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Sceptre, Entrance Jump
Lesnovo, District of Lesnovo
Free Worlds League
5th May 3112

   The battered WarShip Sceptre jumped into the Lesnovo system quickly cutting in its engines moving in system.  “Open a channel” Captain Gerry Harper commanded “This is the WarShip Sceptre we are Dezgra and we welcome the death that is to come.” He said the crew had decided that this would be their last attack intent on striking the Free Worlds League and causing enough of an outrage that they would be hunted down and destroyed.  Harper had not intended on leading his crew to their deaths but far from any support the ship had been taking an increasing amount of damage while fuel and ammunition was also beginning to run low.

   â€œSensor contact it’s big…” Sensor Operator Susan reported only a couple of minutes after the ship had begun to move in system “moving up from the Zenith point, it’s a Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser.”

   â€œThen we will die as warriors instead of being hunted like dogs.”  Harper announced to his crew.

   â€œIncoming transmission”

   â€œOn speakers”

   â€œThis is Khan Petra Furey of Clan Smoke Jaguar, Lesnovo is defended by my people identify yourselves or be destroyed like the Dezgra you claim to be.”  The female voice said her accent was unmistablably Clan but the words “Clan Smoke Jaguar” rocked Gerry Harper to silence the Jaguars were dead they had been for decades.  “Answer me WarShip Sceptre.”

   â€œSir, the Jaguar vessel identifies as the Streaking Mist they are orientating to put their broadside weapons on this vessel.  Aerospace fighters have launched.  Captain, they are demanding an answer.”  Susan said getting his attention Jerry Harper nodded and spoke.

   â€œTurn us to face them” he commanded before reaching for the communications panel.  “I am Jerry Harper, the Smoke Jaguars are a dead Clan, whoever you are, you are not a Jaguar Khan.”

   â€œWhat people hear of the Jaguars and what is true are two different things.  Harper, I declare a Trial of Possession for your ship and crew.”

   â€œMy ship is no match for yours my aerospace fighters are short on fuel and ammunition, it would not be a fair fight.”

   â€œNothing in life is fair.”  Furey replied “fine, Sceptre have it your way.”  She said there was silence for several moments Harper half expected to see the Streaking Mist’s weapons light up and for the Sceptre to disappear around him instead he saw a small craft launch from the Black Lion and head towards them under escort by two Aerospace Fighters.  “Allow my fighters to dock with your WarShip my pilots will return on the small craft while your best pilots will face my own in combat.  The winner will decide the fate of the Sceptre.”

   â€œI agree I will fight this battle personally.”

   â€œYou are welcome to Star Captain”


   Almost an hour later Harper was sitting in the F-11 Cheetah Aerospace Fighter easing the twenty-five-ton craft to the left and back to the right.  Alongside him Pilot Naveen was also getting to know the Inner Sphere fighter craft.  “Star Captain Harper, are you prepared quiaff?” Khan Petra Furey asked

   â€œAff, Khan we are” he transmitted back suddenly two more Cheetah’s approached at high speed on either side pulse laser blasts were traded as the two flights crossed paths.  Harper braked heavily turning his fighter to the right trying to hunt down one of the enemy craft he saw that Naveen had followed his lead in the turn which brought them back into another flying pass with the Jaguars.  “Break to Port on my count, follow your own flight Naveen and allow your beak to guide you.”  He commanded “Break now!” 

As he did the two craft split one heading port while Harper pulled back on the stick pulling the Cheetah’s nose up and over flipping the craft and changing direction completely he then sharply turned to the right and forced the craft’s nose down moving into position he saw that Naveen’s path was going to bring him directly towards the two Jaguar pilots but Harper was more concerned with his own survival and allowed the fight to progress as it did he saw Naveen’s craft be peppered by several laser hits including one that pierced the cockpit killing the young Raven.  It was a warrior’s death and an honourable one at that, but it was also one that may have won them this battle.  Continuing his dive Harper brought both pulse lasers online targeting both enemy craft from above he fired down on them “walking” the pulse lasers over the two enemy Cheetah’s damaging both as he sliced through their flight path he spun his craft to port and starboard as the damaged Jaguars began to turn to follow him now more sluggish than before.

Harper danced the Cheetah through space avoiding the pulse laser fire from the chasing Jaguars allowing them to close on his craft “I tap the breaks” he whispered decelerating rapidly he watched as the two enemy craft closed rapidly missing his own ship by metres “and you fly by” he said triumphantly targeting one of the craft pounding its rear section with pulse laser fire what followed were a series of internal explosions that ended the Cheetah’s fight.  He then dived after the second craft keeping up his pursuit the pilot was obviously experienced and continued to push him to the limit of his skill.  Finally, the pilot tried to spin his craft in space intent on pivoting along the flight path to fire back on Harper’s craft unfortunately this only ever worked if you were not already in weapons range in pursuit Harper continued to fire cutting into the enemy Cheetah breaching its armour in several locations before the fighter exploded from the inside with the pilot ejecting.

   â€œStreaking Mist to Star Captain Harper, you are victorious today. well done” Khan Petra Furey transmitted to his fighter Harper hadn’t expected her to congratulate him herself nothing these Jaguars did made sense.  “Come aboard the Streaking Mist and we will discuss your future.”

   â€œSafcon is granted quiaff?”  He asked still surprised his enemy were not preparing another wave of fighters to attack him or using the Black Lion’s guns to target the Sceptre.

   â€œOf course, you are victorious”

   â€œI am on my way”


   The lights were dim onboard the Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser Streaking Mist and few of the crew wore full Smoke Jaguar uniforms instead they wore parts of multiple uniforms which these Clansmen had encountered during their journey from the Clan Homeworlds.  He was led through the vessel to the command centre deep inside the WarShip where he encountered Khan Petra Furey.  She was younger than he had expected and had medium length dark hair that was tied back behind her head he seamlessly slipped into two of the holding points on the floor so he could stand in the microgravity.

   â€œKhan Furey”

   â€œStar Captain Harper, welcome on board the Streaking Mist, an impressive performance out there today you have saved your WarShip from annihilation.”

   â€œI could not allow them to be lost without a fight.  Your generosity with lending us aerospace fighters and accepting the defeat.”

   â€œYour performance warranted it”

   â€œKhan, with respect you do not act like Smoke Jaguars I have ever encountered before.”

   â€œWe are not, we are survivors, we have faced the destruction of our Clan and we are still here.”

   â€œAnd your alliance with an Inner Sphere state?”

   â€œOur home is in their territory my Clan is only so strong.”

   â€œYou do know that your name alone could bring enemies to your door quiaff?”

   â€œAff, we are aware as is the District of Lesnovo and they are, at least for now, willing to stand by us.  I plan to grow the strength of my Clan so when our name is known we can stand against all comers.”

   â€œThat is quite a task”

   â€œA task that could be made easier with the addition of more Clansmen of like mind, skill and resource.”  She said broaching a new subject “Star Captain, your skill has impressed me and my warriors, I offer you all places in the reborn Clan Smoke Jaguar. Allow us to offer you the second chance we have been granted and let us return the Sceptre to glory.”  She said she saw his reluctance remained “we are not the same people you are familiar with and your presence will change us even more together we can show everyone the Clan Smoke Jaguar that they were supposed to see before.”

   â€œAff, on behalf of myself and my ship, I accept your offer Khan.”  He said bowing his head the chance to serve in a Clan again winning over his reservations he hoped that this was not a mistake like so many others the Sceptre had made.  For now the Sceptre would not be much of a benefit to the Smoke Jaguars or to the people of Lesnovo but in time with the correct assets it could be a powerful asset.

First Kathil Uhlans Landings
Les Halles, District of Oriente
Free Worlds League
7th May 3112

   With minimal ground defences and no naval presence Les Halles in the Free Worlds League’s District of Oriente made a perfect target for the First Kathil Uhlans as they retreated from the Capellan Confederation.  Landing in the middle of a massive snowstorm which appeared to cover the entire northern atmosphere the area had been picked to specifically avoid the planetary defenders.  Marshal Richard Steiner walked onto the command deck of his lead DropShip as it descended through the atmosphere this stopping point was designed to get them fuel and food that would sustain them during their trip back towards Federated Suns territory.  “Have landing party Alpha depart when we hit the ground they provide us with ground security while the other ships come down.  They are not to engage unless we are engaged.”

   â€œWe are invaders Marshal” Colonel Sofia Bukhalova reminded him she was his aide and friend a native of Wernke in the Federated Suns she had served in the Regiment for years and had Uhlan blood.

   â€œI know we are but we’re not going to attack them instead I plan to speak to them hopefully they will understand that we don’t mean them harm and we have come here by accident.”

   â€œOne Succession State’s armed forces in the territory of another, I can see this going so well.  I want to deploy Beta along with Alpha as soon as we’re settled.”

   â€œThat’s a third of our remaining forces.”

   â€œI fear we’ll need the security”

   â€œFine Colonel, but lets make sure we have plenty people taking downtime as well we don’t know how long we’ll be here and this weather isn’t going to help matters.”  He said as the Conquistador-class DropShip came in for its landing all around the DropShips were making landings in the deep snow that covered Les Halles surface.

   â€œCommunication from the planet” the communication officer said looking over at him “a Prefect Freema Smit.”

   â€œPut her on loudspeaker” he said “Prefect Freema Smit, I am Marshal Richard Steiner of the First Kathil Uhlans RCT of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns, we are not here as aggressors we wish to repair and refit and we are willing to trade for supplies.”

   â€œYou are a member of the Steiner family?”  She asked Richard Steiner shook his head barely believing what he had heard he had just told the leader of a planet that he was leading a foreign RCT to the planet’s surface and the planetary leader was only interested in the fact he was a member of the Steiner family.

   â€œI am a relation to the ruling line” he said thinking ‘a very distant relation.’ “Prefect, I want it to be very clear that our unit does not mean hostile intent.”

   â€œI understand you, Marshal Steiner, we wish to protest your unit’s arrival on Las Halles however we will not attack you on one condition” he said pausing for a moment “I wish to outfit my militia forces with traditional Steiner designs and I wish to dine with a member of the Steiner family two unique things in the District of Oriente.”

   â€œAgreed” Steiner replied thinking it would be a small price to pay as his unit planned the next part of their detour.

Jade Falcon Offensive
Crevedia, Donegal Province
Lyran Commonwealth
9th May 3112

   Across the Jade Falcon line elements of three Jade Falcon Clusters and one Ebon Guard Cluster fought against Lyran Commonwealth defenders and their mercenary back up.  At the centre of the Ebon Guard Galaxy Loremaster of the Clans Brennley Roshak piloted her Night Gyr OmniMech against the Lyran Commonwealth unit’s targeting her enemy with her OmniMech’s Extended Range Particle Cannons and type 10 ultra autocannon.  She had no need to be here in open combat she enjoyed feeling the power of the Night Gyr under her and seeing the destruction the weapons brought on the nearby Lyran BattleMechs and vehicles.  The defenders on this planet were not equipped with the best equipment most of those were deployed on Arcturus, Odessa, Donegal and Coventry.  Already the Jade Falcons had steamrolled over Alma Alta forcing back the Nineteenth Arcturan Guards RCT and the WarShip LCS Danzig while Cameron had also fallen to the Jade Falcons now Crevedia was their target and the Ebon Guard Cluster had been attached to them.

   Forcing her way forwards Brennley Roshak kept up her fire on a larger Zeus BattleMech the Inner Sphere assault Mech was produced in the Lyran Commonwealth and featured in almost all of their units.  Although being heavier than the Night Gyr the more powerful Clan weapons gave he the advantage moving forwards she triggered her particle cannons only for the Zeus to soak up the hit and return fire with its own particle cannon, laser and missile launcher showering the Jade Falcon OmniMech in weapons fire.  Brennley moved to the right twisting her OmniMech’s torso keeping her weapons on the Zeus she triggered her autocannon again sending more ballistic ordinance into the enemy assault Mech moments later she triggered her particle cannons the Zeus twisted its torso tracking her Night Gyr but the missiles went wide as did its laser with only the particle cannon striking the Roshak’s Mech.  Emboldened by the Lyran warrior’s misses Brennley charged on the Zeus closing the distance pumping further autocannon salvos into the Zeus.  As the seventy-five-ton Night Gyr moved forwards a gauss rifle slug flew in from Brennley’s right striking the upper half of the Night Gyr’s torso the slug careered up over the torso striking the bottom of the cockpit tearing through the cockpit decapitating the OmniMech killing the Loremaster of the Clans.

   While the loss of the Loremaster of the Clans was demoralising to the Ebon Guard cluster who also became the focus of the Lyran defence with the Cluster being essentially destroyed in the battle.  Unfortunately this focus allowed the Jade Falcon force to encircle and eliminate the defenders securing the main continent of Crevedia.  From the other continents two small mercenary units escaped the Jade Falcons.


   Nearly three weeks later Iwabuchi Nagasawa of Clan Sea Fox’s Faulk Khanate became the new Loremaster of the Clans.  The forty-seven-year-old Sea Fox warrior’s first duty is to promote the Watch unit to a front-line cluster and add it to the Ebon Guard Galaxy.  Meanwhile on the Jade Falcon border the Lyran’s continue to raid the Jade Falcon OZ trying their defences with the Charlestown Chiefs, Crescent Hawks and Snord’s Irregulars with the Charlestown Chiefs debuting their new Aurora-class DropShip and an additional lance of BattleMechs added during their time on Skye.

Border conflict
Rasalhague Dominion
Lyran Commonwealth
15th May 3112

   In retaliation for the troubles encountered on Freedom Clan Ghost Bear forces representing the Rasalhague Dominion raid Marfik, Freedom, Yed Prior and Alexandria on Marfik the Clansmen are turned away by the Gray Death Legion while other Lyran Commonwealth forces the Bear’s aggression takes many by surprise and raises defence standing in the Isle of Skye region of the Lyran Commonwealth.  Even against the Gray Death mercenaries the Ghost Bears adhere to Clan duelling laws of Zellbrigen.

Situation Tent, First Kathil Uhlans RCT
Ice Plains, Les Halles
District of Oriente, Free Worlds League
17th May 3112

   With his winter jacket wrapped around him Marshal Richard Steiner entered the command tent of the First Kathil Uhlans RCT he had been looking over the local militia force when word of the attack had been passed to him.  “What do we have?”

   â€œSir, within the last hour a Capellan Confederation assault force has arrived in system, sir, the Silver Shield has been destroyed by Capellan naval assets.”  Colonel Sofia Bukhalova reported as he entered “Capellans are no on their way to the planet.”

   â€œThe JumpShips and Comet?”

   â€œAs per your orders the JumpShips jumped clear of the system as we believe the Comet has.”  She reported his standing orders were for the JumpShips to avoid capture and attempt to make their way back to the Federated Suns anyway they could.  The Comet was under the same orders to avoid conflict and to escape back to the Federated Suns informing them of the plight of the Kathil Uhlans.

   â€œThen we’re on our own” Steiner said he’d hoped to still have the option to use the JumpShips to escape and keep the unit together but the people of Las Halles had been slower in passing on the supplies that were available probably because the AFFS unit didn’t have guns to their head but he hadn’t wanted to come across as a hostile force and as far he knew the world’s Prefect had not called for assistance from beyond Las Halles.  “Call all units have them prepare for a fight” he said looking at the holo-map they’d picked this glacier as a landing zone because it was open enough for the aerodyne craft they had but that also made it an area that the Capellan’s could use.  “Contact the Prefect inform her that aggressive Capellan forces are on their way to the planet we will do all we can to make sure they are not affected by this fight.”

   â€œAnd if the WarShip comes in?”

   â€œWe can’t do anything about that ship now we’ll just have to hope the Silver Shield and her fighters damaged them enough to make them wary about approaching if not we’ll send the fighters we have to worry them for as long as we can.”


   Six days later the Capellan Confederation forces arrived in orbit over the Kathil Uhlans position with their WarShip hovering away from planetary orbit holding at maximum range.  On the ground the Uhlans waited for the Capellan assault while aerospace fighters duked it out in the air above.  Across the radio waves a new communication was passed on all channels.

   â€œThis is Prefect Freema Smit to the incoming Capellan Forces welcome to Les Halles.”  The Prefect said “your conflict is with the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns unit on this planet.  At this very moment this transmission and everything that has run up to today is being sent to Oriente so I want t make this very clear.  We have not called for assistance from the Capellan Confederation’s Armed Forces not did we request you to enter into combat with those of the Federated Suns in this system.”

   â€œThis is Jason Zaklan of the Capellan Confederation.  Prefect, we do not need your call for assistance nor do we need your permission to engage with the Federated Suns.  They violated our territory they will pay the price of defiling the territory of the Celestial Wisdom.”  Came the accented response “my forces are beginning their atmospheric entry we will discuss Les Halles surrender once the Uhlans have been dealt with.”

   â€œWe have nothing to do with the Federated Suns unit…”

   â€œYou have harboured our enemies and continue to support them.”

   â€œThey have done us no harm” the Prefect said finally “we will defend against any threat to Les Halles.  The Uhlans are no threat and now you have become a threat.”  She said cutting the line.

   Sitting in his Templar OmniMech Marshal Richard Steiner had listened to the words as had the other members of his command in the air above them there were sonic booms as the Capellan DropShips entered the atmosphere joining their aerospace fighters which were already causing turmoil for the AFFS aerospace forces.  “Stand by everyone we know what’s coming we need to stand up to their forces and push them back.”

   â€œNew contacts eight Meteor-G and Four Angel Conventional Fighters coming from the capital they are aiming for the incoming Capellan DropShips.”

   â€œThey’re committing suicide” Steiner said watching the screens the fighters must have been carrying additional ordinance because they were flying far slower than they were capable but Richard Steiner knew the damage they could cause.  “Steiner to air wings interference in west quadrant, allow the local fighters to get in range.”  The conventional fighters continued to close on the Capellan DropShips as Capellan aerospace fighters moved on them AFFS aerospace fighters attempted to fly some interference allowing the FWL craft to close on a descending Union-class DropShip the thunder of the eight Meteor-G fighters autocannnons complemented by long range missiles from the two flights of Angel fighters pounded the Union shattering its port engines and two of the cargo bay doors.  The Union quickly began to fall faster than the other craft around it as the vessel lost control falling out of formation.  “Track that craft’s trajectory we’ll have to deal with the survivors.”  Above the militia fighters were continuing to press their luck turning on a giant Overlord-class DropShip unleashing their carried ordinance as well as their own inbuilt weapons.  The Overlord soaked up the damage while Capellan fighters ripped into the remaining conventional fighters.  “Thank you for trying” Richard Steiner said what everyone was thinking they hadn’t stood a chance but they had tried now all across the skies BattleMechs were appearing as they jumped towards the surface.

   The melee that followed was brutal as the Federated Suns force and Capellan Confederation force engaged in a no hold’s barred assault on each other.  Marshal Richard Steiner commanded his forces from the centre piloting his Templar in command of an entire company of assault Mechs together they were lashing out at entire companies of Capellan forces concentrating their fire proving why assault Mechs were so feared.  While they brought down several Capellan units aerospace fighters bombed the AFFS lines creating loss after loss.  “We need to break their ground forces company target this group.”  Steiner commanded stepping his Templar across the shadow of an Atlas BattleMech using it as a shield while he made his plan in the centre of the formation was a lace of Ti T’sang Heavy BattleMechs which Zaklan used as his personal BattleMech.  “That’s who we are going after” he said stepping out from behind the Atlas hitting one of Ti T’sangs with a particle cannon shot.  Together his assault company waded through Capellan units taking heavy damage as they did the Ti T'sangs didn’t retreat instead they turned on the Davion formation and charged forwards straight at them striking down enemies as they closed.  As they approached Richard Steiner’s command however they did so attacking enemy BattleMechs twenty-thirty tons heavier than their own Mechs.  While the Heavy Mechs had a huge amount of speed they lacked the armour of the heavier designs.  “Do not allow them to get into physical contact with those lances will ruin our armour.”  He reminded them all “split by lance pick a Mech and fire” he commanded “bring them down.”  He said the units combined fire on the four Capellan heavy Mechs taking heavy damage from all sides several of Richard’s Mechs were knocked down and out of the fight but so were all four Capellan BattleMechs.  The remaining Capellans continued to engage the Uhlans but they were heavily outnumbered and were quickly eliminated by the combined force of the remaining Uhlans.  Above them Capellan aerospace fighters continued to fly but without ground support they could not hold the territory and as this world was still a Free Worlds League governed world they dared not bombard the surface leading to a stalemate.   

Clan Council
Farstar, Clan Lynx Territory
Periphery
22nd May 3112

   Khan Katrine Devalis stepped up infront of the bloodnamed members of her Khan she knew they were still waiting for her to inform them where the Clan was heading but she needed to give them a new direction but first she needed to announce some changes.  “Fellow warriors” she said looking to either side of the gathered warriors “our Clan needs depth not only in our construction and training but also in our genetic make-up so today I am announcing the formation of the Bedford, Schuetz and Guerette Bloodhouses.  These houses have been closed by Clan Nova Cat for decades written off as not productive enough to be warriors but I believe that the Lynx can make them famous for other reasons.”  She said “we are also going to open a new Bloodhouse based off the blood of the local people who have fought and died for their own worlds.”  She said from the group of warriors there was a grumble from warriors but none raised a descent “we will build this Clan to be one of the strongest together by defending our homes and defeating our enemies.”  She said she could see they still wanted another announcement before the Council divided into individual Bloodhouses to support or denounce her motions “as of tomorrow I am calling for Trials of Possession against Ariel, Adesia, Erdenet and Alfrik and for a Trial of Possession for the use of the Sea Fox shipyard in Jarnfolk territory.”  She said she knew that would also give them something to focus on in the short term as the Clan prepared for actions against anyone who stood up to them.

   In the coming days Clan Lynx would win control over all four planets that were nestled between them and the Clan Sea Fox influenced Jarnfolk space.  The Clan would then go on to win access to the Sea Fox’s Shipyard but due to a spirited defence by the merchant-warriors the Lynx would only be allowed to access the shipyard when the Foxes permitted a far more complex resolution than Devalis had wanted but it was a start for her Clan.

   Elsewhere in the periphery Clan Nova Cat continues to battle the Taurian Concordat on several worlds causing Brofinder, Gordian Charleston, Orkney and Carvajal to all announce they were aligning with the newly formed Gaenir Collective.  Gaenir continues to broadcast its peaceful intentions to all of its neighbours while also hiring several small mercenary units to provide it with a defence.

So it's been a while, I went on holiday and moved house so something had to take a back seat

But here's some new stuff

Good to see you back at it DC!

Ah the Free Guilds. Writing conflict between them (a Clan without warriors) and anyone else is pretty tough to imagine outside the realm of civilian competition.

As I am developing my own angle on the Free Guilds (= Clan Belters) I look forward to more from your setting.

The Gaugamela Aerospace Fighter

https://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/index.php?topic=2828.0

Oh very nice, your incorporating the Gaugamela as well!

Cool beans.

Combat Drop
Las Halles, District of Oriente
Free Worlds League
8th September 3112

   The skies of Las Halles was filled with falling snow and falling BattleMechs as the Eagle’s Talons Regiment approached the surface of the world.  Marshal Richard Steiner looked into the sky and watched the BattleMech’s fall behind them several DropShips approached the surface of the planet.

   â€œA bit of a flashy entrance” Colonel Sofia Bukhalova said looking into the air.

   â€œMake sure out perimeter guards are alert tonight and have an extra battalion on standby just in case.”

   â€œYou think they’ll test our LZ?”

   â€œI think they’ll want to make sure they are noticed.”

   â€œWe had a planned training session with the militia.”

   â€œCancel it, no-one leaves the LZ until we figure out where the Talons are coming from.”

   â€œUnderstood” she said as the last of the Mechs disappeared from sight landing behind them the DropShips were still initiating their landing sequences.

   â€œI’ll contact Prefect Smit and explain that we do not mean hostile intent towards the Eagle’s Talons.  With any luck their JumpShips could get us off the border and heading home.”  Marshal Richard Steiner suggested the Colonel looked at him like he’d just said something funny.  “Yeah, silly hope.”

   As they’d suggested the Eagle’s Talons refused to give them the transports needed to get the unit back to the Federated Suns instead the FWL unit set up with the militia in a defensive pattern and called for an end to all joint operations with the Kathil Uhlans.  They did not however stop the First Kathil Uhlans continuing to trade with local businesses for supplies.

   Almost two weeks after the arrival of the Eagle’s Talons the First ComGuard Brigade, the SLS Firedrake and the SLS Siberia arrived in the system.  They had been deployed following the FSS Comet’s arrival at New Olympica and arrived to ensure that units of the two Star League states did not come to blows.  The added manpower from the Eagles Talons and SLDF also added a massive amount of extra business to the economy of Las Halles.

Proving Ground
Haven, Colleen system
Deep Periphery, Clan Homeworlds
10th September 3112

   Standing with saKhan Mira Collesano of the Blood Spirits and Goliath Scorpion Khan Ingo Yeh the Blood Spirit Khan Alex Lassenum stood watching as two Blood Spirit MechWarriors and two Goliath Scorpion Warriors battled in four new Obsidian Mantis OmniMechs.  The Obsidian Mantis was a new sixty-ton OmniMech developed by the Blood Spirits to reinforce their lines.

   â€œImpressive designs” Ingo Yeh said “I appreciate your Clan sharing some of the production with mine.”

   â€œToo much shared” Mira Coollesano said she was annoyed that Alex Lassenum had agreed to supply the Goliath Scorpions.

   â€œWe will begin our next deployment very soon” Ingo Yeh said.

   â€œWhere are you targeting next?”

   â€œHuntress then we are going to reinforce our forces on Hector.”  Yeh explained recently things had moved forwards for the Clans in their struggle against the Society now the Blood Spirits and Goliath Scorpions had holdings on New Kent, Hector, Sheridan and Glory with both Clans running supply missions to their forces there.  While the Clans couldn’t claim dominance over any of the worlds, they had more say in those systems development than any other.  “Where are your Blood Spirits hitting next?”

   â€œThere is a rumour that the Society is developing a new type of WarShip we are going to have a look at their facilities at Brim.”

   â€œThat place is a fortress Khan Lassenum.”

   â€œAff, Khan Yeh, which is why it is our target.” Mira Collesano explained “we will cut off this new threat while we can.”

   â€œI wish you well” Yeh said as the two battles below them finished the two Clans had shared the honours in the battle with both a Blood Spirit and Goliath Scorpion warrior claiming victory.  “I hope this is a good sign for both of our peoples.

Jade Falcon Offensive
Isle of Skye, Kirkcaldy
Lyran Commonwealth
13th September 3112

   Following a successful blitzkrieg campaign that had seen the Lyrans brutally occupy Knockengen, Hillerod, Porrima and Veckholm the destruction of two front-line units and of two Lyran WarShips at the cost of one of their own WarShips and the majority of three Clusters the Jade Falcons were on the verge of breaking into the Isle of Skye region of the Lyran Commonwealth with an attack on Kirkcaldy.

   Intent on scouting the system before launching a full assault the Jade Falcon’s elite Eighth Falcon Jaegers Cluster fast burn onto the planet avoiding Lyran aerospace forces landing near Fife City they move on the positions occupied by the Sixth Commonwealth Guards RCT only to be pounded by artillery fired by the unit’s armour battalion and several Trutzburg-class DropShips.  Each of the DropShips was armed with three turreted Long Tom Artillery pieces which together essentially added a second artillery battalion to the armour forces firepower.  This barrage of fire was enhanced by the Sixth’s two armour regiments which were dug into the hillside and were sniping at the Clan force.

   Following the artillery barrage came the Sixth’s Mech and Battle Armour regiments which tear into the disorientated Clan Cluster.  Normally an elite Clan Cluster would be a match for a Veteran Inner Sphere Regiment but facing the majority of an RCT alone the Eighth Falcon Jaegers essentially cease to be in the heavy fighting.  As well as the Trutzburg’s debut the Lyrans also are able to deploy a new BattleMech during the fighting the fifty-five-ton Eisenkanone.  Inspired by the Hollander and Hollander II BattleMechs the Eisenkanone is an example of the “one big gun” philosophy of BattleMech design although it is slow for its weight Class the BattleMech brings an Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle to the battlefield, a weapon normally only seen on certain heavy and assault units, making it a threat to BattleMechs several tons heavier when used correctly.

Battlefield, SLDF Lines
Belle Isle, Taurian Concordat
18th September 3112

   Sergeant Alberto Ammann hefted his Federated-Boeing AR-72 Assault rifle from one side of the trench to the other targeting a group of incoming Clan Nova Cat battle armour with Mechs in support.  Alberto was a member of the Fourth Royal Infantry Regiment and a member of the detachment of the Brigade that had been sent to Belle Isle elsewhere members of the Star League unit had been deployed to support the defence of the Concordat.  He personally found it hilarious that he and his men were members of the SLDF a modern organisation that had been created to defend the Inner Sphere from the Clans.  The Clans were descendants of the original SLDF who's own decedents had fought to subjugate the Taurian Concordat which now the Nova Cats were fighting to do.  The Fourth Royal Regimental Brigade was spread all over the Concordat supporting the Taurians.  “Here they come boys now all of you remember target those battle suits by the squad it’s the only way to penetrate their armour.” He commanded snapping back to reality watching the Clans close.

   â€œARROW! ARROW! ARROW!”  The warning suddenly blasted over every radio in the vicinity.  For a moment the SLDF troopers froze not sure how to react to the Taurian accented voice.  An “Arrow” launch code in Taurian space meant one thing someone had fired a nuclear weapon in their direction.

   â€œMasks on!”  Alberto Ammann screamed at his men after a moment “Seal your fucking armour and get the hell into that trench!”  He screamed as the full realisation of what was going on.  “Com’on move it, now!  Eat the dirt” he said as the men hurriedly pulled radiation masks over their uniform and tried to close any gaps Alberto himself was doing the same thing.  The belief was that the masks and seals would be enough to keep the radiation out for long enough to get themselves back to a base where it could be washed off but few of them believed it.  “This isn’t a drill do it now!”  He continued to shout in the sky above him there was a ferocious roar as the missile flew overhead Alberto took one final look at the incoming Clansmen before diving into the trench.  Once as low as he could get, he hurriedly pulled a silver blanket which was designed to protect him from the heat blast over his body.  Alberto keyed his mic one more time “Keep down boys and girls wait out the coming storm” he said as the missile hit it’s target nearly two kilometres away hitting the Nova Cat Landing Zone destroying their DropShips and sending a wave of fire and radiation out.

   The blast quickly passed over the joint SLDF/Taurian Cocordat lines flipping over vehicles and knocking over BattleMechs.  For a few moments’ screams filled the radios as ill prepared troopers were caught up by the blast wave before everything went silent as the following EMP fried unprepared circuits.

   The Nova Cats who were closest to the blast were almost all killed or crippled by the blast while nearly a third of the SLDF detachment had been killed by the blast.  In the hours after the missile attack all SLDF forces pull off Belle Isle by the command of General Marta Mallozzi as the SLDF pulled back from the front-lines demanding that the Taurians lock away their remaining nuclear weapons.  In the coming days the Nova Cats returned to Belle Isle destroying the First Taurian Pride Regiment days after the Nova Cats also landed on Mirfak assaulting the Taurian Concordat forces their but being driven back as the Taurians defended the Germanium deposits there using nuclear weapons to cripple the Nova Cat WarShip Excalibur in the system.

Coordinator’s quarters, Imperial Palace
Imperial City, New Samarkand
Military District of Midway, Draconis Combine
22nd September 3112

   After a year imprisoned in the Imperial Palace on New Samarkand having gotten through a spate of depression Akira Kurita was ready to retake his place as leader of the Draconis Combine unfortunately the guards were all loyal to Hirohito Kurita so he and his wife Julia would have to act alone.

   â€œYou are ready” Akira said to her as they waited for the guards to arrive with their daily food.  Julia nodded her response playing the subservient wife that the Combine guards had come to accept few of them knew she was trained in the martial art of Kung Fu.  Their guards had attempted to put cameras in their quarters but Akira had broken them they may have been aware of Akira’s attempts at training her in Karate but they had no idea about her own abilities.

   The doors to their quarters opened and as was expected of them both Akira and Julia Kurita stood at the door and bowed to them as the two guards in dress uniform entered after all this time all they had on them were their side arms and ceremonial katana and wakizashi swords.  Both guards bowed out of respect for the Kurita family and that was when they acted Akira took the guard on the right while Julia took the one on the left both striking out at the same time.  The guards were momentarily taken by surprise staggering backwards but staying on their feet it then became a battle of skills and strength.  Akira was stronger than his guard but his guard was armed and quickly reached for his sidearm which Akira kicked away immediately the guard reached for his katana only for Akira to strike the guard several times knocking him backwards the sword falling to the floor.  As he reacted to Akira’s attack the former Coordinator of the Draconis Combine rolled across the floor snatching the Katana blade into his hand as he did completing his roll he brought the weapon around in a circular motion cutting down the guard in a singular blow.

   Meanwhile Julia had used her speed to avoid her guard’s blows ducking and rolling while striking out at her opponent as he drew his sidearm instead of knocking the weapon away, she rapidly disarmed him gaining control over the weapon she fired several shots cutting him down.  Without time to waste they moved towards the door Akira picked up the other guards sidearm as he stepped through the door which allowed him to miss the shots fired at the doors by the other guards.  Julia was not so lucky as she stepped out of the door two shots struck her in the chest her weapon falling to the ground as she lost her grip and staggered under the fire Akira raised his weapon and fired at the incoming guards killing one while he watched his wife fall to the floor he could tell she was dead before she hit the ground.

   The Coordinator screamed in anger firing several more shots down the corridor cutting down another guard before taking one last look at his falled partner.  Finally knowing there was nothing he could do but escape he turned and ran into the Imperial Palace searching for a way out.  Several hours of searching later the guards had failed to locate Coordinator Akira Kurita he had found a way to leave the Palace without being seen and was now somewhere in the Imperial City.  Coordinator Hirohito Kurita commanded that the Imperial City be placed under martial law until the “fugitive” was brought to justice.

Meeting House,
Mopelia Island, New Earth
Star League Protectorate
25th September 3112

   A group of nine members sat around a wooden table with a book in the centre of the table.  It was a copy of the Clans Remembrance once that had once belonged to Clan Smoke Jaguar and was known among the people sat there as The Unopened Book.  As far as the people gathered today were concerned it was the last known copy of the Smoke Jaguar Remembrance but today’s news appeared to cast doubt on that fact.

   On the Tri-vid screen beside them was a recording of the recent Free Worlds League Parliament in which the District of Lesnovo had publicly declared that members of Clan Smoke Jaguar not only lived but were flourishing in the Free Worlds League.

   â€œCustos, we must meet with this Khan” one member of the group said looking at the leader of the group who must have been close to one hundred years old.  Clearly an elemental by birth with an artificial arm replacing one that had been lost in previous combat.

   â€œWe must not, they are not Smoke Jaguars, the Smoke Jaguar Clan is dead.  If they are anything than they are dark caste who have no name to claim but a dead one.”  Another said angrily that was the opinions of the two sides of the Fidelis movement one who was happy to see their people live in peace on New Earth and the other that wished for them to go out and face those who challenged them.

   â€œOur agreement with the Star League Defence Force is quite clear” Custos said quietly “we have supported the people of New Earth in their time of need.”  He said referring to the terrorist bombings that had rocked the world in 3092.  “But the moment that we deploy forces off of New Earth we become an armed force of the Star League Defence Force they can call on our forces until our debts are paid.  They did not have to give us sanctuary on this world Bannister Cameron could have turned us away he did not our debts are great.”

   â€œWe already have elements off this planet.”

   â€œFlatus is not a threat to anyone the Star League know this they allow us to keep her to humour themselves.”
   â€œIf only they knew” another said smiling the Star League knew about their WarShip hidden in the asteroid belt they believed it was tethered to one of the largest asteroids there and hadn’t been serviced or moved since it’s arrival.  What they didn’t know was that the Fidelis had built a support structure around it, repaired, serviced and modified the vessel to a modern standard making it far more of a match for other vessels.

   â€œThey are also happy for us to supply them with BattleMechs from the Yankee facility.”

   â€œAnd turn a blind eye to some of our other facilities.”  Custos reminded them “I am not against investigating these Jaguars claims but we must weigh the costs to our people.”  He said finally a vote was taken shortly afterwards and a decision was made the Fidelis would travel to the District of Lesnovo and discover more about these would be Jaguars.

Open Space near Galatea Station
SLDS Prometheus, Isegrim-class DropShip
Galatea, Star League Protectorate
30th September 3112

   â€œThis is Captain Bruce Boxleitner of the DropShip Prometheus to District of Dieron forces you have entered Star League Defence Force claimed space.  Galatea and its station are off-limits to hostilities.  Further action by your forces will result in your destruction.”  He said cutting the communication channel from his command chair “copy that message to the station and to the Subtlety.”

   â€œSubtlety has said they are standing by should anything bigger come through.”

   â€œWe’ll holler if we need them” he said looking at the screens seeing the squadron of fighters from the station were staying close.

   â€œCommunication from the Dieron vessel their entry into this system was in error Lyran forces from the Lyons system were retreating and they believed they had come through here.”

   â€œReply that their message is understood and as they can see they have not entered this system and that if they wish to push the matter the McKenna-class Battleship behind us will happily answer them.”

   â€œMost of the Subtlety’s weapons manned by cadets.”

   â€œThey don’t know that” the Captain said “target the forward guns see if that gets the message across.”

   â€œMessage from Galatea Station to the Dieron forces, it’s the Governor, he’s offering them an option to retreat with their equipment intact or face the wolf.”  The communications officer said Boxleitner smiled at the response when the SLDF had assigned him here to help transition the people from the Lyran Commonwealth to the SLDF he hadn’t been too sure if he’d like Governor O’Hare but the two of them had fit together quite well.  Now as Dieron and Skye exchanged blows, and systems, it appeared that they’d have to work even closer together.  In the most recent attacks Lyons had been captured by Dieron while six other systems, seven if Galatea was included, had been raided as the District of Dieron attempted to assert itself with its neighbours.

   â€œMessage from JumpShips they are recalling their DropShips and standing down.”

   â€œVery good, stand down weapons and begin deacceleration bring us down to one G.  The fighters can dock at the recharge station to refuel.”  He said smiling over the last six months engineering teams had completed the system’s first recharge station a cut down version of the Olympus-class stations it featured no common areas for visitors instead it was purely a fuelling station for JumpShips, WarShips and DropShips.  Anyone wishing to stay in the system had to travel to Galatea Station to conclude their business.  Due to traffic in the system already there were plans for a second recharge station and talk of a second station on the scale of Galatea Station being built the system’s primary inhabited world may have been abandoned but this system was very much a light in the constant night of space.