OBT Forum

The Nova Cat II

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/nova-cat-ii/

Isle of Skye Offensive
Marik-Stewart Commonwealth
Former-Free Worlds League
2nd April 3101

   Despite threats from Clan Jade Falcon the Isle of Skye believes that the former-Free Worlds League is a greater threat launching an attack on Kalidasa, Alkes and New Hope.  On Kalidasa they encounter and destroy a raiding Clan Wolf trinary which had been fighting an honour duel with the local defenders.  Due to the recent fighting against Clan Wolf and the disruption in the in the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth each of the three systems targeted by the Isle of Skye fall to the Lyran forces within a matter of hours.

   A week later Clan Wolf retaliate against the Isle of Skye targeting the systems of Lunarn, Hyde, Uhuru and Rochelle with separate Trials of Possession.  Only on Hyde do the Wolves suffer significant casualties but this is due to the planet’s hostile weather storm rather than the Lyran defenders fourteen wolf warriors are killed during a freak powerful lightning storm that seizes up BattleMechs and electrocutes battle armour troopers.  These victories bring Clan Wolf within a single jump of Star League Defence Force territory on Solaris VII.

Terrorist Attacks
Rim Collection, Periphery
8th April 3101

   A series of terrorist strikes target Rim Collection Parliament and Military installations.  Two failed strikes are also discovered against the Fire Mandrill’s on All Dawn.  Galaxy Marshal Karen Able and her staff along with those in Rim Collection security, Special Operations and their counterpart organisations in the Fire Mandrills and Sphinx Raptor Clan factions are stretched to their limit trying to track down the origin of the attacks.  The only clue they can find to the origin of the bombings is two words “Free Collection” across the Rim Collection Intelligence assets scramble to identify who was financing and equipping these terrorists.

   In an effort to help the Sphinx Raptors move forward the Rim Collection politicians led by President Nanook and supported by Karen Able try to convince the Fire Mandrills to pass military resources and equipment to the Sphinx Raptors.  The Mandrills are resistant to the Rim Collection plans as they do not wish for the Sphinx Raptors to be as powerful as them maintaining their edge over the other Clan faction.

Clan Intervention
Broken Wheel, Filtvelt Coalition
13th April 3101

   The Border Lands pirate group strike Broken Wheel for the fourth time in a month crushing the Second Filtvelt Citizens Militia command.  During the last attack as the Border Lands move on Broken Wheel’s capital settlement Clan Nova Cat’s Forty-sixth Cavaliers Cluster moves in on the flank of the pirate unit included among the Cavaliers is a star of Dragon Cat II OmniMechs with this battle serving as their combat debut.  The Nova Cats completely destroy the raider force securing the planet.

       Like the original Dragon Cat, which was developed alongside the original Nova Cat, this new OmniMech was developed with the Nova Cat II.  The Dragon Cat II is similar to the original OmniMech it is faster than the Nova Cat II and uses advanced technology including a targeting computer in each configuration and Ferro Lamellor Armour cutting down on damage from enemy Mechs.

       Welcomed as saviours from the vicious pirate band Broken Wheel voluntarily welcomes Clan Nova Cat to the planet agreeing to sever ties with the Filtvelt Coalition and submit to Clan rule.  The government on Filtvelt claim that Clan Nova Cat were behind the pirate ruse citing Clan Jade Falcon’s use of the Red Corsair during the 3050s to distabilize targets unfortunately there is no evidence to support this claim and the Nova Cats are not sharing data on the origins of the pirate force.  Within days of the system joining the Nova Cat’s Den elements of the Forty-sixth Nova Cat Cavaliers land on nearby Wetumpka and annihilate the Sixth Filtvelt Guardians Regiment over the course of a nine hour battle.

Special Forces Raid
Astrokaszy, Periphery
21st April 3101

        The Magistracy of Canopus’ Special Forces and Special Operations command the Ebon Magistrate launch an attack on Astrokaszy striking at the Tortugan Phalanx units based on the planet.  Although the Magistracy units are better equipped than their pirate rivals they aim to capture pirates some of the pirates and their technology this gives the Tortugan Phalanx a chance to escape.  During the battle nearly a company of the Ebon Magistrate’s units are killed in exchange for destroying a battalion of pirates and capturing six warriors alive as well as several data recorders.  More than two battalions of pirates scatter and escape from the Magistracy forces but the Ebon Magistrate have enough to continue their search for the the terrorists that detonated a nuclear bomb on Cate’s Hold destroying the Magistracy Highlanders unit at the end of 3100.

Marik-Stewart Civil War
Marik-Stewart Commonwealth
Former-Free Worlds League
28th April 3101

   As Duke Leonard Stewart launches an assault against the system of Stewart with four front-line regiments of Marik-Stewart Commonwealth troops and three WarShips, Duke Joseph Marik launches his own assaults.  Striking at key Stewart Family holdings and supporters on Marik, Atreus, Irian and Keystone Joseph Marik aims to cut off the head.

   In the Stewart system Duke Leonard Stewart lands on the planet of his birth under heavy fire.  Close to the planet the Wolf WarShip Ward’s Legacy, a McKenna-class Battleship, engaged the Thessaly Battlegroup while on the ground Leonard Stewart’s forces faced four clusters of Wolf units.  Leonard commanded his units from his Shadow Hawk Land-Air Mech fighting on the ground and in the air over the course of weeks.  During the time on Stewart Leonard’s forces destroy three of the Wolf Clusters but their own ground forces are heavily damaged and in orbit the Ward’s Legacy is able to destroy two of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth Eagle-class Frigates escorting Thessaly while keeping the Thera-class Carrier back.  After calling for a cease fire the Wolf Commander Galaxy Commander Jessica Ward meets with Duke Leonard Stewart and the two agree that the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth forces would leave the system in Wolf hands and there would be no more fighting.

   During the time Stewart is a contested world Duke Joseph Marik strikes at the two Stewart Home Guard Regiments on Marik commanding the First Marik-Stewart Militia and the First Atrean Dragoons Regiments forcing the Home Guard to surrender.  At the same time agents fanatically loyal to the Marik family, if not Joseph, strike at Stewart supporters on Atreus and Irian while a team within the Dark Shadows Special Forces command release a biological agent into the air supply of the base on Wendigo killing everyone on the base.

   Duke Leonard Stewart returns to Marik with two crippled regiments of tired warriors and one crippled WarShip less than half of the number that he had left with.  With massive losses against the Wolves on Stewart and with his power base crippled Leonard Stewart flees Marik heading for Irian knowing that despite Joseph’s efforts that he still had supporters there all but giving up on him having any chance of challenging for the Captain-Generalsy again.

Tech demonstration, Gilmour MilTech
Talitha, Star League Protectorate
10th June 3101

   â€œLadies and Gentlemen I am Marla Landers of Gilmour MilTech.”  The spokesperson said to the assembled reporters and guests “as you know we, along with LexaTech Industries of Irece, have been striving to improving the Land Air BattleMech intending on making these units as versatile and as popular as a regular BattleMech.”  She said “our first innovation in LAM design resulted in the construction of the Yurei LAM which included our revolutionary LAM Gyroscope a critical piece of weight saving technology.”  She said as she spoke a Yurei LAM stepped into view gaining polite applause the unit had served with the DCMS, SLDF, mercenaries and various militaries of the Free Worlds League along with every other design built by the two companies.  “Neither us nor LexaTech Industries were ready to sit our success instead we continued our research and development to produce something that will revolutionise Land Air Mech technology.”  She said above them there was a roar as another LAM flew overhead anyone accustomed to Land Air Mechs would know it was another Yurei this one in aerospace fighter mode the aircraft looked slightly different from the one standing in front of them but nothing overly different or impressive.  Slowly the aircraft turned back towards them even at this distant the crowd could tell that the Yurei was converting into AirMech mode as they could see the legs extending, again little about the design looked overly different, as it quickly approached their position.  Almost at the last moment showing the versatility of the LAM the final tansformation took place with the Yurei’s wings folding away and its back straightened the Mech’s jump jets fired breaking its velocity to virtually nothing as it came down for a picture perfect landing.  “Ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce to you LexaTech Industries and Gilmour MilTech’s most recent product the Yurei S-YR-2.”  She said looking at the two Mechs side by side there were suttle differences in the armour suggesting the new Yurei had a heavier armour arrangement.  Weapon wise the unit also looked different with a cannon, possibly a type of particle cannon on one arm and two two-tube missile launchers set into the torso armour.  “The Yurei 2 has superior armour to the original Mech and it carries a Light Particle Cannon and two Short Range Missile Launchers for armament.”  Marla said the crowd did not look overly impressed the unit did not carry much more punch than the standard Mech even if it did have additional armour protection it barely seemed worth it.  “Unlike the original Yurei which was capable of moving a little over eighty-six kilometres an hour while our new Mech is able to top ninety-seven kilometres an hour” she said considering the Mech still carried a decent amount of weapons and armour the crowd now looked impressed as it brought the forty ton Yurei up to the speed of most light Mechs instead of lagging behind which the original design did in Mech mode.  “These impriovments are brought by the use of the LAM Gyro and the newly developed LAM engine an engine intended on duplicating the effects of a Light Fusion Engine used by BattleMechs.”  She said surprising everyone the original Star League Defence Force’s developers and manufacturers had tried and failed to bring weight saving technology to the LAMs due to their complexity and need to convert between movement modes.  “We have succeeded where those that came before us failed” Marla said as if reading the audience’s mind “by orientating the entire engine at a ninety-degree angle compared to a standard fusion engine this means that the LAM Engine dominates the centre torso resulting in the mech needing to use a LAM Gyro along side it.”  She explained “like the LAM Gyro this new technology will not be limited to the Yurei” she said as a roar of engine noise increased from behind them moments later almost perfectly on que a trio of LAM designs a Screamer, Shadow Hawk and Stinger all flew overhead each looked slightly different from the original designs.  All three followed the same course that the second Yurei had converting into BattleMechs coming into a landing beside the second Yurei making for an impressive sight.  “Ladies and Gentlemen Gilmour MilTech and LexaTech are proud to present our Land Air Mech lance.”  She said finally resulting in a standing ovation from the crowd finally it looked like these two companies had brought the LAM type of unit onto a competitive level with the standard BattleMech but only time would tell.

Border Raid in Force
Andruien Commonality, Capellan Confederation
17th June 3101

   After months of border skirmishes including an attack against St Ives itself the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns High Command authorise a strike against the Capellan Confederation.  Taking a lesson from the tactics used by the McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry’s against the Federated Suns during their service to Capellan Confederation the First Kathil Uhlans launch an attack against the Confederation.

      Starting with company sized units striking against Holloway, Madras and Xieng Khouang before the full unit supported by the FSS Ferdinand, a Robinson III-class Transport, and an additional wing of aerospace fighters strike at Grand Base, former baseworld of the McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry.  Not attempting to seize territory the Uhlans run rampant for four days causing chaos with the defenders and damage to Grand Base’s military industry before abandoning the planet disappearing back into space.

Fire Mandrill Raid
Seven Lands, Stone Spirit Territory
23rd June 3101

      Yu watched, nauseated, as he and his point of Warriors pushed their way through the Stone Spirit warship. How the Spirits had found, much less reactivated, the ancient Riga-class frigate was beyond him it was old even by Star League standards. He didn’t exactly care though his mission was to capture the ancient warship and that was what he and his warriors, his Makos, were doing.  Methodically moving from compartment to compartment they had already lost half of their number just getting on-board the WarShip as the Stone Spirit crew swatted Fire Mandrill DropShips with their ship’s naval weaponry.

       Now fighting for control of the vessel it occurred to Yu that fire and micro-gravity should never be mixed together as he and his Warriors passed charred and burning bodies. Each and every bulkhead they came to, they merely poked a hole in, then fired the built-in flamethrowers of their Salamander battle armor for a few moments filling the next compartment with fire the defenders couldn’t stop the fire even if they vented the compartment as the Salamander’s weapons were fueled by releasing energy from their suit’s power systems and did not need air to burn.

      A nightmarish death for the Stone Spirit crewmen to be sure, but that couldn’t be helped, for it kept combat losses to his own Makos a bare handful on board the ship which was much needed since the losses taken getting here. A WarShip being Elemental-bombed, as the technique was known, was never good during battle for the crew it turned their WarShip into a battleground and turned the mighty war vessel into a fortress with a siege mentality.  In this ship’s case they had no chance the Mandrills were too angry too desperate to make sure the job got done.

     Suddenly the lights in the compartment they were in switched off, then Becka’s voice reverberated throughout the ship. “Attention all Spirits. Your engine room is now under Fire Mandrill control. Either surrender and become proper bondsmen of Clan Fire Mandrill or die when I turn the power off to your compartments. All compartments have five minutes to respond. Out.”

      He nodded in his suit approving, as multiple departments began announcing their immediate surrenders via intercom the crew were not trained marines and lacked Battle Armour none of them wanted to die gasping for air as their compartments were powered down and vented. The Collection no longer was in the mood to play with the Spirits in the aftermath of the attack on Armory Gamma. Only the fact current evidence of Clan Stone Spirit involvement in the attack was circumstantial had kept the Warriors of Clan Fire Mandrill and their brethren in Clan Sphinx Raptor from engaging in a Trial of Annihilation.

      An hour later after the last hold out Stone Spirits had been eliminated the remaining crewmen and women of what was once the CSS Bloodstone were slowly hustled into a fighter bay under heavy guard from Yu’s remaining Makos. Only those needing immediate medical care and Clan Stone Spirit medical personnel were kept separate in one of the ships three overflowing life stations.

      Only after each compartment was checked, double checked, and finally triply checked did Yu click on his radio. “Khan Showers, the Bloodstone is finally under our control. You may continue.”

Battleground
Seven Lands, Stone Spirit Space
23rd June 3101

      Following the heavy ground fighting Khan Aemelia Showers surveyed the battlefield. There was Stone Spirit bodies and equipment littering the area intermingled with lost Fire Mandrill and Sphinx Raptor equipment. Yet while the Jaguar within snarled in victory, the Mandrill cautioned her something was not right and that she listened to.

       As she walked past the fiery wreck of what was once a Warhammer IIC, it all came together. Why weren’t the Raptors prepared for the Collection’s assault into its territory if it had a part to play in the attack on Armory Gamma? That thought gnawed at her. If the Spirits were indeed innocent, then who-

       Suddenly it all came together. Yet she knew she needed strong, hard evidence. Reaching down, she clicked on her radio so all her units, even those in orbit of Seven Lands, could listen. “All units, this is Showers. I am bypassing all command levels. Your singular order is this. Find any and all evidence the Spirits were part of the attack on Armory Gamma. Star Admiral Malcolm Lynn, send word to all units outside of Seven Lands and Cauldron. They are ordered not, repeat not, to continue the planned assault into Stone Spirit territory and instead shift themselves to Waypoint as soon as possible. I think we been had and if we were, there is a certain Lyran dezgra on our border we need to kill. Showers out.”

       And if they had been, there WILL be a reckoning. For that, Showers promised herself as she began to study the battlefield much more carefully, this time for vindication their worthy enemy still was honorable.  Fourteen hours later, she had her answer as her people answered she’d been right.

Twenty-eighth Star League Games
Solaris VII, Star League Protectorate
Lyran Commonwealth
29th June 3101

   In almost a carbon copy of the previous year’s event MechWarrior Michael Locke piloting an Awesome M11 dominates the competition.  The pilot, who had been a complete unknown before the previous year’s competition, had fought in the assault competition throughout 3100 and shown he was more than capable of battling on Solaris and in this performance could not be beaten.  Question marks on where he had come from began to rise as few believed he was from an unknown world in the Free Worlds League, nor did they think he had just modified his Awesome to the spec of the M11, instead the question of corporate support began to be asked.

Have a happy Hogmanay everyone!!  [cheers]

New LAM Tech

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/techlab/new-tech-lam-advancements/

A short update

Deep Raid
Buenos Aires, Andurien Commonality
Capellan Confederation
8th August 3101

   After a series of small assaults the First Kathil Uhlans RCT strike fully at Buenos Aires in the heart of the Andurien Commonality.  On the planet they found the Sixth Confederation Armoured Cavalry waiting for them.  The AFFS unit struck the Confederation defenders with the precision and speed of an elite command striking all across the Sixth’s lines before fading away.  For eight days the Uhlans strike against the Cavalry almost at will striking with speed and power before fading away from their enemy but they are unable to inflict crippling damage on the defenders nor are they able to capture any of Buenos Aires major industry.  On the 16th everything changes again with the Seventh Liao Lancers Regiment arriving at a pirate point.

   Avoiding the FSS Ferdinand the Liao Lancers stream onto the planet landing in a flanking position against the Uhlans despite being only a regular rated unit the arrival of a second regiment against the AFFS command is enough to force their retreat from the planet and then the system.

Anti-Clan Operations
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
25th August 3101

   After being stationed on the Jade Falcon border for nearly three decades and mostly restricted to defensive operations the Light Horse Brigade of the SLDF’s Third Division strike Clan Jade Falcon’s Occupation Zone along with Mountain Wolf ground forces and naval units from the Lyran Commonwealth.

   With the Mountain Wolves striking at Zandera and Dela the Light Horse strike beyond them at Yeguas.  Landing early in the morning on the 25th the Light Horse Brigade move quickly against the Jade Falcons with their Mech units benefiting from years of experience fighting the Falcons, and a not insignificant amount of Clan technology, the 1894th Light Horse strike rapidly with the Eighth Royal Battle Armour Battalion riding on board the unit’s many OmniMechs.

   This initial strike puts the Jade Falcons on the defensive while the secondary strikes by 1894th’s armour regiment and the brigade’s Fifteenth Alliance Light Armour Regiment drives the Jade Falcons into defeat.  Close air support from the Star Hunters Air Wing finally breaks the Clan defenders forcing them into full retreat abandoning their defence and the planet.

   Not all their strikes are so successful with the Mountain Wolf battle on Zandera a near complete failure with the destruction of the Third Wolf Grenadiers Cluster of Beta Galaxy.  Forced to retreat the Mountain Wolves pull back within the Lyran Commonwealth watching for Jade Falcon reprisal strikes while the SLDF and Mountain Wolves secure their positions on Dela and Yeguas.

Royal Wedding, New Chicago
Washburn, United Marik Worlds
Former Free Worlds League
28th August 3101

   The United Marik Worlds take another step forward with the announcement of the marriage of Captain-General Joseph Marik and Sister Lucy Buckell at the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints Temple in New Chicago the capital of Washburn.  The two had only been engaged for a short period but had known each other for years before across the United Marik Worlds the marriage is seen as another step towards more stability; something that has been sorely missing over the last few years.

Time for the weekend time for an update.  My thanks to James Tanaga for the continuing Rim Collection story.

FSS Ferdinand (Robinson Block III-class Transport)
Broden, Andurien Commonality
Capellan Confederation
1st September 3101

   The FSS Ferdinand rocked heavily from another capital missile hit.  Things had gone badly from the moment they had entered the system at the Nadir point an Invader-class JumpShip holding three Mule-class Transport DropShips it had seemed unapposing until all three DropShips had detached and began targeting the AFFS units with capital missiles.  At the same time nearly two wings of aerospace fighters had rose from the Zenith point, the Kathil Uhlans had jumped into a well staged trap.  The ground forces had scattered but the three Mules were not targeting individual DropShips instead they had targeted the unit’s four JumpShips obliterating all three and two DropShips which couldn’t detach quickly enough.  Now two days later after dodging several attacks the FSS Ferdinand and the AFFS DropShips had arrived in orbit of Broden and were beginning their landing procedures.  “Sir the General’s DropShip just took a capital missile hit!”

   â€œAre they still flying?” Commodore Ben Gates asked glancing back at the officer

   â€œYes sir they are still attempting landing procedures.”

   â€œMove over them we’ll take any more hits.”

       â€œWe won’t last long if we’re that exposed sir” his XO Catherine Smith warned the Ferdinand rocked heavily under another hit almost as if to reinforce her point.

      “We’re not going to last much longer at this rate either way.  Our job is to get our ground forces on the deck and weaken the Capellans in that order”  Gates said glancing around the small bridge as the ship continued to shake under the enemy fire “inform Colonel Steiner to get his ass in his Mech and off this boat no time for pleasantries.  As soon as those Mechs are out of the cargo bay and the General’s ship is in the atmosphere sound for all hands to abandon ship. Ladies and gentlemen it’s been a true honour to serve with you but the time is almost upon us when the time comes I want each of you to abandon this ship hook up with our ground forces and continue to resist the Capellans a rescue ship will come.”  He said he had no idea how they would come there had been no pre-made plan to the Uhlans strike on the Confederation only to strike at systems of opportunity and keep the Confederation off guard.

   From the underside of the Ferdinand BattleMechs began to fall from the underside of the WarShip heading into the atmosphere.  The surviving aerospace fighters of the Ferdinand and of the Uhlans fought and died defending the falling MechWarriors.  Colonel Richard Steiner’s Mad Cat Mk II Enhanced waited for its turn to drop Richard had done this hundreds of times in training and in combat but today was different they were on the back foot heading towards enemy territory that was most likely ready for them.  Time slowly ticked down to 0 then the Mech dropped quickly slamming into the atmosphere of Broden Richard listened to the radio of his people and the DropShips around him under attack.  Burning through the atmosphere like a human made meteorite Richard hit the release button kicking away the re-entry cocoon the air around Richard’s Mech was on fire as CCAF and AFFS aerospace fighters fought each other.  Richard activated his Mech’s jump jets on a slow burn bringing his Mech down slowly towards the ground.

   Landing in a farmer’s field Richard scanned the area seeing no hostile targets “Hammer One, I’m on the ground sound out” he said calling on his Mech Regiment first then all other units.  Slowly units called in filling out his list of survivors there were some obvious targets missing from the DropShips he new had already been destroyed by Capellan naval units.  “Any sign of Anvil?”  He called out referring to General Garret Deans no-one answered “Hammer One to Ferdinand status?”  He called out expecting that without ground forces to ferry and defend the WarShip would have destroyed the enemy forces above them however things were not going well moments later there was a huge explosion overhead which had once been the Ferdinand.  “Thank you Ferdinand” he said Richard said quietly knowing that explosion was their WarShip.  “Hammer One all units I’m calling for a rendezvous at point marked ALPHA make your way there if you are unable within the next twenty-four hours move towards point marked BRAVO.”  He said signing out moments later missile trails dropped through the atmosphere from orbit one landing in the field next to Richard a massive explosion followed the missile striking the ground.  “Hell” Richard whispered moving his Mech away from the explosion it seemed without Ferdinand they were now a target for the Capellan naval units.

   Over the coming two weeks the Kathil Uhlans are able to destroy the defending units on Broden but they are unable to strike at the orbiting Capellan DropShips.  In an effort to destroy the Uhlans from orbit the Pocket WarShips rain capital weapons fire down on the surface killing hundreds of civilians in the process.  This forces the AFFS unit to split into smaller units and scatter across the surface of the planet trying to hold on until friendly units arrive to evacuate them.

RCS Providence
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
11th September 3101

   Khan Aemelia Showers stood with her arms crossed over her chest as she looked out through the observation window upon the battered Riga-class frigate as she waited for her guest to arrive. Where the Stone Spirits had gained the ancient warship, she had not a clue, but it was no matter now it was her Clan’s.

   She smirked, for the Collection had given the Stone Spirits a bloody nose, capturing the worlds of Cauldron and Seven Lands as well as the warship before her. She knew the Spirits would respond and as a Clan Warrior she looked forward to the coming response.

   The sound of the automatic door behind her opening then closing broke her from her thoughts. Turning around, she found her guest had arrived. Galaxy Commander Evangeline Clarke, leader of the Steelsoul Khanate, one of the Collection’s closest allies, had finally arrived the young Galaxy Commander was twenty years her junior but she could see the drive and determination oozing from her.

   â€œKhan Aemelia Showers, I see your Clan and your Collection allies remain strong,” the other female Warrior began. “Five worlds admitted into your Collection including the two taken from the stravag Spirits and perhaps a greater prize Riga sitting behind you a piece of history.”

   â€œDo you have Goliath Scorpion blood in you Quineg? Aemelia asked in a rare joke raising her hand quickly to forestall Evangeline’s response she continued. “And your Khanate and Clan remain strong as well she said the Sea Foxes were making strides forward especially following their recent deal with the Jade Falcons for their Jade Lion-class Battle-cruiser.  “I hear your Khanate has financed a WarShip, quiaff?”  She revealed showing the Mandrill intelligence assets were not completely dead the Steelsoul Khanate had only begun building a Carrack-class Transport ship but it would increase the number of WarShips directly available to them.

   The other woman gave her a graceful bow. “What can I say? The Rim Collection is a more then fair trading partner and we have had some recent successes of our own.”
Aemelia smirked she had heard of their battle against the Faulk Khanate, the Sea Foxes strongest Khanate, which won their Steelsoul’s a year’s production from Twycross’ primary production facility. “One which I think we can strengthen during this meeting between us.”  She said trying to bring the Galaxy Commander back to today’s meeting.

   â€œYou have my attention,” answered the younger Warrior after taking a moment to study Aemelia she had not expected the Fire Mandrill leader to be so well informed about the Steelsoul’s recent activities.

   â€œI wish to transform our battered Riga into a York,” the Mandrill Khan responded, waving to the ship outside as she did so.

   Galaxy Commander Evangeline Clarke’s eyebrows narrowed. “Your stunt at Kaumberg not only brought peace with the Lyran Commonweath it reminded the Grand Council of your Clan’s survival and that of your dezgra allies,” she warned Aemelia. “Reminded it enough the Khans of the Jade Falcons, Coyotes, and Hell’s Horses were very close in demanding you Abjured from what my Khan informed me.”  The Mandrills were not part of the core Clan society but they had never been officially cast out by the Clans that now resided in the Inner Sphere “If I push forward for Clipperton to rebuild your new Riga as a York, there would be dire repercussions to both our Clans the Wolves already cast hungry eyes towards the remaining shipyards there.”

   â€œThere goes another decade my Clan will have to keep itself from partaking in Clan society,” she lamented she dreamed, no that was the wrong word, the Jaguar inside her desired to see her Clan back within Clan society as a respected member of Kerensky’s followers her Mandrill side reminded her that they were strong enough to rise alone if required. “Still, you can rest easy. Clan Fire Mandrill and the Collection will do the rebuilding, not Clan Sea Fox.”

   Evangeline was confused. If Clan Fire Mandrill was rebuilding its Riga and did not need her Khanate’s assistance, then why did she infer they did? She was using the Riga as bait and testing her, she realized, as the other woman began speaking.

   â€œI thank you for telling me what I will be facing in the future, Galaxy Commander.”  She said leaving that discussion for the future “now I must ask for yet another boon,” the Fire Mandrill Khan continued, the formerly friendly atmosphere now a startling serious one. “I need immediate HPG conference with the entirety of the Grand Council, as well as the Mountain Wolves.”

      Evangeline sucked her breath in, startled. “I just warned you-,” she was cut off again by Aemelia’s raised hand Evangeline felt like breaking the old woman’s hand she had a tolerance for the Fire Mandrill leader but there were limits.

   â€œI know. Yet what I must tell the Grand Council is something I feel is a potent threat to all the Clans, not just my own,” Aemelia responded. “A Society cell was found in Clan Sphinx Raptor and was the cause of the Free Collection movement and instigating the current tension between the Collection and the Lyrans.”

   It dawned on Evangeline just how major the situation was. If a Society cell survived within the Raptors “dezgra” she said under her breath hundreds of Sea Fox warriors and millions of civilians had died in the homeworlds millions more were unaccounted for.  The Serpents had charged into the Inner Sphere running from the Society’s rule of the Homeworlds the Clan Council had yet to decide how they would respond each of the Clans had captured Serpent warriors or civilians each of them had heard the stories of what was happening on their ancestral home.

       â€œI see you know the seriousness of the situation. I trust I will have a HPG conference with the Grand Council to show the evidence, quiaff?” The elderly Khan of the Mandrills queried.
Evangeline nodded resolutely “you will and if this is a power play by your Clan it will pay the ultimate price.”  She warned even she would be forced to turn on the Mandrills should this ‘evidence’ turn out to be false but the chance of evidence on the Society being anywhere near the Inner Sphere was an immediate cause for concern among them. While Clan Fire Mandrill was considered on the supreme edge of what was considered the accepted Clans, even past the Mountain Wolves, it was still Clan and the Society was the anathema to them all.

      “Give me two days, Khan,” she firmly answered and turned to leave.

      The Fire Mandrill Khan had her conference in less than twelve hours.

HPG Conference
Clan Space, Inner Sphere
12th September 3101

   The screens lit up across the Inner Sphere and near Periphery as the Khans of the Clans assembled for this meeting called by the Khan of Clan Sea Fox Hanna Coston.  The Sea Fox Khan was first to speak and she did not look happy she had been pushed into calling this conference by Khanate leader Galaxy Commander Evangeline Clarke and she did not like it.  “My fellow Khans today I call you to hear startling evidence that could threaten all of our Clans.”  She said she saw the disdain from Clan Wolf leader Amina Kerensky and from Ruel Chistu the Khan of the Jade Falcons even the Coyotes and Horses who normally listened to each Khan thoughtfully looked annoyed.  The recently hostile Nova Cats, the Snow Ravens and placid Rasalhague Dominion looked completely uninterested in the Sea Fox leader.  Off to one side isolated from the others was Khan Patrick Fetladral of the Mountain Wolves who despite his agreement with the Wolf Clan to give up on his Clan’s Exile tag may as well have still been classed as an Exile by the other leaders.

   â€œWhat is the dezgra doing here?”  Ruel Chistu demanded the recent Mountain Wolf strikes against Jade Falcon territory raising the Khan’s disdain for the Mountain Wolf leader.

   â€œAt my request this information she holds affects all Clan societies.”

   â€œDezgra” Ruel said again dismissively

   â€œMy fellow Khans allow me to present Khan Aemelia Showers of the Fire Mandrills” Hanna Coston said speaking again despite her disagreement with Evangeline Clarke regarding this announcement the reaction from the other Clans was quite enjoyable and very predictable.  From every screen the shock rapidly turned to anger the majority directed at the newly appeared Showers but now even towards Hanna Coston herself she knew her Sea Foxes would pay for today in small ways.

   â€œLeaders of the Great Clans” Aemelia Showers began respectfully speaking to the other leaders she saw that this made little to no impact on the Khans.  “I am sure that some of you were aware of my peoples survival” she said seeing a smirk from both Jade Falcon and Wolf leaders confirming her suspicion “what you may not be fully aware of is that we Mandrills took in survivors from the Serpents assault forces.”  She saw the anger rising even further among the Clans “these survivors were warriors and civilians mainly from the Truscott Bloodline of Clan Star Adder…”

   â€œI warn you now you had better not bring a dezgra Adder in front of this Council.  If you do annihilation will be brought down on you.”  Khan Teresia Cooper of the Hell’s Horses warned interrupting the Mandrill leader.

   â€œNeg, these people reorganized themselves along the lines of the Sphinx Raptors attempting to break from what their Clan had become and start a new.”

   â€œA history lesson is not what we need” Amina Kerensky said interrupting Aemelia Showers bit the inside of her mouth ignoring the anger she felt towards their interruptions they would not do this to each other she was sure of it.

   â€œA history lesson puts what has happened in context Khan Kerensky” Aemelia snapped “the Sphinx Raptors looked after their own affairs within the Rim Collection until the nuclear explosion on All Dawn in May of this year which claimed both leaders of the Sphinx Raptors.  Since then they have been overseen by members of the Fire Mandrills until a Trial of Position can be held to elect new leadership.”

   â€œOne hobbled Clan looking after another it is the end of the universe… wait doesn’t that describe you Clan Khan Carl Heller?  A hobbled Clan that was sheltered by the Wolves for so long”  Ruel Chistu snarked quietly.

   â€œI will show you how hobbled we are” Carl Heller promised the Jade Falcon leader “Khan Showers continue before your presence here starts a war.”  Heller demanded looking directly at the Fire Mandrill leader.

   â€œDuring this administration period members of my Watch and members of the Sphinx Raptors loyal to Clan ideals have discovered a Society cell hidden within their ranks.  I bring this to your attention because I know that each of you have accepted members of the Serpents into your ranks.”  She said she knew that the Nova Cats and Mountain Wolves were the only two Clans to have no known members of the Society but after her investigations Showers was sure they were all in danger of infiltration.

   â€œI assume you have proof of this “Society” infiltration Quiaff?” Ragnar Magnesson demanded

   â€œAff” Aemelia Showers said grabbing another figure from her side moments later a woman with olive coloured skin, dark hair and a bloodied face appeared “this is Dr Christine Adams.”  She said angrily holding the woman by the scruff of the neck “I have confirmed that this is the leader the Society Cell she has a mix of Clan Star Adder and Steel Viper DNA.”  She revealed gaining all their attentions the mixing of blood between Clans was an uncommon thing while her surname was a trend the scientists had begun across all the Clans but one that had been stamped out by the Warrior Caste.  “Proof of her heritage will be sent to each of you following this conference.”  She promised the other leaders “through persuasive interrogation we have confirmed that members of her cell planted the nuclear device on All Dawn and were involved in the Free Collection movement within the Rim Collection.  I would advise that each of your Watch organisations check your Serpent bondsmen and scientific castes we also discovered that four members of the Fire Mandrill Scientific Castes were involved with the Society.  These people have not gone away I thank you for listening seyla” she said cutting the feed allowing the others to discuss her message no doubt they would also discuss the Fire Mandrills and Sphinx Raptors survival as well.

     Meanwhile here on All Dawn Dr Christine Adams would be kept safely under lock and key until the Sphinx Raptors were fully investigated, the Sphinx Raptor military forces, as small as it was, had so far not tried to resist the Fire Mandrill occupation of their territory.  The Sphinx Raptor military forces had also accepted her commands in watching for Stone Spirit military maneuvers.

Psychological Examination, Black Den Training Base
Brunswick, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
14th September 3101

   After six months of enforced leave Leftenant Christopher Grant sat on the psychologists couch waiting for his chance to return to duty.  Due to the events in the Pirate Cluster he had been ordered to take time off time off which he had done a lot of thinking before he had gone to the Pirate Cluster he was content with the Rabid Fox he got to play with the best toys and got the most challenging missions but recently he’d wondered if there was more to things.  Behind him the door opened Christopher moved to stand up but the voice quickly stopped him “please don’t get up remain where you are.”  She said Christopher remained in position.

   â€œHow are you today Christopher?”  She asked remaining out of his view

   â€œGood ready to get back to work” he said

   â€œNo hard feelings about returning to duty?  She asked

   â€œNone”

   â€œReady to die for country and for Davion” she asked her accent was not one from the Federated Suns Christopher guessed it was almost from Skye in the Lyran Commonwealth.

   â€œI am ready to fight” he said

   â€œBut fight for what and for who?”  She asked finally moving in front of him she was a beautiful woman within long blonde hair and professional looking glasses.  She was dressed in a work suit with the top two buttons of her shirt open revealing a little cleavage.  He knew that was intended to catch people’s eyes and then she could catch them making them uncomfortable.

   â€œI am ready to fight”

   â€œCome now Chris you are not a robot solider like other that fight for Davion” she said her eyes seemingly seeing through him “the losses of your team and the others in your unit in the Pirate’s Cluster could not have been an easy loss.”

   â€œCasualties of War” he said bluntly

   â€œIncluding McKenna Wilde?”  She asked again he knew what she wanted she wanted an out of the ordinary reaction that would reveal something.  He decided to be honest and see how she reacted.

   â€œShe was let down by her partner” Christopher said “and she died doing her duty.”

   â€œAnd her partner?”  She asked

   â€œHe died in the line of duty” he said as he spoke the woman in front of him reached into his pocket pulling out a small device tossing it to him.

   â€œHow did he really die?”  She asked Christopher looked at the device carefully it looked like a jury rigged jamming device he realized her accent was even more Scots-German than before.  He glanced up at her and noticed that she had removed her glasses and pulled the blonde wig from her head revealing long red hair tied back in a pony tail now he didn’t know what the hell was going on.

   â€œHe fell into a pit of quicksand” Christopher said revealing more than he had before “and I watched him die.  He allowed McKenna Wilde to die and deserved the slow death that he got.”

   â€œHe was a soldier of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns a brother in arms!”

   â€œHe let a member of my team die he deserved what he got.  You are not the proscribed psychologist?”  He said

   â€œNo what gave me away?”  She said half-seriously

   â€œYour confrontational attitude, the disguise, this” he said holding the device towards her “and the questions about things already recorded.”

   â€œIt’s a psychologist’s job to ask questions” she answered “as for the disguise outside a small number of people you are the first in quite sometime to see me like this.”  She said sitting down opposite him “let me tell you what I think about you Christopher Grant.  You are a man who once believed in the supremacy of Davion but as time has gone by you’ve questioned the point of being one of the drones of the “Great Houses” since the Pirate’s Cluster you’ve been looking into mercenary work but so far you haven’t taken the step towards handing in your commission.”  She said “you came to this meeting thinking that you could get back to work and put all these doubts behind you but you know that it won’t work.”  She said releasing her red hair from its ponytail “for people like us you get to a point where you break and you can’t go back.”

   â€œPeople like us?  I’m no psychologist”

   â€œNor am I” she said “I’m a fighter like you are, like McKenna Wilde was, my name is Aoife O’Kyan.”  She said quietly it was a name she hadn’t publicily used in many years.  “I wouldn’t bother searching your brain for it Chris it wasn’t well known when it was used.”

   â€œWhy would I care?”

   â€œI have a job offer for you.  If you want adventure it is one that you will never forget but you must be ready to let go of everything you think you know.”  She said “but you need to take the first step and solve this little challenge” she said passing him a small piece of paper “enjoy.”  She said stepping passed him leaving the room despite still being out of her disguise she didn’t seem to care.

   Christopher slowly unfolded the paper note and read the message then read it for a second time to be sure of what it said finally he folded the note back up and put it in his pocket before leaving the room.  According to his file he had passed his examination and he was cleared for duty now he just needed to decide if he wished to follow his additional order it could easily be a test by the Rabid Fox watching to see how far he had fallen or it could be an opportunity to forge his own path.

Border Skirmish
Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
18th September 3101

   The Isle of Skye Armed Forces attempt to counter Clan Wolf’s push into their territory by striking at Uhuru and Rochelle attempting to wrest these two worlds from Clan Wolf.  They find a stronger defence than they were expecting and are quickly forced back to their DropShips and out of the system.  The Wolves then retaliate against the Isle of Skye striking against Rahne, Fianna and New Kyoto.  The Wolves take no additional territory instead they show that they are not willing to allow incursions in the systems they have taen without reprisal attacks.

Into October my thanks to James Tanaga for the continued development into the remains of Clan Fire Mandrill

Sphinx Raptor Pyramid, Clan Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
1st October, 3101

     Khan Aemelia Showers walked through the small step pyramid that served as the Sphinx Raptor’s primary base on All Dawn, escorted by a full point of Sphinx Raptor Elementals in their legacy Corona battle armor. The barren corridors of the pyramid served to remind her how small the Raptors were compared to her own Mandrills. The pyramid, gifted to the Raptors by her Clan, could house upwards to five hundred thousand civilians of all Castes, yet here, she had not seen any of the Raptors own. Not one. And that worried her.  The Raptors held the worlds of Ceram and Harlez which Aemelia knew they had constructed factories and training bases there but surely not all their civilians had been left on those backwaters too?

      What was a Clan’s worth without its lower castes? That was a question she often asked the many Warrior sibkos within her Clan, and even the Raptors own since their arrival into the Collection, to highlight the importance of the lower castes were to them, often before sending the munchkins to spend the day helping the lower castes. It was a common assignment within her Clan that served to connect the Warrior Caste with the lower castes. It was that connection to its lower castes that served to unite the Mandrills with the Rim Collection, she reflected.
It no longer was Clan, was her answer to the munchkins. Without the lower castes, the Warrior Caste would be nothing but a shadow of what a Clan was supposed to be. And as she followed the lead Warrior, it confirmed this belief to her.

      A sudden stab of pain in her chest forced her to stumble. Leaning against the wall, she cursed her own weak heart. Yet there was nothing she could do about it now. “I am alright,” she mumbled loudly as she pushed herself from the wall, her chest still burnt with stabbing pain.

      She would persevere, as she always did. Or die. It was the way of the Clans, she knew. The Sphinx Raptors around her began escorting her once again, as the Jaguar within was humiliated by her show of weakness, yet the Mandrill was proud she had continued with her mission.
Soon, they made it to the comm room and she was let in. She was sweating now and her left arm began to tingle. Perhaps it was her time to go, she reflected. Not yet, she decided not a moment later, for the faces and holoimages of Sphinx Raptor Warriors looking at her in concern reminded she was here on a mission. To keep the Raptors within the Collection was her mission, and she would complete it, even if her damn body dropped dead right after.
She brought herself up, her now-aching back straight, her chest now painfully reminding the aging Warrior her time was near. She ignored it, determined to show the pride she had as a Warrior.

     â€œYou honor this old monkey with your presence, Warriors of Clan Sphinx Raptor,” she iterated.

      “We honor a Warrior who stood side by side with us even when she not needed to,” answered one, a Star Colonel wearing the badge of the Second Raptor Calvary. Star Colonel Jonathan Banacek, one of Dante’s closest followers, she idly noted. “The very same who saved us when she did not need to,” the man reminded the others.

      “Yet a monkey all the same,” rebutted another, a female this time. Aemelia flicked her eyes to study the other woman. Galaxy Commander Laura Truscott of the Raptor’s Kappa CCT, she decided after seeing a badge belonging to the Kappa CCT along with the woman’s rank.
Aemelia saw the battle lines now. Banacek would likely support staying within the Collection as a Mandrill, yet held only a minor bloodname, as far as the Raptors were concerned. Laura held the right bloodname and her rebuke likely meant she would instead support for fleeing the Collection, as per the Raptor’s right. Aemelia knew she would need to find a supporter with the Truscott name to succeed her mission.

       Laura Truscott confirmed this belief a second later, as she theatrically raised her hand towards Aemelia. “We may hold a debt to her. Yet that debt does not mean our Clan should lay down and die like the other Clans would demand us of. ”

       Aemelia’s eyes darted through the crowd as many of the Raptors bloodnamed Warriors supported the Galaxy Commander. A sharp pain stabbed her heart, causing her to nearly black out, as she grabbed her chest. Damn body, she once again cursed. She forced herself to return to the matter at hand.

       â€œWe run, we survive. We fight, we die,” the other woman continued on.

       â€œYet our Clan brought this upon ourselves, Galaxy Commander,” Jonathan Banacek reminded everyone sharply. Aemelia inhaled, forcing air into her now-aching lungs. “We brought the dezgra Society to the doorstep of the Inner Sphere. They caused thousands of deaths and brought us to war twice with the Lyrans.”

       â€œThe Society did so, not us!” the other Sphinx Raptor exclaimed with anger.

      “Yet it was us that brought the Society cell into the Inner Sphere, jeopardizing not only ourselves, but our allies as well,” another male voice reminded the angry Galaxy Commander. Star Commodore Eric Truscott, commander of the Raptor’s sole warship, the Elysium, she noted, licking her now-suddenly dry lips. “Perhaps even all of the Inner Sphere.”

      She was lightheaded and began to weave. Aemelia did notice nearly as many Warriors seemed to agree with the Star Commodore though, which was good. He continued. “By Clan Law, that is more than enough for a Trial of Absorption to be declared.”

       Laura snorted. “By Clan Law, we should have been absorbed countless times over, Star Commodore,” she commented dryly. “And yet here we stand.”

      “And yet here we stand,” rebuked the Star Commodore.

      “And yet here we stand,” Aemelia rejoined, turning all eyes to the now sweating Mandrill. “We stand together or not at all. The other Clans will declare Clan Fire Mandrill dezgra and yours to be Annihilated when my Clan and the Collection allow yours to depart in peace,” she retorted to the crowd of Raptors as she begun to see stars.

      “You and your Clan would allow us to depart in peace,” Laura Truscott asked, in shock.

      Battling through the now-crippling pain in her chest and numb arm, she nodded. “My Clan and the Collection swore an oath to yours upon your arrival into the Collection. And I stand by that oath, until my dying breath,” she answered.

      She saw many studying her more closely. “As you stand right now, quiaff,” asked Jonathan Banacek after a moment. She knew he was implying she was on death’s door. She nodded to him

      “Aff,” she wheezed back. “Until my dying breath,” she wheezed again. “Here I stand,” she forced herself from wheezing as she sent a challenging glare to the assembled Warriors, forcing her body to give in to her will. “Here I stand,” she again rejoined, now feeding on the tired determination and the resolution of the Fire Mandrill within her as never before, “Until my dying breath. I swore the same oath to the Collection as all of you. My Clan swore the same oath as yours. A sacred oath to defend the Collection and each other and I stand by that oath even now, when it would be far easier to do as the other Clans demand and Annihilate you. To my dying breath, I stand loyal to my oath,” she spat out before coughing out blood.

      As the other Warriors looked upon one another or kept their gaze on her, she felt her body give out. Landing on the floor, she forced herself up on her knees and looked through the eyes of the Warriors around her. Many showed concern, yet many others looked upon her stoically. As proper Warriors watching the noble death of one of their own, she realized belatedly.

     It was then the pride and ferocity of the Smoke Jaguar within her finally pass away. The tired, determined Mandrill within gave a sharp victorious howl before it too left her. Aemelia followed soon thereafter, her body hitting the floor.

     No one spoke for minutes after ward, too shock and in awe of the dead Warrior. It was Jonathan Banacek who recovered first.

     â€œTo this day and to the last, to my dying breath, I stand ready to protect the Collection from all threats, here I stand,” he vowed, all the while staring down Galaxy Commander Laura Truscott.

      One by one, he was joined by other Warriors, who recited his vow. Soon, Star Colonel Justine Truscott, one of Laura’s most ardent supporters took the vow. “To this day and to the last, to my dying breath, I stand ready to protect the Collection from all threats, here I stand,” she reverently recited.

     Laura’s eyes darted to her remaining supporters as they too began to recite the now sacred vow Jonathan Banacek had begun. “I refuse to be a damn vermin Monkey!” she screamed at Banacek.

      “Then die,” he calmly answered back, his voice steel. “Point Commander Cho, get this dezgra out of here and held until I can properly dispose of her in a Trial of Grievance.”

     â€œYou will be the one to die, vermin!” she screamed at him as two of the Corona-suited Elementals began making their way to her.

     â€œPerhaps, Galaxy Commander. Yet you will die eventually. We all do, as Khan Showers’ death just now reminds us,” Star Commodore Eric Truscott answered, waving a hand to the Monkey Khan’s corpse.

     â€œSeyla,” Justine Truscott gave her support. All around them, their fellow Warriors nodded or replied similarly.

     Seeing no support remaining in her fellow Warriors, all fight left the Sphinx Raptor Warrior, and she allowed herself to be dragged from the room.

      A moment of silence intruded into room following Laura Truscott’s eviction, as the Warriors within took stock of the abrupt change they had just endured. Walking to Aemelia’s body, Jonathan Banacek knelt down, brushing the dead woman’s grey hair with a hand. “Loyal to her oath, she stood defiant to her death. And gave us our sacred charge,” he spoke reverently as he looked upon her body.

      “Seyla,” spoke first one, then another, of his fellow Warriors around him, until finally only he remained.

      “Seyla,” he whispered reverently, as he begun to pick up the old Warriors body.

Cassandra, Clan Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
6th October, 3101

      Jonathan Banacek stood with his arms cross as the HPG was activated. Khan Natasha Faraday sat in a chair slightly in front of him. Soon, the holoimage of the Loremaster of the Clans Zane Carns appeared. Jonathan felt the glare the older man gave him and Natasha; one he returned with full strength.

      “Who are you and where is Khan Showers?” he demanded Zane Carns was not a young man but both of them could see the fire of youth still burned inside him.

      “Killed in honorable combat during the Trial of Absorption against Clan Sphinx Raptor, Loremaster,” his new Khan reported succinctly. Jonathan would have rolled his eyes if not for the importance of the cover story. “Following her death, I was selected as the new Khan of Clan Fire Mandrill. I am Khan Natasha Faraday. You and the Grand Council will be dealing with me and saKhan Jonathan Banacek until we die or are replaced by others more capable of the position.”

      “Banacek. That is a dezgra Serpent Bloodname. Your Clan was to deal with them,” he commented as he studied them Zane’s inference was that the Mandrills should have annihilated the remaining Serpent presence to ensure no Society elements remained.

      “Khan Showers changed the order to a Trial of Absorption, Loremaster and took full responsibility for her actions,” Natasha informed the Nova Cat Warrior. “We will carry out the order when the Great Clans do so as well,” she answered the unasked question.

      “It would seem a bit hypocritical of your Clan to annihilate your former Serpent Warriors, when they themselves did not,” he acknowledged. “Admirable. Still, you make no friends and strengthen your enemies with this change to the Council’s demands, Khan. The Falcons, Horse, and Wolves in particular will want your blood even more.”

      “Good thing they have to make it past either the Lyrans or the Spirits to get to us, quiaff,” Jonathan baited the man.

      “I doubt the Spirits are that much of a threat, saKhan,” the Nova Cat dismissed the Spirits.  “Still, your remark, though baited, is valid concerning the Lyrans. Are you sure you want to do this, quiaff,” he asked a moment later, gazing intently to Natasha.

       Natasha turned to Jonathan and both met each other’s gaze before turning to meet Zane Carns’ own.

       â€œAff, Loremaster. It is. Here we stand,” was her simple answer, paying homage to the deceased Aemelia Showers.

      The older man sighed “very well.”  He said pausing for a moment looking at the Mandrill leader “Khan Faraday understand this you were not abjured by the Clans of this Council however you were part of a system that caused us to take the act to form our own Council abandoning our Homeworlds” he said even though the Nova Cats had been one of the first Clans to fully abandon the Homeworlds it seemed that Zane still had desires on the worlds that had birthed the Clans.  “I will not stop you attending future Grand Councils however ensure you have very valid reasons for being there.  Otherwise I believe it would be best for your Clan that you keep your attendance to a minimum and your heads low” he advised it riled Natasha Faraday that the Loremaster thought he could talk to her like that.

      “We are Clan…” Jonathon Banacek began before being silenced by the deadly gaze of the Loremaster.

      “Aff you show the honour of the Clans but not…” he paused for a moment finding the right word “not the self reliance.”

      “Could you be more precise Loremaster, Quiaff?” Natasha Faraday said questioning his words her Clan, yes her Clan, she thought poudly were more than self reliant.

      “Your relationship with the Rim Collection will be honoured by some but questioned by others.  You will find allies among the Clans but also enemies both of which will see your standing in the Collection in different ways.”  He explained the conservative Wardens would see the Mandrills working with the Rim Collection as forfillment of prophecy of the Clans working with the Inner Sphere to bring fourth a new Golden Age.  The aggressive Crusader would see the Mandrills are holding onto the periphery state to survive despite their successes against the Lyran Commonwealth.

      “As it has always been” Natasha replied the Council was never a friendly environment “the other Clans will soon learn that… the Rim Kindraa makes my Clan stronger.”  She said using an old term which the other Clans would understand well.

     â€œYou must have the blood of Cassandra Faraday running though your veins Quiaff?  It is a term that she would have used.”  Zane Carns said laughing in reply.

      “She was my sibko’s gene-mother” Nathasha Faraday confirmed.

      “She serves you well” Zane said finally terminating the link between them.

      Jonathon’s gaze soon returned to his Khan’s and saw her own looking upon him. “So depite our sacrifices we remain the pariah of the Clans alongside the Mountain Wolves, though marginally in a better position then they since we can attend the Grand Council meetings, though it would be much safer if we keep it to a minimum.”  He said mocking the Loremaster’s words “better that then being as pariah as the Spirits, quineg,” he joked with his new Khan.

      “I doubt the other Clans will ever consider the Spirits a Clan again after the orbital bombardment to your former Clan on York,” she answered him outing that matter to rest.  “Watch your tongue in the future” she said referring to his interruption of the Loremaster “less I personally cut it out of your skull,” she threatened him. “Our Clan is much too open to our enemies in the Grand Council for you or any other Warrior to be lobbing insults like that around and putting targets on our backs. Kerensky knows we have a large enough one already,” she grumbled before getting up and leaving him alone in the room.

Planning Hall, Marik Palace
Marik, United Marik Worlds
9th October 3101

   â€œSire, you cannot be serious” Governess Anita Coleman of the Public Spending Commission said looking at the plans that Captain-General Joseph Marik had proposed.

   â€œYou do not think that a good defence is what we need?”  He asked part of his plan was to fortify nearly a dozen United Marik Worlds with fortifications similar to that of a Castle Brian which had been employed by the Star League Defence Force during the original Star League-era.

   â€œIt is not that” she said carefully “the expense of these fortifications to build and to run we could build so much more Mechs, vehicles, fighters and personal weapons."

   â€œConventional defences are not enough to bottleneck our enemies not will they protect our citizens from naval or nuclear bombardment should the old ways return.”  Joseph stressed he was concerned that the Capellans or Lyrans would resort to such tactics in the future.

   â€œThe Star League won’t allow it” she said Anita Coleman was a strong believer in the reborn league.

   â€œI do not believe they would support such actions either but the Star League Defence Force cannot be everywhere at once and words do not stop naval autocannon fire.”  He said defiantly

   â€œThen there is the second part” she said even more carefully “what you propose just is not possible” she as defiant as he was being.

   â€œReally?”

   â€œWashburn already has a capital city in New Chicago.  We would be best to focus on words that are in need of greater infrastructure or improving the cities that need it.”

   â€œNew Chicago is a joke” Joseph snapped “for decades the leaders of that planet have run it down and filled their pockets with the money while unemployment and crime has spiraled out of control.  No more” he revealed “as of this morning I am making Washburn the personal property of the Marik family.  An act that will be rectified by parliament this afternoon your structural engineers can move in anytime they wish I want local workers to provide manpower for the project.”  He said his plan was to build an entirely new capital city nearly forty kilometres from New Chicago.  The city would be based on Salt Lake City on old Terra and be a new capital to the planet and to his faith in the Free Worlds League.

   â€œBut Washburn is right on the Wolf border we could invest in the world and then lose it!”

   â€œWhich is why we will be fortifying Washburn as part of our other project” Joseph pointed out “we will also be purchasing dozens of Oriente Orbital Guns as part of the military budget for future system defence.”

   â€œYou will break our budget for the next one hundred years with these plans” she warned.

   â€œNegative we will implement these changes over the span of years I do not expect you to complete these changes this year or in five years."  He said throwing out a number "we will move forward within our own means.”  He promised her.

   â€œThere will be opposition to your plans.”

   â€œAnd I will refute them.”  Joseph promised again these were the first changes he would make in his rule as Captain-General but they would not be his last.  Soon he would leave for Terra and the Star League Conference and there he would show that his nation without Stewart family influences would be a positive influence on the Star League.

AFFS Reinforcements
Broden, Andurien Commonality
Capellan Confederation
10th October 3101

   Following the defection of a civilian trade JumpShip in Jacson system detailing the destruction that was being wrought on Broden by the Capellan Confederation’s Armed Forces in an effort to destroy the First Kathil Uhlans an AFFS ground force supported by the FSS Jackson Davion, an Avalon Block II-class Cruiser, and the Foundation Industries owned WarShip Vidar, a Riga-class Frigate, from Sirdar enters the system.  From the orbit of the planet Capellan Pocket WarShips attempt to engage the incoming AFFS units with nuclear tipped capital missiles however these are stopped by the anti-missile systems deployed by the Federated Suns Naval WarShip and escorting DropShips.  The AFFS and mercenary units smash through the Capellan blockade and force their way to the planet.

        On short notice the AFFS had only been able deploy the Tenth and Eleventh Syrtis Fusiliers LCTs to the planet supporting them were the New Hessen Armoured Scouts Regiement off of Sirdar.  Fortunately the Kathil Uhlans had already secured much of the planet and there was little resistance to the newly arriving forces the New Hessen Armoured Scouts provide the majority of the firepower for the assault as the reinforcement’s steamroll over the defenders freeing the Uhlans.  With all Capellan Confederation forces in the system eliminated by the Federated Suns are left in control of the planet as the people had suffered with his unit and helped many Uhlans survive the Capellan bombardment Colonel Richard Steiner pushes for AFFS aid to be deployed to the system to assist the population as winter begins to hit the northern hemisphere.  Over the coming weeks additional Federated Suns and Star League aid arrives on the planet to assist the population.

Trials of Possession
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
25th October 3101

   In an effort to take Clan Jade Falcon’s attention off of Donegal and Tharkad and onto their own defence Clan Mountain Wolf launch four Trials of Possession against Zandera, Esteros, A Place and Morges.  In the Morges system they deploy their entire Alpha Galaxy and Clan flagship Werewolf, a McKenna-class Battleship, all commanded by Khan Even Kell himself.

   In the system they found the Silver Talon, a Nightlord II-class Battleship, and three clusters of Jade Falcon troops.  While Alpha Galaxy is able to reach the planet the Werewolf and Silver Talon engage at extreme ranges.  Over the course of eight days the Mountain Wolves secure the planet and the Werewolf cripples the Silver Talon but not at great cost the Werewolf is heavily damaged and the Second Wolf Legion Cluster is completely destroyed.  The Jade Falcon ground forces accept Hegira and withdraw from the system pulling back into the Jade Falcon occupation zone with the crew of the Silver Talon abandoning the crippled hulk.

   Unfortunately in the other systems that the Mountain Wolves had struck were able to resist the Wolf assault holding position costing the Wolves another two clusters of ground forces in failed assaults.