OBT Forum

Border raids
Small World, Alya Prefecture
Draconis Combine
4th July 3108

   The border fighting continues between the Draconis Combine and the Federated Suns despite the efforts of Star League Protectorate diplomats to bring them back to the negotiating table.  As the Draconis Combine attack Mallory’s World and Mara while Mordecia Sandoval leads troops to Small World and other AFFS units liberate Hean and Ankaa.  The Fifth Tikonov Cossacks RCT and the First Albion Military Cadre push the DCMS units out of the Mallory’s World system but Mara falls to the DCMS.

DropShip Interception, WarShip Tetrarch
Quarell system Coyote OZ
Clan Occupation Zone
9th July 3108

   The Nova Cat WarShip Tetrarch had been tasked with stopping any DropShip from leaving the surface of Quarell and it had failed an Overlord C had been able to take off from the planet and was now heading towards the jump point.  “DropShip Aquidaban this is the Nova Cat WarShip Tetrarch stand down your propulsion for inspection.  If you surrender you will come to no harm.”  The WarShip’s communications officer said as the Battle-cruiser chased down the rogue Overlord C.  The DropShip continued on its ballistic course away from Quarell “this is your last warning stand down your engines or face immediate action.”  She said looking at the screens.

   â€œForward particle cannons on target prepare to fire weapons.”  Star Admiral Braddick Leroux ordered from the centre of the room near the vessel’s holo-table.

   â€œSir, engines on Aqudaban have cut we are detecting zero forward thrust, they are not gaining speed” the communications officer said “they are also no breaking.”

   â€œCommunications have them counter-rotate and slow their speed.”  Leroux ordered “weapons remain hot fire if you see anything out of the ordinary.”  As the message passed to the Overlord C the DropShip slowly began to turn then there was a small explosion on the side of the DropShip as one of its engine thrusters exploded sending the DropShip into a spin.  “Analysis?”

   â€œEngine thrusters has blown under stress they’ll be lucky to recover themselves.”

   â€œDeploy a pair of Battle Taxis have them attach lines and stabilize craft.”  Leroux reported as the DropShip continued to spin slow our speed.  He commanded from mid way along the hull of the Tetrarch a pair of ovoid shaped Battle Taxi craft moved clear from the Battle-cruiser and began approaching the stricken DropShip.

   â€œActive weapon locks!”  The sensor operator called out moments later as lasers and missiles tore from the DropShip striking the two Battle Taxis and lancing out at the Tetrarch.  “Holy crap… capital missiles!”  He called out as two Killer Whale capital missiles flew out of what would have been DropShip’s Mechbay.  The two missiles were targeted on the Tetrarch and flew straight towards the nose of the WarShip moments later the automated Laser Anti-Missile Systems swatted both missiles out of space.

   â€œTake it out” Leroux ordered and the four forward Heavy Naval Particle Cannons shot from the front of the WarShip and blew the Overlord C in half.  “Recall the Battle Taxis” Leroux ordered watching the expanding balls of metal realizing that if this WarShip had been a traditional Clan WarShip it could have been significantly damaged by the surprise attack from the missiles.

   On the planet’s surface factions of the Society detonated several large bombs on the planet significantly damaging Quarell’s infrastructure and killing hundreds of civilians in collateral damage.  The bombs are however the last resistance on Quarell as Coyote Elementals and ProtoMechs with Jade Falcon vehicle support wipe out the remaining resistance.

[b[Hall of Khans, Clan Wolf Hall
Sheridan, Wolf Empire
18th July 3108[/b]

   Stepping into the Wolf Hall on Sheridan Evan Kell paused at the doorway and allowed the two armoured Elementals to decided if they would follow him or not when neither moved he walked into the room joining the two Khans present.  “The Mountain Wolves stand ready to serve” he announced handing over the information of what he brought to the Clan after months of discussion he and Amina Kerensky had decided that she was the Khan of Clan Wolf and it would remain that way.

   â€œThank you Galaxy Commander” Amina Kerensky said using the Mountain Wolf leader’s new rank “welcome to Sheridan.”  She said handing over the datapad to her saKhan.

   â€œRunning back into the den with your tail tucked neatly between your legs.”  saKhan Fredrick Ward said glancing over the information.  “There are only ten clusters listed?  I thought there would be twelve?”  He said looking at Amina and then to Evan “did the Lyrans nursemaids cause you troubles?”

   â€œNeg, both clusters chose to remain in the Lyran Commonwealth along with approximately twenty-five thousand civilians who believed their paths remained aligned with House Steiner.”

   â€œCould not control your own people?”  Ward taunted “perhaps it is correct that you surrendered your position.”

   â€œThe warriors that remained were little more than Solahma warriors all of them adhere to the old Warden ways while the civilians are simply more mouths to feed.  Tell me Fredrick Ward would they have been welcome here?”  Kell shot back while Amina Kerensky remained aloof of discussion watching them.

   â€œThere are many who do not want any of you here.  And now that you are here you will have to live by the Clan rules of life and of war.”

   â€œYour honesty is appreciated saKhan Ward” Kell said deciding to make his first choice as a Wolf warrior “and since we are living by Clan rules I challenge you to a Circle of Equals.”  He said looking at saKhan Fredrick Ward who looked shocked at the sudden change in direction of their discussion.  Amina Kerensky remained silent continuing to observe.

   â€œFor what reason I am the saKhan of Kerensky’s Wolves you cannot just challenge me you need a reason Galaxy Commander.”

   â€œFine I see you as a threat to my Galaxy and my people; I dislike your tone and your words while talking to me and you have something that I want.”

   â€œYou cannot become saKhan by defeating me in a Circle” he warned

   â€œNeg, but I can make your position vacant by killing you in a Circle of Equals” he said stepping towards the saKhan intimidating the younger man.  “This is the Clan way, Quiaff?”

   â€œAff it is” Amina Kerensky agreed showing she would not stop the Circle.

   â€œThen we will fight tomorrow outside the Capital with our OmniMechs.  You against me Evan Kell and if I should be victorious you will die.”

   â€œUntil tomorrow” he said turning towards Amina Kerensky “Khan” he said finally bowing his head for a moment before walking out of the hall.

   â€œI will kill him and then take care of pulling apart the two Galaxies that followed him.  We do not need them my Khan.”  Ward said finally before walking out of the Hall leaving Amina Kerensky to ponder the future she had welcomed with the arrival of the Mountain Wolves.


   The next day Evan Kell’s Lycurgus OmniMech stepped onto the grass covered plain south of the Wolve’s capital the OmniMech was common in Clan Wolf and he was not surprised to see Fredrick Ward step onto the field in another Lycurgus.  He knew that Fredrick Ward normally piloted a Timber Wolf OmniMech but that the warrior would not have wanted to give the ten ton advantage to his rival.

   With the traditional pleasantries over with Evan cut to the right twisting his Lycurgus torso to track Fredrick Ward’s OmniMech he triggered all three torso mounted Extended-Range Large Lasers there was an instant burst of heat into the OmniMech’s cockpit.  The red beams burned over Fredrick Ward’s OmniMech as Evan pushed through the heat and continued to move turning towards the Wolf saKhan.  A gauss rifle slug, large laser and group of tightly packed advanced tactical missiles flew towards Evan’s Mech the gauss rifle tore over his OmniMech’s  left shoulder missing by metres while the ATMs slammed into the upper left arm while the laser burned over the torso.  Evan ignored the damage cutting to the left as he zig-zagged closer to the enemy Mech cutting in the Myomer Acceleration Signal Circuitry (MASC) as he closed rapidly reducing the closing speed as the range ticked down he opened fire with his long range missile launcher and one of the large lasers causing more damage to Ward’s Mech.  More laser and missile fire tracked from the enemy Lycurgus along with another gauss slug which this time connected with Evan’s OmniMech opening a hole in the right leg armour.

   Changing direction again Evan ducked his massive eighty-five ton OmniMech out of the way of another flight of advanced tactical missiles firing another volley of laser fire into Ward’s Lycurgus.  He glanced at the sensors and saw the range between the OmniMechs tick down with every step until he was in range lining the left arm with the other Lycurgus he triggered the massive assault autocannon there sending a high explosive slug into the enemy Mech along with another volley of missiles and laser fire.  The autocannon ripped into the torso of the enemy Mech and were followed by the long range missiles causing massive holes in Fredrick Ward’s OmniMech exposing the insides of the OmniMech.  A small explosion erupted inside the Lycurgus as one of the lasers shorted out from the damage.  Another gauss rifle shot and missiles slammed into Kell’s OmniMech but he ignored the damage instead he listened to the autocannon and missile launcher reload and triggered both again along with one of the lasers this time he saw the assault-class LB-type autocannon tear through the torso of Ward’s Lycurgus and penetrate the engine shielding.  There was a massive bloom of heat as the damage turned Ward’s cockpit into a furnace the missiles following the autocannon slug slammed into the torso causing yet more damage.

   Despite what was often said about BattleMechs by civilians they could take a lot of punishment despite the damage taken by Fredrick Ward’s OmniMech and the heat conditions inside the cockpit of the Lycurgus the pilot continued to engage with the low heat producing gauss rifle and ATM launcher causing yet more damage to Evan Kell’s machine.  Evan saw two of his large lasers were gone as was the fire control system on his long range missile launcher.  At this range it didn’t matter Evan waited a moment for the cannon and launcher to reload keeping Fredrick Ward’s OmniMech in his sights as he played with the MASC system keeping the enemy warrior guessing where he would be before unleashing a final volley of autocannon, missile and laser fire into the Lycurgus finally finishing Fredrick Ward’s battle with further impacts on the torso and an explosion from the damaged gauss rifle causing the assault Mech to fall to the right slamming into the ground in an uncontrolled fall shattering what was left of the gauss rifle arm under the OmniMech’s weight.  While not a blood thirsty man Evan Kell knew what he needed to do next aiming at the downed Lycurgus he triggered the OmniMech’s autocannon one final time smashing the cockpit and killing Fredrick Ward.

[centre]---[/centre]

   Over the next six days Evan Kell defeated a further three opponents to claim the position of saKhan of Clan Wolf.  After his final battle he sat in the ready room wrapped in a towel thinking about what had brought him here.  He had brought his Wolves into Clan Wolf and while he had not expected a warm welcome he had not expected to kill to have to kill four Wolves so soon.  He had ensured that each of those he had fought had died in their battles securing his position.  The door to the changing room opened and in entered Amina Kerensky wearing a fetching grey jumpsuit with red highlights on the sides, wrists and ankles.  Her outfit set off her recently dyed red hair.  “Congratulations saKhan” she said confirming she would not oppose his appointment.  “Not quite the entry I was expecting from you.”

   â€œNot what I planned” he admitted they had spoken for weeks before the merger of Wolf and Mountain Wolf.  During those discussions he had agreed to become a Galaxy Commander in Clan Wolf and sacrifice his Clan’s independence for their survival. “If your saKhan had been more amenable to the arrival of my people then I would have worked with him but he did not.”

   â€œAnd your ruthless dispatching of your opponents over the last days?”

   â€œEnsuring there are not more opponents in the coming days” he said with a forced smile he had not enjoyed the kills but they had been necessary.

   â€œI understand” she admitted “you do know you cannot fight every war for your people quiaff?”

“Affirmative” he said glancing down “but my victories have showed that my people can fight their way into the Clan become part of it instead of a part on the outside.”  He said seeing her sceptical look “I know that some bloodlines will always be considered outsiders.”  He said not needing to name his own Bloodhouse in that knowing that the Kell name would always be seen as outsiders.  “But I wanted to show them all there was a way and if you try to turn on my people en masse we will resist and cause more damage to the Wolves than the damage that was done in the Refusal War.”  He warned her.

“You are a bastard Evan Kell” she snapped knowing that she had welcomed them back to Clan Wolf thinking that she would be remembered as the one who unified Clan Wolf and then the one that made the Wolf the ilClan.  She had prepared her Wolves for a betrayal from Kell’s people for them to arrive firing their weapons and causing havoc but had not prepared for them to arrive peacefully and then turn her Clan upside down from within.  Now she had to live with that choice and live with Evan Kell as her second in command.  “I have a mission for you” she said seeing his curiosity peaked “I want you to inform Star Colonel Duncan Vickers to take his First Wolf Guards Cluster to Ford to join the Wolf Hussars there in defence.”

   â€œAff, question why me?”  He asked looking at her curious it was a simple order that she could have passed in a moment.

   â€œThey are experience men and women I know you would like to keep them close I need you to understand that they are now my forces to command and while you want to stand up for them, saKhan, I command the Wolves.”

   â€œI understand Khan Amina Kerensky, but also understand that all of the Wolves are now my Wolves as well and if I see you as unfit” he said rising from the bench “I will challenge, I will defeat you and kill you as I have my previous opponents.”  He warned her Amina Kerensky looked him up and down for a moment before turning and leaving the ready room he was sure he heard her laugh but he also knew that now she knew exactly what he was capable of.

Launch Day, MS Grand Marik (Imperial-class Battleship)
Ionus, District of Marik
Free Worlds League
25th July 3108

   Slowly the one point seven million ton Imperial-class Battleship moved clear of the Ionus shipyards into open space.  The vessel was the Free Worlds League’s newest and biggest WarShip capable of putting up a fight against the other massive WarShips fielded by the Clans and Inner Sphere.  The MS Grand Mark had enough speed to match a Lyran Mjolnir and carried enough capital particle cannons, lasers, missiles and autocannons to threaten any other WarShip in the black.

   Captain-General Joseph Marik stood on the main gravity deck of the shipyard facility as he watched the Battleship.  He was proud of what he saw while a man of peace he knew that the best way to defend his people, and his family, was with weapons that could match those against his nation.  The Battleship continued to move away from the floating framework and was joined in space by several assault DropShips and squadrons of aerospace fighters which moved into escort positions around the large ship.  The Captain-General remained watching the MS Grand Marik turn in space towards the shipyards and in perfect formation with the DropShips and aerospace fighters as they moved over the facility right in front of the holo-vid cameras which would broadcast this image of naval might and of the Captain-General watching them proudly across the Free Worlds League.

Good update on the Wolves and the FWL's newest Warship.

FINALLY time for an update

Naval Tech Conference, Elysium Technologies
Geneva, Europe
Terra, Star League Protectorate
2nd August 3108
   
   The slightly overweight middle-aged engineer stepped up to the podium pushing his glasses up his nose and brushing back his dark greying shoulder-length hair he looked around the room full of the smartest doctors, scientists and engineers in the Inner Sphere and periphery.  “Ladies and gentlemen the WarShip Anti-Missile System has failed to live up to the expectations set by the Star League Defence Force and the member states.”  He said there were some shocked glances, others were annoyed but a fair few looked like they agreed with him.  “The WAMS is too complicated, expensive and you cannot fit it onto the current generation of WarShips only on future vessels and it adds millions to the cost of each and every ship.”  He said manipulating the holoimager displaying an image of an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser.  “This is the LCS Sweet River of the Lyran Commonwealth Navy, formerly the Blue Talon of the Jade Falcon Navy and before that a vessel of the Star League Defence Force.  Ladies and gentlemen this vessel is over seven hundred years old and despite its age and its extended service to date it is still considered to be one of the most deadly WarShip designs ever created.”  He said pausing allowing the Sweet River to rotate slowly “when the Lyran Commonwealth salvaged this Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser they decided that the ship would not remain in its original Clan configuration.  Instead to great cost they chose to upgrade its armour to Lamellor Ferro Carbide, add a Second Generation Lithium Fusion Battery, they have installed an extensive laser anti-missile and screen launcher system in every weapons arc improving this vessel’s capabilities immeasurably.  This ship is even more likely to survive a space battles now than it ever has it and it continues to be as deadly as it has ever been.”  He said allowing it to sink in to a trained eye they could see where new anti-missile systems and screen launchers had been added to every arc creating a protective net around the ship.  “Our intelligence sources suggest that the Clans are extensively upgrading their classic Star League and early Clan designs in a similar fashion making each of them far more capable.”  He said “our WAMS system does not give us a significant enough advantage over these vessels in defence and provides nothing for offence.  We cannot rely on this system to provide us with the advantage we require in the future.”  He said pausing allowing his words to sink in “under development we currently have a Laser base version of the WAMS which at present promises to provide an offensive option as well as a defensive one giving the potential for a superior defence system.  But this system is still restricted to the defence of that vessel and attacks against weapons passing that vessel.”  He said activating the holotank again showing the Aegis-class LCS Sweet River once more now showing two DropShips either side of the ship.

   â€œIn this scenario the two flanking ships are providing additional Anti-Missile Cover for the Sweet River intent on allowing the Heavy Cruiser to get to its target regardless of what weapons are used against it” he said as multiple simulated missiles were fired on the Heavy Cruiser and shot down by the anti-missile systems on the DropShips.  “In this scenario the attacker will direct weapons fire on the DropShips to eliminate them or excessive amounts of missiles will overwhelm the defences of the DropShips and allow for strikes against the Heavy Cruiser.  The Sweet River will get to its target but the DropShips will not likely survive the encounter and there is nothing that the WarShip or her crew can do.”  He said pausing changing the holoimage to show a capital missile.

“At Elysium Technologies we have been working on a different type of defence.  The Rayfin Missile” he said naming the missile shown above “based on a modified Barracuda Capital Missile the Rayfin is designed to augment and support a space vessel’s defences and when combined with a Naval Command and Control Net the Rayfin has the ability to target missiles not targeted on the host vessel.  It can be fired from standard Barracuda Launchers or from AR-10 Multi-purpose Capital Missile Launchers.”  Moments later the image changed the Sweet River once more with two DropShips flanking it.  As the capital missiles came in the two DropShips shot down several of the incoming missiles but over and above the anti-missile systems the Rayfin fired from the Sweet River helped defend the DropShips allowing them to last longer.  “This missile will allow naval vessels to support each other improving their combat capabilities and improving the chances of more crews making it home.  Thank you for your time” he said stepping down from the podium as the holoimage changed back to show the Rayfin Missile hovering in front of the crowd who were applauding loudly.

Border Conflict
Coyote Occupation Zone
5th August 3108

   As the fighting continues against the Society Clan Hell’s Horses continues to assault Coyote systems intending on making the Coyotes pay for their dealings with the Society and bringing them to the Inner Sphere.  On the world of Dell the Hell’s Horses find a Society stronghold which puts up a fight Khan Teresia Cooper leads her Clansmen personally against the Society.  During the fighting a particle cannon blast rips through her Gnome Battle Armour suit killing the Khan inside.  The Horses are driven to destroy the remaining Society forces and take control over the planet.  New Khan Gottgreid Amirault orders his Clansmen to continue their assaults on Svaarstad and Ridderkerk bringing both into the Hell’s Horses Occupation Zone and putting yet more pressure on the surviving elements of the Society.

Clarkston (Bug Eye Surveillance Craft)
Terada WarShip Yards, Dieron
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
12th August 3108

   The diminutive Bug Eye-class Surveillance Craft Clarkston moved slowly towards the Terada Shipyards of the Dieron System under the cover of a military transport DropShip but in reality its powerful sensors were hard at work collecting everything it could from the system.  In the centre of the bridge Captain Olivier Martinez read reports on the two Tatsumaki-class Destroyers and two Inazuma-class Corvettes under construction at the yards both were noted as being as part of the Phase II development of the design and had no marked improvements over the design.  There were also nearly two dozen DropShips under construction at the orbital yards and hundreds of supply ships.  His vessel just disappeared into the bustling traffic of the system Olivier was not concerned with the other traffic or even the WarShip construction here he only had eyes for the DCS Akagi which was undergoing repairs and clean-up following the nuclear strike in the Helen system.

   â€œThis has got to be the worse situation we’ve ever flown into.”  Ben Sawyer his executive and helm officer said glancing over at the Captain.

   â€œWhat about the run over Alpheratz?”  Olivier mentioned the Raven coverage of Oriente had been far denser but he silently agreed Dieron was a different animal.

   â€œSure the Ravens played hard to get but at least you get some warning from them unlike this lot.”

   â€œOh wow would you look at that” Emily Neilson exclaimed from the sensor station Olivier glanced over startled for a moment but realized she had barely moved.

   â€œWhat is it Em?”  He asked they’d been on the same crew for years now ranks below Captain mattered little.  Emily didn’t need further encouragement and instead of describing what she saw she sent the image onto one of the main screens so all five bridge crew could see what she had been surprised at.

The image showed the recently arrived DCS Lyon’s Thumb, a Kyushu-class Frigate, the ship had been at the jump point for several days before making a surprise inter-system jump near the yards.  Now the reason for the arrival was made clear as an entire Regiment of Land Air Mechs headed towards the ship.  As they made their first fly past over Frigate an entire company of LAMs converted into their BattleMech configuration and walked the length of the hull before turning back into aerospace fighters and rejoining the regiment.  “Impressive” Neil Tyson said watching the screen as a second company did exactly the same “practice makes perfect.”

“It’s an introduction” Amelie Durand said looking at the information on her screen cross checking it with the Clarkston’s records “that’s the Ninth Yokosuka Regiment of the Special Naval Landing Forces.  The Dracs newest toy LAM unit and the Lyon’s Thumb has only recently left the Omi Kurita Flotilla this is regiment meeting base ship.”

“Some meeting” Neilson said changing the image to show one of the Stinger LAMs from the third company shattered against the hull of the Lyon’s Thumb.  A technical malfunction or pilot error had caused the destruction of one of the LAMs and the death of its pilot.  “A waste of a LAM and pilot” she said disgusted by the wasted vehicle and pilot it might have been a Combine warrior but no-one deserved to die so cheaply.  The other companies seemed to ignore their fallen compatriot as they continued cycling through the meeting ritual and then moved around and rose into their individual bays a small craft launched and began to collect the remains of the destroyed Stinger.

Olivier Martinez watched the display with the others but his focus was on one of the other screens the dockyard that held the DCS Akagi as the Clarkston continued to close on the massive WarShip silent surrounded by a lattice of repair bays and workers who were like ants against its massive hull as they prepared the ship for its next mission.  “A couple of nukes in the right spot would make all the difference.”  He said as the Clarkston continued forward he had suggested to command to load the Bug Eye’s two escape pods with nuclear weapons and to ram them down the Akagi’s throat but he had been overruled as command believed that using nuclear weapons over an important world like Dieron would be an escalation too far for the Draconis Combine.

“…Captain… Captain” Sawyer repeated turning in his chair to face Martinez “Ollie we need to get onto the escape trajectory before anyone rumbles us.”  He said attempting to get the Captain out of his trance.

“Right” Martinez said regaining his composure “get your last scans of that ship and set a course for Bemer we’ll slingshot around it and get into open space.”  He said the Clarkston didn’t carry cargo and couldn’t land on Dieron so there was only one option remaining.  “All hands brace for increased acceleration” he said keying in the ship-wide communication system.”   As the sensors continued to scan their target Sawyer slightly altered the course of the ship while pouring on the speed increasing the thrust placed on the crews.

Both acts would arouse suspicion but there wasn’t another option.  As the Bug Eye turned patrolling aerospace fighters noted the Clarkston out of position and moved to intercept and turn the ship back onto a correct course unfortunately for them the Clarkston had a WarShip sized engine and suddenly three gravities of acceleration and then four filled the hull of the Clarkston as the small ship rapidly accelerated.

“Let’s just hope there isn’t anyone on Bemer today” Emily Neilson nodded as the small craft rapidly gained speed.

“Ben, make sure we stay out of range of any ground fire just in case” Martinez commanded as the ship hurtled towards the airless moon.  If anyone was on the surface and decided to take pot shots at them the shots could still hit them because there was nothing to stop weapons fire in space but their fire would be highly inaccurate.

“We’ll be going too fast for it even to matter” Sawyer stated as the ship continued acceleration now caught in Bemer’s light gravitational field.  “Cutting thrust I’ll use the rest to break us free from the moon.”  He said the crew felt lighter for a moment as inertia carried the small Bug Eye on its course around the moon away from Dieron and the aerospace fighters.  As they moved around the moon of Bemer the small vessel’s powerful engines suddenly were lit once again and the ship was accelerating once more breaking away from the moon and heading into space, there was chance of any of the defending ships catching the retreating Clarkston.  Hours later the Clarkston was clear of the gravity wells of the Dieron system and it was able to jump clear of the system leaving the Draconis Combine and passing into the Star League Protectorate system of Caph.  Arriving on the outer edge of the Caph system the Clarkston would spend the next three weeks acting like another DropShip travelling through the system before finally returning to the Federated Suns in late September.

Thirty-fifth Star League Games
Star League Stadium, Solaris VII
Independent World
20th August 3108

   Following the recent troubles in the Isle of Skye and the amalgamating of Clans Wolf and Mountain Wolf Thirty-fifth Star League Games begins on Solaris VII under a heavy cloud of security as the entire Solaris Defence Brigade and the Second Ebon Guard Cluster deploy across Solaris.  While the public of Solaris are generally against such heavy security businesses across the planet benefit as the troops need to eat and need to let off steam when not on duty bringing a massive boost to the planetary economy.

   In the Star League Stadium pilot Lea Cruickshank, of the Lyran Commonwealth, stuns the other competitors piloting her near factory-new Knight 3X which has been equipped with a Void Signature System, triple strength myomer strength system, a headhunter missile system, a particle cannon and a lance.  The fifty-five ton BattleMech which was designed and built on Coventry is too much for the other pilots who are unprepared for a BattleMech with the speed and firepower combination of the new Knight 3X and the Thirty-fifth Champion of the Star League Games is crowned.
Despite the successes of Lea Cruickshank most people wonder about the young pilot’s BattleMech which is clearly a prototype machine using technology not commonly seen on Lyran Commonwealth BattleMechs.  Few expect the BattleMech to reach full production due to the massive cost required to build the experimental design but some wonder if it is an indication of a new design in the works by Coventry Metal Works.

See what happens when I get some holidays here's another update

I'd like to thank JA Baker for letting me play with Fenwick - it's been a while but I've gotten around to it finally

And Sharpnel for posting http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=55511.0 which has become the Nemean with one configuration added to give it an BA LBX Firedrake option.

Border Skirmish
Federated Suns/Draconis Combine border
3rd October 3108

   The Draconis Combine and Federated Suns low intensity border skirmish continues as the two nations continue fighting over a few worlds.  With Mordecia Sandoval known to be on Small World commanding a detachment of the AFFS the DCS Draconis Rift and the First Yokosuka Special Landing Force Regiment carried inside it launch an assault.  With LAMs filling the air and assaulting the ground forces pinning Mordecia Sandoval in position the DCS Draconis Rift opens fire directly on Sandoval’s position effectively wiping out Sandoval, the First Robinson Strikers LCT and the First Robinson Defenders units.  Further along the border heavy fighting is recorded on Ozawa and Mallory’s World as the DCMS seize Ozawa but are forced to retreat from Mallory’s World.  On Ozawa McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry are forced to retreat off world with seventeen year old Grant McCarron becomes a MechWarrior as he commandeers a Bandersnatch BattleMech to engage the Combine forces.  Although he is unable to destroy any of the BattleMechs he is fighting during the retreat it is the first real battle for the young heir of the mercenary command.  With no WarShips to support the DCMS are unable to stop the mercenary command withdrawing from battle.

   As word passes of Modecia Sandoval’s passing Field Marshal of the Draconis March Jerome Sandoval, his cousin, orders the MIIO investigation into Mordecia’s involvement in Duke Tancred Sandoval’s death and his questionable financial actions squashed.  Instead Jerome turns to the Federated Suns media agencies ordering them to spin the story setting Mordecia Sandoval up as a hero of the Draconis March and the Federated Suns.

Snow Raven Proving Grounds
Quatre Belle, Raven Alliance
Periphery
11th October 3108

   â€œTreachery to Sceptre and Spartan complete a full roll on our mark” the communications officer on the bridge of the Snow Raven Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser.  “And mark” she commanded beyond the Troop Cruiser the seven hundred and ten thousand ton Sceptre and Spartan completed full rolls of their hull before righting themselves alongside the Treachery.  The communication’s officer looked at Treachery’s commander who nodded.  “Superb and Sovereign complete directional change one hundred and eighty degrees on our mark… and mark.”  She said this time the Superb lowered its nose turning end over end as its nose  while the Sovereign did the same but instead of lowering its nose it raised end over end.  It as the intricate dance continued through space the four seven hundred and ten thousand ships continued to manoeuvre.  Each of the ships was based on the Splendid-class Cruiser Hull but each of the ships was configured different as the Snow Ravens tried various different weapons and carried craft on the ships.

Graduation Ceremony
Sandhurst, England
Terra, Star League Protectorate
19th October 3108

   Although Star League Defence Force cadets trained all over Terra it was tradition for each class to pass by the commandant’s tower at the end of the parade ground at Sandhurst in Southern England.  In the grandstand behind the tower Duke Bannister Cameron stood beside his wife Andrea Kincaid-Cameron and watched proudly as the cadets passed the tower looking immaculate in their uniforms and in their ranks.  Although he could not see from where he was within the ranks were his son Jeremy and his daughter Nicola as they completed their training and joined the Star League Defence Force following in the footsteps of their parents.

   Off to Bannister’s side he was aware of someone else standing just off at the side glancing over he saw a young Star League Defence Force Major who immediately saluted after gaining Bannister’s attention.  Initially the Duke ignored the man he had retired from the military life and had no reason to interfere but the Captain remained standing where he was slowly lowering the salute.  “Speak son” Bannister said finally giving up on ignoring the man.

   â€œSir, I’m Major Simon Rosberg of Star League Intelligence” he said introducing himself.

   â€œI’m retired Major...” he began “Rosberg as in Adrian Rosberg?”

   â€œMy father, sir”

   â€œA good soldier I was sorry to hear of his passing Major” he said Adrian Rosberg had been a Colonel in the Second Royal Armoured Cavalry Division during Bannister Cameron’s command the man was known for running a tight Mech Regiment, even if he was also a bit of a joker at times, Bannister had kept tabs on many of the officers and warriors who had served in his command.

   â€œThank you, sir” he replied but didn’t move from his position.

   â€œEither way, Major, today my children join the ranks of the Star League Defence Force I’ve retired from command duties take anything else to your CO.”

   â€œYes, sir, I normally would but he isn’t part of the family and doesn’t credit my work with the attention it should require.”  He said “the family” was what members of the Second Royal Armoured Cavalry Division, the crew of the SLS Wasp, and their descendants often regarded themselves as original members of the Star League Defence Force out of their place in time and now part of this new Star League.  Bannister Cameron and his own direct family tried not to make such references they were members of the Star League regardless of what era they were in.

   â€œThen you go sideways, Major, come now you can’t have raised in rank without knowing how to speak to your superiors and get your ideas forwards?”  He asked finally looking at the man as the last ranks of cadets passed the tower.

   â€œYes, sir, I mean no, sir, I do have alternative reporting methods but this intelligence refers to something I have found from the records of the Second and the Wasp and I wished make further enquires.”

   â€œAs your question Major” Bannister said deciding to humour the man as he was part of the family.

   â€œI was wondering if the name Fenwick meant anything to you?”

   â€œFenwick” Bannister repeated a moment or two later “Fenwick” he said rolling the name around in his mind for a moment.  “I vaguely remember a Michael Fenwick but that was when I was still a Lieutenant.”  He said as the Major took a step closer.

   â€œSir, there was eight Fenwicks in the original Star League Defence Force all died during the Liberation of the Terran Hegemony campaign.  However I do not refer to an individual instead a system.”

   â€œA system?”  Bannister asked glancing at Andrea who also shrugged her shoulders “a system that appears on our records but not on those of the Inner Sphere.  Sir, we know that ComStar hid systems from the Inner Sphere and then the Word of Blake did the same.  Fenwick could be another of those systems.”

   â€œAnd why is your CO not crediting this intelligence as important as they should?”

   â€œBecause the information comes from a member of the Wasp’s original crew an officer who is no longer with us.”  He said seeing Bannister give a questioning look “I was tasked with going through their personal databases to ensure no tactical or classified data in their logs before it was archived permanently.”

   â€œAnd this data isn’t backed up elsewhere?”  Andrea Kincaid-Cameron asked speaking for the first time remaining by her husband’s side.  Despite Victor Steiner-Davion being the First Lord of the Star League and basing himself and his wife off of Terra Bannister and Cameron were still considered to be the “first family” of the Star League and seeing them together was a morale booster for many.

   â€œNothing that directly refers to it, which is why the data has been written off, there is nothing left not even on some of ComStar’s old record files.”

   â€œIs the system there?”  Bannister asked beginning to wonder if the reason the Major’s work had been written off was because it had been checked and there was nothing there.

   â€œThere is a system there with five planets unfortunately it is far off the local JumpShip traffic routes and has rarely been visited.  Reports suggest that a JumpShip did travel through the system in 2843 looking for dissidents to Kurita rulership they found no worlds within the Habitation Zone but a proper survey of the system was not conducted.”

   â€œKurita?”

   â€œYes sir, the system is currently within space controlled by the Draconis Combine.”  He said breaking the next reason that his superiors didn’t want to approach the problem.

   â€œSend your findings to my office Major, I promise nothing, I’ll have a look over your data and speak with some of my advisors and we will get back to you.”  He said to a grateful looking Major.


   Three weeks passed before Simon Rosberg heard anything back about the intelligence data.  However it was not with a direct confirmation that his findings had been correct instead it was with the arrival of a Lieutenant with orders for him to report to the SLS Bremen, a Peter-class Scout Ship.  The Star League Defence Force was not just sending a team to Fenwick they were sending Simon Rosberg himself.

Trial of Annihilation
Blackstone, Periphery
25th October 3108

   For six days the Clans had fought over the surface of Blackstone engaging the Society and pirate forces that littered the world.  Now the Clans had focused their attention on a single fortress that remained half buried under a mountain of rock.

   â€œAfter the orbital bombardment has silenced the external guns I will employ a Cluster to subdue he survivors within.”  Gottgreid Amirault Khan of Clan Hell’s Horses stated looking at Khan Canin Rosse of the Clan’s on Blackstone only the Nova Cats and Hell’s Horses had the available forces to attack.

   â€œI will employ the same orbital bombardment” Rosse admitted he hated its use but the Society had proven to be dishonourable so he had agreed not to oppose its use.  “I will then employ a Supernova Binary, the 212th Nova Cat Headhunter to be exact, to take out the facility.”

   â€œA Supernova Binary it cannot be done!”

   â€œI will provide you with their codex data” he said placing a portable holo imager on the table.  Moments later codex data and profiles of the warriors but Gottgreid Amirault was not interested.

   â€œKhan Rosse you will see your men dead if you attempt this Trial.”  He said Canin Rosse actually thought the younger man was concerned for the Nova Cat’s safety a surprising revelation about the leader of another Clan.

   â€œDo you concede this bid?”

   â€œAff I do”

   â€œVery well then we shall begin” Canin Rosse said triumphantly still confident that his single Supernova could do what the Hell’s Horses Khan claimed it could not.  The next two hour consisted of several Clan WarShips bombarding a specific section of the fortress creating a gap in its defences so that the Clan ground forces could move in.  In the space between the Khan’s Encampment and the fortress two Stars of BattleMechs, a single star of Battle Armour and several APCs prepared for the ground assault on the fortress.

   â€œWhat is this Khan Rosse you said two Supernovas what are the APCs there for?  Have your kittens got sore feet?”

   â€œNeg, they are transporting my star of conventional infantry.”

   â€œConventional Infantry?  An entire Star of them?”  The Horse Khan asked surprised all of the Clans had conventional infantry forces but rarely were they deployed with front-line forces.  Where a normal Battle Armour star had twenty-five members this formation had five times the number and would be far more capable in the close quarters of the fortress.  Khan Amirault looked at the old Nova Cat Khan realizing that he still had several tricks left in him.

   â€œAff, one hundred and twenty-five troopers the second star of my Supernova.  I did offer to show you their codex information.”  Rosse suggested as the ground troops began their assault the BattleMechs leading the way behind them the star of Battle Armour followed and flanked the Mechs providing support.

   â€œI do not recognize the Battle Armour suits either” Gottgreid Amirault noted having been thwarted by Khan Rosse once he now realized that the Khan had included yet another element to the unit which he was not aware.

   â€œA new design named the Nemean” he said referring to the four legged Battle Armour suit “an assault chassis with a variety of weapons capable of tackling a wide range of rolls.”


   As the Khans discussed the battle below the Nova Cat Supernova moved forwards at pace the BattleMechs began firing all of them were of the dezgra classification of BattleMechs, units the Nova Cats officially did not acknowledge existed, the mixed binary of Spector, Liberator and Exterminator BattleMechs firing their weapons at the fortress doors further weakening them.  The bombardment had silenced the Fortress’s guns but still its armoured doors stood under the punishment of the BattleMech’s guns.  With the BattleMechs holding the perimeter the Nemeans and infantry moved forwards with the Battle Armour suits providing close in cover two points swarmed over the doors setting up charges across its surface then they all pulled back.  After a couple of moments there was a huge explosion which crumpled and shattered the fortress doors.  From inside weapons fire began to fire on the Nova Cats.

   In his Exterminator Dezgra Star Captain Elijah Lossey targeted the troops inside the facility firing his heavy and extended range lasers and long range missiles.  On either side Nova Cat BattleMechs followed the same targeting anything that moved red and opal beams of light burned into enemy targets as missiles exploded around them.  Further missiles and pulse lasers joined Elijah’s fire.  “Star Commander Jalo move your people in, clear them up.”  He commanded the Nemean star then ran forwards breaking formation breaching the front of the facility “Spectors move up give them support the rest of us maintain the perimeter.”

   The quad Battle Armour star moved forwards led by a point of five suits armed with Battle Armour autocannons, light machine guns and Inner Sphere built Firedrake Needlers threatening any of the defenders with a hair of fire.  Behind them another point flooded into the area firing short range missiles and lasers as they closed. The Nemean assault had opened the first area of the fortress to the Nova Cats but the facility was still extensive beneath them which was where the Infantry would come into play.  While Battle Armour troopers would struggle to move in the tight confines of the facility the Infantry would have no such trouble.

   Moving in their points each trooper was equipped with a Mauser IIC Infantry Assault System which had a pulse rifle, grenade launcher and vibroblade bayonet while several troopers also carried a Heavy support laser system.  As they moved into the facility the Battle Armour troopers blow open the armoured doors inside the facility allowing them access deeper into the fortress.  The bigger corridors were taken by the Battle Armour troopers two points in one corridor and the remaining three in the second corridor each supported by a point of infantry for clearing the smaller rooms while the remaining infantry took the remaining three access corridors.

   What followed was four hours of room to room fighting as the Nova Cats eliminated every living thing in the facility.  Casualties were high on both sides with seventy-five percent of the Nova Cat conventional infantry killed in the fighting as were ten of the Battle Armoured Nemean pilots though several of their suits would be salvageable.  As a final measure to ensure that the facility could not be used by pirate forces the Nova Cats placed the equivalent explosives of ten capital missiles in the lowest level of the facility detonating them once their forces were cleared from the facility reducing it all to rubble.

Nice update, good to see the Cappies getting a new warship.

I was wondering when the Capellans were going to get back into the warship game. They seemed to be hurting there for a while.

Quote from: Dragon Cat on March 31, 2017, 08:27:26 PM

If anyone ever wants to hear from somewhere in the Inner Sphere or Periphery (Clan Homeworlds not included) feel free to ask

I'd take Hanseatic league, or anything else deep periphery.

We'll visit there in 3109 I've got something special lined up for that, part old, part new

Finally ending 3108 - I'll be putting up unit listings, WarShips and the map but not tonight as I'm shattered just an update.

Defence Line
Ronel, Addicks PDZ
Draconis March, Federated Suns
8th December 3108

After being forced from Ozawa Colonel Hague, commander of the McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry had requested a posting off the front-lines but they had got as far as Ronel before the Draconis Combine had come calling once more only this time they were combined with the Second Robinson Rangers RCT who were far from ready to be forced into retreat.  Now Major Ariana Steiner stalked her Warhawk OmniMech along the front-lines targeting an enemy causing heavy damage to an enemy Mauler BattleMech.  Ariana was lining up a second shot when an Ajax Assault Tank bearing the colours of the Second Robinson moved out from Ariana’s rear arc and opened fire on the Mauler with its trio of rotary autocannons tearing open the enemy BattleMech puncturing the missile ammunition bays causing a huge explosion which consumed the enemy BattleMech.  Ariana watched as the Ajax drove along the line engaging a Grand Dragon BattleMech which had been weakened by defence fire from the Rangers/Cavalry line.

The fighting continued for several hours as the defenders held the line and Ariana lost track of the Ajax but she wasn’t done with the crew.  After the battle she stalked around the base looking for the armour crew eventually finding a young man standing near one of the Rangers Ajax tanks he wore the uniform and insignia of a Captain but looked far too young for the rank.  “I’m looking for the commander of this vehicle.”

“That would be me” he answered confidently Ariana looked him up and down he was an attractive young man, perhaps around twenty years old, with brown hair and a well trimmed beard.

“You enjoy stealing other people’s kills?”  She asked accusingly

“We are all on the same side, Major, I was simply doing my bit for my nation and my Prince as you do for your regiment and employer” He said she realized that he was trying to get a reaction from her but at the same time making sense fighting the Combine was not some honour duel.

“While I agree we are on the same side I could have taken the BattleMechs arranged against me.”  She said annoyed that this tanker didn’t seem to care that he had interfered in a bigger battle.  But his attitude made her more curious than anything.

“What’s your name Captain?”

“Duncan Sandoval” he replied Ariana looked at him more carefully for a moment suddenly seeing the family resemblance between Duncan and his father Tancred Sandoval.  She had known the young scion of was a member of the AFFS but she hadn’t realized he had joined the armour corps or that he had been assigned to the Combine border.  Suddenly the Ajax and his rank made sense as did him not caring he was becoming involved in a battle between MechWarriors.

“Was this your first real combat against the Combine?”  He nodded his reply “you did well, hopefully we will fight together again in the future” she said nodding to him before walking off knowing find that he was watching her walk off.

Science Block C
Wolf Compound 4, Gallery
Halfway Province, Lyran Commonwealth
16th December 3108

Dressed in the simple white jacket and blue trousers of a Clan scientist the middle aged woman entered the office finding the elderly scientist sitting behind the desk.  “Scientist Riko” she said greeting him as she entered.

“Scientist Elda” he said looking up from his work as she closed the door behind her “what brings you to my humble office?”  He asked keeping up appearances before she turned towards him the door closed.  “What do you have for me?”  He asked in a different tone as he realized the door was closed.

“Star Colonel Djordje has taken our advice to stand down from his position.  Star Captain Daniela is most likely to succeed him as commander of the Eleventh assuming the Lyrans will allow our warriors to retain their arms?”  She asked moving to the chair opposite him as she did Riko handed her a piece of paper.

“The Lyran High Command has decided that the Eleventh and Twelfth will be Gallery’s official garrison force.”  He said summarizing it “they want the militia forces elsewhere and the planetary administrator is quite happy with our Wolves as his defenders?”

“And all it took was a pair of Elemental suits” she said a trade she had suggested involving giving the administrator two of their Battle Armour suits for his personal guard force.

“It seems to have worked” Riko noted “three more of the older warriors have chosen to retire as well opening slots for our new cadets.”  He said most of the experienced warriors who had been left behind had stayed because in a Clan as large as Clan Wolf they would have been forgotten at a garrison post or eliminated in a suicide mission.  At least here they could live out their years, none were a threat to Riko or Elda.  While the younger warriors were even less of a threat most knew little to nothing about being members of a true Clan instead they had grown up with stories of the Exiles battles against the Falcons believing that those were the glory days of old and now they were angry because they were no longer part of Clan Wolf perfect for moulding to their needs.

“That makes over half of the Eleventh and most of the Twelfth under our influence.”  Elda said “how are our communications…?”

“There is none of them left within our reach” Riko said glancing towards the floor “the Clans have been very effective in their searches, more effective than we could have expected.”

“So if we had remained with the Wolves we would have been found out” Elda suggested.

“Aff, it appears so”

“Our dream of overcoming the warriors is over.”

“Neg, our dream of destroying the Clans still burns.  Now it comes from somewhere else” Riko suggested seeing the question on Elda’s face “from within the Inner Sphere.  It was people who came from the Inner Sphere who brought birth to the Clans so it will be poetic that it will be people from the Inner Sphere who bring the death of the Clans.”  He pondered “they have already begun the journey with the destruction of the Smoke Jaguars.  The people of this state hate the Clans for the damage they have done” He said rising from his chair “we will continue to nurture this hatred until the Falcons, Wolves and all the others fall.”

Pirate Raids
Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
21st December 3108

   Despite the best efforts of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces and the hired mercenary forces pirate raids continue to Carnwath, Izar and Zebeneschamali causing dozens of deaths, including the death of the Zebeneschamali Duke, hundreds of thousands of Kroner in damages to local businesses and civil unrest on each of the three worlds.  In each raid the pirates are able to slip away before the defenders are able to fully deploy.  These attacks lead to the Third Isle of Skye Guards RCT being deployed to the three worlds with a battalion of BattleMechs and two support regiments to all three worlds in an attempt to stop further attacks but many within the Isle of Skye believe that it isn’t enough eying the Draconis Combine as the most likely culprits for the attacks.

SLS Bremen, Peter-class Scout Ship
Fenwick, Alya Prefecture
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
27th December 3108

   Simon Rosberg’s stomach rolled as the SLS Bremen jumped into what they believed was the Fenwick system.  Immediately after entry to the system the small Peter-class Scout Ship automatically made a course correction diving away from the jump point.  “Report!”  Captain Blake Hammond commanded as he recovered from the surprise manoeuvre.

   â€œAutomatic computer correction” one of the crewmen reported from her station “micro-meteors heading for the jump point.  If we were a JumpShip we’d be caught in that in a couple of hours crippled or worse.”

   â€œCoincidence?” Hammond pondered looking at Rosberg as he spoke Simon knew that the Captain didn’t believe it “show me the system.”  After a couple of moments the Bremen’s scanners showed images of the star system, all twelve planets, six of them gas giants with a massive amount of moons and a huge asteroid/debris ring between the eighth and ninth planets.  Hammond turned towards Rosberg “four planets and nothing to write home about.  Those Combine scouts were either drunk or hiding something.”  He said looking over the initial scan “this is going to take months to search through, months we don’t have.”  He said as Rosberg began looking over the scans.

   â€œIgnore the first three planets they are burned rocks too hot to even consider life.  The fourth is a gas giant with a few moons but it looks like the heat from the sun makes its orbit unpredictable nothing could survive near it.”  He said rapidly looking through the data hoping to save something from this mission.  Four is possible but Five and Six might be better candidates they are just outside the habitation zone but both are giants that produce heat, hell if we came back in a couple of hundred thousand years we might find a second sun” he said looking at the data.  “Beyond Seven looks frozen but internal heat from those Giants could be putting out enough heat to support life on a couple of their moons.”

   â€œRight we’ll give one, two and three the once over as we flyby.  We’ll spend a couple of days at four and the rest between five and six.  If there’s nothing by Six I’m calling it quits Major.”

   â€œUnderstood Captain” Simon Rosberg said continuing to look at the data he had no idea how the Combine scouts could have gotten things so wrong… and how no-one else had come across this system.  Something wasn’t wrong with Fenwick and he planned on finding out what it was and he had nine days before they reached planet four to refine his search perimeters.

I'm going to post February too.  I'll note that using the Stefan Amaris was originally JA Baker's idea though I've developed it a bit more.  We'll return there soon

Meeting of Parliament, District Leader Meeting
Atreus City, Atreus
District of Marik, Free Worlds League
5th February 3109

   For the last eighteen hours the Free Worlds League Parliament had argued on the world of Atreus over the actions of the District of Oriente during their conflict with the Capellan Confederation and still a consensus had not been reached.  The six District leaders had withdrawn from the main Paliament meeting room even as representatives continued to argue over the issues before them.  Seated around a long table the six leaders sat two on one side and two opposite while Captain-General Joseph Marik sat at one end of the table and Robert Brett-Marik at the other end.

   â€œDon’t you see Oriente has shown us the way?”  Duke Lester Cameron-Jones asked looking around “he has shown the Capellans that we will not hold back and allow them to take our worlds.”  He said pointing across at Duke Jonas Halas “a line has been drawn in the sand if the Capellans destroy one of our cities we will destroy one of their systems if they destroy one of our worlds we will destroy three of them…”

   â€œAre you mad?”  Prime Minister Abraham Ledford of Bowang asked looking at the other man “have you never read a word of history?  The First and Second Succession War approached war like you suggest” he explained rising to his feet to look Lester Cameron-Jones in the face “BILLIONS died in those conflicts because ‘noble’ lords decided that the victims homes would make a good battleground.”  He said turning to look at the Captain-General “I plead with Captain-General do not support these actions.”  He said sitting back down angering Lester Cameron-Jones with his interruption before Joseph Marik could speak Duke Robert Brett-Marik spoke.

   â€œI too feel I must agree with the Prime Minister” he said remaining seated “total war is not the answer.”

   â€œAs do I” Joseph said looking at Jonas Halas “the use of weapons of mass destruction against civilian targets on Ipswich was unnecessary.”  He said casting his vote “we do not need to see the genesis of another Succession War started here not in my League.”

   â€œYour League until another replaces you” Halas commented irritated at Joseph’s condemnation of his peoples actions.

   â€œCertainly not by you” Joseph Marik snapped back looking at Halas who looked surprised by the venom in Joseph’s voice “what?  Do you really expect me to believe that you did not command the use of nuclear weapons?”  He demanded putting Halas on the defence.

   â€œI… was not aware of the…” the Oriente leader stammered out.

   â€œSo you are saying as their District Leader and their immediate military commander that you were not completely aware that they had weapons of mass destruction in the possession?  Or that you were not aware that your commanders were willing to use such weapons?”  Joseph Marik asked going on the offensive sensing Halas weakness “then perhaps I should call on parliament to put more stringent controls on Oriente.”  He threatened before turning on Lester Cameron-Jones “and you, you are ready for Capellan retribution with worlds on their border?  Are you ready to explain to people that you supported a police that saw billions of deaths including members of their own family?”  He demanded looking at the Regulan leader.

   â€œWe need to put forward a united front” Duke Raymond Brewer-Cameron-Jones finally said speaking up the Lesnovo leader having remained silent until now.

   â€œI agree” Joseph Marik said “which is why I once again call for a united defence force under the command of this Parliament and under the authority of the Captain-General.  Together we can face down our opponents and react immediately to threats unlike now where we have to debate the choices that are made.”

   â€œThe office of Captain-General needs no further power.”  Lester Cameron-Jones said disagreeing with Joseph’s assessment as much as he desired to be the next Captain-General in the elections due later that year but he did not think a Federal Defence Force was an answer.  Before anyone else could speak an aide entered handing Joseph a piece of paper which the Captain-General read before hanging his head.

   â€œWhat is it?”  Abraham Ledford asked breaking the silence in the room.

   â€œThe Capellan Confederation has responded to Oriente’s attack on Ipswich.”  He said “the system of Ohransen has been burned by nuclear fire.”  He said stunning the other leaders “Capellan has also been seen on Wazan, Pacht and Corey.”  He announced looking between Lester and Jonas “you wanted total war?  Now you have it.  I am needed in command.”  He said walking out of the room leaving the others.

   Within hours of Ohransen’s destruction and the attacks on Wazan, Pacht and Corey the worlds of Krybacken and Asuncion request Star League Defence Force protection and are granted such protection by the end of February with SLDF ground and naval forces deployed into both systems.  District of Oriente forces continue to resist Capellan forces in several systems but this does not stop units belonging to the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns and mercenary commands land on Second Try and Palos after being invited to the planets by planetary leaders afraid of being caught up in the Oriente/Capellan conflict.  While there is no official word from First Lord Victor Steiner-Davion’s office Commanding-General Victor Focht of the Star League Defence Force calls for cooler heads between the two nations while also moving several heavy assets into the area including the Elite First Royal Regimental Brigade, the Second Kearny Regimental Brigade, the super-carrier Enterprise and the Tharkad-class Battle-cruiser Invincible.

Planetary Administrator’s Office
Gallery, New Stockholm
Halfway Province, Lyran Commonwealth
17th February 3109

   As the aides opened the Administrator’s office Scientist Riko was quite pleased with himself Star Colonel Daniela had been more than happy to allow him to take her place and represent what remained of the Mountain Wolves on Gallery to the Planetary Administrator.  Daniela was an excellent warrior and likely she would make a good commander of the remaining warrior caste, with his guidance, but with her replacing Star Colonel Djordje she had inherited the previous Star Colonel’s administration tasks as well which was keeping the young woman quite busy.  Still dressed in the white coat and blue trousers of his caste he approached Administrator Marta Kamen a middle-aged woman with brown hair, tied up, and dark rimmed glasses.  She wore a navy suit with a skirt and white shirt formal but at the same time relaxed.  “You are not Colonel Djordje.”  She said he noted she had dropped the Clan rank and decided that for today at least he’d be better to do the same.

   â€œColonel Djordje has chosen to retire, Colonel Daniela has taken over from her” he explained “my name is Riko Danvers, I am Scientist General of our people” he explained.

   â€œVery nice to meet you” she said extending her hand which Riko gently shook before taking her offer “Duke Robert Lunius of Halfway asked me to assess what your people could still bring to the Lyran Commonwealth which is why I wished to speak to your Colonel.”

   â€œUnfortunately our military strength is clear to be seen.  Khan Kell’s misguided decision to take our Clankin out of the Commonwealth has stripped our people to the bone.  However I think there is more that we can do for the Commonwealth than with military force.”

   â€œOh yes?”  Kamen asked

   â€œAff my Khan…” he said before looking away from her embarrassed “sorry, I mean Administrator” he said seeing out of the corner of his eye a small smile, she liked that authority he had given her, “my people can help staff factories and we still have active research and development of weapons and a developed training regime.”  He said producing some paperwork for Kamen who took it and began sifting through the papers.  “We have a population of people who wish to work as to make Gallery a better place.  And our research into bio-warfare is quite developed.”  He said

   â€œYou have been developing a weapon that could target specific gene-lines?”  She said shocked by what she was reading on the papers.

   â€œIt is not actually a weapon” he said attempting to cover the development perhaps the Lyrans were not ready for such things. “We designed to help the Clan iron-womb program, to clear up the Wolves breading program, but it could be developed Khan Kell pulled the funding believing that such a thing could be used…”

   â€œAs a weapon of mass destruction…” she whispered “the Clans have such weapons.”

   â€œAff, they have the means but would not employ them as such.”  He reported sensing that she did not like how this was going “we could redevelop this with some support to counter anything that was developed to be used against the ruling line.”  He suggested “we also have an extensive training program and room for additional personnel” he said gaining her attention “there are several refugees who have fled the Clans, children who have been shipped here because their parents are missing or dead we could house and teach them.”  He suggested making a different approach if he couldn’t get the funding and supplies then having the additional personnel could allow for other developments.

   â€œSo you would bring people from out with your own in?”

   â€œWe are all one people, Administrator; I wish to contribute to improving Gallery and the Commonwealth.”  He said seeing that Marta Kamen liked the sound of that.  “We wish to show this nation that we appreciate what this nation has done for us and we wish to give something back.”  He said continuing as Kamen stood up Riko did not know the protocol but stood up as well.

   â€œThank you for your time, Scientist General, I appreciate your assistance and look forward to working with you and your people to make Gallery great again.”  Riko nodded shaking her hand again before realizing that his short audience was over.  As he left the room he realized that he wanted to come back to this office and the other officers of power in the Commonwealth in the future.

Promenade, Clan Hall
Clan Capitol City, Clan Homeworld
Deep Periphery
22nd February 3109

It had taken more than ten months but Star Colonel Alex Lassenem had finally arrived on the Clan Homeworld.  After the battle for the Broadcast Tower his remaining forces had been whittled down to a combined-arms Binary so instead of wasting what warriors he had Alex had called for an extraction from the planet.  It had taken nearly a month but the Clan had finally come and his people had been pulled back to Fasa.  Once there anger had overcome Alex and had confronted and defeated Galaxy Commander Karen Schmitt in an unaugmented Circle of Equals as was his right as a Clan warrior.  Following his victory Karen Schmitt had admitted that the command had come from the Homeworld for the operation on Babylon to be abandoned as a lost cause.  With his victory still new Alex had demanded that he and his Osteon be transported to the Homeworld immediately which turned out to be a more difficult proposition than he’d expected.  From Fasa he had been put on a JumpShip towards the Kerensky Cluster and after travelling in an indirect route through eight systems he had finally arrived on the Homeworld.

Now Alex Lassenem stood on a world untouched by the Society looking up at the grandiose Clan Hall built in the centre of the capital it resembled the one on Strana Mechty.  According to what Alex had heard the system had been discovered in the 3060s and kept hidden from Clan society as a refugee for if the Clan was pushed to the edge.  When that edge had come the Clan had pulled in on itself concentrating on the worlds of this system developing them into places where they could rebuild.  As the Society had ravaged the Homeworld Clans they had remained hidden but active deploying combat units to the other worlds and assisting Clan forces and civilians escape the Society’s occupation.  While he was not completely convinced by the Clan’s strategy he couldn’t argue against their achievements where all other Clans had fallen this still stood, where others escaped to the Inner Sphere his Clan remained fighting for what they believed was theirs.
Heading up the Promenade steps Alex straightened his dress uniform a green jacket and trousers with a black undershirt.  As was their custom only his MechWarrior Branch badge and Rank insignia adorned his uniform even the Clan insignia was missing according to the “Old Khan” only once they permanently recaptured Strana Mechty could warriors wear the Clan insignia and be proud.  As he reached to top of the stairs Alex Lassenem stopped and stood stunned looking at the Clan flags in front of the Hall there were twenty… one representing each of the original Clans formed by Nicholas Kerensky among them one for the Not-Named Clan.  The Not Named Clan’s flag had not flown over any Clan World since they were annihilated soon after the formation of Clans.  Regaining his composure Alex looked at the flags once more before heading into Clan Hall.

Inside the air conditioned reception area a young female warrior wearing a MechWarrior with Hispanic features and dark hair approached “Star Colonel Alex Lassenem, welcome to the Clan Hall, I am the Khan’s aide Star Commander Santana Ebon the Khan is waiting for you.”  She said greeting him before turning heading away Alex Lassenem stood there for a moment first the Not Named’s flag flies over a Clan world and now warriors bearing their names stand inside a Clan Hall?  As he followed the young woman through the halls he could feel his anger growing the Old Khan had twisted Nicholas Kerensky’s vision of the Clans.

“Star Colonel Alex Lassenem to see you Khan Keller” Santana Ebon said announcing Alex’s arrival before leaving the room.  Khan Katja Keller was more than eighty years old a small diminutive woman who had surprised or outwitted each of her opponents through the years allowing each of them to believe her small size meant she was not a threat.  Even now looking at her walk with the assistance of a cane Alex sensed she was still a threat.

“My Khan” he said respectfully despite the anger he felt at present first his unit was abandoned on Babylon, then Laurel passed sacrificing herself to get the word of Michael Gibson’s death, then he had learned the Not Named’s flag and name had risen from its long dead ashes.

“You sound annoyed Star Colonel” she said looking him up and down obviously picking up on the anger in his voice despite his best efforts.  “Speak your mind” she said leaning back on her office table.

“Aff, Khan” he said the respect was gone from his voice and he nearly spat the title.  “You abandoned my unit on Babylon to die.  You sent us to eliminate Michael Gibson and yet when you had the opportunity to support our efforts and complete our mission you pulled back and left us!”  He said angrily venting his anger on the old woman but never closing within striking distance.

“Aff, I did” she admitted stunning him “and you as a Clan warrior continued on with the determination that I would expect.”  She said standing back up “I ordered you into a bad position and the intelligence you gathered proved that Michael Gibson was off Tamaron along with the Absolute Truth and her escorts.  This information opened up an opportunity for us to liberate nearly three hundred men, women and children from enforced labour on Tamaron and assault their OmniMech Production facility.”  She explained “the Society likes to pretend there have enough resources to protect everything in the Homeworlds but they do not.”

“You sent us on a mission under false pretences” Alex said still angry.

“Neg, if Tameron was still was still under guard we would have supported you.  I simply picked the more appropriate target for our limited resources.”  She said calmly her calm answer making Alex even more angry but she didn’t stop instead turning on Alex “so you as a Clan Warrior used what resources you had and executed your mission regardless of support.  Not only eliminating Alex Gibson but also exposing their attempt to cover that fact us.”  She said going over Alex’s successes “than as a loyal member of your Clan and not wanting to see your people slaughtered for their actions on Babylon you called for an extraction from that world which we complied with.”  She said now showing that their Clan had not completely abandoned his unit.  “You completed you objectives with the resources you had in hand and in a manner that has impressed many within our Clan but I think perhaps it was your reaction to your successes on Babylon that surprised most and impressed me the most.”  She said stepping closer to him “instead of accepting your place as one cog in this war machine you argued that you should not have been treated like you were.  You stepped up to Karen Schmitt on Fasa defeating her in single combat but seeing her worth to our Clan you left her alive.”  Katja Keller said “to me that shows a warrior who is not content with only taking commands but one who wishes to be making the decisions going forwards Quiaff?”

“Aff, my Khan” Alex replied finding his anger had dimmed facing the Old Khan but still there were things that bothered him.  “I wish to serve my Clan in the best way I can” he said “but I have questions.”

“I am not surprised this is after all your first time on this world.”  She said turning back to her desk.  Alex had been born on Hellgate in a refugee camp only to be rescued by Mike Lassenem’s Fourteenth and brought to the Clan’s training halls on Fasa. “Ask your questions Star Colonel.”  She commanded moving across the room indicating for Alex to take a seat in front of her which he slowly did.

“I saw the flags outside and your aide’s name…”  He said refusing to say the Not-Named Clan’s name as he sat.

“The Wolverines?”  She asked turning around the table taking her own seat Alex nodded his answer too shocked that someone spoken their name out loud.  Katja Keller chuckled looking at Alex “do you know what one of the Society’s first tactics was when they made their move across the Homeworlds?”  She asked Alex shook his head “they had their scientists imbedded with the Clans to corrupt dozens of genetic legacies to weaken them to a point where our genetic pools could not individually sustain us.”  She explained “the Serpents came together exactly for this reason the individual Clans could not operate alone their genetic lines were so corrupted that that over time the term bloodnamed would no longer matter.”

“Each Khan has a responsibility to protect the genetic legacy of their Clan whatever way they can.”  Alex recited knowing the words well but it still didn’t explain why the Not-Named names had been reborn.

“When the rest of our Clan was driven from the Homeworlds and into the periphery I knew what we had here could not sustain our Clan’s Bloodlines.  I introduced warriors from other Clans bringing their legacies into our Clan in an effort to build it but that was not enough.  I could have created new legacies from freeborns but it would mean abandoning our past for our future.  So we raided the Genetic Repository on Strana Mechty” she explained surprising Alex she saw the surprise and nodded “yes we did that when you were but a child” she explained beginning the story “the Society fought hard that day but eventually we secured the Grand Council and its Halls it was a great day but we knew we would never hold it.  I sent people below and when they got to the vaults below they discovered the only legacies that had not been corrupted by the Society were those locked in the Not Named’s archive.”  She explained “they wanted to shame us they wanted to show that only by breaking our oath to the Founder could we survive so we did.”  She said defiantly “I could not use their names and not speak their name so we have accepted that the Wolverines are part of our history, our present and our future but they are not our Clan.  We are the Blood Spirits and we will remain standing through all adversity…”

“For the Cause” Alex said reciting the words to complete the phrase known by all members of their Clan.  He wasn’t completely convinced by the Khan’s argument but he knew the Society wanted to break the Clans genetically as well as physically.

“Now for your future” she said “Star Colonel Jorgennson has done well in commanding the Fourteenth in your absence and was a very effective commander on Tamaron.”

“Matt knows what he is doing” Alex admitted he’d known he would be giving up the Fourteenth when he accepted the mission on Babylon.

“And your performance on Babylon proves that you are worth more than a Cluster commander.”  She said Alex was glad to hear that their sacrifices on Babylon had proven something “and with that I wish to make you the commander of our Watch forces.”  She said “you appear to have a knack for acting with little need of direction and with minimal resources.  You will answer directly to me and you will help us take the fight from Colleen to the farthest reaches of the Society’s influence.  What do you say?”  She asked standing looking at him.

“For the Cause” Alex said standing up accepting the position.

“For the Cause” Khan Katja Keller repeated shaking Alex’s hand.