantry being formed from dispossessed warriors who were willing to serve if they had the slimmest of chances of winning a BattleMech ride once again.  Today things were different the recovery of Star League-era technology and the arrival of the Clans changed everything now across the Inner Sphere and Periphery there were more than three hundred BattleMech lines on more than a hundred worlds.

   So for a unit like the Junkyard Dogs replacing a lost Mech was a lot easier than a reliable warrior which was why Brian Coulson had been willing to go to such lengths to recover Stanley Wrigley on Koniz.  Now they were back on Arc-Royal looking at perspective Mechs at a Mech Auction.  So far the Junkyard Dogs had been priced out by bigger commands or not been interested in the designs presented.  Stanley was looking for a medium design he often acted as the units scout however given that they often engaged the Clans not too light.

   There were only three lots left when a heavily modified Stealth STH-6X walked into the viewing area.  The 6X, or SiX as it was known in the LCAF, was one of several Stealth models the LCAF had purchased from the Federated Suns following the AFFS debut of the Stealth OmniMech.  The Lyrans had then spent the next decade and a half modifying and experimenting on these fifty-five ton chassis trying various different weapon loadouts of the experiments the SiX was in the middle.  Unlike the 5X model it had an Endo Steel frame making it more able to take hits, but it carried a standard covering of armour meaning less coverage.  The Mech also lacked the Clan tech laser system leaving it with a standard set of extended-range mediums to back the Short Range Missile system.  More importantly the Mech still had the ECM and Active probe systems needed for a scout and the Chameleon Light Shield which allowed it to virtually disappear from sight.

   â€œI want this one” Stanley said looking at the Mech

   â€œIt's an accident waiting to happen” Sarah Wrigley pointed out “it's going to be a maintenance hog.”

   â€œI can make it work, Brian, put my own cash into the pot if you have to I want that Mech.”  He said looking at the design.  Brian led the lance but they were more friends than a military unit he'd taken rank to keep a Duke happy that there was a commander in the group.  He wasn't entirely convinced about the design but having a fast Mech like the Stealth with its long jump capability could come in very handy and as his first Mech instructor had said “if the warrior likes his Mech they will work well together.”  Stanley wanted the Mech so that was one step in the right direction.

   Nearly thirty minutes later the bidding came to a close and the Junkyard Dogs had their newest Mech it had cost a little more than expected but as promised Stanley had paid the overcharge out of his own savings now they'd need to sign the documentation for the Mech and get it fully checked out before taking their next assignment.

Bonus Time, the Mercury-class Heavy Battleship

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/mercury-class-heavy-battleship/

And the Lithium Fusion Battery Mk II

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/lithium-fusion-battery-mark-ii/