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I felt like writing today, first time in ages I've just felt like writing the whole day, so here's the next update

Raid
Milos, Kittery Prefecture
Star League Protectorate
2nd October 3107

   For the last three weeks Milos had been raided four times by unidentified raiders using designs native to the Capellan Confederation and Federated Suns.  So far the Star League Defence Forces defending the planet had been unable to pin down the raiders but today things would be different two days before Star League Early Warning Satellites had detected two DropShips entering the atmosphere.  Instead of waiting for the raiders to attack combat commands from the Third Kittery Regimental Brigade, a unit locally known as Stone’s Revenants, and the First Milos Planetary Guard Regiment had been deployed across the planet waiting for contact.  “Break, Break, Break contact with enemy units in sector fourteen” the call came across the radio alerting the troops who were waiting.

   â€œSir, we will be engaging soon remain near your protective detail” Major Leo Hayworth said over their private channel.

   â€œI know what I am doing, Major, I will not get in the way” Protector-General Devlin Stone said from the cockpit of his customized Atlas II the leader of the Kittery Prefecture had insisted with personally facing off against the raiders.

   â€œContact to the east a pair of Men Shens!”  Someone called as weapons fire was exchanged between the Third Kittery and the raiders.

   â€œA pair of Emperors and a couple of Stealth designs as well” another MechWarrior called out.  “We have aerospace fighters as well” he called out as two aerospace fighter’s strafed their position.

   â€œThat’s fine so do we.  All units this is Hayworth hold down your sectors and open fire; our aerospace fighters will be in position in the next couple of minutes we just have to hold on…”

   â€œThis is our world, this is our home, they are not welcome here” Devlin Stone said as his one hundred ton Atlas II and its escorting lance moved forwards “we will hold this ground because we are the ones who live here, we are the ones who have shed sweat, tears and blood making this world what it is today.”  He said opening fire on an enemy BattleMech with his Mech’s lasers and autocannon tearing the arm off of a nearby Phoenix Hawk knocking the lighter BattleMech to the ground.  Moments later fire from another of Stone’s Mechs blew the Phoenix Hawk to pieces as autocannon, missiles and lasers tore the stricken BattleMech to pieces.  Stone had not stopped and was now wading into battle against one of the Emperors even as SLDF aerospace fighters filled the skies driving the enemy craft from the air “if you don’t believe me believe them” Stone continued raising his BattleMech’s arms to the sky momentarily “our Angels are looking out for us!”  He said as his BattleMech landed blow after blow against the Emperor while avoiding the return fire Major Hayworth watched in awe as the Atlas II literally danced its way around the enemy BattleMech doing far more damage than it was taking the Emperor pilot seemingly incapable of landing a proper hit on the Atlas II.

With Stone’s elite bodyguard lance with them the SLDF Battalion quickly repulsed the attack on Milos destroying all of the attacking BattleMechs and vehicles while some of the aerospace fighters escaped a majority were destroyed.  Infantry teams checking wreckage after the battle found that none of the enemy pilots had survived the battle several had taken their own lives while others were completely missing leading the identity of the attackers a mystery.

AFFS Assaults
Sarna Commonality, Capellan Confederation
8th October 3107

   With the Capellan Confederation still focused on the District of Oriente the AFFS High Command had ordered assaults to continue on the remains of the Sarna Commonality with the Fourth Capellan Defence Force, the Seventh Capellan Armoured Cavalry, the Heart of Courage Mercenary Battalion and the Fighting Tigers Combined-arms Regiment on No Return a prime target.  Field Marshal Neela Black, the commander of the Sixth Davion Guards, entered the briefing room on board the WarShip FSS Bravery, a First Prince II-class Battleship, and looked at her fellow unit commanders.  “Ladies and Gentlemen we will be striking at No Return the Capellans have no known capital units in the area but we are expecting assault DropShip forces so the Bravery will be providing us with an escort and fire support.”  She began moving around the table activating a holographic display to show the world of No Return.  “We are aware of four distinct commands on No Return all of which have been gearing up for an assault on Sarna attempting to wrest the world back from the District of Oriente.  Considering Oriente’s current precarious position I think Sarna would fall quickly to a decisive assault.”  She said many of them were surprised that the Federated Suns was not striking at Sarna instead of picking up worlds from the Confederation.  “My Guards are probably the most inexperienced command here” she said looking around the other commanders “I can understand the question marks over their participation but the only way they will learn is to act with the best commands in the Federated Suns which I believe I am alongside.”  She said attempting to make peace with the other commanders she needed them to understand that she knew her unit was not the best one involved in this operation and that she was in command purely because of her command’s status as part of the Royal Brigade of Davion Guards.”

   â€œMarshal Steiner your Uhlans will lead the attack against the Fourth Capellan Defence Force with the Wild Geese in support.”  She said looking at Richard Steiner and then to the oldest man in the room Wild Geese commander Colonel Dave Stutenroth who would be taking part in his final mission as commander of the Wild Geese.

   â€œI will command the attack to the south of the city against the Seventh Capellan Armoured Cavalry with Marshal Rennard’s Armoured Cavalry.”  She said pausing for a moment stepping around the table “we do not know the exact deployment of the mercenary forces on No Return but between our four commands we should be able to contain and destroy them.  Other AFFS and mercenary commands will be striking at Sarmaxa, Randar and Relevow as we hit No Return.  We are but one piece of this puzzle let our part not be out of place.”


   Three days later the AFFS units jumped into a pirate point in the No Return system and the DropShips carrying the ground forces immediately began their burn towards the planet’s surface.  While their aerospace forces engaged the Capellans in near orbit Field Marshal Black ordered her Land Air Mech Battalion to go on ahead of the Sixth Davion Guards DropShips clearing the way for the rest of her command she suspected that Marshal Steiner would do the same with his own LAM Battalion.  While these craft were not the best combat units they did have their uses.

   The entire Battalion of LAMs landed several kilometres from the AFFS planned Landing Zone covering the rest of the distance in AirMech mode allowing them to skim the surface of the planet and avoid early warning sensors.  This decision seemed to be the correct one as the LAMs arrived at the planned landing zones just as elements of the Seventh Armoured Cavalry were setting up ambush points the landing zone was an obvious one with a wide open space that aerodyne DropShips could comfortably land and aerospace fighters could land and refuel.  Now in BattleMech configuration the LAM Battalion under the command of Major Joe Hulkenburg moved in on the unprepared Capellan defenders turning the landing zones into a combat zone.

   Cutting to the right Joe Hulkenburg ducked his Phoenix Hawk LAM out of the way of an particle cannon volley from a Capellan Yao Lien returning fire with his paired extended-range medium lasers on the right arm and the centrally lined headhunter missile system.  The lasers burned over the enemy BattleMech’s torso while the Headhunter slammed into the right arm exploding inside the armour causing further damage.  Joe smiled stepping down on the jump jets launching his Mech over the enemy twisting in mid-air he heard the Headhunter achieve a lock and fired the missile even as the Phoenix Hawk fell landing he saw the missile explode against the enemy Mech’s rear armour causing more internal damage.  This variant of the Phoenix Hawk was the first that Joe had piloted with the Headhunter and he loved the weapon, it was completely useless against units with anti-missile systems but units like this Yao Lien were at the weapon’s mercy.  As the fifty-five ton enemy BattleMech twisted attempting to track Joe’s Mech he triggered his Mech’s medium lasers again burning into the Yao Lien’s leg armour causing more damage.  The Yao Lien opened fire on the Phoenix Hawk with its particle cannons causing heavy armour damage to the LAM’s torso Joe ignored the damage launching his Mech into the air again triggering his lasers again this time penetrating the armour causing more internal damage to the enemy BattleMech.

   More particle cannon fire struck the Phoenix Hawk but Joe was in motion striking out at the enemy BattleMech again suddenly fire tagged the Yao Lien from behind and above as another LAM struck the Capellan BattleMech ending its jump nearly right behind it.  The Capellan MechWarrior obviously knew he was outmatched and attempted to jump clear of the battle but Joe’s Headhunter had once again achieved a lock-on the missile flew from the Phoenix Hawk to the Yao Lien in moments impacting with the Yao Lien as it took off slamming into the Medium BattleMech’s left thigh the internal explosion caused by the missile caused major damage to the top of the Yao Lien’s leg blowing the limb completely off the BattleMech sending its jump completely off course.  The Yao Lien flew out of control through the air slamming into the ground more than two hundred metres away from Joe’s position the medium BattleMech slamming into the ground its right arm digging into the ground causing it to tumble across the ground disabled its pilot unconscious or dead.

   In the air above the LAMs DropShips were coming in for their landing as aerospace fighters continued engaging their Capellan counterparts.  “Alright people sound out your sectors how are we doing?”  Hulkenburg called out stepping his BattleMech forwards looking around the Capellan forces that had been in the area were in retreat.  Each of his company commanders called in reporting the same as what Joe was seeing the Landing Zone was secure.  He had lost eight Land Air Mechs with three of their pilots killed in the action but the Sixth Davion Guards Land Air Mech Detachment had done well in its first live fire battle and their commander was very proud of their accomplishments.

   Victory at the landing zone quickly leads to victory on the planet with AFFS and mercenary units charging across the planet’s surface pursuing the defenders wherever they headed.  With the Battleship Bravery holding station over the planet there is no escape for any of the units on the planet.  Field Marshal Neela Black allows the Fighting Tigers and the half dozen survivors from the Heart of Courage to leave the planet and seek employment elsewhere while impounding the Capellan survivors in a compound on No Return.  Elsewhere the AFFS and mercenary units successfully drive back the defenders in the Sarmaxa, Randar and Relevow systems securing them for the Federated Suns.  The heaviest losses occur in the Sarmaxa system but not through direct contact with the Capellan Confederation forces one of the Monolith-class JumpShips servicing the First Kestrel Grenadiers RCT hits a nuclear armed space mine in the system completely obliterating the JumpShip and its connected DropShips.  The presence of nuclear armed space mines is a new and worrying step showing the lengths that the Capellan Confederation is willing to go to secure their remaining systems.

BattleMech Bay, Delta Galaxy Command
Phillip Drummond City, New Barcella
Nova Cat’s Den, Periphery
13th October 3107

   Marching across the BattleMech bay saKhan Katrine Devalis approached Khan Canin Rosse who stood at the foot of a brand-new Dragon Cat II OmniMech an upgraded version of the original design fielded by the Clan.  Personally Katrine preferred the Nova Cat as a heavy BattleMech but she knew the Khan preferred the faster sleeker Dragon Cat design and that he had championed the most recent upgrade gaining support from across the Clan.  “Khan” she said stepping up beside him like her he wore a simple green utility uniform.

   â€œWelcome home saKhan” the Khan said greeting her despite not looking away from the seventy ton humanoid OmniMech.

   â€œThank you” she said looking over the OmniMech “it looks good” she said deciding to be diplomatic.

   â€œPower issues not getting to the right side of the chassis” he explained “they need to iron out the kinks before it will be ready for full deployment.”  He said turning from the OmniMech “walk with me saKhan” he said heading deeper into the facility.  “I was surprised that you returned to the Den.”

   â€œI wished to discuss my people’s position my Khan” she said was they walked she noted many of the techs surprised by her presence even before she had taken some of the Clan to attack the Draconis Combine she rarely came to the Delta Galaxy Mechbay.

   â€œAff, you have done well and fulfilled your vision” he said congratulating her but he saw her confusion.  “Your vision blooded our people and successfully crippled the Snow Raven Clan, something they will not fully recover from for a decade or more, you have done well.  But now it is time to come home Quiaff?”

   â€œNeg, my Khan, I do not believe I have fully fulfilled my vision.”  She said surprising the older man she was glad she could still surprise him.  “My vision had a Nova Cat knocked down before rising once more we have not been knocked down we have continued to rise.”

   â€œYou want to be knocked down Quineg?”

   â€œNeg” she answered walking with him in silence for a moment “but there was more my Khan” she finally admitting that she had left something out “once the cat was knocked down another creature emerged one part cat, part bird emerged replacing it.”

   â€œThe creatures you liberated from the Combine on Algate, fulfillment of your vision.”  Canin said irritated she had withheld information from him but still not seeing more to the vision.

   â€œNeg, my Khan there is something more to it.”  She disagreed and he needed to understand why “also my Occupation Zone gives us an opportunity to blood our warriors if you would give me experienced troops we could really push against the Combine.”

   â€œTo what end we cannot hold territory there for long.  The Combine has vast resources to repel us the Ravens and Bears are both deeply entrenched.  For us to invade further welcomes all three of them to turn on us.”  He said finally “and we need troops here to defend the Den.”

   â€œFrom what the Den has not been attacked since the Goliath Scorpion remnants and the Taurians attacked us.”  She said “and the Federated Suns are more interested in attacking their Inner Sphere neighbours because they believe us toothless and not worth the attention.”  She said showing her distaste for the Nova Cat’s current position.

   â€œThey do not attack us because they know their forces would not survive the encounter.”  He said after a moment “the Federated Suns knows that to attack us on the border would invite the Combine and Confederation to act out of their place.  We do not cause them problems and they have not caused us problems it is simple.”  He said continuing forward “so you can blood all the troops you wish but a full offensive will not be happening.”

   â€œWhich brings me to my next point, you keep sending me the old or the very young I need our best troops to make an impact.”

   â€œThey are needed to defend the Den” he replied seeing where she was angling he would not release their best troops to her banner he knew that the core of the Nova Cat Touman was now still Warden based they had no wish to engage in open combat with the Inner Sphere instead they were content to continue the series of Clan based honour trials against the other Clans.

   â€œThen I need the Legacy” she said taking a different approach “my WarShips need maintenance in the field I cannot afford to return them to the Den right after they engage in battle.”

   â€œLegacy is needed at the Terminal Four construction point.”  He said naming the next planned space station that would link the Nova Cat’s core territory with their expanded systems.

   â€œGive me an inch!”  She snapped turning to face him as a Shadow Cat OmniMech walked past them heading out of the bay.  “I need the resources to fulfill my vision.  I know you think that it is done but there is more out there I need to find.”

   â€œEven if you do not like what you find?”  The older man questioned

   â€œYes damn it” she admitted

   â€œThen I will release the Bearclaw to your use.”  He said naming their newest Legacy-class Yardship.

   â€œBearclaw?  That is a Dominion ship.”  She stated surprised by its acquisition.

   â€œNot anymore” he said smirking “the Severn Leroux made an impact against the Bears” he said naming their flagship.

   â€œI did see the ship was missing” she had believed the vessel was simply on patrol through the nearby systems but the Khan’s aggressive move surprised and impressed her a little.  “Why deploy her to take the Bearclaw?”

   â€œI believed you may need a Yardship.  Sovereign is busy” he said “the Bears had a surplus and were willing to entertain our Trial of Possession.”  He explained “the Severn Leroux is due for a refit so this will be her last combat for some time it is good she will leave service on a high.”

   â€œYou are going ahead with the refits?”

   â€œAff, our Anna Rosse-class vessels have been left behind by newer classes that have been debuted by the Inner Sphere and Clans they are all in need of refit to the Tetrach’s standard.”

   â€œAnna Rosse II?”  She asked about how they would define the class unlike the other Clans a “II” designation was not something Clan Nova Cat had tended to do as expected the Khan shook his head.

   â€œNeg, while the origin of the design is in the Anna Rosse the Tetrarch is a new class of her own.”  He answered it hurt to retire the Anna Rosse name but the new evolution of the design was too much for it to be described as a variant like previous refits.  “We do not agree on much but look at what we have accomplished Katrine” he said raising his arms up to his sides “we have forty-nine systems in the Den, another nine that could be added when we are ready for them.  And your occupation zone already has twenty-one further worlds.”

   â€œI could have more if you released the troops I requested” she said testing the waters once more but her Khan ignored her and continued.

   â€œOur WarShips are classed as among the best in the Clans while our ground forces have the highest percentage of OmniMechs in all Clusters of all of the Clans which includes the mighty Bears every single one of our Galaxies can fight the best our enemies can throw at them.”  He said proudly Katrine Devalis was not convinced that was entirely correct but remained silent allowing the Khan his moment of accomplishment she needed his support to keep her own dream alive. “I think of where would could have been had we taken a different path and I am very proud of what we have accomplished.”

   â€œWe can do more” she said not completely agreeing with him or disagreeing

   â€œAff, we can together” he agreed “I will release additional resources to support you saKhan.”  He finally said seeing her face brighten “two of Omega Galaxies newest clusters” he decided Katrine hid her disappointment quickly deciding that two additional clusters were better than nothing and if they were younger warriors then she could mould them without their Khan’s influence something she could live with.

Battle-line (Lyran Defence of Borghese)
Borghese, Arcturus Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
20th October 3107

   â€œScrew this!”  Morgan Christifori exclaimed as his Penetrator was struck by a series of long range autocannon strikes.  The damage was negligible but annoying he knew the Horse warrior was trying to tempt him into charging which he wasn’t ready to do.  Morgan’s company had been tasked with supporting the Lyran Commonwealth’s defence of Borghese as the Ninety-fourth BattleMech Brigade, which he had been attached to after Devil’s Rock, were deployed to assist the Lyran Commonwealth.  Initially they had been here for training and orientation but since the Clan attacks on Fort Loudon and Rasalgethi they had been upgraded to a combat assignment the SLS Jericho had been sent to support them but she was currently in the Cumbres system helping the defenders turn away another Hell’s Horse attack.  “Seventh command where the hell are your guards we’re getting pinked to death out here!”  He snapped into the communication link.

   â€œThey’ve been held up by the Horses at Elizabeth’s Ridge the Horses have deployed extensive mines and are using Battle Armour ambush in ambushes.  We’ve never seen them do this before.”

   â€œWell listen up if you don’t get me some support you’re going to have sixteen dead MechWarriors out here.  Get your ass in gear!”  He demanded he was laying it as thick as possible but he needed support and it was the only way he could do it.  “Alex move!”  He suddenly screamed seeing the incoming ordinance flying through the air his warning came too late as Alex’s Huron Warrior was engulfed in dozens of long range missile impacts.  Morgan looked away from the BattleMech as it turned awkwardly to the right and then collapsed to the ground.  “Command that’s one less warrior for your to worry about saving.”  He said dryly “com’on people hold it together we’ve got support on the way.”

   â€œWe’re going to be dead by the time they arrive” Adam commented his Barghest was battered but there wasn’t much Morgan could do the whole company was coming close to what battlefield analysts termed Combat Loss Grouping where units fell close together as they each accumulated terminal damage at the same time.

   â€œNegative it’s not going down like that” Ralph said marching his Mauler forward launching two flights of long range missiles at the enemy.  “Boss, let’s take it to them we fight better on the offensive.”

   â€œThey will rip us apart at range.”  Morgan said triggering his lasers again causing damage to a Horse Balius QuadMech.

   â€œThey can’t take the hits, they are in as bad shape as us!”  Ralph said triggering his missiles again combining fire on Morgan’s target knocking the Balius to the ground Adam added a gauss slug to the downed OmniMech ensuring it stayed down.

   â€œI’m with Ralph boss”

   â€œWe all are” Lieutenant Ross Lawson commented off to Morgan’s right “we’re going to be ripped up either way Captain I’d rather take the fight to these Clan bastards than die through their pin prick attacks.”

   â€œThey want us to charge, they are trying to get us to leave cover” Morgan said he’d been watching the Horse attacks they were holding back hitting the SLDF company with their longest range weapons trying to force the Inner Sphere unit to close.

   â€œBut if we stay here we’re dead” his other Lieutenant, Alyson Jones, said her Bushwacker lacking its left arm and most of the armour on its torso.  Morgan fired his two large lasers again knocking down a Kestrel Light OmniMech closing his eyes for a moment Morgan thought about the best course of action.

   â€œNeg, we’re not doing it, if we are going to fight we are going to fight we are going to fight on our own terms” Morgan decided “break by lance head east for four kilometres set up another defence and then we head north and link up with the other units.”

   â€œBut the factory…” Lawson pointed out

   â€œIt’s abandoned bricks and mortar I honestly don’t give a crap about it.”  Morgan decided hoping the Horses would finish their advance there. “Alyson get out of here now!” He said firing his lasers watching as the four BattleMechs that made up her company turned away from the line.  He saw on sensors Ralph’s Mauler take another particle cannon his.  “Ralph I want your lance out with Ross’ lance”

   â€œBoss, no we stick together” Ralph protested triggering another salvo of long range missiles.

   â€œYou can’t keep up!” Morgan snapped Ralph’s Mech had taken too much damage and Morgan knew that even now it would struggle to get out of here alive.  “Ross, detach Pharrell and Gwen they are moving out with me and Adam, Morgan is coming with you.”  He said letting his subordinate know about the changes “go now.”  He commanded breaking another lance away from the company leaving him with his own Penetrator, Adam’s Barghest, Pharrell’s Arcas and Gwen’s Cestus.  Morgan quickly linked the four of them into a private comm. net “and then there was four.”

   â€œI’m really honoured Captain” Pharrell said triggering his lasers at an enemy target “mind telling me why we got the short straw?”

   â€œBecause our Mechs can work together” Morgan said adding his lasers to Pharrell’s target blowing the enemy BattleMech’s left leg completely off.  “We are going to go on ten second counts” he said struggling over the heat that had been building up.  “Adam, Gwen I need you guys to put up a show hurt them for a ten second count and give me and Pharrell a chance to fall back.  We will pull back and then turn to cover you on your count.”

   â€œBoss ammo is going to become a problem” Adam noted as he fired another gauss slug at the enemy.

   â€œI know but we’re not going to keep this up long.”  He said “once we get to the rendezvous we’re all running for it.”

   â€œNot very dignified for a Christifori” Pharrell pointed out noting Morgan’s name and how it would look.

   â€œI’ll tell you a secret Pharrell first rule my father told me.  'When you get your ass is in a BattleMech cockpit I do everything to stay alive regardless if it looks good or bad' it doesn't look god but who gives a ****.”  He said as a salvo of missiles go through his now empty anti-missile system and slammed into the BattleMech’s torso. “Live to fight another day we’ll be back.”  He promised them today he was saving his men tomorrow he’d make the Horses pay “first count go!”  He said both he and Pharrell fell back several hundred metres before turning firing their weapons allowing Adam and Gwen to pass them.  Ten seconds later they did the same again covering several hundred metres pulling back.  As Morgan had hoped the Horses settled for taking over control of the ammunition and parts factory instead of pursuing his forces any further.

   The loss of the factory was not the only loss of the day more than half of the Seventh Commonwealth Guards had been lost in the battle including the unit’s commander killed when his company strayed through an un-cleared minefield.  Following the battle the Lyran and SLDF units were called on to withdraw from the worlds and link up with the First Commonwealth Guards and the rest of the Ninety-fourth on Grunweld and prepare a counter-attack.  Fortunately the Lyrans and SLDF had remained in control of Summit and Cumbres after the attacks there.

Raid’s In Force
District of Regulus
Free Worlds League
28th October 3107

   The Magistracy of Canopus takes advantage of the District of Regulus being distracted in fighting against the Capellan Confederation forcing Free Worlds League forces off Obrenovac, Rushcegg and Saonara forcing them back into the District of Regulus.  The Magistracy of Canopus push further against their neighbour chasing the retreating FWL units into the Ayn Tarma, Skvorec and Wisconsin systems with the two nations engaging in heavy combat on each world in the space around them.  In the Wisconsin system a rare appearance by Magistracy Naval units forces Regulan forces to surrender air superiority but the Magistracy ground forces are unable to gain full control over the system.

Now that the forums are working again, and with absence of anything new to read, time to end 3107

My thanks to James Tanaga for the Rim Collection part and marauder648 for the Sea Fox part... and please all welcome Clan Spaniel to the AU 

MIIO/DMI Debriefing
Castle Sandoval, Robinson
Crucis March, Federated Suns
2nd December 3107

After weeks of checking and double checking of financial and communication records House Davion’s MIIO and DMI organisations confirm that Mordecai Sandoval was responsible for the murder of Tancred Sandoval.  Duke Jerome Sandoval is once again confirmed as the leader of the Draconis March until Tancred’s son Duncan Sandoval decides if he wishes to lead.

Under the instruction of Jerome Sandoval the DMI put in place a plan to arrest Mordecai Sandoval on the planet of Lima.  Unfortunately the DMI arrive on the planet late as Mordecai Sandoval, his Robinson Defenders and the Fourth Robinson Rangers LCT had already left on an illegal strike against the worlds of Royal attacking the Sixth Ghost Regiment on the planet.  With overwhelming firepower Mordecai ensures that the entire Sixth Ghost Regiment is destroyed in the fighting.

RCS Cassandra
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
11th December, 3107

On board the small station’s gravity deck which overlooked All Dawn and the repair site Matthew Davion leaned against the wall; arms against his chest, as he watched out the observation window as the RCS Providence begin its slow burn to All Dawn’s primary jump point. Having finished its repairs and modifications to the RCS Cassandra, he knew the Fox-III Refit Ship was now on its way into Lyran space to Triesting where the battered hulk of the LCS Adam Steiner lay adrift, but salvageable, the Rim Collection had agreed to help the Lyrans salvage the Hyperion-class Heavy Cruiser as part of far a far larger trade agreement.

He turned his head to the side, noting a newcomer come to his side. It was Merchant saFactor Casey Horn of the Steelsoul Khanate. He was instantly on his guard, less he misspoke around her. “Respectable work in getting something out of this Dart,” the tall female Merchant remarked looking at the vessel through the window.

Matt turned his head back to the observation window, careful to hide his smile. “You mean your Clan is interested in her, quiaff,” he asked.

“Aff,” the Clan Merchant bit out. “It would make an excellent ship in our fleet.  If I did not know it better, I would say you designed it for my Clan in mind.”

“How so?” Matt queried the Clan woman. He already knew the answer, but played along.

She began as she matched his pose next to him. “The twelve docking collars and respectable cargo space for one. Thirty kilotons of fuel for another.”

“Do not forget the integrated medical facilities, nor her integral fighter complement,” he joked.

“So you did redesign her for us?” she queried.

He shrugged in response. “We noticed the Clans generally lacked dedicated support ships for their fleets.”  He said the Bears, Horses, Ravens and Nova Cats all had yardships but none had ships that could carry a variety of supplies instead relying on supply DropShips. “She might be a jack of all trades, but she should do just fine in that regard.”
He caught her shadow nodding at his reply. More than fine,” she purred. “Will your government agree to a Trial of Possession for her,” she finally queried.

“Neg,” he quickly answered her. “And I doubt my government will license the design either.”
Casey huffed. “Then only for trade, quiaff?” she asked.

“Not until we can manufacture more of her class,” he replied. “Unless you have spare Darts lying around?” he conceded.

“That will be decades!”

“Our plan is to begin building warships in eight years,” he commented mildly.

“Still eight years!” Casey sighed. “Is there anyway for you to possibly expedite it?”

“Possibly with your Clan’s support, but I refuse to promise anything until I see the state of the JumpShip yards when they arrive, from what I have been led to believe they were not in the greatest state before our forces began to break them down.” He answered the Draconis Combine had not cared to repair the facilities and the Mandrills had to quickly break them down when at Schyler leading to further damage.

The Sea Fox merchant cursed. “You know you are sitting on a gold mine, quiaff?”

“Aff, but for now, there is not much the Collection or the Mandrills can do,” he informed her.

He heard her sigh and smiled, knowing she had taken the bait. “I will speak with the other leaders of my Khanate and to Khan Clarke,” Casey conceded. “No promises.”

Matt nodded. “None expected.”

He noted she turned to leave and then paused. He turned his head and scrunched his eyebrows as she turned back to him. “What is the story of the name change by the way,” Casey queried.

Matt chucked, figuring out why she was perhaps confused. “When we first began our redesign of her, we meant her to be a true warship it was only after we properly looked at her we knew we lacked the capability to turn her into a true warship.  Instead of the name Wildfire we decided to honour Khan Cassandra Faraday with a vessel that could support our Clan well into the future.”

Casey nodded to herself. “What type of warship if I may ask?”

“Now that would be telling,” Matt remarked, winking at her.  Casey shook her head before turning away. Matthew Davion heard something about incorrigible freebirths and laughed, knowing it was aimed for him.

SLDF Base of Operations
New Bealton, Odessa
16th December 3107

   Captain Morgan Christifori entered the office of Lieutenant-General Amy Benton commander of the SLDF unit’s on the Jade Falcon/Hell’s Horses border and stood to attention in front of the seated Colonel.  “Reporting as ordered Colonel” he said announcing himself.

   â€œWelcome to Odessa, Captain” she said standing up looking at him “at ease Mr Christifori” she said stepping around the table.  “You have done well against the Clans thus far Captain but the Hell’s Horses most recent attack on Summit has shown their desires and what they are willing to risk to succeed.”  She said Morgan nodded he had heard of the Hell’s Horses attack on his burn towards Odessa four days before an entire Galaxy of the Horses Horde Clusters had attacked the Third Commonwealth Guards RCT on Summit supported by two WarShips.  The Horde units were built around speed while the Guard units were all old heavy and assault designs it was inevitable that Summit would fall.

“The Horses have one of the strongest Toumans” Morgan said “and their attacks are bringing them closer to Odessa and Arcturus.”  He surmised “should they capture either it would be a severe body blow to the Lyran Commonwealth.”

“You are correct Captain” she said rising from her chair “which is why the High Command have directed that we do more striking behind enemy lines disrupting their supplies and command structure.”  She explained Morgan nodded it was about time the SLDF took action action against the Clans, the enemy it was created to fight.  “Unfortunately they cannot spare me another brigade for another three months when the Second Sirus Regimental Brigade will fully mobilize and join us” she explained her own Ninety-fourth Royal BattleMech Brigade was spread over Odessa, Grunweld and Garrison.  “Instead I’ve been charged with supporting the Lyrans with this brigade.”  She said Morgan thought she was being a little melodramatic the Ninety-Fourth itself had five Regiments three were made up of BattleMechs each with an attached artillery battalion while the remaining two were one elite jump infantry and an entire regiment of Battle Armour troops.  All in all one of the strongest ground force Brigades the SLDF fielded, if they could concentrate against their enemy.  “So instead I have had to improvise” she said moving over to a large table off to the right of the office Morgan followed her over standing a respective distance from the table his arms clasped behind his back.  “This is the Horse border” she said indicating to the holo-map displayed just on top of the table the planet’s relative positions to each other hovering in space.  Odessa, Grunweld and Garrison glowing gold showing the elements of the Ninety-fourth and their readiness “if we abandon these systems the Lyrans will be exposed” she said looking at Morgan “I can’t take our units forwards against the Horses but I can deploy elements off planet to strike the Horses.  Companies and Battalions of our best trained and equipped troopers willing to take risks and if required make the ultimate sacrifice.”

“I understand sir” Morgan said stepping forwards “with a couple of extra Mechs and their pilots my company stands ready to serve.”  He said confidently General Benton smiled before looking back at the table.

“I think not, Captain, your company cannot make enough of an impact alone.”

“With respect, General, my company will get the job done and everyone of us knows our duty and what is required of us we are part of a greater plan what comes, comes.”  Morgan Christifori said making it clear to the General that he knew that he was just another officer and that his name meant nothing in the greater scheme of things.

“I know you are ready to serve Morgan” she said using his first name “and your people have done well but alone they cannot make enough of an impact.”  She said “however as part of a greater Battalion which had the right commander they could do something special.”

“We are ready to serve” Morgan said “sir, I knew my independent company couldn’t last forever, I can take orders.”

“I am sure you could” she said “but who says you should?”  General Benton asked a smirk crossing her lips as she shut down the holo-map revealing a pair of Major rank insignia pips.  “Major Christifori you are out of uniform” she said stepping away from the table leaving Morgan to collect the new insignia before she continued “I’ve pulled Nico Cardin-Goyer and Paulina Kopec’s companies back to Odessa along with some new recruits we’re reinforcing your company and with a squadron of aerospace fighters they will form your new Battalion which has been designated the Ninety-fifth Special Operations Battalion of the Special Armed Service Division.”

“Blackhearts” Morgan Christifori whistled surprised by the designation.

“Don’t let it go to your head Major” she warned him “you’re still under my command.”

“Yes, General, we won’t let you down what is our target?”

“Bountiful Harvest you leave at the end of the month when your transport arrives.  Good luck to your Major and the Ninety-fifth.”

Titanic (Sea Fox-class ArcShip)
Beta VII, Sea Fox Occupation Zone
Clan Occupation Zones
21st December 3107

At just shy of two million tons the Titanic lived up to her name.  What had once been a Potemkin class assault cruiser was now a mobile home, factory and habitat for thousands of Clan Sea Fox military and civilian personnel.  Her outer hull bulged where DropShips had been permanently attached to her hull, whilst hydroponic bays dotted her flanks and spine no longer a WarShip this vessel was a colony that moved between the stars.  The massive ship sat at the centre of a fleet of DropShips and fighters, patrolling round the space going massive leviathan like small fish following an ocean going whale.  But this titan was not alone, for another beast of the black swam alongside her, the Terror of the Deep a Nightlord II class battleship and flagship of Clan Sea Fox. 

Her passengers had already been sent across to the Titanic and the two giants now cruised a few hundred meters apart as the conference started.  Every Khanate had sent their representatives, and it was here that financial futures would be discussed, details on profitable markets, areas of growth and shrinkage and areas to be exploited as well as new designs showcased.

On the vessel’s largest gravity deck as the previous presentation about a planned assault transport VTOL came to an end Sub-Chief Scientist Katya stepped up and smiled.  Around her she could see dozens of other Sea Fox personnel, Merchants, Sub-Factors, Scientists of all ranks as well as Warrior-Merchants, those bold profit and market seekers who would traveled across the Sphere with minimal support seeking smaller but none the less profitable markets with nothing but their own skill and acumen to support them.  Beyond the gathered audience here there were hundreds more throughout the Titanic and on board the nearby vessels listening into this broadcast.

A light on the big holo-projector in the centre of the room came on and that indicated that it was her time to start speaking.  She’d won the right to give this presentation after winning a Trial where she and her competitor had been tasked with ‘fixing’ the Great Depression of Ancient Terra, or at least lessening its impact based on historical information that was available to the time period.  Katya had found the competition interesting from a historical point of view as well as a challenge she’d learned how to think like the traders of the past and face their challenges with the resources that they had.  Their papers, reviewed by the Merchant Factor of the Bloodscent Khanate himself saw her declared the winner.  So taking a deep breath Katya nodded and began.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I give to you today our workings from the last nine months.  Whilst other Clans and the Spheroid houses are now producing greater numbers of Assault DropShips or Pocket WarShips it is a market we have yet to move into.  And there is a market for such vessels.  The Dominion is looking at producing their own design but that is caught in a bureaucratic snarl-up with their firms bickering about who would produce what.  The Wolves have their Isegrim but lack the facilities to produce them at a useful rate.  The Hells Horses also have a want for an assault ship that is not the decades old Noruff design.  And the Ebon Guard would also desire an Assault vessel for their own uses in the defence of Tukkayid.  There is also the potential to sell to the Inner Sphere, the Grand Council of course still having a say in what we can trade with our Spheroid contacts.”  There were soft chuckles round the large chamber, the Foxes sold to whom they wanted and only paid polite lip service to the edicts on trade between the Clans and Houses. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Nagasawa class Assault Dropship.”  The large central 3D holo-projector sprang to life, showing a perfectly clear image of a long, sleek and aggressive looking vessel.  Smaller windows opened up displaying her statistics and predicted capabilities.

“Basing our design on the original Noruff, the Nagasawa is half again as large, massing three thousand tons and like the Noruff we chose to make her a fast and agile craft, with her engines producing twice the thrust of an Isegrim class vessel at full burn.”  Katya said continuing as she saw the Foxes taking an interest in the design and begin comparing it to its nearest competitors.

“Unlike the Isegrim though we have chosen not to mount any sub-capital weaponry instead we have designed the Nagasawa’s weapons around a mixture of conventional ballistic and energy weapons.  A quintet of our newest Rotary Autocannon-5 and a quintet of Extended Range Particle cannons form the vessels primary forward punch whilst extended range large lasers, LRM-20’s and large pulse lasers provide all round firepower.  Each of the missile launchers are fitted with the latest Artemis-V tracking system whilst fifteen laser anti-missile systems provide the defences she needs.”  She said explaining what had gone into the Nagasawa overall it was some of the most advanced conventional weapons available to the clans.

“Scientist factor we have developed our own sub-capital weapons why have they not been employed?”  Another scientist Kinberg of the Deathstrike Khanate asked she could tell from his tone that the older warrior was not trying to challenge her instead he sounded curious.

“This weapons fit was chosen because honestly, if she was armed with sub-capital weaponry she would be under gunned, there is only so much you can fit on three thousand tons after all.  Each of the weapons is in its own cradle which will allow them to be fully modular, and whilst not an Omni-vessel, our testing has shown that this makes the weapons easy to maintain and refit if needed.”  She said their experiments on the prototype fixing alternate weapons to the hull had unfortunately failed on the holo-display the audience showed technicians working on a full scale mock-up of a RAC-5 mounting, with the weapon being dismounted and replaced in ten minutes.

The view then went to a 3D cutaway of the interior of the vessel.  Katya moved around to the side of the holo-tank, a laser pointed highlighting sections of the ship’s hull which peeled back to reveal the interior layout.

“Using a wide range of input and experience as well as the latest in computer modelling the interior is laid out to be efficient and comfortable.  And most importantly the vessel is sturdy.  With ninety tons of Ferro-Aluminium armour the Nagasawa will take a hit from even a capital scale weapon and survive something that cannot be claimed by ships of this size and many far larger vessels cannot boast this level of protection.  Combined with the ships speed which allows them to outrun large aerospace fighters and many medium sized ones they have the ability to move into the optimal position to bring its firepower to bare whilst taking the worst that an aggressor can throw back.”

On the holo a simulated battle took place with a Nagasawa engaged against Spheroid fighters as well as a DropShip.  The simulation showed the Nagasawa’s strengths, outmaneuvering a larger Spheroid Assault DropShip and crippling its engines before chasing down medium fighters that simply could not outrun it.

“Whilst not atmospheric capable it is capable of deep space patrols and escorting larger vessels.”  She said the ship would be capable of escorting any of the Sea Fox WarShips and ArcShips and it would be able to attack enemies of their Clan.  “The hull is also designed to be manufactured in sections, with each section fitting like a jigsaw piece. This allows for them to be constructed at smaller facilities and at greater speed than a traditionally keel or spine built DropShip.  This would also allow for the sections to be built and sold as needed, creating a market for spare parts or indeed, spare sections.  Each of these sections when broken down will measure thirty meters in length and with this, you could fit a fully broken down Nagasawa in the cargo bay of a Mule class transport.  A competent work crew could assemble the hull within a matter of weeks, but of course the fitting out, installation of electronics and the vital systems would still take months, this can shave a significant amount of time from construction and allows the Engineers to work in a safe and pressurized environment.”  She said seeing that she was beginning to lose her audience she decided to end it quickly.
“Should construction be approved we believe that the first star of Nagasawas can be ready within four months and that would be using the production facilities we have aboard the Titanic.  A fixed facility could produce them at a greater rate.  And we do need these vessels.  Whilst each fleet has its self defence capabilities, there are well founded concerns about what might happen if we were turned upon.  Whilst the other Clans simply cannot and will not, because they need us and our trade, the House Lords are far more fickle, and we have seen what they are capable of thanks to the Capellans actions many years ago.”  A low murmur went round the chamber, the words were true the Sea Fox Clan could not afford to lose another of their mobile colonies.

Whilst the ArcShips were massive, they were no battleship, and their tactical doctrine called for them to simply jump away if threatened, using DropShips and fighters as a sacrificial screen.  Most ArcShips lacked a heavy escort and only the Terror of the Deep could fight a major battle, and she was being outclassed by the latest vessels to come out.  There were calls by the Warriors to trade for or obtain in battle the first Arbitration-class vessel to be built to help secure the Clans valuable assets, as well as calls for more WarShips to escort the absolutely priceless ArcShips everything was considered expendable.  Even the Terror of the Deep was expected to sacrifice herself if an ArcShip was threatened by an opposing military force, and this lack of major defence sat heavily in the minds of many of the Khanates. 

“And while our military strength is enough to discourage adventurism the Spheroids may try us, and with the Nagasawa we can and will meet any challenge that comes our way.”

The holo now displayed a ‘typical’ ArcShip surrounded by a swarm of Nagasawas, their bright engine flares driving back an off-screen darkness as the symbol changed to that of the Diamond Shark’s insignia.  Katya smiled as she knew she’d done well this day and it would be noted in her codex and if production was approved, promotion, prestige and profit all beckoned. 

“Now moving on to a lighter subject, we feel that there is another market for us to exploit, and for this we must call upon one of our most potent forces.” Katya said, she knew about the next presentation and decided to ‘big it up’ somewhat as she stepped back.  An eager and young looking Merchant stepped up as the Scientist took her seat, smiling at the applause she received as well as notifications on her console about personal meetings regarding the design.
“I wish to thank Scientist Katya for yielding the floor and I apologise for the tonal shift.  But there is a market that we have not thought to swim, one that helps all of the Clans of Kerensky, and stands to bring great profit at minimal cost and with maximum impact.”  The lights dimmed and a rather happy yet stirring piece of music started playing before the holo sprang to life projecting yellow highlighted orange words that read ‘The New Adventures of Clan Spaniel!’ As a rousing musical soundtrack began introducing the new holo-vid show which was being proposed for release to the Clan and Inner Sphere populations.

AFFS Facility
Lee, Lee PDZ
Capellan March, Federated Suns
27th December 3107

   For the last six months this deal had been on the table and finally the two sides met face to face.  Duchess Kym Hasek felt nervous sitting opposite the older General Stormy Hutton head of the District of Oriente’s ground force military.  “Both ships are ready for delivery as are the agreed ground forces.”  She said looking at the older woman “as agreed both ships await your prize crews while my ground forces are ready to move into the region when you agree.”  She said confident knowing that she had the Oriente officer where she wanted.

   â€œYou are enjoying this aren’t you?”  Hutton asked there was an angry edge to her voice Kym Hasek knew why many of Oriente’s troopers had died fighting the Capellans and now with Regulus at their backs Oriente had been forced to turn to the Federated Suns for assistance.  “You know during the Clan invasion the shoe was on the other foot?  It was the Federated Commonwealth coming crawling to the Free Worlds League for weapons and arms and we did not ask for territory.”

   â€œI do not believe the Federated Commonwealth asked for access to WarShips.”  Kym Hasek said putting it into perspective each of the WarShips they were talking about was worth the GDP of the two planets in question while the ground forces included were almost an afterthought.

   â€œOnly because time has been good to your Suns” Hutton continued “it is almost like it has been written that no ill will befall your people while all others suffer.”  She said angrily “I trust you know that your time will come?”

   â€œYour leader has agreed to this trade do not jeopardize it now” Kym Hasek warned she was not particularly happy with the High Command’s decision and knew that her people could take both planets and many more in a concentrated assault on Oriente’s territory but the decision was not hers to make.  The First Prince had decreed that the Federated Suns should not attack its Star League Defence Force neighbours and instead concentrate on the Capellan Confederation unlike her father, George Hasek, Kym was not in the position to disobey New Avalon’s instructions.

   â€œI know my duty I just do not like this whole situation my nation has found itself in” Hutton said resigned to dealing on the Federated Suns terms “my troops will being to withdraw from Sakhalin and Sarna by the end of the week.”  She said finally “you may move troops into the systems at anytime but none are to set foot on either planet until we complete our withdrawal.  As agreed between our governments anyone who wishes to leave either system for the next six months will be allowed to at the expense of the Federated Suns with travel paid for on commercial transports to bring them into the Free Worlds League both WarShips and the ground troops are to be delivered to the Suzano system before I leave this system or the deal will be off.”

   â€œThat is what was agreed” Kym Hasek agreed smiling extending her hand which General Stormy Hutton met and shook “and now it is for the Federated Suns to return this world to prosperity.”  Kym Hasek said taking one final dig at the Oriente General since the fighting between he Capellans and Oriente Sarna and nearby Sakhalin had suffered from an economic depression which the District of Oriente did not have the money to support.  Now the Federated Suns could return to the soil and fix the problems while the DMI agents embedded on the planet could cease their activities the First Prince had directed no open combat activities but had said nothing about intelligence activities Kym thought as the meeting ended another victory for the Capellan March.

Glad to hear you enjoyed it that's the reason for the whole thing

Good update, shame that as always every time the Commonwealth do something good we do something dumb to even it out.

Nice update!  Looks like it is the start of the challenging times for the FS realm!  The MH and its ally is slowly getting their plans into place.  The new warships that the Duchy of Oriente has actually helped them against the CC!!  Wonder how many more twists and plots you and the others have coming?

Keep it up!!!

April is particularly big so it's broken up a bit.  First comes the parts which I've already shared in the "For the Cause" break away story in the homeworlds now presented as part of the timeline.

Society Work Base 6 Alpha
Babylon, Pentagon Worlds
Deep Periphery
1st April 3108

   A week passed as in a blink of an eye and very soon Scientist General Michael Gibson was on the planet of Babylon.  With news reports hailing his arrival as a great day for Babylon in a speech Gibson promised to clean up the Wastelands of the “Clan Menace” and the wastelands they had created.  It made Alex Lassenem sick to his stomach listening to the Scientist General speak but perhaps at the same time he was worried about what was to come very soon Gibson’s motorcade began its tour towards the Wastelands arriving at Work Base 6 Alpha.  Alex’s forces were in position “Scientist Leader O’Brien you may situate yourself wherever you wish” he said watching her Septicemia move at the rear of their formation.

   â€œI will shadow MechWarrior Laurel” she said “you are the expert in this arena Group Commander I will follow your commands to the best of my abilities.”

   â€œUnderstood” Alex said watching as the heavily armed convoy moved towards them the lead two OmniMechs were a pair of Cephalus each carrying what looked like Battle Armour troopers, next were a pair of Osteons, three heavily armoured limousine transports and a special looking Septicemia with appeared to be transporting a large communication dish.  Beyond the gates of the base Alex knew the ProtoMech and armour units of Gibson’s escort were around the base along with the other bodyguard units.  Flynn stood at the entrance to the base allowing the convoy to enter as they did ten Battle Armour trooper jumped from the backs of the Caphalus.

   â€œOh hell Gnomes!” Sylvester said seeing the Elementals drop to the ground.

   â€œWhat was that MechWarrior Sylvester?”  Scientist General Sophie O’Brien asked cutting in she sounded confused at why Sylvester was annoyed at seeing the heavy Battle Armour suit.  Alex immediately overruled her communication system.

   â€œThis is Star Colonel Alex Lassenem, FOR THE CAUSE!”  He announced his words were a command as well as an announcement.  Instantly two things happened in every cockpit the MechWarriors switched to a planned alternate frequency and executed their fire orders.

Flynn instantly fired two particle cannon blasts into the back of the strange looking Septicemia smashing through the Mech’s back armour, structure and engine shielding instantly shutting down the OmniMech.

Sylvester’s OmniMech, which was normally unarmed, opened fire with its retrofitted heavy medium lasers targeting the Gnomes.  Unfortunately while the lasers would be enough to kill regular elementals they were not enough to destroy individual Gnomes.

Behind Alex’s position he heard Sophie O’Brien scream in anger and possibly pain but did not have time to turn around to see what happened instead he Grant and Claire all unloaded their weapons on the rear limousine each of the advanced tactical missiles were armoured with improved inferno warheads spraying the area with fire intending on destroying the vehicles instantly.

Immediately they noticed that the fire was doing little to no damage “Fire resistant armour where the hell did they get that?”  Concentrated fire, kill them with other munitions!”  Alex snapped he had no idea where the Society had developed fire resistant armour but it was a problem they didn’t need.  Suddenly Sylvester’s Cephalus charged past him the OmniMech fully on fire charged forwards straight into one of the limousines causing both to explode in a fireball Sylvester didn’t eject from the OmniMech.  Alex looked at his rear area and saw that Laurel was still standing but O’Brien’s Mech was down its back ripped open by weapons fire its cockpit face down into the ground. “Laurel take out the Gnomes keep your distance they seem to have inferno rounds!”  He warned her under the combined firepower of the three Osteon’s the second and third transport exploded into fireballs of their own but now the Society loyal Osteons were turning their weapons on Alex and the other two Osteons causing near instant heavy damage as they concentrated fire.  As weapons fire was exchanged between the assault OmniMechs suddenly the air around them turned into fire and the ground exploded around them.  “What the hell?”  Alex wondered even as he tried to counter the other Osteons he saw the entrance of the base along with MechWarrior Flynn’s Septicemia explode.

“Absolute Truth” Laurel struggled Alex looked at her OmniMech and saw it had taken a direct hit to the cockpit.  He thought about her words and realized what she had meant the WarShip Absolute Truth above them was targeting their position with its weapons array turning the entire area into a live fire zone following Scientist General Gibson’s death.

“We need to move!”  He said seeing Claire’s OmniMech fall to Society fire “Laurel, Grant, can you keep up Quiaff?”

“Aff, it looks worse than it is.”  She confirmed

“Neg, knee actuator is gone” Grant replied as more naval fire landed in the area “go I’ll keep them at bay.”  He called out continuing to fire at the Society ground forces in minutes Alex’s unit had been cut by two thirds with his own Mech and Laurel’s both damaged.  Even as the Absolute Truth continued to bombard the region the two OmniMech’s ran through the fire heading into the nearby Wastelands naval weapons fire continued to fall on the base and near their position.

“How can they be tracking us?”  Laurel wondered he could hear weakness in her voice he didn’t know how badly she was injured as they continued forwards.  If the WarShip above continued to bombard the area they would eventually be caught by a barrage and killed.  At the furthest reaches of his sensors Alex could see Society ProtoMech units loitering just outside the bombard zone.

“Incoming OmniMechs, Bravo Sierra, shut down your Nova CEWS.”  A voice suddenly said breaking into their communications using the code Alex knew.

“We are not sharing data” Alex said not understanding them they didn’t use the C3 element of the Nova CEWS but the combined ECM and improved sensors still made it a potent tool.

“Neg, the Society can track it” the voice said as more naval weapons hit the ground around them both he and Laurel shutdown their systems moving into the Wastelands.  Unfortunately even as Laurel shutdown the Nova CEWS her OmniMech staggered forward, tripped and then like someone who had consumed too much alcohol faltered and fell on its face.

I might be able to update a second time today depends if I'm able to finish it.

Clan Base
Wastelands, Babylon
Pentagon Worlds, Deep Periphery
2nd April 3108

   MechWarrior Laurel slowly woke up on looking around the room seeing Star Colonel Alex Lassenem standing near the door the man who had led them undercover now fully cleaned up the beard hat had been growing now cut to a distinguished goatee.  “Welcome back to the land of the living” he said.

   â€œThank you, sir” she said “did anyone else make it out?”

   â€œNeg” he replied not moving from the door.

   â€œDamn” she said trying to get up from the bed but feeling weak “what have the doctors said?”  She asked

   â€œYou’ll recover” he said “they recovered your Mech as well.”

   â€œBurn it” she said looking away from him “I don’t want to think about anything about my time with them.”  She said Alex looked unhappy by her reaction but before he could speak a lower castemen appeared at the door.

   â€œStar Colonel, you are needed” he said Alex nodded turning back to Laurel he nodded again before leaving the room.  Alex moved through the facility to the command bunker and saw a hologram of Scientist General Michael Gibson.

   â€œHow is that son-of-a-bitch still alive?”  Alex swore as he approached the hologram.

   â€œHe is not alive” the tech who sat in front of the rebel commander said Alex didn’t look off the hologram instead he waited for the tech to speak again.  “It’s a recording form four years ago on Circe when someone took a pot shot at him and failed.  They’ve put a filter on it and given him a bit of colour but it’s the same recording from Circe I guarantee it.”  He said Alex overlooked the man’s contractions instead looking at the image.

   â€œWith them controlling the world media how are we ever going to break them” the base commander Beatrice said looking at Alex who didn’t look amused.  “Sir, they will play this message over and over again until a new Scientist General is in place and then Gibson will quietly retire never to be seen again.”

   â€œThen we make them see the truth, there’s no way he survived our assault.”  He said as Gibson was replaced by a live feed of Scientist Leader Sophie O’Brien unlike Gibson she looked like she’d been through a battle the side of her face was badly bruised and it looked like her left arm was in a sling.  “Her too” he said angrily “we need to finish this lie” he said looking at the image not listening to the Scientist’s words instead formulating a plan.  “We take the broadcasting station and we upload my gun camera footage” he said “we show them Gibson’s death and the orbital bombardment that followed.”

   â€œA suicide mission” Beatrice said looking at the Star Colonel she didn’t need to lose people to a fools mission.

   â€œI will lead a small team” Alex Lassenem said

   â€œNeg I will” Laurel announced she stood at the door Alex looked at her she could barely stand let alone fight.  “I will lead the team and get the job done Star Colonel.”

   â€œYou can barely stand MechWarrior” he said looking away from her he hated to see her in this condition as she moved into the room.

   â€œI’ll take stimulants to make it through” she said grabbing his arm as she got close he remembered the last time they were this close when they had shared his bed at the Society Base.  “I can do this.”

   â€œIt is a suicide mission” Alex said looking at her he could feel her leaning on his body for support “to go on this mission you would have to take so many stimulants that it would kill you.”

   â€œI’m dead already” Laurel said Alex realized that Laurel knew “I entered the Wastelands with a breached cockpit and a breached coolant suit.”  She said “I absorbed enough radiation to kill ten men.  It will come fast, it will be painful and it will not be honourable.  I want to make a difference Alex.”  She said he could see it in her eyes the pleading the desire to make a difference.

   â€œAff” he agreed “you will lead the assault team.  Commander she will need two squads of volunteers and a Nighthawk suit arrange it.”  He commanded Base Commander Beatrice nodded.

   â€œWe have a Turkina and a Timber Wolf for your use during the assault” she said offering him two front-line Clan OmniMechs to use against the Society.

   â€œNeg, I will keep the Osteon.  Paint it in our colours and have the Nova CEWS removed and give it an ECM system instead.”  He commanded he didn’t exactly know why he wanted to keep the Osteon most Clan warriors would dislike his use of a Society Mech seeing it as unclanlike but it seemed to make sense he wasn’t exactly a conventional Clan Warrior any more.  “We hit them tomorrow” he said making the choice for the assault he was Bloodnamed and a Star Colonel this was now his mission.  “You get some rest” he said to Laurel leaning in and kissing her on the cheek he knew the other clansmen would look down on his attachment to her as well but he didn’t care she needed all the support she could get.  He turned back around and saw Scientist General Gibson’s image was once again displayed and took a step towards it “we’re going to shed some light on you and your friends.”

Clan assault, Broadcast Centre
Babylon City, Babylon
Pentagon Worlds, Dee Periphery
3rd April 3108

The ten Nighthawks were crammed into the cargo hold of the armour transport waiting for the command to move out the driver turned in his seat “lock your suits no need for you to get injured in this” he commanded.  Laurel didn’t need to check her suit even after taking enough stimulants to keep an Elemental standing the legs being locked were one of the few things keeping her standing.  She knew beyond the infantry transport BattleMechs from the Clan and from the Society battled to control this part of the city of Babylon out there Star Colonel Alex Lassenem was leading this assault personally giving them the gap they needed for the assault on the Broadcast centre Laurel remembered what the tech had said.


“The way the Society has set up communications on Babylon and beyond if we overrun their broadcast centre and get out program into their systems we will control their HPG.  Every system across the Homeworlds will hear our message” he had announced confidently.

“What if the Absolute Truth opens up on the city?  They will kill hundreds of thousands in minutes!”  Commander Beatrice had suggested

“A win either way for us then” Star Colonel Alex Lassenem had said coldly eyes from across the room had turned on him and Laurel had remembered seeing an edge to the man she had not seen before.  “If the Absolute Truth fires on the capital city and lays down a suppression bombardment we prove the Society care nothing for the people the news of Scientist General Gibson’s death will still get out but slower” he had suggested “if they fail to fire then we control their HPG even briefly and the word of Gibson’s death spreads quickly and the fires rebellion will flutter on a dozen worlds.”

“Is the price worth it” Laurel had wondered out loud.

“Victory is worth it” he had said shocking her “I do not want to witness first hand the Absolute Truth’s bombardment again but I do want to see the Society pay for all the deaths they have caused.  I want to hurt them; I want to hurt them again and again.”  She had remembered the look in his eyes, the anger, and the determination to get the job done whatever the cost she wasn’t afraid to admit it had actually scared her.


“We’re a go!”  The driver had shouted suddenly they felt the armoured transport shoot forward as the driver gunned the throttle and accelerated the vehicle forward.  From her position half way across the cargo bay Laurel could feel the vehicle continue to accelerate she knew the plan and wasn’t looking forwards to it.  The armoured transport continued forward its weapons blazing targeting enemy units as it charged across the battlefield passing enemy units and finally slamming through the blast resistant windows.  Deep inside the hull of the vehicles the troopers who had locked their suits remained ridged inside unfortunately one of the suits clamps failed and the trooper flew across the crago slamming into other troopers and finally into the cargo bay bulkhead his health monitor immediately showing he was dead.

“GO!  GO!  GO!”  Someone was shouting as the doors burst open the Nighthawks charged forwards out into the foyer of the broadcast centre.  The vehicle driver was dead but amazingly the gunner was still alive and the vehicles weapons continued to fire suppressing the defenders.  “We are going up first team go!”  Two Nighthawk troopers stepped out of the line and threw their explosive charges onto the roof a two second delay blew the open the roof panels.  Go!”  The troopers collectively lit their jump jets jumping up onto the next level.  “First team you hold this level next team charges point two.”  He called out as the first two troops aimed their weapons at entry points two more troopers selected another area of the roof and placed their chargers blowing more holes in the roof.  Laurel and the remaining six troopers jumped up again onto the next level.  As they jumped a series of weapon hits struck the building blowing open the side of the building.

“I hope that was accidental” Laurel said out loud hoping that it wasn’t an indication that the Society had turned their guns on the building or the Absolute Truth had begun a bombardment.

“We don’t stop Sicknote!”  The squad leader said “next team blow open the roof we’re going up!  First team if you can disengage join us up here!”  He commanded glancing behind them down the hole Laurel could see there was still heavy fighting on the level behind them as the next roof section was blown open further explosions hit the building from outside.  “Go!  Go! Go!”  The commander shouted just as a weapon’s barrage ripped through the helmet section of his suit spraying the area in blood as the man was killed instantly.  As the troopers jumped up onto the next level Laurel could sense hesitation in them as defenders on this level opened fire on them.

“You know your mission!”  She shouted at them pulling a grenade from her belt throwing it with all her remaining strength at the defenders several others did the same.  “We don’t stop!”

“FOR THE CAUSE!”  The remaining five troopers shouted in unison firing their weapons with Laurel and throwing more grenades.  Laurel leveled her Gauss SMG at the defenders and hammered a burst into the chest of one of the defenders killing him instantly.  Even as they fired another trooper blew a hole in the roof clearing the way for them to move up.

“We have this level get the job done!”  One of them said to Laurel as further explosions ripped through the broadcast centre.  Redundantly she nodded something the other trooper would never see instead of saying anything she and two others jumped up onto the next level finding that weapons fire from outside had already ripped the level open they immediately jumped up through the smashed floor onto the next level.

“Blow it” Laurel ordered the remaining two troopers set their charges as Laurel unloaded shot after shot at anyone who moved on the level an explosion ripped open the roof above them and she didn’t wait Laurel instantly jumped her suit up onto the next level.  She checked either side seeing the workers on this level running from the explosion and from the sight of her arrival.  She checked her sensors this was the level she needed to be on glancing at the Gauss SMG she saw she was down to fifteen shots moving through the level towards the broadcast room suddenly what sounded like a support machine gun ripped through the office around her destroying the furniture.  Using all her energy she dived to the side avoiding the fire rolling backwards turning towards the target she aimed her weapon and pulled the trigger a burst ripped into the room.  Twelve shots left.  She thought throwing caution to the wind she ran forwards as fast as she could charging into the room even as the defenders support machine gun spun up she could feel the bullets rip into her power armour suit pain riddling her body she tried to ignore the pain as she shot the remaining two defenders emptying her clip into them.

   Laurel paused for a moment looking around the room seeing the two dead troopers she looked at the SMG and saw the indicator showed empty she threw the weapon down and staggered past the bodies and the defenders turret pushing past did as the tech had said entering the evidence card into the computer system.  As expected the system instantly accepted the card and began to read it Laurel slid down the wall beside the transmission gear barely conscious as Sophie O’Brien entered the room her left arm still in the sling they had seen on the Tri-Vid she stopped seeing the dead defenders and Laurel’s suit against the wall she stalked over towards Laurel ripping the damaged Nighthawk helmet from the suit.

   â€œYou!”  She nearly screamed seeing Laurel’s barely conscious bloodied face “do you have any idea what you have done?”  She asked continuing to shout grabbing Laurel’s hair with her good arm.  Unfortunately for her she didn’t see Laurel’s other arm raise holding a slug-thrower pistol.

   â€œYeah, I've screwed you life *****” Laurel said pulling the trigger immediately a burst of three shots ripped through Sophie’s chest and head killing Sophie O'Brien covering the room in yet more blood.  Laurel reached for the suit’s helmet which Sophie had dropped when the bullets had hit her body.  “Alex it’s done” she struggled out not knowing if the communication system on the suit still worked or if Alex Lassenem was still alive, it didn't matter, even if he had fallen their message was out their mission was  done and with that Laurel passed out for the last time.

Side note the contractions in this update are intentional.  The Nighthawk troopers are freeborns and Laurel didn't care any more

I'll answer questions about things that has happened and things that are going on but future storylines I'm going to give a familiar answer... I have a plan

Short update mostly setting up more things to come

Combat Drop, Nova Cat Watch
Tamar, Tamar City
Clan Occupation Zones
2nd May 3108

   The sky over Tamar City was full of Nova Cat DropShips and aerospace fighters as the Clan’s four Watch Clusters made combat drops in and around the city.  In every radio in the area Khan Canin Rosse voice filled the airwaves “Citizens of Tamar City this is Khan Canin Rosse Clan Nova Cat claim possession of this city.  Continue to attend you work places and do not cause any civil disturbances and this occupation will go smoothly.  Clan Coyote forces you have one hour to vacate Tamar City otherwise your forces will be subject to Trials of Possession.  Star Colonel Adam Jericho Clan Nova Cat declares a Trial of Possessions for the entire production run at Construction Facility Seven and ProtoMech factory Alpha.  Your forces will meet mine at the plains south of Tamar City in two hours.  Khan Canin Rosse out.”  He said as the Khan’s personal Dragon Cat OmniMech landed near the administration centre for Tamar City.

   As expected the Coyotes put up no resistance to the Nova Cat occupation of the city leaving it to Clan Nova Cat for them to use it as their base of operations.  Two hours after the initial Clan Nova Cat landings token Coyote forces met with the Nova Cats outside Tamar City with both forces surrendering after very short fights.  The Nova Cats took the surviving warriors as abtakha while also taking control over both factories immediately raising a new cluster from the newly taken Coyotes, bondsmen and recently graduated warriors who had travelled with the Nova Cat forces.

Firefight, Omicron Solahma Garrison
South Lapiz, Blue Hole
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
19th May 3108

   With Clan Nova Cat beginning operations against the Society in the Coyote Occupation Zone Clan Jade Falcon make a move against their own cell of Society collaborators.  What starts as a surgical strike against the command of the Omicron Galaxy Solahma Cluster command quickly extends to a battle between the entire unit and the Fourth Falcon Jaegers Cluster which was also based on Blue Hole.   In a six hour battle the Solahma Cluster and its entire support structure are wiped out by the Fourth Jaegers who leave no survivors.  Across the Jade Falcon occupation zone dozens of civilians including many merchants and scientists are eliminated by Jade Falcon military units.  Other Clan and Inner Sphere Intelligence Agencies note that several of those killed by the Jade Falcons are known for their rebellious attitudes towards Clan rule but lack known Society connections.

Terrorist Activity
Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
22nd May 3108

   A DropShip falls from the sky obliterating the planetary spaceport at Promise Point on Izar killing nearly three thousand civilians and causing billions of Kroner of damage.  A major trade centre on Carnwath is incinerated by a fuel-air explosion.  And a nuclear power plant on Zebeneschamali explodes with the core melting down causing massive casualties, radiation and damage to one of the planet’s major cities.  Each of these attacks occur within hours of each other and each is followed by substantial pirate raids against planetary militia forces attempting to help those who are affected causing yet more damage, confusion and loss of life.

Planetary battlefield
Deneb Kiatos, Alya Prefecture
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
25th May 3108

   The star system of Deneb Kiatos was filled with fire as the Fourth Deneb Light Cavalry RCT returned to their homeworld for the first time in years.  In orbit the Tatsumaki II-class Destroyers DCS Shinanon and DCS Tsutuji faced a losing battle against the First Prince II-class Battleship FSS Hanse Davion II and the Congress II-class Frigate FSS Hotspur.  While in the atmosphere aerospace fighters battled for control over the skies closer to the DropShips Major Maksims Posadskovs turned his fighter in tight turns maintaining a close patrol of the regiment’s transports as they came in for a landing.

   â€œIncoming conventional aerospace fighters and VTOL craft from the north First Battalion turn to repel them.”  Colonel Lisa Weir commanded “Second Battalion you get first crack on the ground don’t squander it give us a beachhead.”

   â€œAye Colonel” Posadskovs replied turning his fighter towards the ground switching frequencies as he did “alright boys and girls last one on the deck buys the beers” he transmitted.  As his aircraft closed on the ground Posadskovs flicked a switch on the side of his cockpit turning his Phoenix Hawk LAM from its aerospace fighter mode into an AirMech with the BattleMech’s leg’s extending from the fighter’s body and the fighter’s body beginning to show BattleMech characteristics.  Moments later Posadskovs flicked another switch and his AirMech completed its conversion to a normal BattleMech coming in for a landing on twin jets of fire.

   On the ground Major Posadskovs scanned the area as other Land-Air Mechs of his battalion came in for their landings around the area clearing the way for the DropShips.  On his right he saw a glint of light as a Saracen hovertank flashed into view targeting his position with a flight of long range missiles.  Posadskovs didn’t wait returning fire immediately with his LAM’s Extended-Range Large Laser the red beam of light and energy cut through the air linking the LAM and the hovercraft for a moment.  The laser burned through the LAM’s armour finding a weak point causing a fiery explosion as the laser punctured the ammunition bay of the hovercraft marking the first ground-bound enemy destroyed by the Deneb Light Cavalry since returning to their homeworld.

Following their landings the AFFS unit quickly moved across the planet as familiar to them as any other in the Inner Sphere.  With the native population quickly turning against the occupying forces the Second Dieron Regulars Regiment and the Nineteenth Ghost Regiment are unable to stop the elite Light Cavalry and are quickly destroyed by the AFFS units.  With cheering crowds marking every street across the planet Deneb Kiatosis an important publicity victory for the Federated Suns making a far greater mark than any tactical victory which is important as Draconis Combine Mustered Society units continue to raid along the Draconis March border capturing Mata and Romam while weakening the defences on Ronel and Tybalt.