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3062

Khan Santin West’s Office, Alpha Galaxy Command
Phillip Drummond City, New Barcella
Nova Cat’s Den, Periphery
12th January 3062

   The Phillip Drummond City was well under construction as was the Clan’s new Genetic Repository, Clan Nova Cat was completely secure on New Barcella, Khan Santin West had heard that some of the civilians from Tortuga were also becoming productive members of the Clan’s civilian castes helping the Nova Cats begin to explore the thousands of islands that were scattered across the planet’s massive ocean.  Today was not about New Barcella however today Khan Santin West would meet with the Clan’s scientists to discuss the progress they were making terraforming the former Tortuga Dominion worlds into liveable worlds unlike New Barcella, which was a near paradise, worlds like Tortuga Prime, Morgan’s Holdfast and Fletcher’s Feast all undeveloped former pirate worlds were struggling to find their feet and support their populations.  For the last two years Nova Cat scientists had been trying to Terraform the worlds into more Terra-like habitats.

   Looking out his sixth floor office Khan Santin West looked at Philip Drummond City roughly a kilometre away, he was beginning to understand Biccon Winters decision to have her office so high up, the view was breathtaking.  In the other direction Santin could see the boundaries of the Ways of Seeing National Park, over one hundred square kilometres of untouched land, it was there several prides of nova cats were being bred by the Scientist Caste, soon they would be released to explore the rest of the land of New Barcella.  Just then there was a knock at the door “enter!”  Santin called and a pair of female scientists entered “please take a seat and begin when you are ready” Santin said over his shoulder.

   â€œMy Khan” the first and older woman said “we have endeavoured to terraform the three worlds and have made great steps towards gaining out goal…”

   â€œThese steps are?”  Santin asked breaking in cutting the woman off, he still looked out the windows.

   â€œHigher oxygen content on all worlds, better ground nutrients and on Tortuga we have discovered an underground water supply that we are hoping to bring to the surface to create the planets first river linking the two largest bodies of water.”

   â€œGood work, how long until we see results?”

   â€œWith current supplies six years to a decade” the younger woman said.

   â€œSix years…” Santin said quietly that was longer than he had expected, perhaps the Nova Cat Clan would have to move some of its population back to the Homeworlds or conqueror some more habitable planets.

   â€œWe have another solution…”  The younger woman said

   â€œNo Miranda” the older scientist said.

   â€œSpeak, what is this alternative?”

   â€œAlthough our isolation has brought us security while we colonised the Nova Cat’s Den we have ignored our allies.  Some of us believe it is time we included our allies in terraforming these worlds.  During the Golden Century the Nova Cats worked closely with the Diamond Sharks…”

   â€œI know our history, Scientist Miranda, if we were to include the Diamond Sharks how quicker would things go?”  He asked, he had been thinking of informing the Diamond Sharks of the Nova Cat situation for a while anyway, perhaps it was time the Nova Cats gained some help, the Clan’s dealings with the Inner Sphere were at an end for now anyway.

   â€œAssuming all things went to plan the time scale would be three-to-five years until the worlds were more comfortable for sizable civilian populations.” Miranda said

   â€œA fifty percent reduction” Santin West said turning “why do you oppose this?”  He asked turning to face the older woman.

   â€œIt would compromise the Nova Cats security and the time scale is dependant on whether or not things go to plan.”

   â€œSecurity is my concern time scale with work how it always does fluidly.  Scientist Miranda, you will leave for the Homeworlds with the next trade convoy in six days, once in the Homeworlds contact Galaxy Commander Kelly Hardo, Sigma Galaxies commander, she will contact the Diamond Sharks for you.”

   â€œMe?”  The younger woman asked surprised, she was the more junior scientist.

   â€œIt is your idea, your project, Good Luck Scientist General, dismissed” Santin said turning back to the view, in the distance a DropShip was taking off and in the air several aerospace fighters were conducting manoeuvres.

   The Clan’s future here was secure for now but they had to constantly look to the future, Santin had spotted on the maps a possible place for expansion of the Nova Cat’s Den that would be their next task.  An hour later Galaxy Commander Ajax Drummond, commander of Tau Galaxy, and Star Colonel Canin Rosse, commander of the Watch Trinary arrived Santin had a job for them, the first of many the Nova Cats would act on.  In deep space another group of Nova Cats were also preparing to act, beginning Santin’s long term plans.  When the new Scientist General left Oathmaster Jal Steiner joined her, in the Homeworlds he would be attending the proposed Clan Cloud Cobra Babylon Religious Diet on Babylon, it would be the first meeting of Inner Sphere and Clan religious leaders ever and the Nova Cats unique mysticism would not be missing for any reason.

Antares System, Inner Sphere
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
21st January 3062

   Two days after their arrival on the Jade Falcon/Lyran Alliance Border the Blue Star Irregulars launched their first probing strike against the Jade Falcons.  The Blue Star Irregulars were under SLDF contract for the next year and their job was not to keep the Clan menace contained but to constantly probe the Clan’s defences and look for weaknesses, because they were new to the border and many of the junior warriors had not met the Clans in battle the Irregular Commanders had chosen Antares as the target, a small border world the Jade Falcons had three clusters on planet and a Vincent Mk-42 Corvette in the system.

   The mercenaries mission was two fold, train their junior warriors and damage the Vincent, enough to force the Jade Falcons to withdraw the vessel from the Inner Sphere.  If possible there was a third part to the mission, liberate the planet but that was only a distant secondary objective.

   The three Mech Regiments went in first with the Fredasa-class Corvette Kerensky’s Blues leading the DropShips, six hours behind them followed the majority of the armour and half of the infantry from each brigade (the rest were back on the Blue Star Irregular’s base world guarding their civilians.)  The plan was simple the Kerensky’s Blues and the fighters support would gain orbital and atmosphere superiority while the Mechs dropped to the ground, the MechWarriors would secure a beachhead on the planet for the armour to land and secure the landing zones.  Once secure the Mechs would move on the Jade Falcon positions.

   Unfortunately plans never lasted past contact with the enemy.  Inside the Antares system the Jade Falcons did not have a Vincent Mk-42-class Corvette like Lyran Alliance Intelligence has said they did instead a Whirlwind-class Destroyer, the Emerald Tornado, was inside the system.  A Whirlwind was a far superior vessel than the Vincent expected and more importantly a far superior vessel than the Kerensky’s Blues.

   With this fact changed the Blue Star plan went from offence to defence as the entire force aborted the mission and looked to escape the system with the Kerensky’s Blues, half a dozen DropShips and the Blue Star Irregular’s entire Aerospace Fighter Group engaging the Emerald Tornado, four Jade Falcon DropShips and roughly an entire cluster of aerospace fighters.

   After a duel lasting nearly six hours the Blue Star Irregulars seemed to be winning the battle, the entire ground force contingent had escaped as had two of the DropShips that had attacked the Emerald Tornado, however it was at a cost the Kerensky’s Blues was heavily damaged with the K-F Drive badly damaged and almost all the aerospace fighters were destroyed.  Unable to jump and unwilling to surrender the Kerensky’s Blues, a vessel that had once been a Jade Falcon WarShip.  The vessels commander ordered the Kerensky’s Blues forwards at full speed the forwards guns fell silent as the crew began evacuations.  The Emerald Tornado not expecting such a moved was unable to stop the Fredasa striking the Whirlwind in the starboard mid-ship area, the fast moving corvette smashed through the outer decks crushing weapons, armour and crew, then it seemed to stop the two vessels locked together drifting in space each vessel had fires on several decks.

   Blue Star Irregular evacuation DropShips rescued what crew had escaped the Kerensky’s Blues before the collision then rendezvoused with the last couple of JumpShips leaving the system just as the ammunition onboard the two WarShips was reached by fires, engulfing both vessels in a massive fireball destroying both vessels and leaving no wreckage bigger than suitcases, the Blue Star Irregulars first mission under SLDF contract had not gone well but it had hurt the Jade Falcons which was the point of the mission.

   Upon returning to the Lyran Alliance they were met by both Khan Phelan Kell and Duke Morgan Kell, commander of the Kell Hounds Mercenaries, in a secret deal any operations conducted by the Blue Star Irregulars would receive full support from the Kell Hounds and Khan Kell’s Clan Wolf (in-Exile).  The Blue Star Irregulars also cut all ties to the Lyran Intelligence Corps (LIC) as it was sure they LIC had been directed to give the SLDF troops faulty Intel due to their ties to the Blue Star Irregular’s ties to Katherine’s brother Victor Steiner-Davion, it was well known that Katherine was not pleased at Victor removing all Federated Suns troops from the Lyran Alliance.  The other two Federated Suns House Units assigned under SLDF flag had also been contacted and moved within the so-called Arc-Royal Defence Cordon (ARDC) at least there they would receive the support they needed.

   The ARDC was an area within the Lyran Alliance stretching from the world of Arch Royal to the Clan Jade Falcon Border, inside this area no unit loyal to Archon Katrina Steiner-Davion operated, instead units loyal to Morgan Kell and the troops of Clan Wolf (in-Exile) operated maintaining the Clan border defence and a knife poised at Katherine’s throat if she over stepped herself.  Although not officially Independent the eight worlds inside the ARDC took no order from Tharkad or the Lyran Government.

Brotherhood of Randis Command
Hope City
Randis, Periphery
21st February 3062

   Grand Knight Lucas Beckett looked across the table at Brother Galahad Frews, the former leader of the Brotherhood of Randis, defenders of the world and a beacon of hope in the Periphery.  The world of Randis was situated roughly five or six jumps from the Federated Suns, four jumps from the Taurian Concordat, eight jumps from the Pirate Haven Star Cluster home to one of the worst pirates in the entire periphery, and four jumps from the Tortuga Dominions another traditional hive of scum and villainy although recently they had not been causing Randis or any world in the area much problems, Lucas had been tempted to investigate however other things had gotten in the way and so the Tortuga Fusiliers were spared the Brotherhood‘s wrath for now.

   â€œWe don’t know who they are?”  Galahad asked quietly, he was older than Lucas by almost twenty years and had lead the Brotherhood for twenty-three years before the arrival of Lucas Beckett and another warrior from the ashes of Clan Smoke Jaguar.  Lucas had impressed the Brotherhood and been able to gain control of the Battalion and ruler ship over Randis but in the last two years Lucas had kept Galahad in the loop, the news he was passing on now was big news.  Sixteen hours ago the early warning towers on the nearby mountains had detected ten inbound DropShips, only a major nation or mercenary force could field that type of force in this area, finally someone had taken notice of Randis.

   â€œWe have no idea who is behind the force.  Although six hours ago we received a communication signal from one of the merchant JumpShips at the Zenith Point they said there were three JumpShip at the Jump Point in close formation and that the largest was an Odyssey-class vessel.”  Lucas said quietly “the Odyssey is a clan class of vessel, they could be coming for the small population of former Smoke Jaguars that have settle here, they could be coming here for me.  I could…”  His voice trailed off.

   â€œYou could what?  Give up to them and hope your former brethren leave us be, unlikely brother, although your fellow brothers would be touched by the sentiment.  The Clans like stand-up fights don’t they?”

   â€œThey do, as do the Brotherhood.  Unfortunately their weapons would tare us apart, even with the Star League-era tech we have and the OmniMechs Carson and I brought with us from the Clans we cannot hope to match them for firepower.”  He said, the unit had two former Smoke Jaguar OmniMechs, Lucas’s Kingfisher and Carson’s Warhawk, both were assault OmniMechs and in good repair but against an entire unit of Clan Mechs they would be picked apart in a very short time.

   â€œNo we cannot but we know the terrain far better, how many troops do you think they could have?” Galahad asked taking charge of the discussion, it had been a while but it felt real good.

   â€œDepends on the DropShips they have, they look small and fast from the sensor images we have been able to gather so I would say they could all be Broadswords or Carriers.  That would give them an entire Cluster of OmniMechs or BattleMechs and an entire Star of Fighters.  Although the Carrier could be a Titan then it would be entire Trinary of fighters.”  Lucas said thinking of the worst case scenario, Galahad wished he hadn’t.

   â€œRight so we challenge them to meet us in Trimmer’s Valley, it’s closed in and their weapons will have the same limitations as ours.”

   â€œIt depends what Clan we are facing some will attack without challenge they see us as Dezgra, the dishonoured, we are worse than Inner Sphere warriors.”

   â€œWe will just hope to meet an enlightened Clansmen then, because if they attack in full force with full aerospace support we are dead men.  Send the signal to the incoming force then we will go see the men and prepare them for some heavy fighting.”  Galahad noticed Lucas was still unsure “Lucas, we can survive this, anywhere else I’d say we were dead but we can defeat them on home soil.”  Lucas pressed down the transmit button of the long range communications system built into the situation table.

   â€œIncoming vessels, this is Grand Knight Lucas Becket, I am commander of the Brotherhood of Randis the defenders of this world and the defenders of any injustice raked upon them by the harshness of space.  We welcome you to Randis however if you plan hostilities we will resist you with our entire Battalion of BattleMechs.  If you prefer a stand up battle I am transmitting a location that would be suitable now.”  He said pressing another control “we off this area for a Trial to limit the damage done to the people of Randis by any possible conflict that my arise between our peoples.”  The lead target vessel replied exactly six minutes later, the incoming DropShips were requesting clearance to land at the capital’s spaceport and they were not interested in hostilities.  Following a brief discussion Lucas transmitted clearance but warned them the entire Brotherhood would be waiting for them and trouble would be met with a fight.

Hope City, Spaceport
Randis, Periphery
24th February 3062

   Three days later the incoming force arrived in near orbit, instead of all nine DropShips landing at the same spaceport however they landed three at each of the planets three spaceports with one DropShip, the Carrier, orbiting over the capital with an entire star of aerospace fighters.

   The Brotherhood of Randis began moving to cover all three Spaceports however by the time they were on the outskirts of the capital the first three DropShips were down and enemy troops were on the ground.  Grand Knight Lucas Becket tried to martial his troops but the loose Brotherhood were beginning to scatter and were all receiving communications from all over the planet.  “Hold your fire unless they attack” Lucas said into the Kingfisher’s comm. grid.  “Brother Carson, take two lances to Randis City, same orders against these people.”

   â€œAff” the clan warrior said his Warhawk leading away seven more Mechs.

   â€œBrother Galahad take your lances to Camelot City, same orders.”

   â€œUnderstood Grand Knight, people move out.”  Galahad said moving out with his group of eight warriors.  That left fourteen warriors and Lucas to defend Hope City, ahead of them were three Broadsword-class DropShips, their doors still sealed.  Walking forward Lucas addressed the Clan vessels using his Mech’s loud speaker system.

   â€œClan vessels this is Grand Knight Lucas Becket, commander of the Brotherhood of Randis.  Identify yourselves and your reason for being here.”  The doors opened on all three DropShips simultaneously, several of the Brotherhood Mechs moved from side to side worried about the firepower the DropShips could be about to release.

   Instead of Mechs leaving the DropShips however it was Elementals, Battle Armour!  Something no-one was expecting and something Broadswords could not normally carry any type of Battle Armour and the Brotherhood had never encountered Battle Armour before, this could be bad.  Next to exit the Broadsword was a pair of Svantovit Infantry Fighting Hovertanks then a pair of Ares Medium Tanks again a Broadsword didn’t normally carry.  Instead of being more worried however Lucas was feeling more confident, vehicles were weaker than Mechs and Battle Armour was less mobile.  Looking out over the battlefield he saw thirty Elementals and twelve vehicles, of which most were light or medium designs, perhaps they would be able to resist this and the other forces.  “I am Lucas Beckett, identify yourself or be prepared to meet resistance.”  Lucas said again unfortunately the DropShips were not finished offloading their cargo, from each DropShip a single OmniMech stepped down, on either side stood a Dire Wolf and a Warhawk while in the middle stood a design Lucas had never seen before.  It was lighter than the other two but looked well armoured and each arm was heavily laden with weapons, the Mech reminded Lucas of the Night Gyr fielded by the Jade Falcons.

   These three Mechs would be the biggest threat and Lucas labelled them as Primary targets and transmitted the data to the other Brothers, if they came to blows the Brotherhood would drop usual fighting rules and combine fire on the three Clan Mechs brining down the biggest targets first.  “I am Lucas Becket…”  He began again only to be interrupted by another voice.

   â€œBy the Great Father we heard you the first and the second time, what do you think we are deaf?  Quineg?  Becket is a Bloodname and that is a Clan Mech, you are a Clan warrior?”  The mystery voice asked the enemy force remained standing in position, Lucas’s Mech detected targeting sweeps from all the Battle Armour, Vehicles and Mechs they were more than ready for a fight.  Lucas searched his memory trying to place the accent, although the Clans were nearly devoid of accent speaking nearly perfect English some Clans had slight variations that could only be noticed if you looked carefully.  During his time with the Clans Lucas had begun to write a paper on just that, but since leaving the Clans he had stopped no longer seeing a point.

   â€œNeg, I do not think you are deaf, but that was quite an entrance.  I was worried you might have missed my welcome.  I was Clan, this Mech served me in the Clans and serves me now.  I am no longer Clan.”  Lucas said to the point, there was no point in lying to the Clansmen, to do so would give them a reason to fire.  “Who are you?”

   â€œYou were Clan?  You are Dezgra?  Which Clan did you serve?  Why did you leave?”  The voice asked continuing on his line of questioning, if the Clans though Lucas was dezgra they would destroy everything in sight.

   â€œI am no longer Clan.  I do not consider myself or the warrior that I serve with to be dezgra.  I served the Cloud Cobras originally but was captured by the Smoke Jaguars and served them as a Star Commander.  I left because my Clan was destroyed.  Now I must ask who are you?  Without an answer I must consider this to be an invasion.”

   â€œWhat do you and your companions do?”  The voice asked again refusing to identify themselves “this world does not appear on our records as an inhabited world but all three cities appear well developed and in good repair, is this a secret Succession Lord world?  Or an ancient forgotten Star League world?”  The voice sounded more and more inquisitive, Lucas started to wonder if it was a Goliath Scorpion Warrior, one of those drugged up Seekers who searched for forgotten relics of the Star League.

   â€œI do not know the history of this world well.  All that I know is that is was founded after the fall of the Star League as a pirate world.  As the centuries passed the Brotherhood of Randis was formed to defend this world and the surrounding Periphery from any bandit force and improve the way of life for all citizens of the Periphery.”

   â€œWe also wish to improve the area around our home” the warrior said quietly Lucas’s mind was racing, there were no Clan occupied planets in this region that he knew about.  Could this be members of the Dark Caste or maybe rumoured remnants of the Annihilated Not-named Clan?  If they were either it was his duty to destroy them, Lucas primed his weapons.

   â€œYou interest us Brotherhood.  Allow me to introduce myself, I am Star Colonel Canin Rosse.”  The MechWarrior said, the unknown type of Mech stepping forward slightly.  Lucas took his fingers off the firing triggers Rosse was a Nova Cat Bloodname and most Dark Caste warriors dropped any Bloodname they held when they became Dark Caste.  Technically Lucas was a member of the Dark Caste but he did not consider himself to be dishonourable or a bandit.

   â€œA Star Colonel?  Of what Clan, and how can you claim to have territories in this area?  The Homeworlds are far from here.”

   â€œI am Star Colonel Canin Rosse, Commander of the Watch Cluster of Clan Nova Cat.  I claim this planet is near my home because we have occupied the area surrounding the world of Tortuga Prime, it has become the Nova Cat’s Den, the new Homeworlds for our Clan.”  Lucas’s mind was spinning, the Nova Cats had occupied the Tortuga Dominions and the area surrounding it?  He thought Randis was far from the Clan threat but in fact they had followed him into this area and now were poised for another invasion.

   â€œYou plan to strike at Terra from here?”

   â€œNeg, we plan to live here, improve the worlds we occupy and build a home.  For now nothing less or more.”

   â€œBut you still maintain links to the Homeworlds?  Quiaff?”

   â€œAff, we are Clan.”  Canin answered, the Nova Cat warrior took that particularly bad for someone who had just admitted they were moving into a new home away from the other Clans.

   â€œSo what do you want with our little insignificant world?”

   â€œWe are building relations with forces around us, some we deal with, some we open negotiations.  We dealt with the Tortuga Fusiliers but we are talking to you.”

   â€œWith respect, Star Colonel, we will call you” Lucas said using a saying he had picked up from the people of Randis “if we need or want to talk to you we will send out word, I assume you will not be difficult to find?”

   â€œCome to Tortuga and we will be waiting” Canin said there was no point in Canin’s mind of pursuing the matter and he did not have the forces to prosecute the Nova Cat case, he was sure they would be back to Randis but not today.  The Nova Cats packed up into their DropShips and began the long burn back to their JumpShips.

Guest Quarters, House Davion Royal Palace
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
12th March 3062

   Following the Alexander Davion’s inspection was complete, some training and some R&R on Galax Victor Steiner-Davion, Danai Centrella and their bodyguard units had returned to New Avalon.  As always there had been mass parades to welcome them back to the capital city of the Federated Suns, the people celebrated the return of their First Prince and of his guest Danai felt really strange, even in the Magistracy of Canopus her home nation, she had rarely felt so much from and for a worlds population.

   Even though she was a guest on New Avalon and not officially an officer in the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns she was still a MechWarrior and the commander of the Battalion of Magistracy warriors that had accompanied her to the Clan Homeworlds and into exile and she tried to spend as much time with these people as possible ensuring that she never forgot where she came from and the people that had followed her were happy.

   Danai had chosen to retire early in the night, although there was a growing relationship with Victor she still received her own quarters in the massive palace because of her status as a visiting royal dignitary.  Around midnight there was a knock on the doors Danai was awake almost immediately, a knife from under her pillow ready, old habits of battlefield readiness died hard.  Looking around she noticed no-one was there but there was a quiet knock again there was someone outside, Danai replaced the knife climbed out of her bed and pulled on a dark green dressing gown with golden edges.  “Enter!”  She called the door crept open and light seeped into the room, Danai switched on a bedside light brightening the room.  At the door stood Yvonne Steiner-Davion dressed in her own nightgown “Yvonne?”

   â€œDanai, are you awake?”  Yvonne asked peering in she was a lot like Naomi, Danai’s sister, when they were younger on Canopus Naomi would come to see her when she was nervous about something or wanted to get advice.

   â€œI am now” Danai whispered as Yvonne stepped into the room “what’s wrong?”

   â€œI needed to ask you a question, just one” she said Danai smiled, Yvonne was acting like a child asking for one more cookie after eating half the tin.

   â€œGo on then” Danai said, there was no point in refusing, because now she was up there was no chance of her sleeping without answering the question.  Yvonne moved across the room and perched on the edge of the bed.

   â€œI was wondering, have you ever been in love?  I mean really, really been in love?”  Yvonne asked, at twenty-two years old Yvonne had been in love before but this was a question about true love.

   â€œDid your brother put you up to this?”  If she had asked that to anyone else they would have probably looked at Danai and wondered if she was on another planet, of all the people in the Inner Sphere Victor Steiner-Davion was the last person you’d expect to play these kind of games but in the short time Danai had known him she knew Victor was far happier playing soldier games than being polite and proper, which fit in with most Davion men from history.

   â€œNone of my brothers put me up to this, what have they got to do with it?”  Yvonne asked thinking about all three of her brothers Arthur had returned to Robinson with Tarncred, Victor was down the corridor, up the stair and she hadn’t seen Peter in four years following his self-imposed exile.

   â€œNothing, have I ever been in love?”  Danai asked quietly “yes, I have been.”

   â€œWas it love at first sight?” Yvonne asked obviously she had found someone.

   â€œI thought you were going to ask one question!”  Danai said teasing, she found it funny that they were both grown up women and were discussing this in a bedroom after midnight, the fact it was in a palace made it even funnier.

   â€œYou asked me a question so I get another, that's the rule you know?” Yvonne said a small smile creeping onto her face, she had never been this close with Katherine and her brothers were always more interested in combat.

   â€œNo, it wasn’t love at first sight.  The man I fell in love with was in love with someone else.”  Danai said thinking of the first time she had seen Victor away from the battlefield, he was the man she was in love with and the reason for not returning to the Magistracy even with her mother gone.  “Are you in love Yvonne?”  Danai asked in return, she knew Yvonne would keep asking questions now but she was interested and while she had become attached to Victor she was becoming attached to his life and his family as well.

   â€œI think I am” Yvonne said, her voice was but a whisper “do you believe in love at first-sight?  You know as soon as you see a person there is a connection and all you can do is think of them and see yourself with them?”

   â€œTwo questions” Danai said smiling but she continued anyway, since first meeting Yvonne Danai had felt welcome and they had enjoyed some good times together, with her Danai felt totally accepted and almost like part of the family.  “I believe in love at first-sight but you have to follow it up and make sure that buzz doesn’t die before you can make the feelings true and proper.   I know what it is like to see someone and see your entire life with them, it has happened to me…”  Danai said quietly thinking of Victor, she sometimes wondered if the Federated Suns First Prince felt the same way.  Before they left for Clan Space Victor was close to Omi Kurita but since returning he hadn’t spoken to the Draconis Combine Princess, or Keeper of House Honour as the Dracs called it.  The Clan War had changed Victor and somehow Danai had become part of his life.

   â€œYou should tell the person your in love with how you feel.”  Yvonne said seeing Danai was thinking about herself at the same time as answering the questions.

   â€œSo should you.”

   â€œThat’s the hard bit, his home isn’t quite down the road…”

   â€œYou can travel anywhere in the realm Yvonne, if you feel strongly about someone don’t let it slip away.”  Danai said Yvonne nodded and rose to her feet.

   â€œI’ll let you get back to sleep, night Danai” Yvonne said moving off towards the doors.

   â€œGood Night Yvonne” Danai said as Yvonne closed the doors Danai stayed silent for a couple of moments then extinguished her own lights going back to bed.

Reception Halls, House Davion Royal Palace
Davion Royal Palace, Avalon Island
New Avalon, Crucis March, Federated Suns
20th March 3062

   The rumour mills on New Avalon had being going critical with a rumour that Victor would be leaving in a couple of days so Major Ross McKinnon still on leave from the Seventh Crucis Lancers, like the rest of his unit, had headed for the Royal Palace intent on requesting an audience with the First Prince.  After four hours Ross had been taken into an auxiliary reception hall, which was smaller but no less impressive as the main hall, to find not Victor but Yvonne, the former Regent of the Federated Suns and Duchess of New Avalon.  “Major, it is good to see you again, fully recovered from your dealings on Tortuga?”

   â€œAff” Ross answered he cursed himself silently for using the Clan answer but Yvonne made no action that she had noticed as he continued “I am doing well Duchess, actually that is the reason for my being here today.”

   â€œHow so?”  Yvonne asked sitting down on a small comfortable sofa Ross sat on the other side without being asked Yvonne only smiled.

   â€œDuring our time on Tortuga, I became close with the MI6 Detachment Commander Leftenant Rachel Montgomery.”

   â€œI remember her, the Leftenant is doing well I hope?”

   â€œRachel is doing very well, thank you” Ross said smiling broadly thinking about her always brought a smile to his face.  Rachel had just been promoted to Captain and would soon be returning to Rabid Fox duties meaning their wedding plans had been derailed and pushed back several months.  “During our time on Tortuga we also became close to the on planet commander, and we were wondering if he could come to our wedding?”

   â€œYou’re getting married to Leftenant Montgomery?”  Ross nodded “Congratulations!”  Yvonne said hugging Ross, who felt slightly embraced by the Duchesses actions, he had always had a good relationship with superiors but being hugged by Royals wasn't covered in most training books. “Now having a Nova Cat inside Federated Suns territory again?  I do not know how that would be received.”

   â€œI know it is risky, Rachel actually wanted Canin’s entire unit invited but I convinced her it would be tough enough to get Canin invited alone, then we have to convince the Nova Cats to let him come if the First Prince allows it.  I never knew a wedding could be this difficult.”

   â€œI will tell you this Major, I will talk to Victor for you and see what can be done, I am sure we can figure something out.”  Yvonne said smiling, maybe this was the opportunity she had been looking for, it was the perfect excuse for her to go to Tortuga and find this Nova Cat in his natural habitat.

   â€œYou think so?”  Ross asked, he was astonished Yvonne would be so willing to help so quickly, he was expecting this could cost him his promotion or more.

   â€œRoss, this is the Federated Suns anything is possible, watch this space.”  She said and with that she raised and left the room, Ross was left sitting on the sofa dumbfounded not sure he had just experienced what he had experienced.  Maybe this wedding was possible.

ROM Headquarters
Mars, Terran System
Chaos March
12th April 3062

   The Word of Blake ROM, Intelligence Branch, was one of the most effective in the whole of the Inner Sphere and Clans.  When they had split from ComStar the Word of Blake had taken nearly ninety percent of ComStar’s ROM personnel and they had transferred seamlessly to the Word of Blake command on Terra.  Since the liberation of Mars from ComStar’s Occupation forces the Word of Blake had turned Mars into a hive of research labs and ROM outposts.  From Mars the ROM could spy on any of the Successor States using the powerful intelligence networks ComStar had built over the centuries it controlled the Terran System.

   Rarely did Precentor-Martial Cameron St Jamis travel to Mars normally he expected anyone who wanted to see him to come to see him on Terra or wherever he was in the Inner Sphere.  Precentor ROM Alexander Kernoff had requested that Cameron come to Mars however, as Kernoff was a member of the Toyama Sect of the Word of Blake leadership and a member of the Sixth of June Cameron had appeased him.  The Word of Blake unlike the corrupt ComStar believed in a mix of leaders and styles so there were several sects within the Word of Blake Ruling Conclave including: the Counter-Reformists, the Expatriates, the True Believers, the Shunners and the Toyama.  Until recently the True Believers had held the power in the Word of Blake however with the deaths of Precentor-Martial Trent Adrian and his aide Precentor Suzanne Mulvanery to a suspected terrorist bomb and the raising of Cameron to the post of Precentor Martial the more radical Toyama were gaining more and more power with Kernoff the leader of the Sect and St Jamis in a powerful position as well.  The Sixth of June were an even more radical group inside the Toyama, although an unrecognised one, within the Word of Blake many believed that it was the Sixth of June and not ComStar that had killed Trent and Mulvanery to elevate their leader Cameron St Jamis to the post of Precentor-Martial.  This gave what effectively was a terrorist organisation control of the Word of Blake Militia.

   Cameron entered Kernoff’s command dome on Mars, instead of one massive structure on the Martian surface the Word of Blake had built hundreds of self-contained domes compartmentalising everything and keeping everything buried beneath hundreds of layers of secrecy, on top of this there was only one communications station on Mars and that was only linked to one place, a WarShip in high orbit, everything coming out of Mars was controlled and anything going into Mars was rarely heard of again.  “Kernoff this had better be important.”  Cameron said immediately dispensing with the pleasantries, Kernoff was an old man in his seventies at least he had lived twice as long as Cameron but made no comment on the Precentor-Martial’s abruptness.

   â€œOh it is, Cameron” Kernoff said quietly, inside the Word of Blake Alexander Kernoff was the only one who called Cameron by his first name, he was also probably the only one who could get away with it.  “We found the CSWS Ranger in deep space.  Well actually it was a ComStar Explorer Corps group that did but they turned the information over to me.”

   â€œThe Ranger?”  Cameron said quietly thinking the vessel was a Lola-III-class Destroyer “you called me to Mars to tell me we found a destroyer in deep space?  We have a dozen of those already, another Battleship would have been worth the call but not a Destroyer.”  He went on the Word of Blake had built an impressive navy but every ship helped Kernoff thought he’d be happy about such a find especially since it was a ComStar vessel.

   â€œNot quite.  We have also lost contact with Novo Franklin base, our first level Soldiers were undergoing indoctrination and first level implantation there.”  Kernoff said now Cameron was going from being angry about being called here for nothing to worried that someone had discovered their forces training in the Periphery before the coming of the Third Transfer.

   â€œDamn.  What of our forces in Tortuga?”  Their agents on Tortuga Prime had been turning the Tortuga Fusiliers to the Word’s call but suddenly just over a year before all contact had been lost.

   â€œWe have still not heard from them.  It is possible the Fusiliers turned on us but we would have heard something if that was the case, we have heard nothing from the Tortuga Dominions.”

   â€œWhat about ComStar have they anything to do with this?”

   â€œPossibly, they have assigned additional forces to Columbus following an attack on Nowhere in the Draconis Combine, and one of their Faslane-class vessels is missing.  It also appears they are reorganising their fleet following the losses during Bulldog and Serpent.”

   â€œSo what is our losses on Franklin, consider it a total loss.”  Cameron asked reorganising the Word’s plans in his mind working around the loss of Franklin.

   â€œA total loss?”  Kernoff said surprised the Precentor-Martial would turn them loose so easily it would drive half the projects on Mars months behind schedule, “an Entire Division of Regular Troops, the Sixth Division.  Special Operations troops nearly as many, another full division and months of research down the drain, I'd call it a complete debacle, and now answers to the reason.”

   â€œDamn.  Move all our operations away from that area of space, something is wrong there.”  Kernoff nodded, normally Cameron could make those orders himself but this was special projects and fell under Kernoff’s purview, at least officially and at least for now.

   â€œWhat of the Heracles?”

   â€œRecall it here before the Davion’s decide to invade the Taurian Concordat looking for it, find it and blow it up, the way our luck is running we may need the vessel here.”

   â€œThey might do that anyway before it can get here.”

   â€œAnd without evidence of a preparatory vessel they will have launched an illegal war against a sovereign state which will turn the Inner Sphere against the Federated Suns and work in our favour.  Make sure the vessel returns via our hidden network in the Capellan Confederation, that should hide it from all eyes.”

   â€œWouldn’t be the first time the Federated Suns has done something against public opinion knowing that in the long run it would benefit them, the Fourth Succession War for example.”

   â€œPerhaps but Victor does not seem the type to rush into decisions.”  Cameron said thinking quietly ‘Victor is useless for our plans, Arthur and Katherine are far more useful’ he decided to move up other operations.  “Increase our operations in the Capellan Confederation, Free Worlds League and push the timetable forward for the Marian Hegemony and Cirincus Federation.”

   â€œWhat of the Taurians?”

   â€œWhat of them? Forget them, for now Sharplen is crazy enough without our help.”

   â€œAnd Kali?”

   â€œAuthorise Kali to inform her people that it is time to reunite the Capellan Confederation and for them to bring the defenders of St Ives to their knees.”  Cameron said smiling thinking about all the carnage sweet Kali and her minions were about to unleash on the tiny little rebellious state.  He actions would be a nice test for the future gauging the reactions of the Inner Sphere by unleashing the things they feared most on St Ives was a good way to test something.

Command Deck, Snow Raven (Nightlord)
Brim Shipyards, Brim
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Homeworlds
14th April 3062

   From the bridge of the Snow Raven, Clan Snow Raven’s Nightlord-class Battleship, entered shipyards at Brim.  From there the vessel would undergo a period of upgrading bringing the vessel back the title of being the most lethal WarShip fielded by the Clans.  Over time the Nightlord had been surpassed by other WarShips so Khan Lyn McKenna had ordered her Clan’s scientists to upgrade the Nightlord and make it a more effective fighter.  Over a year later they had come back with a redesign of the Snow Raven’s weapons configuration and the Khan had immediately approved the changes, now the Snow Raven was entering the Brim Shipyards for and eight month refit.  Because of the sheer size of the vessel, the largest built by the Clans in numbers, the Snow Raven took over an entire ‘dry-dock’ at Brim causing several delays and a great cost for the Snow Ravens and Diamond Sharks.  In the Snow Raven’s opinion however the cost was worth it.

   The Brim Shipyards were amongst the largest and most advanced in existence, they even out paced the three of the biggest Inner Sphere yards Port Sydney Yards, the Federated-Boeing Shipyards at Galax and the New Samarkand Shipyards but not quite the Titan Shipyards in the Terra system.  The Brim Shipyards were co-administered by Clan Snow Raven and Clan Diamond Shark and there WarShips, DropShips and Fighters were constructed and modified by the two Clans.  The other Clans often contracted the two Clans for maintenance of their vessels.

Bridge, FSS Melissa Davion (Avalon-class Cruiser)
Nadir Point, Tortuga Prime
Nova Cat’s Den, Periphery
29th June 3062

   After three months of travelling alone through the Federated Suns Crucis March and into the Periphery the FSS Melissa Davion entered the Tortuga Prime system a world that once was a hive of pirate activity now resided in the Nova Cat’s Den an unknown amount of planets that was claimed by Clan Nova Cat.  Entering this system with a vessel as large as the Avalon-class Melissa Davion was dangerous but it also showed the Nova Cats that they could field powerful vessels without having to rely on Nova Cat gifts such as the Thunderchild.

   Sitting at the Nadir Point the Avalon-class Cruiser scanned the system, the Avalon was an impressive feat of engineering seven hundred and seventy thousand tons in mass it was just over eight hundred metres in length.  Along the each side of the vessel were long tubular sections that tapered away to cone shaped engine shields in the rear.  In the centre of these tube sections was a broad central area covered in weapons emplacements and sensor towers including one in the centre of the vessel.  Under this main hull were six DropShip Collars and twelve launch bays for the vessels two aerospace squadrons.  One thing that did mark the Avalon as a Federated Suns vessel was the hull, the entire ship was painted in a deep red with black lines highlighting some areas and ringed the vessel.  On the main tower was the Federated Suns sword-and-sunburst insignia and on the aft upper hull the Davion family crest was painted.

   â€œNothing in immediate vicinity, Duchess” Admiral Victoria Napier, the Melissa’s commander, said turning to Duchess Yvonne Steiner-Davion commander of the mission who stood at the rear of the bridge, although the Avalon-class followed modern design with the command centre near the centre of the ship far from the hull and any windows the Federated Suns navy still followed traditional designations such as bridge for the command centre, these terms were a hold over from blue navy vessels of ancient Terra centuries before when man was restricted to Terra alone amongst the stars.

   â€œThe Fox’s Teeth said the same.”  Yvonne said “there was nothing out of the ordinary or anything that would set off alarm bells.  Begin to broadcast our message of peace and begin the burn in system.”

   â€œWeapons and auxiliary craft status?”

   â€œWeapons in hot-standby mode, either a squadron of fighters or one DropShip outside at anytime.  If a DropShip has fighters they can launch one flight at a time for two hour periods.”  She said the Admiral nodded and seemed content with that heading off to hand out orders.  The Melissa Davion’s engines roared into life and Yvonne began to feel gravity pull her down to the deck, it wasn’t like planetary gravity but it was constant and it was far better than the zero gravity they had been experiencing.  Under the ship six fighters launched and began patrolling the area around the Melissa, just in case the Nova Cats thought they were the vanguard of an attack force.  On every communication frequency known to the Federated Suns the Melissa Davion was piping out that they were on a mission of peace and trade not war, hopefully the Nova Cat’s were listening.

   As the massive unknown WarShip began to move the Fredasa-class Future Triumph watched the silently before activating its own manoeuvring drives, so far the star’s radiation had hidden them but soon that would not help.  The Future Triumph had sent word to the rest of the Clan of this incursion and was ready to act on its own to delay the intruder until the bigger vessels arrived however that would not be necessary the Nova Cat Khans on New Barcella believed the vessel’s story it was on a peaceful mission and the Future Triumph quickly received word that two WarShips were en-route to act as an escort for the new vessel to the planet.  The Future Triumph had been ordered to reassume its recharge position and support the other Nova Cat vessels if there was unexpected trouble.

   â€œJump Radiation signature!”  the sensor operator announced on the starboard side of the bridge deep inside the Melissa Davion.

   â€œJump Radiation signature!” the port side operator announced almost at the same time.

   â€œVessel exiting the star’s corona, a Fredasa-class Corvette” another member of the bridge crew announced.  As two vessels entered the system near the Melissa Davion, the vessel shuddered slightly as one of the vessels entered closer than normally accepted.

   â€œThat one was right on top of us!”

   â€œSeems damn hostile to me” Victoria Napier said looking at Yvonne who remained totally passive.

   â€œIf we launch your ships could get caught in their jump wake correct?”

   â€œYes” Napier surrendered the Duchess who wasn’t even a member of the military had pointed out a basic fact of interstellar space travel, two vessels close together during a jump was deadly to everything surrounding including both vessels involved.

   â€œWhat are the vessel’s out there?”  Yvonne asked.  As the radiation cleared already she knew there was a Fredasa, one of the Clan’s smallest vessels.

   â€œA pair of Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers, each weights twenty thousand tons less than us, we could destroy them at range but at this close…” Victoria said quietly “one of them could kill us easy.  And between them they carry far more fighters and DropShips than we could ever hope to launch.”

   â€œSo if we could launch you would you?”  Yvonne asked moving closer to Napier who shook her head, the Melissa was brand-new her crew inexperienced, she would not throw her people’s lives away.

   â€œThen let’s see what the Nova Cat’s are saying.”  Yvonne said they crew activated the communication systems on the Melissa’s bridge the message the Nova Cat’s were playing was played to the bridge.

   â€œThis is Star Colonel Canin Rosse, commander of the Watch forces in this system and guardian of the Tortuga system,” Yvonne smiled just the man she wanted to see, “under the authority given to me by the Khan’s of Clan Nova Cat I am authorised to seize your vessel and your crew.”  He said Victoria looked at Yvonne who continued to remain as passive as possible, ‘perhaps the Nova Cats are not so friendly’ she thought quietly.  “However, we have received your message and the WarShips Bond and Blood Oath will escort you to Tortuga.  You are authorised to fly one squadron of fighters or a DropShip during the journey, just to keep the air jocks happy, however I must ask you keep your weapons un-powered.”  On the screens the two WarShips had moved into escort positions, Yvonne noticed no DropShips on either vessel however fighters were launching from both Heavy Cruisers.  “Authorize on same channel and I will see you on Tortuga.”  Canin continued Yvonne nodded to Victoria who carried out the order the three vessels began the slow burn to Tortuga.  The Fredasa moved into a higher orbit of the star but remained in position, the two Aegises were overkill at this range already.

Nova Cat Watch Base
Raider‘s Roost, Tortuga Prime
Nova Cat’s Den, Periphery
7th July 3062

   The burn in system to Tortuga was uneventful the Melissa Davion moved into orbit of the planet while the two Nova Cat Aegis remained in a higher orbit, now the Federated Suns cruiser was trapped, even if the Avalon wanted to leave now it would have to break orbit before even trying to activate its jump drive, a manoeuvre that would be suicide at the moment.  Leaving was not high on the agenda however, from the Melissa Davion’s ventral hull a single Excalibur-class DropShip detached and began descending towards the planet surface with an entire squadron of six Federated Suns Aerospace fighters escorting.

   Once inside the planet’s atmosphere they were joined by ten Nova Cat OmniFighters, all weighing seventy-five tons or more, below one hundred metres the Federated Suns fighters were instructed to break off and return to the Melissa Davion while the Nova Cat Fighters broke off just after them also returning to their vessels in orbit.

   On the ground the DropShip was met by several groups of ground forces, a pair of Federated Suns OmniMechs, a fifty-five ton Men Shen and a ninety ton Sunder, exited first providing security for the DropShip. Although painted in Federated Suns colours these Mechs were actually of Capellan and Draconis Combine origin, the Men Shen captured in a raid on the Capellan Confederation, the Draconis Combine Sunder built under licence in the Federated Suns, they were still powerful designs that could provide basic protection if trouble erupted although considering the Nova Cat‘s Naval support options any trouble or resistance would be short lived.  Yvonne’s Armoured Limousine exited the Excalibur’s lower cargo bay next and stopped just ahead of the two guarding OmniMechs waiting for the next pair of escort Mechs.

   The first of the second pair of Mechs was a seventy-five ton P1 Perseus from the Free Worlds League, the OmniMech was the only one owned by the AFFS and by order of the First Prince had been added to this detail, the next Mech to exit the DropShip was another OmniMech this time a Lyran-built ninety ton Hauptmann, one of the most hardy and effective Inner Sphere OmniMechs.  Normally that would be the end of it however the AFFS command had one last surprise for the Nova Cats.  The fifth OmniMech was brand-new and had never seen real combat, this actual Mech was the first of its type to leave the Kathil Assembly Lines in the Capellan March, and was the Federated Suns first and so far only home-grown OmniMech an eighty-five ton Templar.

   Sitting there the Federated Suns reinforced Lance surrounded Yvonne’s Limo protectively as the Nova Cats stood waiting for orders.  An unknown Clan OmniMech moved forward and the communication system in all the Federated Suns units crackled to life “I am Star Colonel Canin Rosse, please follow me, be warned there is over a cluster of Nova Cats at this facility and more units in the city.”  He said the first Nova Cats moved out an OmniMech, four OmniVehicles and two points of Elementals.  Next was the five Federated Suns OmniMechs and the Yvonne’s car in the centre.  Canin Rosse’s Mech moved silently along side it as did two vehicles on either side, behind them were two Armoured Personnel Carriers.  Rounding out the convoy was another Mech, four armoured vehicles and two more APCs.

   As the moved through the city Yvonne looked out the windows at the former pirate city, Ross McKinnon’s report had placed only around five hundred civilians in the city however Yvonne could see significantly more population moving around and engineering teams working on several of the buildings, obviously the Nova Cats had not abandoned the city completely as they had when the Fox’s Teeth were held here.

   Yvonne also looked at Canin’s Mech during the journey, although not a member of the military she had seen pictures of many Clan Mechs and this one looked like none she had ever seen before.  The Mech was the same as most others built around a humanoid body with two legs and two arms.  It looked like a heavy or assault Mech from it’s size and from the thickness of the armour and it easily kept pace with the convoy as they moved at roughly fifty kilometres per hour.  Yvonne suspected that the Nova Cats had developed this design here and that it was one of a new breed of Clan OmniMechs and made a point to ask the Star Colonel more about the design if negotiations went well.

   They arrived at the base within about thirty minutes and although some of the Nova Cats remained on guard duty, mostly Elementals in Battle Armour of various types, most of the Nova Cats moved to a massive Mechbay that looked quite new and out of place in the generally old base.  The Fox’s Teeth had reported the Nova Cats had made little effort to repair the base and were still using the former pirate bases as their own.  Yvonne stepped out of her limousine, she was dressed in a cream one piece jumpsuit with her long blonde-brown hair tied up in a bun, as soon as she stepped clear of the vehicle Yvonne could feel the warm, dry Tortuga air wrap her and the sun quickly made her began to sweat.  The five guarding OmniMechs remained standing guarding their torso’s in constant movement watching the area for potential threats.  A female Nova Cat officer flanked by two Elementals approached “I will show you to the command bunker.”  She said abruptly, Yvonne could not tell if she was just like that all the time or if she did not care.

   â€œWhat of the Mechs?  I could be here a while.”  Yvonne said hopefully, the woman made a strange face then turned to one of the Elementals.

   â€œOnce you are comfortable the MechWarriors will be taken to a more comfortable waiting place.”  The Nova Cat officer said Yvonne nodded, there was little point arguing the Nova Cats out numbered the Federated Suns troops by quite a bit, Yvonne signalled she was ready to follow.  The Nova Cat officer moved off without another word and Yvonne followed the two Nova Cats smartly turned as Yvonne passed and followed at a distance.

   â€œI noticed there was quite a lot of work going on, the last time any of our people were here the city was abandoned.”

   â€œAff, there are more here now.”  Was all the woman said she did not look interested but Yvonne did not let it go that easily.

   â€œI’m Yvonne Steiner-Davion, Duchess of New Avalon.”  She said extending a hand in offer of a hand-shake.

   â€œI am Star Commander Jennifer, nice to meet you Yvonne.”  The Nova Cat said, Yvonne noted that she had no Bloodname but then she was also very young, by Yvonne’s guess work Jennifer looked like she was still a teenager, it was also evident that the Nova Cats had no respect for her name or title.

   â€œI hope you’re not offended but can I ask how old are you?  You look very young to be a warrior.

   â€œNeg, I am not offended, the only thing that offends me, other than you not being a bondsman to our Clan, is your use of Contractions.  Speak using full words and speak plainly to gain our respect.  I am eighteen years old in two months.”  Jennifer said, she was only seventeen years old and already drafted into the military!  Yvonne did not know if that was Clan custom or if the Nova Cats were desperate for troops to recruit teenagers into their forces.  The continued to walk the entering a large office the two Elementals remained outside as the two women walked in.  “Star Colonel Rosse will be in soon, if you need anything ask the guards, other than that make yourself comfortable.”  Jennifer said walking out of the room leaving Yvonne alone as the doors closed.

   Yvonne had a look around the spacious office it was a very plain sight the only two things that stood out was the Clan Nova Cat insignia on a flag on one side of the centre window and a large cartoon character picture on the other side inside an expensive looking wooden frame.  The cartoon was badly faded but it appeared to be a yellow character with some sort of waist coat and a hat, there was a metal plate on the bottom of the fame which was slightly dirty.  Yvonne began cleaning the plate revealing the name as the side door of the office opened Yvonne continued to clean the plate revealing two words, ‘Top-cat,’ she assumed it was the character’s name.

   Turning around satisfied she had cleaned it as much as she could she saw the half naked Star Colonel Canin Rosse wriggle into a black shirt, although slightly embarrassed she was still seeing him dress Yvonne did notice that the Nova Cat Star Colonel was well muscled and had multiple scars on his body despite his young age.  “Now where were we?”  Canin asked sitting down on the chair behind the desk as if nothing had happened since their last encounter.  Yvonne took the seat opposite “it is good to see you again Regent Yvonne.”  Canin said showing he had remembered him.

   â€œIt’s…” she began then caught herself “it is just Yvonne now, Star Colonel, Victor returned safe and well from the Refusal War in Clan Space.”  She said opening the door for him to use her first name as he had done so when they were together last.

   â€œI heard, and please it is Canin while we are alone.”  He said taking up her offer with his own.  “You have arrived with something far more impressive this time than we encountered in the New Avalon system, you have come far.”

   â€œThe Avalon was in production before you arrived, if you had come to New Avalon a couple of months later there would have been three of them as well as the other vessels.”  She said then realised she had just given him some tactical information without receiving anything in return, this could be a long costly day.

   â€œWell we would have arrived in more force if that was the case, a few of our nine Aegis should have been sufficient.”  He said quietly thinking, Yvonne involuntarily smiled he had given her something in return, the Nova Cats were being friendly or Canin was as bad at negotiating as she was.  If the Nova Cats did have nine Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers they had little to fear from the Federated Suns three Avalons she caught herself a moment later the Nova Cats had given them a Battleship.

'Given!' she thought why would they ever have anything to fear from three cruisers if they were willing to give away a Battleship?  She had to remind herself that although the Nova Cats were playing nice they were as powerful as any other major Clan and any of the Successor States and could cause a lot of damage to the Federated Suns.  “So down to the reason for your visit. ‘peace and trade’ I believe your message said.  We have peace established and now you want trade?  This is quite a relationship we are developing.”  He said smiling.

   â€œWell first we wanted to give you something in return for your gift last time.”  She said referring to the Thunderchild.

   â€œUnnecessary, we could not utilise it so it was an open trade.  The only thing we could do with it is destroy it or break it down for parts and the Clans hate waste.”

   â€œWell our gift is similar.  On board my DropShip we have twenty-four ProtoMechs developed by Clan Smoke Jaguar on Huntress.  My brother was able to secure them from the SLDF when he arrived in Clan Space and was able to secure the ProtoMech pilots as well.  We have been unable to reverse-engineer them like we have other Clan technologies and the it is unlikely the pilots would ever be accepted in the Federated Suns so we turn them and their bond oath over to the Nova Cats and hope that you can use them and their technology.”  She said Yvonne personally liked the symmetry the Nova Cats did not have the resources to renovate the Thunderchild so they gave it to the Federated Suns the Federated Suns could not use the ProtoMech technology so they had given most of it away, two ProtoMechs remained on New Avalon at NAIS as the scientists there tried to make sense of them and a way to counter them before the next Clan push against Inner Sphere holdings.

   â€œThank you, that is quite a gift.”  Canin said, he was impressed that these Inner Sphere barbarians would give anyone anything especially a people they considered to be mortal enemies of the Inner Sphere, the Nova Cats had never expected something to be given as payment for the Thunderchild and had given it away lessen the load on the Nova Cat‘s limited resources, the Tortuga worlds had more resources than the Clan Homeworld Territories but it was still limited compared to the size of the Nova Cat‘s ever growing population.  "I am sure the former Smoke Jaguars will be very pleased to be in Clan Nova Cat's care" he said smirking but not expanding, Yvonne wondered what she had just dropped those warriors into.

   â€œI have one other gift for you, Canin”

   â€œSomething else?”  Canin asked surprised as if ProtoMechs was not enough.

   â€œIt is personnel, from Major Ross McKinnon and Captain Rachel Montgomery.”  Yvonne said handing Canin a small note, Canin was happy to hear they had been treated well and been promoted upon returning to the Federated Suns.  He opened the note which said:


   The Nova Cat Star Colonel fingered the not then looked to Yvonne slightly stunned “I was their captor not a guest for their wedding.”  He said Yvonne nodded it was probably the biggest case of Stockholm Syndrome in history, the entire Fox’s Teeth and Rabid Fox detachment believed the Nova Cats could do no wrong.

   â€œI would agree but Ross McKinnon went directly to the First Prince and was quite forward with his wishes.  The wedding will likely be on New Avalon either at the end of this year or near the beginning of the next.”

   â€œNew Avalon?  How am I supposed to make the wedding on New Avalon, it is the capital of a foreign realm, your realm.”

   â€œYou reached the capital of a foreign realm quite easily before.”  Yvonne said it felt strange speaking of the Federated Suns in such a way, and she did not feel comfortable pointing out how easily the Nova Cats had slipped in before. “However I may have a way that allows you and your unit to be there officially.”  Canin looked interested “the second reason for my visit.  The Federated Suns would like to officially invite a detachment from Clan Nova Cat within our borders.  You would be allowed to train against any unit in the AFFS you wished, have full access to our training facilities and be able to operate covertly within AFFS units involved in combat against the Federated Suns enemies in live-fire real combat.”  Canin blinked shocked, this had not been expected, the Khan had guessed the Federated Suns would be looking for trade of Clan OmniMechs or Battle Armour for the latest Inner Sphere technology nothing like this had ever come up.

   â€œAnd what would we have to pay for this?”

   â€œThe services of three Nova Cat WarShips for non-combat guard duty of the three Federated Suns WarShip yards.”  She noticed Canin’s confusion “you heard of the nuclear attack against New Syrtis JumpShip yards?”  Canin nodded “we are afraid of similar attacks.  For additional security for one year we would fully support your WarShips and give them full access to our facilities if needed as well as tours of any Federated Suns WarShip they wanted.”  Canin was shocked, the Federated Suns really wanted the use of the Nova Cat’s WarShip fleet and for what could be a non-combat mission they were willing to give a lot back to the Nova Cats.  To Canin it was a good deal however he would contact the Khan before giving Yvonne an answer.

   â€œI think I must confer with New Barcella before I can say anymore.  I will have a tech take you and your MechWarriors on a tour of the facilities we have here on Tortuga, and I will catch up with you in an hour.”  Yvonne nodded and left the room by the main exit Canin activated the laser communication system with one of the orbiting WarShips which in turn would contact New Barcella and the Khan.

   After almost two hours of talking to the Khan on New Barcella Canin had gone looking for the Federated Suns group finding them in the MechWarrior Virtual Centre, the five Federated Suns MechWarriors were in five of the pods while Five Nova Cat MechWarriors faced them Yvonne was standing in the observation booth.  Watching from the entrance of the room Canin was surprised to see her there instead of in a pod with the troops then realised he had never seen her in a Mech or even a combat vehicle.  Walking into the booth Canin browsed the monitors seeing that the techs had loaded the statistics of the five OmniMechs the Federated Suns troopers had taken with them into the machines, the five Inner Sphere OmniMechs were facing five Nova Cat Omnis including one pilot using a Mech of the same type as Canin’s new ride.  “Who is winning?”  He murmured looking at the screens within minutes he could tell that although it was close the Nova Cat warriors were winning having already taken down two Federated Sun Mechs and lost none of their own, he was pleased to see that both sides were adhering to traditional Clan duelling rules.

   â€œThey are both fighting well, but I believe your men are winning today.”  She said not looking from the screens, she was constantly looking from one screen to another keeping in touch with the ever changing situation.

   â€œNot tempted to suit up yourself, Duchess?”  Canin asked, he was curious and it opened the door.

   â€œI have never formally trained as a MechWarrior, wouldn’t…” she corrected herself again “I would not know where to start.  In time of war I am afraid to say I would be quite useless.” Canin was impressed that she was catching on so quickly and making an effort.  When the Fox’s Teeth had been here none had tried to fit in with the Nova Cats as much as Yvonne was.

   â€œI am sure that is not true.  Being a MechWarrior is simple, tell me did you ever play MechWarrior games when you were younger?”

   â€œYes, with my brothers, I was not very good neither was Katherine” she said, when they had been very young they had spent sometime together as a real family then as they grew up they travelled around the Federated Commonwealth going to different schools and not seeing each other for months maybe even years Yvonne missed those times and wondered if her parents had realised that their separation would end up destroying the Federated Commonwealth as they all had plans of their own and one of them was willing to sacrifice all the others to get what she wanted.

   â€œWell just because you were not very good then does not mean you could not be a MechWarrior now.”  Canin said “there is an auxiliary training room in the other side of the base, we could…” his voice trailed off as he noticed Yvonne’s interest growing “I can inform the techs here to bring the MechWarriors to us when you are done.”

   â€œI would prefer if we met them away from a simulator.  I am not sure it would do my image any favours if they saw that the first time I was in a real Mech simulator was in on a Clan base in Clan territory.”

   â€œFine with me, I will have them taken to the mess where we will meet them later before continuing negotiations.”  He said offering her his hand leading her from the room, Yvonne wrapped her arms around his as they walked.  “Are you cold?”  He asked quietly as they walked through the near abandoned halls of the Nova Cat base.

   â€œA little” she said in but a whisper Canin reacted by removing his black jacket and wrapping it around her, Yvonne continued to put the jacket on fully as they walked and Canin made no complaint or effort to stop her, the jacket's material seemed to be some sort of leather but was very warm and extremely comfortable to wear, not at all how she expected it to feel.  If the Federated Suns troopers would not think much of her in a Clan simulator then what would they think of her in a Nova Cat uniform?  Canin wondered silently as the entered the next room, there were no simulators just Mechs.  “What is this?”  She demanded suddenly feeling vulnerable alone with the Nova Cat Warrior.

   â€œBest way to learn is from up there.”  Canin said pointing up to a nearby eighty-five ton Crockett Yvonne had seen the same type of Mech in Federated Suns and Lyran Alliance colleges for years.

   â€œI have never spent a minute in a real Mech simulator let alone a real Mech, how can I pilot a Mech just like that.”

   â€œHave faith and believe that you can do it.”  Canin said holding both her hands in his.

   â€œBut…” she said softly

   â€œTrust me, you can do it.”  He said softly she nodded, she would at least try.  “Good, now we need to get you stripped.”

   â€œExcuse me!” Yvonne said surprised grabbing Canin‘s black jacket closer to her, she hadn’t expected him to go that quickly to get her naked.

   â€œWhat you have on is good for being outside but inside a Mech cockpit is like being in a furnace, the less you have on the better.  Trust me” he said quietly Yvonne nodded so Canin led her over to the changing and shower area which was thankfully empty.  Yvonne disappeared behind a screen.

   â€œWhat should I keep on?”  Yvonne’s muffled voice asked.

   â€œUnderwear and or a light top, then we will get you into a coolant suit.”  Moments later Yvonne emerged wearing only her underwear Canin was taken aback, she was gorgeous, even though he had seen naked women his entire life Yvonne looked stunning and something to behold and admire.

   â€œYeah, deal with the heat right and put on a show.”  She said quietly Canin snapped out of it.

   â€œSorry, Duchess, but you look great.”  He stammered Yvonne smiled embarrassed, she hadn’t expected such a straight answer.  “Here put this on” he said giving her an Advanced Clan Coolant suit, the suit was made up of dozens of tubes that circled the suit around the chest and down the arms.  Yvonne struggled into the suit.

   â€œI can not believe I’m doing this.”  She managed as she dressed, Canin joined her behind the screens and quickly removed almost all his clothes dressing just a pair of shorts and a suit similar to her own one.

   â€œTrust me, you will be fine.”  He said leading her over to the Crockett a small two man lift rose until it was alongside the Crockett’s cockpit which opened as soon as they were close.

   â€œOh my lord!” She exclaimed looking into the cramped cockpit and all the controls, then she noticed the Mech had been modified with a second seat in behind, the second seat had almost the exact same controls as the front controls.  “You are coming with me?”  She asked relieved Canin nodded, he would get her started but would do little else once she was started.

   â€œClimb in” Canin instructed Yvonne climbed onto the Crockett and squeezed into the cockpit Canin followed her inside, with the two of them there it was very cramped even with the second console “you comfortable, anything rubbing uncomfortably?”  Canin asked Yvonne shook her head “good I am going to tighten these harnesses, they will be hard but they have to be combat can throw you around a bit.”  Yvonne nodded nervously Canin climbed into the front of the cockpit resting on the controls right in front of her.  Half standing he reached over Yvonne and pulled the back belts and pulled them down her front locking them into a central lock between her legs.  Canin then reached around the sides and locked the two side ones as well.  “How is that?” He asked looking at her Yvonne tried to move and it was tight but she still had some movement and both her arms and legs were free to reach the controls “good” Canin said reaching down to her side pulling up a group of three tubes “this is the coolant feed, I am going to attach them now.”  He said showing her as he screwed them onto her suit and locked them. “Now, when I switch this on you are going to feel a chill that will run the length of your body, it will be like nothing you have ever felt before but it will pass.”  He said activating the coolant feed, coolant fluid ran into the suit that circled Yvonne’s body, as it ran the course of her body Yvonne reached out and snagged Canin’s hand “are you okay?”  He asked Yvonne nodded after a few seconds as she began to adjust to the coolness of the fluid “trust me you won’t be cold for long.”  He said she released his hand as he brought down the last part of the puzzle a Light Clan Neuralhelmet, Yvonne had seen some inner sphere models which were two or three times the size.  “This needs time to set to your brain patterns, the more still you are the quicker it will be” he said lowering it onto her head and connecting the under chin strap, he then raised the visor so there was nothing in front of her eyes, if she had to eject this would close and protect her eyes from the ejection blast.  “I am going to be in the back connecting up” he said passing by her into the rear chair, a seasoned veteran MechWarrior Canin was connected up in less than two minutes, he instantly brought the Mech’s Fusion power plant up to eighty percent power and the cockpit was filled with heat “How is that?”  He asked.

   â€œI can see why you need the suit.”  Yvonne said back activating the helmet comm. instead of shouting like many rookie pilots.  This Mech had been captured by Kappa Galaxy a couple of months before an because of the general Clan disdain for multiple cockpit Mechs it had ended up here with the Watch, two undesirable elements together, Canin had never been in a multiple Mech in his life so this was completely new to him as well.  There was a constant tone from Yvonne’s neuralhelmet informing them that she was connected to the Mech Canin felt a new pull to the controls as the Mech tried to decide who was in command.

   â€œReady?”

   â€œNo” Yvonne said honestly “but let’s go for it.”  She said

   â€œAlright I have control” he said brining the fusion engine up to one hundred percent and standing the Crockett up fully away from the Mechbay wall.  The Mech took its first steps as a Clan Mech as Canin carefully guided the Mech clear of the gantries and out of the building, because Yvonne was in front he had to use monitors that fed images from cameras placed around the Mech.

Cyclops Incorporated, Skye
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
12th July 3062

   In the early hours of the Twelfth Mechs and vehicles painted in the colours of the Fifteenth Dieron Regulars attacked the Lyran Alliance world of Skye, capital world of the Skye Province, although they did little damage to the defending First Skye Jaegers the DCMS troops were able to raid several warehouses belonging to Cyclops Incorporated and escape the system before the Skye Jaegers could mount an effective defence.  Bloodied, shamed and demanding vengeance the Skye Jaegers packed up their equipment and headed for the Fifteenth’s Headquarters and Base World Ko, a Lyran World the Draconis Combine holds in auspices of the SLDF.  The DCMS reported that none of their forces had been involved but the Skye Jaegers could not be stopped and the Skye Authorities made no attempt to stop them.
 
Reception Hall
Saint Marinus House, Zaniah
Freedom Province, Lyran Alliance
21st July 3062

   Instead of relying on Omiko Kurita or anyone else Isis had chosen Civilian transport from Luthien to Zaniah, it had been quite an adventure but Isis felt good about the journey and arriving at Saint Marinus House she felt a real sense of achievement.  She had read many stories about the mountain top House, it was apparently a quiet reflective place where anyone from any place in the Inner Sphere or beyond could come and try to clear their head.  Isis felt strange standing in the reception hall less than two jumps away she would have been back in the Free Worlds League for the first time in nearly six years but instead of going home and grovelling to her father, who cared nothing for her, she had come here where ‘People who were Something became Nothing until they learned to be Someone.’  She did not really understand it but looking around she could see the Chinese and Tibetan influences in the building all the exposed wood and real woollen rugs made the place feel homely a roaring fire kept the place warm even when someone opened the doors to come in from the snow topped mountain.

   One of the Monks, did they call themselves Monks?  She didn’t know but would find out until then they were officials she thought silently.  One of the Officials came up to her with a steaming cup of tea which he passed onto her “drink, please” he said, his face was hooded and as soon as she took the cup his hands disappeared into the robes “come” he said leading her towards a comfortable wooden bench with red cushions.  Isis began to drag her bags, on Luthien she had sold almost all her possessions as they had arrived from Marik and Sian she had decided they were of the past she needed a future.  The three bags were all she had in the world “leave them” the man said Isis looked at him then at the bags “they will be taken care of, let go” he said.  Isis looked at the bags one last time then released them and moved over to the seat which the man sat on the edge of, Isis sat down beside him and nearly immediately crossed her legs as she had done since she was a child then stopped herself looked at the man who made no motion either way so she crossed her legs anyway.  “Why did you come here?”

   â€œI came…” she started then stopped why was she here to ask someone she had never seen before what the meaning of life was, yeah right “I came here on the advice of an old friend who said this was a place where I could find myself and figure out what I can do with my life.”

   â€œA friend suggested I come here also” the hooded figure said “when you enter those doors and climb the stairs you leave your life, Isis Marik disappears and Isis comes to the fore, your name and status mean nothing within these walls.”

   â€œMy family name means nothing to me, my status no longer matters” Isis said honestly, her life really did suck.

   â€œThen I welcome you to Saint Marinus House Isis, I am Peter” the man said extending his hand and removing the hood to reveal Peter Steiner-Davion.  Third born in the Hanse and Melissa Steiner-Davion’s five children behind Victor and Katherine he shared Victor’s sandy brown hair and Katherine’s piercing blue eyes.  She had seen picture of him on the way here in them he always looked alive and angry but this man looked older, wiser and calmer than any picture Isis had ever seen of him.

   â€œNice to meet you Peter, I am Isis” she said calmly shaking his hand, her life started again here.

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Fifteen Kilometres North Jarlton (Planetary Capital)
Ko, Lyon’s Thumb, Disputed Territory
1st August 3062

   Following the attack on Skye by the Fifteenth Dieron Regulars, a DCMS Regiment, the Lyran Regiment First Skye Jaegers attack the Fifteenth’s current base world on Ko, a Lyran world defended by the ‘SLDF Peacekeepers’ the Fifteenth Dieron.  Executing a two gravity burn in on the planet the Skye Jaegers do not give the Fifteenth time to muster and in the midst of a massive planet-wide dust storm, something very common on Ko, they land and immediately go on the offensive.  During their attacks the Jaegers break the Fifteenth’s defensive lines four times before surrounding and destroying the remains of the DCMS regiment with one final fifth break.  After an extensive search of the wreckage the survivors from the Fifteenth are taken prisoner and put into a makeshift prison just outside their former base camp now controlled by the Jaegers.

   Unwilling to back the Skye Jaegers commander Colonel Steve Pitcher the Lyran Alliance High Command orders the Skye Jaegers to return to their posting, Pitcher refuses to leave Lyran citizens and citizens of the Isle of Skye to the mercy of the DCMS.

Forbidden City
Sian, Capellan Confederation
6th August 3062

   The Trinity Alliance is officially signed between the Capellan Confederation, Magistracy of Canopus and the Taurian Concordat when Protector Grover Sharplen and Magestix Naomi Centrella come to the Forbidden City on Sian, the Capellan Capital.  This allows troops from each nation to be based in their allies territory and allows the Capellans to issue orders to their allies troops.  The Capellans also have a duty to help the two periphery realms upgrade their military forces.

   Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao immediately deploys the Taurian and Canopian troops on hand to the St Ives war front using these troops specifically against the Federated Suns and Star League forces as any Capellan unit attacking them would be inviting war with the Star League.  Sun-Tzu feel little wrong with using his periphery warriors as cannon fodder.

Jarlton (Planetary Capital), Ko
Lyon’s Thumb, Disputed Territory
8th August 3062

   The Seventeenth Skye Rangers acting under orders from Skye Province Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner arrives to reinforce the First Skye Jaegers and secure Ko.  The DCMS officially lodge a complaint with the Star League Council calling for sanctions against the Lyran Alliance.  When there is no response from the Council First Lord and Draconis Combine Coordinator Hohiro Kurita orders his troops serving as peacekeepers in Lyon’s Thumb to secure all the worlds as Draconis Combine holdings.  Ko remains in Lyran hands however the seven other worlds of Lyon’s Thumb are seized by the Draconis Combine.  Although a heroes to the Skye people Colonel Steve Pitcher and the First Skye Jaegers are seen as pariah by the Lyran High Command although no official charges are ladled against the Regiment or its personnel.

Milos
St Ives Compact
12th August 3062

   The Second Royal BattleMech Regiment was recalled from St Ives following the Black May attacks, which claimed most of its command staff, the Fist Royal BattleMech Regiment has now completed the journey from Tukayyid in the Free Rasalhague Republic.  Supported by two ComGuard WarShip and two ComStar Divisions all under SLDF banner the SLDF troops under the command of Colonel Archer Christifori immediately attack the Taurians and Canopians and any Star League forces that get in the way.

   The SLDF units report a high amount of terrorist activity on each world attributed to the Thuggee Terrorists and pro-Liao Zhanzheng de Guang terrorists.  Not trained in anti-terrorist operations Archer Christifori makes a request to Commanding-General Morgan Hasek on Kittery.  Morgan sends word to New Canton for a Battalion of the First Battle Armour Corps the former-Stalwart Support troopers are fully trained in anti-terrorist operations.  The Pathfinders of the Eridani Light Horse also show their worth in this situation proving General Ariana Winston‘s decision to form the company right.

Solaris VII, Freedom Theatre
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
15th August 3062

   A battle between pro-Federated Suns/Anti-Katherine Steiner MechWarrior Michael Searcy and Lyran National/Pro-Katrina Victor Vandergriff erupts into widespread riots across the planet when their battle breaks out of the Steiner Stadium.  Quickly battles between random warriors breaks out the damage across Solaris quickly mounts into the millions of C-Bills.  ComStar’s local garrison a Level III, roughly a battalion, of the 394th Division of ComStar’s fifth army try to hold the line however even their neutrality can not stop Mech-bands forming across the planet and the riots causing more and more damage.  The Lyran Authorities call for support, as Solaris is an open world no house troops are based on the planet so the Lyran Alliance sends Group W a mercenary regiment of long term employ with the Lyran Alliance based on nearby Lyon.  Group W are due on planet by the end of August.