Vition2 your map is awesome seriously I love them!
Into 3111 again this update is pretty massive in this case because of James Tanaga and Vition2. DOC_Agren I hope you like what I've done with your unit Korbin's Kommandos in this opening fiction. Vition2 I hope you like what I did with your last bit.
3111
Coventry Spaceport, Port St William
Coventry, Coventry Province
Lyran Commonwealth
3rd January 3111Stepping from the damaged DropShip Hammerfall Colonel Burt Korbin and his son Lt Colonel Hermann Korbin walked out onto the busy tarmac of Coventry’s primary spaceport. “It’s nice to be back on Commonwealth soil†the elder Korbin said glancing at his son.
“It would have been nicer to return in victory instead of defeat.â€
“We were not defeated, son, we were out maneuverer Clan Fire Mandrill had the support and the firepower to steamroll us at anytime. As far as the Clans are concerned we are dezgra in their eyes but they let us go there’s something to be happy with.†He pointed out as a pair of armoured limousines drove up.
“I don’t like sucking up to the Bradfords.â€
“Neither do I†Burt said as the limo’s doors opened “but Hammerfall won’t go much further we need assistance in giving her a full overhaul or replacing her and there’s only one family that would support us without trying to take control over the Kommandos that’s the Bradfords.†He said climbing into the limo his son loitering at the door “look I know it isn’t going to be easy to see her again but we don’t have a choice now get in the limo.â€
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The drive from the spaceport to the Bradford’s Mansion was a short one. The city of Port St. William was a busy one with multiple companies working for the city, for Coventry and the Bradford family but it was still a beautiful world with most of the factories underground or non-polluting. The Bradford Family Estate was on the outskirts of Port St. William and while small it was surrounded by granite stone walls and guarded by members of the First Coventry Cuirassiers the limo pulled up to the front of the Bradford residence.
Burt and Hermann Korbin stepped out of the limo and were met by one of the Bradford family’s staff and brought through and into the main meeting room there stood Duke Thomas Bradford the head of the Bradford family and the Duke of Coventry. Beside him stood his oldest surviving daughter Duchess Alessandra Bradford who smiled when she saw Hermann. “Welcome back to Coventry, Colonel Korbin.â€
“Thank you, Duke Bradford†the elder Korbin said shaking Bradford’s hand.
“I hear that you have agreed to sign a new contract with the Lyran Commonwealth but have asked for your first assignment to be deferred without pay?â€
“That’s correct†Burt Korbin said glancing at his son.
“Duke Bradford the Kommanndos took heavy damage fighting against the pirate forces that have helped reform the Cirincus Federation and we would like some revenge.†Hermann said looking between both of them. “Our Fortress was badly damaged several times during our time in the Erdvynn Province the ship is space worthy but it isn’t ready for operations.†He said “we have some money laid aside and some clan technology to trade.â€
“You should be able to afford any ship on the market†Bradford suggested.
“We would like to purchase a Fesnyng†Hermann said naming one of the Lyran Commonwealth's newest type of DropShip.
“Those are not for sale†Alessandra said immediately and quite harshly.
“But a well-placed word from the leaders of a Provincial Capital can go a long way.†Korbin said looking at his old friend “we can still help defend the Commonwealth Thomas we just need a push in the right direction.â€
“I think there is something I can do for you come with me, Colonel, we can discuss this further elsewhere and leave these two to become reacquainted.†He said glancing at Alessandra and Hermann. The two older men slowly made their way out of the room.
“Your father seems to be doing well even if he is leaning on my father for support again†Alessandra said moving across the room to pour them both a drink. He watched her move she had brunette hair and the blue knee length dress she wore was tight enough to be flattering but also functional.
“They are old friends and we will pay for the DropShip and anything else we buy. The fighting in Erdvynn took its toll†Hermann admitted looking at the door that their fathers had left through “we lost some good people and all the salvage we’ve taken in the world won’t replace them.â€
“You seem to have matured yourself†she said returning with the glasses filled with what smelled like Coventry Scotch Hermann took one of the glasses and took a sip it was strong but sweet. “Ready for a command Colonel?†She asked wondering if he could be swayed from the mercenary command.
“My father is the Kommandos commander. I will command when the time is right.†He said briskly making it clear that he was a mercenary warrior and was not interested in another job.
“My father can get you the DropShip you desire and probably some cut price BattleMechs to make up for your losses.†She said smirking knowing that he would like the answer “but I might have to convince him to delay his decision for personal reasons.†She said stepping closer to him “if I could keep you close I would.†She admitted “it’s been too long Hermann†she said reaching out to touch his face which he leaned into but remained apart from her. “Just remember you have somewhere to return to.â€
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As the Kommandos looked to rearmed and ready for a fight elsewhere within the Lyran Commonwealth Kathy Parks sighed as she leaned her old body deep into the comfy chair. She spent the past two hours arguing with the Archon on the ongoing situation regarding the Southwest Covenant.
She shook her head, for the Archon had ordered her to retake the worlds at first. She knew it was but politics, but it rankled her to having to go through the loop of refusing her old friend. Once that was out of the way, the real argument began in earnest.
Simply put, the Archon was beyond angry at for three primary things. First, Kathy had ordered for the remaining elements of the Third, Seventh, and Sixteenth Lyran Regulars to be disbanded. Their personnel and equipment were to form four new Light Combat Teams, forming the Buena Guards Brigade.
Kathy well understood the Archon’s displeasure, but shrugged it off. She needed to reign in control over the remaining Lyran units within the Archonette and could not afford to go through further political and bureaucratic nonsense just to get what she needed. It would be months before they were reorganized and combat ready but it was a start.
Secondly, the Archon and the Estates General were both beyond furious she had acknowledged the Southwest Covenant Worlds. In doing so, she had successfully negotiated to get Lyran prisoners and their dependents out of the Southwest Covenant. If the Archon and the Estates General believed that made them weak, then that was what they could believe. What mattered to her was the Covenant could not use them as hostages and further allowed her and the Archonette a further LCT of trained personnel, though equipment was short, as the Covenant had kept the equipment at Poulsbo and other worlds. She was fine with that. In January the SLDF would began transferring them back into the Archonette.
The last was an agreement Kathy had signed with Rim Motors for the building of aerospace and DropShip factories at Buena. She shook her head, but understood the position the Lyran Archon held on the subject. The much younger woman, her nominal leader, was very much afraid the Buena Archonette would become another Isle of Skye or worse form its own state as Cirincus and the Southwest Covenant had further destabilizing the region.
She had rebutted the move was necessary. When Jessica argued that it was not and she was countermanding the agreement to have Lockheed-CBM and Tharkad Aerospace Group get the contract, the elderly Archonette reminded the Archon she, not Jessica, ruled the Archonette.
What followed next was a disaster as far as their friendship went, what with the Archon reminding Kathy her position was but temporary. That threat Kathy could not let go, for if she had done so, she would be seen as weak-willed to the Archon, something she knew the Estates General would not allow. So she had rebutted her old friend, reminding her the Estates General had taken the Archonette out from under her nose, and that she should concentrate on the Clans and the survival of their realm.
She shook her head. She hoped Jessica would take to heart her parting words. “Stop playing politics and actually use your resources! You got the First Fesnyng and the Mountain Wolves you can still use!†She well knew why the Archon refused to use the First Fesnyng and the Wolves however. The First Fesnyng and Kelly Varnay Jessica had ordered to stay at York or be branded traitors, not wanting them anywhere near her uncle publically having a Varnay anywhere near Victor Steiner-Davion would be political supporters. Although far removed from Lyran politics Victor was still well liked and respected by many. As for the Mountain Wolves, ever since the majority had declared for Clan Wolf and re-joined Clan Society proper, the two lone clusters the Clan had were not trusted by the Estates General.
Now was not the time to play politics, she well knew. And she could only hope the Archon would follow the lead Kathy had quickly set here in the Buena Archonette.
Raven Communications Center, Nexus Ri
Shared World, Border World
Draconis Combine/Raven Alliance (others)
5th January 3111“Star Colonel, we are receiving a transmission from the Combine,†the comms tech spoke to Errol Cole, Star Colonel of the 5th Raven Chasseurs cluster, the current Star Colonel on duty.
“Put them throughâ€
“Star Colonel, this is Tai-Sho Sasakawa of the Draconis Combine’s Second Genyosha regiment. As per the agreement with the Raven Alliance, we offer a trial against the rights of ownership of the worlds of the Kesai thumb. See the attached file for the details.†Errol Cole looked over the data.
“The Kesai thumb was not part of the agreement, your demand for trial is impudent and unfounded!†Cole rose, slamming his fist on the desk in front of him emphasizing the last words.
“The agreement states ‘Trials will occur over all conflicted worlds,’ though the worlds of the Kesai thumb have been in Raven Alliance hands for more than two decades, the Combine never relinquished their claim to the worlds, and they are thus acceptable targets for trials. The Combine accepts that this may have been unexpected and have included mitigating provisions included in the details of the trials.†Bryant remains stoic in the face of Cole’s ire. “Provide us with the trial locations and forces to be included within twenty-four hours.â€
As the Star Colonel sat down to read the documents sent by the Combine he mused, “The Genyosha, they were not supposed to be here.†The specifics of the trials showed some interesting provision, they would trial for five systems: Kesai IV, Delacruz, Groveld III, Niles, and Alegro, but there would be a series of secondary trials fought with low powered weapons, the number of trials depending on the size and strength of the defending forces. If the defenders won every trial the Combine claim to the world would be forfeit, allowing it to remain the the Raven Alliance’s hands, given the number of trials involved for each world, that was a pretty minimal possibility though. Cole contacted the other two Star Colonels on planet, those of the First Raven Battle and Fifth Raven Chasseurs, bidding would begin immediately.
A couple days later, the trials take place nearly simultaneously in various trial locations around the planet. Considering they were arrayed against one of the most elite of Combine formations, the Ravens put up a strong showing, regardless of the actual results, which were anything but in the Ravens favour. In only a single trial the Ravens manage to barely eke out a victory, and primarily due to a combination of location and proper forces for the terrain, giving victory laurels to the First Raven Battle cluster and keeping Niles in the hands of the Ravens. The results are quickly transmitted to the affected planets.
Less than a week later the planned battles begin on Alegro, Kesai IV, Delacruz and Groveld III where Combine and Alliance troops meet in controlled battles. Two units are assigned to each of Kesai IV and Delacruz where the Raven forces include Beta Galaxy’s Fourteenth Raven Battle and the Ninth Raven Wing clusters, while only a single unit is sent each to Alegro and Groveld III the only opposing forces being the native and Alliance militias. On Kesai IV, Delacruz, and Groveld III the Ravens and Combine trade victories back and forth, giving the Combine units a warm up before they move towards the Federated Suns border. The militia unit on Alegro pulls off a surprise, having a couple of old Raven warriors who chose the ‘oblivion’ of a militia unit rather than Solahma manage to surprise their opponents on multiple occasions, and defeat them in every trial. Alegro stays within the Raven Alliance, and the success of ‘washed up old warriors’ forces the Raven Alliance to look at their culture once again.
Main Battle site, Outskirts New Bealton
Odessa, Donegal Province
Lyran Commonwealth
7th January 3111After watching the WarShips that had been sent to defend him move against the Falcons in the Donegal system Victor Steiner-Davion had decided that he would not sit on the side-lines when they finally reached Odessa. Now he sat in Prometheus’ cockpit surrounded by warriors of the McKinnon’s Raiders Regiment as they stalked the Jade Falcons who were steadily retreating from battle.
The entire situation on Odessa had confused Victor when his combined force had arrived in system the two Jade Falcon WarShips were near the Gabriel Facility and were surrounded by assault DropShips and almost a galaxy’s worth of aerospace fighters. The combined Inner Sphere task force of Star League, Lyran Commonwealth and Draconis Combine WarShips remained near Odessa providing complete aerial dominance which made the Falcon’s life even harder. Why the Falcons had pushed to Odessa after retreating from Donegal Victor did not really know but now their forces were being pushed to breaking point by the Inner Sphere ground forces which had been reinforced by the survivors of the First Commonwealth Guards and the SLDF’s Third Special Operations Group who the Jade Falcons had failed to finish off.
“Jade Falcon commander this is Commander Victor Steiner-Davion surrender your forces before you are completely destroyed.†He said marching his assault OmniMech towards the Jade Falcons.
“The little prince himself†a voice almost snarled over the comms in response. “I will not surrender my force to you.†She said from the Falcon line a single Shirke BattleMech stepped clear of the main Falcon lines “I challenge you to single combat Commander.â€
“And why would I accept your challenge Clan Commander? Our forces heavily outgun your own.â€
“Because I am Khan Jana Pryde leader of the Jade Falcons and if you defeat me little prince you will not only capture my forces but Jade Falcon offensive operations against the Lyran Commonwealth will end.†She replied
“And if you are victorious?†He asked knowing there would be a price.
“Other than the satisfaction of being the one who killed the little prince?†She asked taunting him he scanned her BattleMech as she spoke it was five tons lighter and carried less firepower than his OmniMech and but it was far more manoeuvrable. “You let my Falcons leave this world with what we have won and unmolested and you leave this border.â€
“I accept†he said stepping Prometheus clear of the allied line. On his right he noticed two communications lines were active he reached down and toggled both switches “yes, gentlemen†he said addressing Colonel Canin McKinnion and Commanding-General Victor Focht.
“Sire, I was sent to protect you I can’t do this if you volunteer to engage what could be the most dangerous Falcon on this planet.†On his sensors he saw McKinnon’s Warhawk angling towards him fro the right-hand side.
“Victor, you were sent to advise and assist SLDF operations if anyone should be fighting this battle it should be me.†Focht said his own Avatar OmniMech closing on his position. “We should overwhelm them.â€
“Negative both of you listen I have her attention and I have the BattleMech to finish her off with. She has challenged me and I have accepted substituting someone else will break the rules of the Trial, the Clanners will declare it void regardless of our victory.†He said moving Prometheus another step forward “I’m doing this just make sure if she is victorious we stick with this agreement breaking it will bring hell from all of the Clans.â€
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Victor moved Prometheus to the side engaging with his pair of large lasers one went wide while the other burned down the side of enemy Shirke. In response the great “BirdMech†leapt into the air its wings opening as the assault Mech took to the air triggering both of its own large lasers and its large arm mounted HAG Rifle. Both lasers found their mark on Prometheus’ left leg while the HAG peppered Victor’s Mech’s torso.
“So you can shoot†Victor said halting his eastward course and turning back west towards his target. As he closed all three pulse lasers lit up showing they were in range and Victor sent a green volley of pulse laser fire into the Shirke as it came into land the lasers burning across the enemy Mech’s torso. The Shirke landed gracefully as if it had not just lost almost two tons of armour and again engaged with its lasers and HAG causing yet more damage to Prometheus’ left leg and torso. Victor looked at the armour even with the hits the Dire Wolf had taken it could weather several more before an armour breach. With his run taking him ever closer to the Shirke soon his autocannon would come into play and it would be game over for the Jade Falcon Khan. He continued to fire triggering his pulse lasers as the Shirke engaged with lasers while continuing to close.
With the range closing Victor let loose with his ultra autocannon blasting a great hole in the left torso of the Shirke ripping a large laser and part of the Jade Falcon Mech’s over shoulder wing from the chassis. The Shirke returned fire with its remaining laser and short range missile launcher Victor smirked pulling the trigger on his autocannon again this time the autocannon sounded like it got about half way through its firing cycle before.
CHINK, CHINK, CHINK, as metal ground against metal and the autocannon jammed.
“NO! NO! NO!†He shouted instinctively pulling the firing triggers with his left hand firing his SRMs and pulse lasers at the Falcon Mech as his right hand tried to recycle the autocannon and clear the jam his OmniMech was slammed by another laser blast and the Shirke’s HAG as the Falcon Khan continued to fire before the BattleMech’s right hand slammed into Prometheus scouring over the top of the OmniMech ripping the SRM system from it’s housing Victor felt like his Mech was being ripped apart piece-by-piece. He triggered both of his large lasers again as he tried to clear the jammed autocannon kicking out with his Mech’s leg shattering the left knee of Shirke.
The Falcon BattleMech twisted slamming the the HAG barrel into Victor’s OmniMech at the last moment Victor twisted his Mech away from the incoming barrel as Khan Jana Pryde pulled the trigger on the weapon sending concentrated shots into the Prometheus’ hull. Victor felt the engine shielding being damaged and the cockpit becoming a furnace before gyro housing was shaken by sustained hits he felt Prometheus shaking and begin to go limp. “EJECTING!†Victor shouted pulling the rip cords blowing his OmniMech’s cockpit open and sending his command chair into the air away from the dying Dire Wolf.
Soaring through the air he felt the air superheat as the Falcon Khan fired her large laser into the air trying to catch his ejection chair with her fire with his back turned to the BattleMech below Victor did not see what happened next. On the ground both McKinnon’s Warhawk and Focht’s Avatar both fired on the Falcon Shirke the Falcon Khan screamed into the communications system as she twisted her BattleMech to face the two enemy Mechs “YOU DARE BREAK THIS HONOUR DUEL!†She snarled her BattleMech was in no condition to attack them with the smashed remains of her HAG still imbedded in the hull of the downed Dire Wolf at her feet.
“There is no honour in targeting a downed warrior†Victor Focht said speaking before Canin McKinnon could speak “we will honour the agreement that you made today with Victor, you may leave this world with your spoils of war.â€
“We shall return†she said angrily looking again to the sky seeing Victor’s command chair coming down behind SLDF lines. Unseen by the Jade Falcon Khan the command chair came down heavily slamming into a tree knocking Victor Steiner-Davion unconscious with several branches penetrating his coolant suit.
Nova Cat Hall, Oathmaster’s Office
Great Hall of the Clans, City of Andrey,
Tukayyid, Independent Clan Territory
10th January 3111 Entering the Oathmaster’s office from different doors Khan Canin Rosse and saKhan Katrine Devalis stood opposite each other for several moments in silence both wore the black jumpsuit of Clan Nova Cat but Katrine had added a fur cape to her uniform while Canin remained wearing the traditional uniform.
“Khan Rosse†Katrine said breaking the deadlock
“saKhan Devalis†the elder Khan repled equally courtly.
“Enough of this you both hate each other all of the Clans know that.†Oathmaster Klick Lenardon the huge Elemental bred warrior said stepping out from behind his desk standing between them. “Our Clan is one of the most successful we hold two sets of territory comfortably holding off two of the Succession States, we have good trade with all the Clans, we build all of our own weapons and we have virtually no trouble from our civilian population. We should be leading the Clans!†He snapped glancing between the two Khans “instead because you do not like her methods and you do not like his we are fighting as a split Clan instead of a single Clan.â€
“There has been good combat opportunities against the Combine to give up the territory we hold there would be foolish.â€
“And to begin a war with what is perhaps the most powerful of all the Inner Sphere states would be equally foolish†Canin Rosse said agreeing with his saKhan turning on the Oathmaster “you are correct we are powerful but not powerful enough to break the Federated Suns, perhaps you have spent too much time on Tukayyid.â€
“Neg, I have not†Lenardon said looking his Khan in the face “our Clan cannot continue the path it is going we are becoming two Clans not one.â€
“We transfer troops between the OZ and Den†Devalis said attempting to defend their current path.
“Not enough†Rosse stated looking her in the face “there are certain units that do not return home and have begun to recruit local forces to their units.â€
“They have taken bondsmen…â€
“Who have never stepped food in the Den†he said cutting her off “tradition would state that those warriors should return home for their induction into our Clan to understand what being a Nova Cat is about.â€
“Tradition does not win wars. Your tradition has been to try and keep our Clan on the Warden path to live alongside the Federated Suns in peace while mine has been to take the fight to the Combine. Each year we take another step forward against them. We are making more progress than even the Ravens are.â€
“Because the Ravens have adopted our strategy with the Combine!†Rosse snapped again “if the Combine and Ravens ever finish their conflict and the Federated Suns stops its conflict against the Draconis Combine our people will suffer.â€
“But as it stands there does not look like there is much chance of that happening.†Devalis state even this month we have seen the Combine take four Raven worlds and assault five different Federated Suns systems. There back is turned my people face inexperienced warriors as we drive deep into the Combine worlds fall beneath out guns.â€
“But for how long?â€
“Who cares we are the Clans we take victories and losses as they come, we were created to fight.â€
“Not recklesslyâ€
“You old fool our Clan will stagnate under your command! I should have killed you when I had the chance.â€
“But you could not make the hard choice.â€
“I will make it now†she snapped back.
“NEG, YOU WILL NOT!†Lenardon finally snapped looking at the two of them. “I called you both here because I wished for us to meditate on the choices we have made and to broker peace between our leadership but now I see that between you you have broken our Clan. There is only one course of action…†he began as Katrine Devalis spoke once more.
“Aff, I agree, I declare a Trial of…â€
“Neg, no trials†Lenardon said cutting off Devalis before she could say another word “we will call a Grand Council Meeting and call for the creation of a new Clan.†He said seeing Devalis joy at his suggestion while Canin Rosse looked horrified.
“That is not your decision to make Oathmaster.â€
“The well-being of our Clan is my choice to make.†He said turning towards Canin Rosse “Khan Rosse your steady leadership had brought out Clan to the place it now is but even you must see that the drain Katrine Devalis operations puts on the Nova Cat Clan could be spent elsewhere. You have already said that there are things that we could not stop the Federated Suns. Without the drain of the raids against the Draconis Combine we could concentrate our resources on them.â€
“Perhaps take Galaxies Theta and Iota off the drawing board and into reality.†Katrine Devalis suggested Rosse shot her a glance and she shrugged her shoulders “I see the reports from the Den I know you have stockpiled enough munitions to create at least one more Galaxy possibly two. Our Clan has not seen the operations the others have recently you have only held off forming them because warriors come to my Occupation Zone instead of remaining in the Den.†She said Rosse nodded the attacks on the Draconis Combine were a drain on his Clan’s resources but it was also a release, a far more effective one than the small trials his main forces took against the Federated Suns.
“You do know that the other Clans could oppose this?†Rosse pointed out “the Ravens are close enough that they could even cast you as Dezgra and declare a Trial of Absorbtion.â€
“The great Khan Canin Rosse will not let that happen†Katrine Devalis said “for all our differences those are still your people. You will fght for them despite our desire to rule ourselves.â€
“What makes you so sure saKhan Devalis?â€
“You are an honourable man†she said smiling “and you believe in the Clans the concept of all of the Clans. You believe in Kerensky’s teachings that all of the Clans together make our society work not just a single powerful Clan.â€
“Together we could make a powerful Clan.â€
“No, Canin, our ways are too different. I wish to see the Inner Sphere burn but you are content to live alongside them. The three galaxies that follow me agree it is why you sent me the warriors that you have and it is why you will release any other warrior who wishes to join us because we desire something different than you do.â€
“The Combine…â€
“Will die a slow lingering death and I will watch it every step of the way from the head of my Clan.†Katrine Devalis said smiling “I have foreseen it the Dragon will die.†She said looking at the Oathmaster with such conviction that Klick Lenardon could not discount that she had experienced a vision. “We shall call for a Grand Council meeting and our futures will be decided.â€
“It could take some time†Lenardon noted “for this we must summon all of the Khans they cannot simply attend by HPG they must see the passion and desire in you, both of you, for this to work.â€
“I do not agree with this course of action Katrine Devalis but what the Oathmaster says is true there is a divide within our Clan and I will not allow it to continue. Oathmaster make the calls for a Grand Council Meeting.†Khan Canin Rosse said turning leaving the room.
Border Conflict
Draconis Combine/Federated Suns
15th January 3111 Identifying a weak point in Federated Suns lines the Draconis Combine pushes into the worlds of Thestria, Misery, Elidere IV and Barlowe’s End destroying the Second Albion Military Cadre Regiment the Cameron’s Legion Regiment and the Dragon’s Breath mercenary units. The Combine force had come looking for the Third Ceti Hussars RCT and their attached WarShip but both commands are missing. Another attack against Umjiri is pushed back by elements of the Lexington Combat Group and the Second New Hessen Irregulars as the mercenary commands are trusted by the AFFS to hold this territory which is pointed at Benjamin, the capital of the Combine district of the same name.
A week after these attacks the Federated Suns launches an assault against McComb and Lima as the location of the Third Ceti Hussars RCT is revealed. While two Combat Commands of the Ceti Hussars assaults McComb the RCT’s third Combat Command combines with the Twenty-first Illician Rangers Regiment assaults Lima quickly both systems fall to the Federated Suns.
Across the Inner Sphere the Lyran Commonwealth, SLDF and Mercenary forces combine to retake the Alma Alta and Cameron systems with Commanding-General Victor Focht building on the momentum with Victor Steiner-Davion’s conflict on Odessa began. In both cases the Jade Falcons accept to fight honour bound Trials of Possession for the two systems and lose Alma Alta to Lyran Commonwealth forces while Commanding-General Focht leads the assault on Cameron personally with the SLS Cavalier, an Otey-class Battleship supporting the ground forces but not actually involved in the battle.
Quantraine
New Samarkand Military District
Draconis Combine
22nd January 3111“The fortifications you’ve constructed here appear formidable, I suspect that Castles Brian would look upon these with envy.†Akira Kurita spoke looking upon the walls and gun emplacements the Tenth Sword of Light had built upon and into the soil of Quantraine.
“They never would have been possible without the funding and supplies you sent us, my lord, but we still would have been hard pressed against the Ravens had they attacked on their schedule. But we still would have held them off.†Tai-sho Kaoru Kito assured the Coordinator. As his pocket comms chimed. “Excuse me, my lord... How many?... Have they transmitted anything yet?†The Tai-sho turned for a moment, his jaw setting as he continued to speak, before turning back to the impatient Coordinator. “Sir, come with me, multiple Raven WarShips have entered the system, our orbital defenses will not be able to hold them.â€
“Get me a comm line to orbit,†with the Tai-sho taken aback, Akira spoke again, “Now!â€
It took a few minutes but the Coordinator was eventually brought before a comms unit and transmitted to orbit. “This is Coordinator Akira Kurita, I demand to know the reason for the Raven incursion into this system.â€
“Coordinator Kurita, I am Galaxy Commander Ilse Guo commander of the Swift Wing Galaxy of the Snow Ravens, I am honoured to speak with you. The incursions of the Combine over the Kesai thumb are intolerable, and the Raven Alliance has determined that the Combine is no longer capable of keeping control of Quantraine in addition to their forays into the Federated Suns. Quantraine will henceforth be a Raven holding. With what forces will you defend.â€
“You Ravens have already attempted the trial for this system and FAILED! You no longer have rights to this system, it is MINE! Remove yourselves or suffer the wrath of the Dragon.â€
Isle Guo glared daggers at Akira, but spoke with a calm assurance, “You yourself have signed off on incursions into Raven territory beyond the intentions of the agreement, the Alliance will not allow this to go unanswered. We are taking this system, either through honourable trial or through the use of our WarShips, the decision is yours.â€
Angrily Akira Kurita spoke, “I, myself, will control the defences of the planet, with the Tenth Sword of Light as my blade. You will rue the day you crossed swords with the Dragon over this world.†He cut off the transmission and turned to the commander of the Tenth, “prepare the defences, I want units here, here, and here.†He points to the nearby map of the defences, spreading out the Tenth in very aggressive positions, but also least able to take advantage of the emplaced defences.
“Sir, it is your right to command, but might I suggest someone with a more intimate knowledge of the planet?â€
“The Ravens have overstepped this time, I will put them in their place and they will know the Dragon does not deign to suffer them.â€
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The crux of the defences of Quantraine were built around a series of DropShips, intended to serve as either as last stand bunkers or to evacuate the last vestiges of the defenders. Akira took his place in the Overlord modified for command over the planet’s defences as three clusters of the Ravens Alpha Galaxy landed on the plateau a short way outside the perimeter of the fortification’s defences.
The Raven forces quickly split into four groups, each of the First Phalanx and the First Battle Cluster splitting into two prongs of the attack and the entire First ProtoMech being held in reserve. Three of these ran into opposition immediately, with the result being a virtual stalemate between the Tenth and the Ravens, though the Ravens are burning through their supplies at a very quick pace. The fourth managed to push deep into the fortifications, picking apart the defences from range before they can make much effect on the clan forces, and showing the weakness of the undermanned defences.
Akira noting the overextension of the Ravens in the fourth prong and ignoring reports suggesting the unclanlike behaviour of holding back reserves collapses one of the other battalions to surround the Raven incursion, against the advice of Tai-Sho Kito. The weakness along the lines was exactly what the Ravens were waiting for and the entirety of the First ProtoMech Cluster is thrown against the lines, breaking through the meagre remains and splitting into two groups. One rolls up the flank of Combine forces, while the other moves onto the command DropShip itself.
Recognizing the threat to the DropShip Akira sent out a transmission in the open for all to hear: “Commander Kito, the failure of your defences, your failure against the Ravens, and your failure in my own defence marks three failures. The Combine does not need such a poor weapon as yourselves, you are hereby cast out of the Combine Military and declared criminal within the realm.†Akira commands his DropShip thrust into orbit joining with the remaining DCMS aerospace forces and forcing their way past picket Raven defences, fortunately the Clan’s WarShips had remained at the jump points following the Combine’s agreement to fight an honourable conflict, with the Ravens unable to interdict the Combine leader Akira Kurita is able to escape via a pirate point on a waiting JumpShip.
Upon hearing the declaration, Tai-Sho Kito offered his surrender immediately to the Ravens, who quickly take the survivors as bondsmen, seeing the potential in reinvigorating the ranks of the Ravens with seasoned veterans. Three days later, Kaoru throws those plans into disarray as he declares a trial for the freedom of him, his troops and their equipment. While respecting the attempt but already classing the unit as a captured warriors Galaxy Commander Guo pits him against three opponents at once heavily stacking the odds against the man intent on seeing his death but maintaining control over the rest of the survivors. Showing skills beyond those of the First Battle Cluster warriors pitted against him Kito manages to defeat the opponents Guo agrees to release the remains of the Tenth Sword of Light from its bonds but reminds the commander that his nation has already cut him loose.
The fate of Quantraine lies in doubt as the Combine refuses to relinquish claim to the world, this results in a near constant state of conflict for the world, as it changes hands frequently rarely being controlled by one of the nations for more than a month at a time. The area around which the Combine built up the fortifications is reduced to a wasteland as most of the battles take place in and around the area.
-------------------------------------------------------At the same time as the battle of Quantraine begins, the First Avellar Cluster and the Corvus Keshik make landfall on Nexus Ri. While Khan Sukhanov is not present, the use of both the Keshik and a mostly native composed Alliance cluster makes a statement on its own. Directly targeting the Second Genyosha, they declare a trial over the most recently constructed hull of the Combine’s Yamato-class battleship. The trial is hard fought but the combination of the intensity of the Avellar Guards and the precision of the Corvus Keshik forces the Genyosha to concede. The results are immediately transmitted to New Samarkand.
A few days later a small fleet including a Potemkin and a number of JumpShips with associated DropShips arrive in New Samarkand to take the Raven’s prize. With Akira Kurita currently away from communications, the naval commander of the system attempts to deny the Raven’s claims, but Hohiro Kurita tells him to stand down, that the Combine will deal honourably with the Ravens. They turn the barely airtight and completely unarmed DCS Drogon over to the Snow Ravens without further conflict with their prize secured the Snow Ravens leave New Samarkand without further conflict.
Raven Alliance Clan Council Hall
Dante
Raven Alliance
26th January, 3111 “Bloodnamed of the Raven Alliance,†Khan Vir Sukhanov began the clan council, “Today I announce the successful end of Operation Portent.†Cheers of support occur around the council hall, but with subdued enthusiasm, losses had been greater than expected and the Combine had taken advantage of the trial system setup on Nexus Ri. “With the capture of a Yamato-class hull and the Susanoo in Quatre Belle, we make good our naval losses during this conflict. We are also taking the next step in integrating the Alliance into our forces, reallocating garrison forces to our front lines. Look to your data pads for details, but a total of seven garrison clusters are entering front line status.â€
“In addition, we are working with the United Outworlders Corporation to fully upgrade their facilities to clan specifications. While this may take most of next year, the projected output will massively increase our aerospace and BattleMech production. And Clan medical technologies will begin spreading into the Alliance medical facilities at a faster rate. Other industries will follow. And the Raven will fly.†The crows of support were stronger this time though a core of more traditional bloodhouses remain silent; in their eyes they were seeing the disappearance of their Clan and the rise of the Raven Alliance much as the Ghost Bears were now indistinguishable from the Rasalhague Dominion.
Hohiro’s Private Rooms, Imperial Palace,
Imperial City, New Samarkand
Military District of Midway, Draconis Combine
30th January, 3111 “YOU DID WHAT!†Akira blasted through the doors into Hohiro’s private suite of rooms in the Imperial Palace.
Looking up, Hohiro looked non-plussed, “I did what was necessary for the safety of the realm, we -â€
“By giving the Ravens a battleship, yeah, that’ll make us safer.â€
Hohiro stood up, “We cannot fight a war against the Federated Suns while risking the Ravens stabbing us in the side, cousin. We have enough enemies right now.†He said he had spent the day reading reports from the Federated Suns front the other Succession state was givng as good as it got.
“No thanks to you, but I have put the Suns on their back foot, I am retaking worlds, and I will keep the Ravens at bay. I am the DRAGON!â€
Hohiro stepped forward and slapped Akira across the face, hard, then spoke in a quiet voice, “Did you learn nothing from father? You were given all the tools needed to succeed, but you squander them. You ignore the issues of your subjects, and decline to send support when they request it. You took command of the Tenth Sword and denied them when your mistakes failed them. You are showing that you care nothing for the troops, and they are beginning to waver. The realm is holding by a thread, and you are a rusty blade sawing against it. Get your head in order before you tear the realm apart, or it tears you apart, like your birth father.â€
“HOW DARE YOU!†Akira screamed looking at his cousin “WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE! I AM THE DRAGON I DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS WITHIN THIS REALM!†He continued to scream in his cousin’s face “Who are you to lay your hands on me?â€
“I am the man who will save this realmâ€
“You are the man who will live your life in chains†Akira seethed his voice now low “GUARDS!†He screamed immediately two troopers of the Genyosha stepped into the room “arrest Gunji-no-Kanrei Hirohito Kurita he is a traitor to the realm.†He said looking at the two guards then back at Hirohito “you should have remembered who I am cousin.†He said his eyes wild but his anger growing as the two guards did not move. “Are you also traitors? Arrest this man!†He demanded but neither moved instead they remained ready their attention on Hirohito.
“The Coordinator has taken unwell, he needs to rest, please escort him to his quarters and keep him there. Ensure his wife makes her way there alive and well.†He commanded immediately the warriors moved before the surprised Coordinator could react they grabbed his arms and began to drag him out of the room.
“YOU CANNOT DO THIS HIROHITO, I AM THE DRAGON!â€
“I must, the Dragon must survive†Hirohito replied as his cousin and liege lord was dragged away. Quickly and silently supporters of Akira inside the Imperial City were eliminated by those loyal to the new Warlord of the Draconis Combine.
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Topic: Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL) (Read 159759 times)