OBT Forum

Royal Assignment
New Kyoto, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
3rd September 3096

   From Skye Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner announces that his eldest daughter had joined the Second Isle of Skye Guards on New Kyoto as a Kommandant and a MechWarrior.  The twenty-eight year old had been serving with serving on Skye with the Seventeenth Skye Guards Regiment few had expected the Duke to assign his child to a combat command.

Orbital Construction Galatea Station
Galatea Orbit, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
11th September 3096

   After months of intense negotiations construction begins in the Galatea star system of the “Galatea Station” a self contained community of civilian and military personnel sponsored by the Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission, the Isle of Skye, the Lyran Commonwealth, the Star League Defence Force, Clans Mountain Wolf and Sea Fox.  The station, which will be built over the dead world of Galatea, is planned to be capable of housing a quarter of a million humans and will mass two and a half million tons, have a dozen kilometre wide gravity decks and a dozen DropShip collars.

   Although not built as a “battle-station” the station would have a defence force who would answer to the MRBC.  These weapons would be a mixture of Rotary and LBX-class Autocannons, Laser Anti-Missile Systems, AR-15 Multi-Purpose Sub-capital Missile Launchers and Killer Whale Capital Missile Launchers supplementing these defences would be up to sixty-four aerospace fighters, twenty-four small craft and up to four thousand marines for internal security and defence all of which will be hired and paid by the MRBC.  The Lyran Commonwealth and Isle of Skye Commands both have authority to base combat units on the station and oversee operations while the SLDF are invited to the station as advisers none of the three organizations plan to place permanent combat assets on the station or in the system.

   In the words of the leader of the Galatea survivors the station is “a dream given form.”  As part of the agreement made over the station any survivor from Galatea is welcome as a resident on the station while all of those who are involved in the building of the station will also be allowed a place on board it.

Border Raid
Nashur, St Ives PDZ
Capellan March, Federated Suns
18th September 3096

   In a suspected Capellan Confederation raid Leftenant-Colonel Jaylen Davion and Major Tristen Allard-Liao join the defenders of Nashur in repulsing the invaders.  Their combined lance engage the defenders on multiple occasions turning away the aggressors.  Unfortunately none of the enemy pilots are captured by the AFFS units so the defenders origin is unknown.  Following the attacks Jaylen and Tristen continue the investigation into rogue St Ives forces attacking Sian.

Board Meeting
Corporate Offices, Gilmour MilTech
Talitha, Star League Protectorate
22nd September 3096

   It had taken months to get them together but now Director Edwin Manning sat across from Chairman Charlyn Li of LexaTech Industries of Irece.  “Our proposal is simple we work together to return LAM technology to the forefront of the Inner Sphere's weapons.”

   â€œI am unsure if House Kurita would want us sharing our information with a foreign nation's corporation they have invested a lot of money and personnel into our company.”  She explained the Kurita banks had kept the company afloat during its darker days.

   â€œEven if it meant gaining direct access to our Shadow Hawk LAM program and the information required to build it?”

   â€œSomething that Tamarind already has access to.”  She said noting the recent deal with allowed the Tamarind based Anthony Brett-Marik Memorial Land and Air Mech factory to build the Shadow Hawk LAMs.

   â€œAt a substantial cost” Edwin said Tamarind's banks were financing much of Gilmour MilTech's recent developments; more so than even the SLDF.  “We would also share development with you of future developing technologies are working on which Tamarind is not privy to.”

   â€œThat would be of interest to us.”  She said improving LAM technology was important to both companies.

   â€œIf you agree we will share costs of development, exchange notes on these developments and share the benefits and production rights for each others products and designs.”  Edwin said

   â€œSharing everything could be an interesting sell to our shareholders” she replied thinking mostly of the Kurita family interests in the company “but I believe they are doable.”

   â€œThen you agree with our ideas?”  He asked raising to his feet

   â€œIn principle, Mr Manning, certainly in principle.”  She said raising to her own feet. “We will talk again” she said shaking his hand in agreement.  Several weeks later the two companies agreed terms to work together into the future to improve LAM technology.

Author note

Don't do these often but just to keep you updated
The Galatea Station is another unit that I found on the forum a while ago (who made I can't remember but they have my thanks) I'll post the stats shortly as I've modded it a bit - unfortunately getting it to look right when modding a design by hand is a pain but I'm getting there.  The Monolisk is in the same boat I've almost got it sitting right I'll try to post both within the next few days.

Hope you enjoy

Steiner Royal Palace
Arcturus, Arc Royal Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
2nd October 3096

   House Steiner's public relations department announces that Duchess Jessica Steiner was leaving active service as a member of the LCAF to concentrate on her duties as heir to the Lyran Commonwealth.  Within a week of the announcement it is announced that the duchess is pregnant with her first child.

Colonization Effort
Son Hou Theatre, Alarion Province
Lyran Commonwealth
14th October 3096

   The Lyran Commonwealth announce the colonization of three systems between Son Hou and St Andrews, these worlds are named Cyteen, Belzagor and Amel.  The Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey take little interest in this region instead concentrating on ensuring they continue to hold Bolan and the worlds near it.  The Lyran's colonization efforts based on Son Hou plan to move onto six further worlds in the region further securing the Lyran links to St Andrews.

   Further into the periphery on the Briton family controlled Cyclops Station Pirate Queen Gabriela Briton calls on all the local pirate bands to allow this Lyran expansion and allow the new colonies to grow large enough before they are targeted by raids.

McCarron's Armoured Cavalry
Thestria, Sakhara PDZ
Draconis March, Federated Suns
20th October 3096

   The McCarron's Armoured Cavalry had returned to Thestria from a patrol of the Draconis March's Periphery worlds during which the regiment had engaged multiple pirate raider forces and a probing attack by a Snow Raven Cluster.  During that attack recently promoted Captain Ariana Steiner had led a counter attack against the Ravens which had broken their attack on the McCarron's Armoured Cavalry saving the Third Battalion from heavy damage.

   â€œHow go the repairs?”  Elizabeth McCarron asked approaching the Captain who was looking over her damaged Warhawk.

   â€œThey will be done soon.” Ariana said not looking away from the Mech.

   â€œA gutsy move” Elizabeth said praising her initiative and bravery.

   â€œThank you, Colonel”

   â€œYou could have been killed” she said now sounding more concerned

   â€œPart of the job” Ariana said with little emotion.

   â€œPart that you have paid for a lot recently” Elizabeth said quietly “we've got some downtime, I think you should take some R&R.”

   â€œIs that an order Colonel?”

   â€œIf it needs to be” Elizabeth said “you've proven yourself a capable warrior and officer, Ariana you need to live a little.”

   â€œI'm a competent killer so I should enjoy it a bit?”  Ariana said angrily

   â€œThat's not what I mean, take some personal time, perhaps you could visit your brother.”

   â€œIs that an order, sir” Ariana asked coldly with the barest emotion regarding her brother.

   â€œTake the time, Captain” Elizabeth said walking off.  Several hours later Ariana booked flights for her and her OmniMech to Solaris, the Colonel wanted her to take time, how she spent her private time was up to her.

Finally the Monolisk-class Destroyer

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/monolisk-class-destroyer/

3097

Cassandra, Fire Mandrill Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
7th January 3097

   Karen Able slowly wobbled her way through the crowd, arm in arm with Light Commodore Matthew Davion of the Federated Suns, as they slowly navigated the party they both had to admit they were enjoying themselves. The party was a part of the military and industrial expo the Rim Collection was putting on for interested parties and served its part in allowing high and mid-level corporate and military officers and politicians to mingle together as they debuted the Deathstalker BattleMech to the public and a new OmniVehicle which would be entering the Rim Collection's Armed Forces.  The Deathstalker was a fifty ton quad design based on the Scorpion BattleMech originally designed by Clan Goliath Scorpion the design was entirely built with Clan technology with production shared between the Mandrills, Rim Collection and the Sphinx Raptors.  The OmniVehicle was based on Clan technology but built with Inner Sphere grade materials and could be built at several factories across the Collection weighing in at seventy tons the vehicle, originally named Diomedes, was a design originally bought from the former-Free Worlds League and had been adapted for use in the Rim Collection as a defence tank named the Macaque.

   Karen's presence here with Matthew also served to finally end the rumors of who was the father of the realm’s next Able due to arrive in another eleven weeks. They had not yet decided where their relationship would go, but so far, they found they both were still enjoying each other’s company. Still she knew Matthew Davion would ultimately decide when the time for him to leave the Collection was near; even though she'd began to hope he'd want to stay.

   â€œIt seems the Rim Collection’s new clanners are fish out of water,” Matthew joked low to her, causing her to giggle, as they passed a frustrated and flustered Justine Truscott who was the center of attention of a small group of Rim Collection politicians and businessmen and women, looking to take advantage of the endangered Sphinx Raptors. While the clan, formed from Khan Dante Truscott’s followers and bloodhouse, at the moment formed four clusters of much needed warriors and equipment, they offered little else, instead relying on the generosity of the Collection and the Mandrills to help them rebuild. Even their clusters were still understrength even after seven months of rebuilding. It would take a long, long time, for the Raptors to rebuild their society.

   â€œAnd it looks as if the Mandrills are enjoying it,” she added, as she nodded in the direction of a group of Mandrill warriors at the center of a much larger group, seemingly enjoying themselves.

   â€œThat they do,” Matthew replied to his date for the night. “My government was surprised yours chose the Mandrill’s backyard this week’s festivities,” he admitted to her, finally able to go into a line of questioning he needed answered.

   â€œMore like your government still has worries about the Mandrills and their military and political power within the Collection,” Karen retorted.

   â€œWith the Cauldron of Blood incident and you and your father’s stonewalling our investigation into the matter, my government has a right to be concerned,” he replied back “Concerned enough that my princely cousin has offered to get involved,” he warned her, causing her to stop for a moment to look at him.

   â€œI agree, privately. Publicly, I must support my father,” she relayed to him as they continued their walk among the crowd, discretely heading to the new equipment, where they could have some privacy to speak without being overheard by the other guests.

   Reaching a table located near the Mech, Matthew pulled out a seat and helped Karen into it, then grabbed a seat for himself. “You know something, Karen, and you’re not telling me,” he stated after studying her for a moment.

   â€œEnough to know the Cauldron of Blood was perhaps planned from the start by hardliners within Clan Fire Mandrill who view the agreement with the Collection as anathema and sacrilege to their society, especially with the arrival of the Sphinx Raptors and the AFFS.” She informed him a moment later.

   â€œMy god,” he replied, shock. “I can understand why you and your father have been stonewalling us.” He well knew this news could well mean the end of the not-so-quite-alliance between the Rim Collection and the Federated Suns.

   â€œKhan Showers does wish to deal with all those involved though,” Karen continued. “Due to internal reasons, she can’t touch them, at least not yet, and my father has not the stomach to potentially anger the Mandrills by siding with what he sees as a short term ally of convenience without strong evidence.”

   â€œEvidence Khan Showers has, but can’t share due to the unstated internal problems,” Matthew caught on.

   â€œExactly,” Karen replied nodding to him as she leaned against the table. “However, if this whole matter regarding the Cauldron of Blood and how the hardliners instigated it comes to light in the press on the Federated Suns end and the First Prince publicly calls for an investigation by a third party nation while also supporting both the Mandrills and the Collection and shows he is willing to works with them still, my father and the Khan can then act against the hardliners without any issue.”

   â€œI see,” he replied to her, taking a long moment to mull what Karen was presenting to him, quickly seeing through his upstart lover due to how she presented a way out of it. “Clan Fire Mandrill can’t be seen as being under attack by the Mandrill rank and file and because of my and General Redburn‘s accusations going through the proper channels and the media, they see us attempting to destroy their alliance with your nation and the hardliners are fanning the fire, forcing Khan Showers to publicly support them or lose her integrity within the clan,” he surmised.

   â€œBecause the Mandrills, at least publicly, has closed ranks against us, your father cannot move against the hardliners either without appearing to be moving against the rest of the Mandrills. By that same token, he can’t move against us publicly as the Collection would lose its only external military ally it has at the moment against the Spirits, thus the stonewalling and publicly calling for evidence to back our accusations. Diplomatic nightmare, I call it,” he ended as he crossed his arms across his chest.

   â€œYes, quite,” Karen reluctantly agreed with him as she toyed with her dress, embarrassed at her diplomacy being so easily seen through by Matthew. “Still, it matches well with his known political agenda concerning clans,” she argued.

   â€œPrivate reasons as well,” Matthew murmured, more to himself, catching Karen by surprise.

   â€œPrivate reasons,” Karen asked, before her eyes darted to her pregnant belly, assuming it is their child he is talking about.

   â€œThat helps,” Matthew led her on, privately kicking himself for nearly letting out information on Burton Davion hauling a son and the former Khan of the Snow Ravens back to New Avalon.  The family on New Avalon had enough issues with “the Clans” he though in a wide generalization, of course his own branch on Victoria were not so pleased with him either at the moment, to hell with it he thought he was happier here in the Collection than he had been in a while.

   â€œIf he agrees to handle the situation as you presented, what does the Federated Suns get out of it,” he asked Karen, startling her, turning her attention back to him.

   â€œOf course,” Karen answered diplomatically. “As surkei, I believe I can get Mandrills to agree to replace the destroyed BattleMechs with ones off their lines at no cost, provided the new ones match the weight of the ones destroyed with Rampage BattleMechs replacing any destroyed Assaults.”  She suggested knowing the rebuilding Fox's Teeth still needed several Mechs to complete their TO&E “of course, the next-generational BattleMech we debuted today we cannot allow in this agreement.” She waved her hand at the nearby Mech as she said the latter before placing it back on her pregnant stomach. “The Collection itself will continue to cover any medical costs to those wounded and will match the individual death benefits your nation provided for the deceased and will offer its education system for their families.”  She said knowing the Federated Suns had little need to the last offer but it was worth it.

   Both knew it was a respectable deal, even a great deal for the Federated Suns. “If you can get the Mandrills to agree to replace our destroyed equipment, I can get the First Prince to support the Khan,” he agreed. “otherwise he'll likely call for a full investigation by an independent body likely the MRBC” Matthew warned her.

   â€œMRBC! Christ! Do you realize how much that’ll tick off my clanners!” she hissed at him before sighing and relaxing back in her seat. “Fine. Don’t know how this will work at the moment, but I’ll figure something out,” she grunted to him. “Now if you can help me up and escort me to Khan Showers, we can hopefully take care of this tonight,” she told him as she offered a hand out.

   Getting up, he grabbed her hand, helping her out of her seat. As she took his offered arm, he led her back into the party to find the Mandrill Khan.

Planetary Assault
Necromo, Sian Commonality
Capellan Confederation
19th January 3097

   At six in the morning a group of six DropShips head into the Necromo system from far beyond the planetary system.  Initially traveling at nearly 4G acceleration the ships completely avoid the naval defenders of the system diving into the atmosphere.  The ships enter the atmosphere with four of the DropShips accelerating rapidly towards various cities commencing suicide runs into the cities killing thousands and the ships; which were packed with explosives exploded showering the cities in shrapnel.

   The final two DropShips land on the planet deploying dozens of BattleMechs which cause further heavy damage to the planet's cities before Capellan Confederation Armed Forces defenders surround them in the planetary capital, which they had begun to dig into, there the CCAF forces eliminate them over the course of nearly three weeks of brutal fighting.  Following the end of the fighting a state of emergency is declared on Necromo as few if any of the planet's towns and cities even have power, health care and other emergency services are nearly non-existent.  High above the planet the Capellan Shipyards continue to function as if little had changed in the system, the attack seemingly designed to break Necromo and cause death instead of crippling the Capellan Confederation.

St Ives Command Building
St Ives, St Ives PDZ
Capellan March, Federated Suns
28th January 3097

   As he entered the office he noticed Major Jaylen Davion sitting at the desk looking through a large bunch of paperwork like she had been for the last two weeks.  She'd done her investigation work now it seemed she was drowning under a sea of paperwork.  “Still hard at work at this hour?”  He asked

   â€œHow late is it?”  She asked looking up with heavy eyes.

   â€œAfter nine” Tristen said he was out of uniform leaning against the door frame.

   â€œDamn” she raising to her feet “did you see off Marco and Justin?”  She asked earlier that day Tristen's cousins Marko and Justin Rubinsky had left for the NAIS intent on joining the AFFS.

   â€œYes we all did” he said “it was like saying goodbye to them forever” St Ives had been such a close place before joining the Federated Suns; now they all had so much opportunities.

   â€œI know that feeling” she admitted it had been years since she had been with all her family in one place they all lived busy lives serving the Federated Suns.

   â€œBut we'll always be linked”

   â€œThrough blood and tears?”  She asked sometimes she felt alone she was part of the AFFS but she was a Davion, literally a daughter of the First Prince which attracted many people to the power or influence they expected her to hold.

   â€œOther things too, any plans tonight?”  He asked

   â€œYou mean of what's left of the night?”  She half joked “sleep?  There's a lot going on”

   â€œFancy a detour?  It won't take long?”  He promised her she nodded and followed him from the building they didn't go far down a couple of streets to the St Ives Memorial Museum.  Because of Tristen's family connections they were allowed in hours after it had closed to the public.  “This is what links us” he said looking at the many times rebuilt Centurion BattleMech  Yeng lo Wang she knew that this was not the original Mech which had been destroyed when Duke Kai Allard-Liao had died in its cockpit.  “Its service and its pilots service created our nation and our bond” he said “even though St Ives is now a Federated Suns world the story of this Mech and its legacy will forever bond us long after our lives have past.”

   â€œYou know who ordered the attack on Sian” she said finally after several moments of silence looking at the fifty ton Mech.

   â€œYes” he admitted he'd been with her for her entire investigation and never said a word nor had he, as far as she could tell, obstructed her investigation.

   â€œI won't stop” she said defiantly feeling more than a little deceived.

   â€œI know” he said “Jaylen that is what drives you, it's what links you to your brothers and sisters a spirit that goes beyond the distance of space or the passing of lives, you all believe that there is nothing that can stop you.”  He said looking at her then back to the Yeng Lo Wang replica “that's what drives us.”

   â€œFifty tons of metal and myomer?”  She asked dismissively

   â€œThe idea that a single man or machine can make a difference.”  He said finally

   â€œAnd your difference is to stop me uncovering the truth?”

   â€œI will not hinder you in any way, Major, however I will not point you at them or their graves either.”  He said formally turning away from the Mech.

   â€œWhere are you going?”  She asked not moving

   â€œI cannot in good conscience remain as your aide during this investigation; and you cannot trust me not to lead you astray.  I wished you to understand” he said looking at the Mech “family means a great deal to us on these worlds.”

   â€œFamily means a great deal to me as well” she admitted “the investigation is closed, Tristen, I closed it this afternoon” she explained “I suspected that there was those within the St Ives commands hiding who was responsible; or at least protecting their memory.”  She said she hadn't thought it had risen as far as Tristen however it didn't completely take her by surprise “New Avalon wishes to know that this will not happen again?”  Tristen nodded there wasn't enough supporters of the movement who were well enough placed left alive to ensure anything further could happen as they wished.  “Then it is done with, ensuring that New Avalon starts a future war with the Capellans is all they want.”  She said “how about dinner?”  She asked she had no need to be alone tonight.

   â€œExcellent idea I know the perfect place, Major” he said offering her his arm.

   â€œStop calling me that” she said slipping her arm in his.

   â€œYes Duchess”

   â€œTristen...”

   â€œJaylen” he finally said using her name like he had a hundred times before.

   â€œShut up and walk”

   â€œYes boss” he said laughing with her as they finally made their way away from the silent fifty ton Mech.

Nice update!  So the CC government can show any love to the population of Necromo?

They'd better

Less politics more intelligence and mystery

Graduation Ceremony
Thorin University, Thorin
Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
8th February 3097

   At the graduation ceremony of Thorin University Dana Carlyle daughter of the Baron von Glengarry Alexander Carlyle and his wife Samantha Logan-Carlyle becomes a qualified medical doctor.  Ignoring a string of offers from Lyran Commonwealth and Isle of Skye hospitals and research facilities to instead accept a position at a facility on Terra.

Lyran Intelligence Reports
Clan Wolf Occupation Zone
13th February 3097

   From imbedded spies in the Wolf Occupation Zone and from scouting patrols the Lyran Commonwealth assess that the worlds of Rasalgethi, Fort Loudon and Kelenfold have been completely abandoned by Clan Wolf.  Acting quickly LCAF, Clan Mountain Wolf and supporting mercenary forces are dispatched to the planets confirming little to no resistance as each is liberated within hours.

   Further scouting discovers that Udea and Karbala, both previously Wolf holdings are in the hands of the Rasalhague Dominion while Clan Jade Falcon has captured Cusset, Blota and Montmarault.  The remaining four “Wolf” border worlds are occupied by Clan Coyote forces which up until now had been considered to be the Wolves “junior” partner in the Occupation Zone scouting forces to each of the worlds find them heavily occupied.

Fourth Ceti Hussars LCT Command
Argyle, Crucis March
Federated Suns
20th February 3097

   Continuing to show his unconventional streak Leftenant-General Duke Fredrick Davion, commander of the Fourth Ceti Hussars LCT, marries his long term girlfriend Nikki White a former Kruger Combat Car driver.  The two had barely been engaged for a week before their wedding they had served together during Fredrick's initial combat operations.  With little hesitation or break Fredrick continues to form his new LCT.

Interstellar News Network Report
Skye, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
25th February 3097

   The news reporter Vivian Lambert stood in front of the Tri-Vid camera attempting to keep a composed face beside her stood Isle of Skye Leader Duke Robert Ryan Kelswa-Steiner “Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Vivian Lambert and am here with the leader of the Isle of Skye.”  She said Robert Kelswa-Steiner nodded to the camera “over the last three days reports have filtered in that a mass of WarShips and JumpShips, believed to be those of Clan Wolf, have been seen within the Isle of Skye.  Duke Kelswa-Steiner can you confirm or deny these rumours?”

   â€œUnfortunately I can.”  He said looking at the camera “it is with a heavy heart that I can announce that at 08:00 hours standard time the Hyperion-classs Heavy Cruiser LCS Barcelona was engaged and destroyed by Clan WarShips believed to be the Montbatton and Jerome Winson at a pirate point in the Freedom system at present we believe that all hands have been lost.”

   â€œDo we know how this engagement happened?  Where did the Wolves come from?”

   â€œWe are unsure where they came from.  It appears that they were double jumping through the system when a K-F Drive from a Monolith-class JumpShip broke.  Personnel and equipment were transfering between vessels when the Barcelona arrived near them.”  He explained “we believe that the two Clan WarShips out maneuvered the Barcelona” he said raising his hands side by side “their weapons destroyed our vessel before they completed their operations and abandoned the system.”

   â€œDo we know where they are bound?”  Vivian Lambert asked nervously

   â€œCurrent reports suggest they could be heading towards Skye or Hesperus II” the Duke said calmly “the Isle of Skye will resist these Clan invaders with all our might.  We will work with Lyran state units and with those of our Star League allies and we will be victorious.  Let these Clanners know that we will use all the weapons in our  arsenal to oppose them including our nuclear deterrent.”  He warned

   â€œTharkad has released the use of nuclear weapons?”  Vivian Lambert asked knowing that Skye had possession of nuclear weapons but that Tharkad had control over their launch codes.

   â€œTharkad will not stand in the way of our defence.”

   â€œAnd with the eight nuclear weapons that Skye has do you believe that you Clan stop the Clan advance.”  She asked she had sources well placed in the Isle of Skye command which had passed the information.

   â€œWe will use all weapons to destroy these alien Clans.  Now you must excuse me” he said walking off the camera.

   â€œThere you have it.  People of the Lyran Commonwealth we are once again united by the threat of the Clans.  Any sightings of any Clan activity is to reported to your local LCAF Office, no report will be turned away, we must work together to stop the Clans.  This is Vivian Lambert for Interstellar News Network on Skye”  She said finally as the camera faded to black.  Across the Lyran Commonwealth and the Inner Sphere nerves were being frayed as the threat of the Clans and the apparent move by Clan Wolf became apparent to more than those who lived on the clan borders.”

Broken News Reports
Lyran Commonwealth
Draconis Combine
Marik-Stewart Commonwealth
7th March 3097

   Across the Lyran Commonwealth, Draconis Combine and Marik-Stewart Commonwealth a series of attacks occur almost at the same standard time.  In each case Hyper Pulse Generators are attacked by either Battle Armour, Armoured vehicle or aerospace fighter.  Several reports indicated that these attacks were initiated by neighbouring states however all the attacks used Clan equipment.    This knowledge keeps reprisal attacks to a minimum as few of the Inner Sphere states believe that local units have enough Clan technology to pull off these attacks.

   In most cases the attacks were a complete success with the attack being over before local defences could react in two cases: one on the Draconis Combine world of Kessel and the other on Laiaka in the Isle of Skye local defences are able to stop the attackers from completing their goals.  In both cases the attackers fight until they are killed however post combat analysis and autopsy's on the pilots suggests that these warriors were originally from Clan Wolf all are in their late forties beyond the norms of front-line combat troops.

   For the Clans such a move is considered dishonourable however Clan Wolf has a track record of being unpredictable.  With further reports that Clan WarShips and JumpShips are using uninhabited systems to avoid local defences and with nearly a dozen HPGs destroyed in the attacks the entire Inner Sphere is on edge.

   Later analysis of the attacks would suggest that Clan Wolf was behind all the attacks having sneaked the warriors and equipment into position under the guise of mercenary units transferring between commands.  This leads the Isle of Skye and Draconis Combine to initiate stronger controls over units not under their control moving across their borders.  In the Isle of Skye all foreign units, including those under SLDF or LCAF High Command control, are required to submit to inspection on an Isle of Skye controlled planet before continuing their journey.

   In the confusion an Invader-class JumpShip was destroyed by the LCS Arthur Steiner-Davion in the Hesperus II system as the JumpShip failed to transmit the correct security authorization.  Several naval autocannon blasts ripped through the JumpShip and its attending DropShips resulting in the complete loss of life of all those on-board.

Clan Raids
Arc Royal Theatre, Lyran Commonwealth
12th March 3097

   Intent on showing that they are not purely holding onto Clan Wolf's territory Clan Coyote launch a series of raids in force against the worlds of Ballymore, Pandora, Crimond and Fort Loudon.  The Coyotes have little to no intention of taking the planets they attack instead they show that they are intent on showing that they are capable of holding back the other Clans and threatening the  Lyran Commonwealth.  During the attacks the Coyotes use a new OmniMech dubbed the Trickster a new Medium OmniMech.  Slower than normal Clan medium designs the Trickster has a larger than normal payload in several of the configurations.  With its large payload several of the configurations mount large weapons capable of tearing Mechs of similar size to piece.

The Mall
Kestrel, Kestrel Combat Region
Crucis March, Federated Suns
17th March 3097

   The Crucis March world of Kestrel had always been a beautiful world, even after the Draconis Combine attacks of the Second Succession War, with rolling hills and beautiful cities.  Down the main Mall a battalion sized Mech unit moved passed the gathered crowds on the Mech's chest was the emblems of the the First Kestrel Grenadiers Regiment.  The unit had been inactive on the AFFS rolls for nearly a decade but now with the Duke of Kestrel's financial backing the unit had been reformed with plans to expand it to a full regiment before the end of the year.  Despite funding the Regiment with his family's own money, ever the patriot, Duke Robert Cunningham announces that the reformed Kestrel Grenadiers would be joining the AFFS.

I forgot this part    the original scene didn't work reading it over again I wasn't happy with it so here it is from the top

Royal Wedding, Davion Royal Palace
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
24th March 3097

   In front of hundreds of guests Burton Davion and Sterling McKenna stood taking their vows of marriage all of the guests knew of Sterling's heritage but they had accepted the Prince's choice.  To one side First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion and his wife Danai Centrella-Davion stood with Burton's brother's and sisters the only one missing was Jaylen Davion who was still on AFFS assignment on St Ives.  Everything had gone well the custom had been nearly completely unknown to Sterling but with a little coaching from Sarah and Danai she had made it through the proceedings.  There had been several low flying aircraft pass over the palace early in the ceremony but since there had been no alarm bells Burton guessed that it was most likely the pilots Sterling had been flying with recently giving her the send off she deserved.  Many of the pilots had taken to the former Snow Raven as if she was one of their own Burton guessed that once you were a pilot it didn't really matter where you came from it way all about the flying.

   â€œShould anyone have anything to say that would stop these two being wed speak now” the minister said they had been sworn to marriage by the Unfinished Book as Burton's father and grandfather had been everything had gone well until now.  At the rear of the chambers suddenly there was a very audible crack as the two large doors opened.  All eyes suddenly turned towards the doors as they opened in stepped a large figure dressed in the traditional robes and head piece of Clan Snow Raven.

   â€œSeriously??” Burton said under his breath the figure who was most likely an Elemental was flanked by two troopers dressed in Infiltrator III Heavy Battle Armour he guessed that the aircraft he had heard had been this person's arrival, subtle he thought.  Around the room Burton could see the First Davion Guard Bodyguard Unit moving into positions to get the best shot on the figure even so if this turned nasty Burton knew that members of the congregation would be caught in the resulting crossfire even unarmoured an Elemental could take a lot of fire before going down.

   â€œI will speak” a voice said from under the robe from the sound the Prince could tell it was a male “Sterling, we need to talk” his deep booming voice said.  Burton turned fully taking a step forward but it was Sterling herself who spoke.

   â€œNeg, we do not” she answered looking at the man he was Turner McKenna the head of the McKenna Bloodhouse “my previous life is done this is my future.”  She said raising her arms looking at Burton and then at her son Luther who was cradled in Sarah Davion's arms.

   â€œThen I will announce this here.  I came here today knowing that I would likely not return to our Clan.  I can now announce that you will no longer be known as Sterling McKenna you have been stripped of your bloodname by order of the Clan Council.”  Sterling glanced at Burton who nodded for her to continue.

   â€œNo, I am Sterling Davion” she said “my future is my own Turner.  This will not be your final act Turner, if you have done this House no wrong today other than this interuption with my blessing, you will be allowed to return to the Snow Ravens with a message.”  Sterling said glancing at Victor Steiner-Davion who followed his son's choice and allowed her to continue.  “I am no threat to the Snow Ravens, the Federated Suns is not a threat to the Snow Ravens, we are separate.  There is enough chaos in our lives but we can live in peace.  The choice is yours.”  She said turning back towards the minister alongside Burton.  “Continue” she said

   â€œAre there any others who wishes to speak?”  He asked worried that there would be another interruption when there was none “I now pronounce you man and wife” he said “you may kiss the bride” he said Burton and Sterling turned to each other and were soon locked in an embrace as those gathered cheered and applauded as they witnessed the beginning of a new era for the Federated Suns.

More thanks for this timeline this time from me to Blackhorse 6 who kind of took a step in a direction I was heading and did a better job at it with me.

Iniki's Stormtroopers Basecamp
New Exford, Arc Royal Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
3rd April 3097

   A battle wary Colonel Jameson Iniki crossed the tarmac following the battle meeting with Colonel Tyler Sutherland the Lyran commander of the garrison on New Exford.  “Not normally how I like to start a new contract” the dark skinned mercenary said as he approached.

   â€œThe Jade Falcons do like to keep us on our toes Colonel.  If your troops had not landed before the Falcons it could have been a far worse result.  How were your losses?”

   â€œThree Battle Armour troopers are dead and two of my Mechs are unrecoverable fortunately their pilots are still alive; although they have a few new bumps and bruises.”  He said light losses considering the fight they had been in.  Several of his remaining Mechs were heavily damaged but they were repairable as part of the Stormtroopers contract with the Lyran Commonwealth the mercenaries were allowed to claim back what they had lost during combat.

   â€œThere are plenty of destroyed Falcon Mechs out there when your people are settled you can look them over.”

   â€œThank you Colonel I plan to do just that”

   â€œVery good, your command has defence duties over the south west quarter.  I'll have my aide Leutenant Heister pass you the details.”

   â€œThank you” the mercenary replied

   â€œI hope your people are ready for the Falcons Colonel Iniki they have been getting mighty restless recently.”  Sutherland explained

   â€œWe are Colonel we wouldn't have accepted the contract otherwise.”

Royal Announcement
Oriente, Oriente Protectorate
Former-Free Worlds League
13th April 3097

   A news report circulates that Jonas Halas, the Captain-General or the Oriente Protectorate, had been involved in an affair with a member of Le Grand Cloche Mercenary Command who had been hired to protect his children and family.  Further news quickly spreads that Jonas wife has left her husband at the Halas residence for “time.”

   A week later Le Grande Cloche are escorted from Oriente space by Oriente military forces Jonas Halas announces that an entire Battle Armour Battalion of Oriente's best and brightest will be provided to the protection of his children and wife despite their current separation.

New Yorkshire Barony, Baroness’ Estate Guest Apartments
New Yorkshire, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
25th March 3097

   â€œâ€¦ and this, this is what we are looking forward to?  I swear the whole of the Davion nobility has gone straight to hell.  A clanner?  A malfing clanner?  I mean we prayed for another Hanse and what happens?  Victor has been a passably good leader but even he habitually drags you out to fix his messes and gives you no credit whatsoever.  But Burton, that imbecile keeps making one mess after another and with both Marches in disarray, they pull you from Tikonov to stand there and give some semblance of unity to this unmitigated fiasco.  The average citizen is near ready to oust them from the palace, they are celebrating the possibility of a new war while the Marches continue to burn.  My God, what ever happened to royalty with a sense of class, I mean sure, it’s changed even from when we were raised and in how I wanted our children raised… especially our daughters, but this whole stupid marriage... are you even listening to me?”

   In truth, Duke Paul Ryan-Bowman had really not paid all that much attention during the trip back to his sister’s estate in New Yorkshire.  The pacing back and forth while venting her indignity this last hour had come as a relief from the worries he himself had these past eighteen months.  After forty-two years of marriage, not much his wife could say would be a surprise at this point.  If anything, Duchess Alexandra Ryan-Bowman set new standards for being opinionated, but then most women from Achernar seemed to share this trait.  Hence the quiet and mostly attentive reaction he had come to give her throughout their years together wasn’t always what she wanted.  This early morning of all times, it actually infuriated her.

   The Duke sat quietly considering the look she was giving him now that she had stopped pacing the apartment’s bedroom.  Odds were a dress shoe would be inbound at any moment but as she returned his gaze, her expression changed.  He knew at that moment she had read through his usually nonchalant persona and caught his buried concerns.

   â€œYou aren’t telling me something and it has to do with, what, those reports we have been working on doesn’t it?”  Despite his best smile, he knew she was on to him and closed his eyes.  He could feel her move to sit on the arm of the chair beside him.

   â€œYes. I finally have the bottom line to the AFFS unit manning reports and it’s worse than we had hoped, much worse than even I thought possible.  The possibility of a CapCon attack in five years is almost inevitable, that and our ability to counter attack or retake lost worlds in such an event are severely curtailed.”  Opening his eyes, he sighed, “In short, if we are subjected to any further military losses, we could lose a good deal of our planets to our neighbors.  In this event, the damage to the Suns would almost certainly be permanent.”

   Alexandra reacted in horror at the admission while tilting Paul’s head up to look him in the eyes.  “I thought that with increased admissions and BattleMech outputs, combined with more armored and infantry formations, what we proposed would balance the AFFS back in five to ten years?”  He frowned and shook his head from side to side.  Taking her hands in his he kissed them and wrapped them in his.

   â€œWith this latest round of Robinson March adventurism factored in, well… we are looking at a best case of fifteen years just to bring enough combat material back to our line units to reach the AFFS strength levels of 3085.  Not that the machines and weapons really matter in and of itself at this point.  I figure at best, we will need thirty to forty years just to have enough MechWarriors in the field and not in training.  As we both know, that hasn’t happened since we graduated from NAMA during the height of the Clan Invasion.  My darling, we are facing a critical juncture in the history of the Federated Suns, so we must do what we were raised and trained to do: secure our borders with force if necessary and protect the citizenry at all cost.”  The Duchess nodded solemnly and spoke dryly, “Well isn’t it nice that our children are spread across five worlds and on each one they have titles of nobility… what else can be done to protect our people?”

   Paul considered his next words with deliberate intent before speaking.

   â€œThere are always the options we thought unthinkable but I am of Tikonov by birth and by right.  We gather our families and all of our peoples we can and move them to Kitezh; which far away, it would take generations of the enemy looking for them to be found.” Alexandra considered that thought in silence, though it was obvious she considered that a last resort.

   â€œThat in and of itself is not as glorious in dying for one’s nation”, Paul continued, “but in the event the Suns is lost, a new arrangement would need to be made… possibly amalgamating the surviving Marches with another nation.  We still have some pull now that Jamison and Samantha are married, not to mention Lizzie would love to have us.”  This time Alexandra’s look of quiet resignation told him she at least considered those options to be an improvement.

   Biting her lip, she ventured into the most treasonous option, “A change in the leadership may be necessary to prevent the destruction of the Federated Suns and its people.  Could we do something so reprehensible should it become absolutely necessary?”  Her husband nodded adding his thoughts, “I would rather be remembered as a traitor who usurped Hanse’s throne than as a historical footnote for failing to protect his homeland from its mortal enemies.  At least if I’m remembered, there will still be a Federated Suns.”

   Duchess Alexandra smiled thinly at her husband. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, you know I look terrible in black.”

Gaming Signing in Board
Solaris VII, Lyran Commonwealth
Star League Protectorate
28th April 3097

   Moving past the other pilots in the meeting hall Ariana Steiner wasn't at all impressed she didn't consider any of them to be warrior until she saw them in combat Elizabeth McCarron had ordered her to take some personal time.  How she spent that time was entirely up to her.

   â€œName?” man behind the signing in board asked

   â€œAriana” she said keeping her surname a secret for as long as possible would make her time on Solaris a lot easier

   â€œSurname?”  He asked

   â€œJust Ariana”

   â€œAriana the Aggressor?”  the announcer asked obviously thinking that it sounded better than just a simple “Ariana.”

   â€œWhatever” she said not bothered either way.

   â€œBattleMech type?”

   â€œA Warhawk”

   â€œA War...” the man stuttered “you mean a Masakari?”  He asked using the Inner Sphere's name for the Clan design.

   â€œYes” Ariana confirmed

   â€œYou a Clanner?”  He asked fishing for more information.

   â€œNeg” she joked using the Clan reply

   â€œYou kill a Clanner for the Mech?”

   â€œWhat do you think?”  She said refusing to give any information.

   â€œMysterious Ariana” he said trying out another name “either way the Clanner Mech or the Clanner Killer will make you a target.”  He explained

   â€œWill make it fun then.  When can I fight?”

   â€œThe next game is in the Factory in three days time” he said looking at the charts “think you can wait that long?”

   â€œSure gives these pilots” she said raising her voice “sometime to live before meeting a true MechWarrior in combat” she said. “Put me in” she confirmed before walking from the room with little surprise that the warriors around her parted as she marched out.