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Rim Association Expansion
Twin Sons, Former Free Worlds League
26th August 3086

   The facilities the former Smoke Jaguars had built on Twin Sons was impressive considering the limited resources they had.  Sandra was conscious that much of the resources that had been used to build this world had been taken but they impressive none the less.  “We can currently field a Trinary of these Tanks and a single star of the heavier machine.  They are superior to anything the locals can field and have almost as much mobility as your Shadow Cat if not the overall mobility.”  Furey was explaining as he and Sandra stood in one of the DropShip’s main bays.  In front of her was a hovertank like none she had ever seen, powered by a fusion engine, which was exceedingly rare on this world, it had eight missile tubes on the turret and a single cannon which Furey described as a Star League-era Light Particle Cannon, the first energy weapon developed on this world.  Sandra remained quiet over the fact that LPPCs as they were known in the Inner Sphere were quite common since their re introduction in the early 3080s, for them to have been developed on this world from simple plans was mightily impressive.

   That was not to say the Smoke Jaguars had been completely unlucky, despite being abandoned by their Mech Commander they had found themselves under solid leadership in Furey and a couple of other Bloodnamed Elementals, and they had found their civilians were not just useful for manual labour.  Away from the constraints of the Clan caste system they had proven capable techs, engineers and scientists.  With working knowledge of Clan built weapons and equipment they had turned sheet metal into active systems.  “We have also captured at least a dozen of the local ultra-light Mech machines, the locals insist on calling them “Gears” where the term came from I have no idea.  We have had limited success in repairing and using them, the local neurohelmets do not appear entirely safe to use.  You on the other hand…”  He said looking out the bay door at the rebuilt Hunter.

   â€œAff, we had additional neurohelmets ready for salvage operations in case we had been lucky to encounter enemy Mech forces, the units are compatible with standard neurohelmets.  Unfortunately I have not pilots or helmets with me at the moment.”

   â€œPerhaps when we take the parts to your ship we could borrow them?  A gesture of goodwill to secure our alliance, Quiaff?”  He asked obviously hoping for their use.

   â€œI believe that may be possibly, Niops builds us plenty of additional helmets, despite the damage the Marians thought they were doing the system is a gold mine.”  She said she couldn’t be happier with the planet and its production she noticed that Furey looked worried.  “As could this world be Michael, Twin Sons is possibly the most developed world we have seen in this region of the Free Worlds League, something your people can be very proud about.”

   â€œEven with our past?  This world’s difficult atmosphere?  And the warring factions on this world and its overall primitive technology base? Quineg”

   â€œIt has ways to go but in time I could see this world being a powerhouse of the Rim Association, with places for all its people.”  Sandra said carefully Michael’s points were all very valid ones but this world still had a lot of potential.  “First we have other problems, namely being that blockade force out there between us and our DropShip.  My people do not have the firepower to do it alone.”

   â€œNeg, but we do together.  My light trinary will launch a diversionary attack on Mekong, the largest settlement to the south capable of launching this kind of attack.  The leader there is an old fool who claims he is the direct descendant of John Marik himself and that one day he will be leader of the greater Free Worlds League which is his destiny.”  Furey laughed at the thought of the old man “the sight of our Hovercraft will panic him and have his armour forces driving for the south.  At that point my heavy star will hit the north flank of the Southern force, my Battle Armour force will ride aboard our transport vehicle and provide close defence for the equipment.  Your star can escort us through the battle, once clear my light force will pull back and the battle will end.”

   â€œJust like that, won’t they chase you back into the city?”

   â€œNeg, they are afraid of what we could have in this city, my heavy armour force will remain on defence and they do not know Megiddo is still not operational.”

   â€œMegiddo?”  Sandra asked unaware of anything by that name

   â€œSomething for your next visit and a mystery that will ensure your return.  Trust me Major it is something worth returning for.”  Furey said roaring with more laughter.

   â€œI’ll have to hold you to that.”  Sandra said smiling, for a Smoke Jaguar Sandra found Furey to be a decent person in his own way, despite the obvious alcohol abuse he seemed to know a lot about this world and its people.

Rim Association Expansion
Twin Sons, Former Free Worlds League
27th August 3086

   The next morning came rapidly.  The thirty light hovercraft used their jump jets to leap the far wall of Port Arthur completely avoiding the blockade force.  According to Furey the design for the jump jets and the computer that controlled them was a direct copy of those found on an Kanga Jump Tank which had been lost in battle.  The lighter machines only weighed in at thirty tons which according to Furey made the jump jets slightly more unpredictable while the heavier unit matched the Kanga’s fifty ton size making them more reliable.  As the light machines shot across the sands of the Badlands Sandra noted the units were already gaining some attention from light units of the blockade, almost immediately tracked and wheeled units that had supplemented the blockade forces Mechs were beginning to turn towards south, a large artillery unit fired several rounds at the hovercraft but they were moving far too quickly to be caught.  Soon after the ten heavier Smoke Jaguar hovercraft leapt over the north wall these gaining far less attention than the lighter units had gathered.  Furey explained that it would take at least an hour for the heavier units to move into position, around the same time the lighter machines would be approaching Mekong in the south gaining more attention of the blockade force.

   Now Sandra sat in her Shadow Cat’s cockpit checking her systems for what seemed like the twentieth time.  On her Mech’s back were the five Elementals of her star.  Flanking the two large transport vehicles were both her Oro and Hachiman Tanks while David Ramirez in his Hunter stood beside her Shadow Cat.  On the transport vehicles were twenty-five Smoke Jaguar Elementals in Battle Armour, all their units lacked the missile packs normally found on Clan units, these Elementals having long ago used their missiles in combat.  Still twenty-five suits was not an insignificant force, one of them was Michael Furey who had insisted on joining the battle despite his advanced age.

   â€œJag One to Sierra One” Furey called “our strike force is engaging as we speak, we go in five minutes let their attention be taken.”

   â€œAff, standing by all Liger call-signs stand read, homebase we are preparing to leave Port Arthur, be ready for combat to come your way if we cannot disengage.”  She warned her DropShip, if the south force did not choose to disengage like Furey suspected this could be a very long day.

   â€œWe are ready Major” Sandra nodded they were ready, whatever happened, former Nova Cats and Smoke Jaguars on a forgotten world ready to walk into combat together.  How life was a funny thing Sandra though grimly as the clock ran down to zero.

   â€œAll call-signs, we are go protect the cargo transports and may our visions guide us, our armour protect us and our weapons do all the talking we have no words for.”  She said it was an impromptu speech but it embodied everything they needed today their future would be decided, stay here or return to the Rim Association, either way Sandra believed she would be happy.  But victory was the ultimate happiness.

   Even with heavy defence fire from the Smoke Jaguar vehicles based in Port Arthur the blockading Mechs immediately opened fire on Sandra’s unit as soon as it left the settlement.  Fortunately most of the enemy units had only a single salvo with their missiles before being reduced to machine guns.  Some of the larger units the size of a twenty-five ton BattleMech seemed to move like assaults and were far heavily armed with multiple missile launchers on their “stumpy” arms.  The Mechs reminded Sandra of a Locust.  Beside them slightly smaller machines armed with what looked like mortars, grenade launchers and massive arrays of rockets were the next problem.

   â€œPoint 2 and Three, you need to concentrate on defending those transports work with the Elementals on board them but keep fire against them to a total minimum.”  She ordered dodging a flight of missiles from one of the smaller machines before returning fire with a pair of Medium Lasers.  “Point 6, keep mobile you don’t have the firepower or the armour for a stand up fight.”  She ordered David Ramirez “Do not allow us to become bogged down, keep moving forward even if one of our units is downed.  We get their parts to the DropShip or we are stuck here.”  A group of lights winked out as all her people acknowledged her orders the point of Battle Armour on her back didn’t bother to reply instead acting as Elementals tended to do launching into the air assaulting a pair of enemy Mechs.  Missiles shot from their backs as they downed one Mech with ten Missiles before landing on a second enemy Mech beginning one of their feared swarm attacks.

   Happy her people knew what they were doing Sandra charged her Mech forward at the cluster of enemy machines that anchored the centre of the enemy formation.  As she closed she triggered her Mech’s torso mounted autocannon as quickly as it would reload smashing all six of the Mechs with cluster rounds.  Individually they were smaller and slower than her Shadow Cat but together they could be a serious threat.  Both of the “locust” type Mechs opened fire with short range missile launchers and an under nose mounted cannon nipping away at her OmniMech’s armour.  Looking at the damage Sandra guessed the cannon was actually a big machine gun or some sort of primitive cannon as it did little damage while the SRMs behaved exactly like Short Range Missiles, together they would be a problem.

   Launching her Mech into the air Sandra cut off a barrage of laser fire into one of the Mechs coring much of the armour.  She saw some sort of internal explosion as the cannon went offline but otherwise the Mech stood up to the fire.  Around her Shadow Cat the air was filled with missiles and rockets as her enemy tried to track the leaping OmniMech, several missiles tagged the Shadow Cat’s back as it began to fall back to the ground.  Ignoring the fire Sandra concentrated on bringing her Mech down on its feet.  Stumbling as it landed Sandra saw the left food actuator had taken some damage limiting its movement and her speed.  Ignoring the damage Sandra twisted her Mech’s OmniMech torso she fired another burst from her autocannon happy to see one of the enemy Mechs fall to the ground on fire.  The other Mechs continued to fire their hand held weapons, grenade launchers and mortars, fortunately the hand guns did little damage, both the mortars and grenade launchers appeared to be firing smoke rounds instead of causing damage.  With all the fire and smoke around Sandra was fighting with her instruments and could barely see the battle around her.

   â€œPoint One, we are breaching the enemy lines.”  One of the armour commanders reported Sandra could barely tell who under the noise behind him and around her Mech.

   â€œOh hell I’m going down!” there was a scream from David Ramirez followed by an explosion over to Sandra’s left she couldn’t see who had hit him or if he had ejected.  Instead she turned back to her own fight immediately into a group of SRMs.  Tightly packed sixteen missiles slammed into the Shadow Cat covering the Mech for a single moment in fire.  Sandra went from fighting a battle to fighting for control over her OmniMech as over two tons of armour was obliterated in seconds.  Firing her autocannon wildly Sandra could feel the temperature had risen in her cockpit, probably an engine hit too.  Blindly she launched her OmniMech into the air, as the forty-five ton machine flew through the air she saw one of the enemy Mech and fired all four lasers.  The heat in the Shadow Cat’s cockpit flew almost as high as the Mech’s actual jumping height as the head dispensation system failed to control the sudden surge however Sandra could clearly see the enemy Mech fall under her fire, another one down.

   â€œPoint One, we are clear” the same armour commander replied “you need to pull back” he suggested as Sandra’s Mech came down heavily on the sand dunes, somehow she saved the Mech from falling for a second as more missile fire ravaged the back of her OmniMech.  It was all over in a second, an alarm to her right activated as the ammunition bin of her autocannon was hit, the Mechs automatic Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment activated containing the explosion, the cockpit roof exploded away and her ejector seat fired.  Soaring through the air away from her dying machine Sandra could see the battle was continuing both north and south of her position, she could also see she was arcing away from her DropShip.  She tried her comms but the air rushing past her knocked the words out of her mouth.  Her seat tumbled through the air for several moments smashing her head from side to side knocking her unconscious, the seat’s automatic parachute systems engaged and saved her from a deadly plummet towards the ground.  Her battle was over, her victory with her people escaping marred by her loss of her OmniMech and being stuck being enemy lines.

   Several hours later Sandra Rimmer awoke lying on a comfortable bead in a darkened room; across from her was Michael Furey his head and arm both bandaged heavily.  “Welcome back to the land of the living.”  He said weakly, moving slowly Sandra sat up and looked around.

   â€œWhere are we?  What happened to my people?”  She asked as she realized they were neither at her DropShip or back at Port Arthur.

   â€œAfter your Mech was destroyed” he stated, that alone brought pain to Sandra, that OmniMech although no more alive than the clothes on her back was one of the last things linking her to her past with Clan Nova Cat.  With its destruction she was now one of the dispossessed, something unthinkable to a Clan warrior, she wondered if she would ever pilot a Mech again.  “We able to get to your DropShip, three of your Elementals were dead and one of the Hachimans was ablaze.  Without being able to see you, I chose to begin a search for you with a small group of my Elementals while the parts were fitted.”

   â€œDid the parts work?  Is my ship safe?”  She asked immediately interrupting again

   â€œWould you allow me to finish, Quiaff?”  He asked raising his voice she nodded “I found you a short time later but as I approached a group of Southern infantry surrounded my position capturing both of us, my Battle Armour was too badly to fight them and protect you.”

   â€œI’m sorry” she apologised “my ship?”

   â€œIt was my choice.  I came looking for you knowing that I may be captured.  The rest of your unit came under increasing fire from the natives, they left the planet…” he looked at his wrist at the watch that wasn’t there “must have been a day ago” he said smiling weakly.

   â€œSo where are we?”  Sandra asked looking around their room, it was a drab looking place if there ever was one but not the most uncomfortable cell.  There appeared to be a separate toilet area and two beds, although she questioned if either would take Furey’s weight.

   â€œYou are guests of the Dominion of John Marik the Great, under the stewardship of Prime Marshal Anastasius Marik his blood grandson and true ruler of Twin Sons.”  Another voice said as the doors opened “you will be considered our guest, despite your aggressions against our people” he said addressing Sandra.  The man was in his late twenties dressed in an elaborate purple and gold uniform with hundreds of campaign medals “you are an enemy of the state and will be dealt with appropriately.”  He said turning on Michael Furey as several armed infantry entered with raised weapons.  Furey could have fought them off, Sandra was quite certain but the big Elemental simply nodded as he was taken away.  “What you do and what you say will depend on his survival.”  The newcomer said taking Furey’s chair “now you will tell me about your people, their technology and their plans for the Twin Sons.” He said smiling, Sandra could tell he enjoyed interrogating people, but he had never interrogated a Clan MechWarrior before.  She was content that her people had escaped, what the future brought was anyone’s guess, she would stay loyal to them whatever happened as she knew the Rim Association would be back to the Twin Sons and the Liger Warriors would have a second chance against the world.

Much of the Rim Association adventure was previously posted in the mini story In the Darkness There is Light now its in the story

Big update, looking forward to the return of the Rim to Twin Sons.

Shouldn't be too long I like it there

Next bit...

Clan Coyote Hall
Katyusha City, Strana Mechty
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Homeworlds
8th September 3086

   "I never stop missing this world or its sights."  Khan Nathan Fetladral said quietly looking out the windows over the plains Strana Mechty at the Svoboda Zemylya and the main Clan Genetic Repository.

   "It is a shame Clan Wolf is not at home more often" Khan Salas Kufahl of Clan Coyote said quietly.  "Your Clan's voice in the Council Chambers and on the streets of the Homeworlds would carry much weight. Quiaff?"

   "Aff, it would" Nathan conceeded "but other Clans decided that Clan Wolf belonged with the Crusader Invasion so that is where our path lies.

   "Says the warden leading that Clan."  Salas said knowingly he knew that Nathan Fetladral despite his bravado was in fact more warden than he'd ever admit publicly.  He would lead the Crusader Clan in conflict with its enemies but he would also do is best to protect the people under his charge.  Which was one reason Salas had agreed to meet with him and to agree this deal.

   "Aff" Nathan answered quietly "you have led the Coyote Clan for many years Khan Kufahl.  Over that time the Coyotes have once more become a powerhouse of the Homeworlds, quietly the Coyotes lead while others in the limelight take credit."

   "It has been many years since my Clan was at the front of anything."  Salas said quietly "and leading the current crop of the Clans is perhaps far from our desires."

   "Perhaps I could offer something that would kindle some desire?"  Nathan asked turning back towards the older Khan.  "The transfer of territory belonging to Clan Wolf in exchange for certain resources the Coyotes hold?"

   "That could be of interest."  Salas confirmed

   "We would transfer territory within the Inner Sphere to your Clan."  Nathan said quietly Salas looked shocked the Coyotes had never entertained the thought of returning to the Inner Sphere.  Although given the escalating conflicts within the Homeworlds it could perhaps be understood.

   "The Inner Sphere..." Salas said quietly mesmerized by the idea "but where will Clan Wolf be?"

   "For a time we would share at least some of the territory."  Nathan confirmed quietly "but in time Clan Wolf's Touman will be required elsewhere."  He said cryptically "during the shared time your forces will essentially be Wolf forces but this is no absorption."  Nathan said Salas nodded he didn't like the idea of sharing worlds but then the Homeworlds had always be shared, having two Clans share an Occupation Zone was dangerous but Clans Wolf and Coyote had always been allies until the time of Khan Vlad Ward when the relationship had become strained.

   "What would be the price for this transfer?"

   "A Galaxy of Warriors for deployment within the Kerensky Cluster."

   "That would gut my forces within the Homeworlds, even with new recruits from the sibkos.  We would require more firepower to ensure Coyotes can escape the Homeworlds should it be needed."  Salas said seeing where the Wolf Khan would be willing to take their conversation.

   "Name your price Khan Kufahl."

   "We both know Clan Wolf has access to a naval shipyard that is at least capable of repairing WarShips if not building brand new vessels" he noticed Fetladral smirk slightly "or perhaps it is more than capable."  Salas said making it obvious he had noticed the Wolf Khan's slip "two Wolf WarShips transferred to Coyote command would give us the firepower to ensure our people could escape if required and allow us to stand as equals with other Clans."

   "That could perhaps work" the Wolf Khan confirmed, it would be a loss but Clan Wolf had always focused on its ground forces rather than WarShips anyway.

   "And..." Salas added "exclusive access to the Winson Bloodhouse."

   "That has always been a shared house, our Clans have always trusted each other to use this house well.  The Founder's wife was of that House it has ingrained links to Clan Wolf."

   "She was the Founder of Clan Coyote!"  Salas said raising his voice angered at the Wolf Khan's assumption that only Clan Wolf needed access to the house. "You are asking my Clan to take great risks in this move, in sharing a new home with your Clan which without your leadership could act against it."  He said thinking as if Vlad Ward was in charge once more "and we are potentially taking any flak from your operations on Strana Mechty.  You owe us this."

   "We will retain access to the Bloodlines we already hold and may use them within our own gentics program Quiaff?"  Nathan asked ensuring his Clan would still have access to the Bloodline and a link to Jennifer Winson.

   "Aff, but Clan Coyote holds the rights to raise sibkos exclusively of that name, Quiaff?"

   "Aff, I will pass this agreement with my Clan's council."

   "As will I" Salas confirmed as Nathan Fetladral turned towards the windows once more.

   "I will miss this sight once all is done" the Wolf Khan said

   "I will die before I leave it" the Coyote Khan confirmed his own feelings

   "We each have our own paths." Nathan Fetladral said turning away back towards the Coyote leader

   "Just as the Founder foresaw." Salas said all the Clans had been given their own leadership for a reason the Founder had known that they all would find their own paths and find their own ways.  Each would choose its own path for survival, some would fail, some already had Salas Kufahl knew that his Clan would not be one to fail.

   "Seyla" both said in unison their agreement made.

Regulan Expansion
Former Free Worlds League
14th September 3086

   Six months after their previous operations the RFS Clipperton and RFS Gibson are deployed once more to unaffiliated worlds within the former FWL by Regulan leaders.  The deployment of the vessels is clear the Regulan Fiefs will use any force neccessary to expand its borders especially if the worlds have no means of defence and none of the bigger splinter states of the Free Worlds League will act.

   Unfortunately unlike the previous operation which had led to two worlds joining the Regulan Fiefs this operation goes wildly wrong.  First the RFS Clipperton launches an orbital blitz on the world of Nullarbor devastating nearly thirty square kilometres of countryside surrounding the worlds small capital causing nearly 1,000 civilian deaths after the worlds leaders refuse to join the Regulan Fiefs.  The world surrenders without another word or shot fired.

   Then the RFS Gibson drops a thermonuclear warhead into the atmosphere of the world of Cajamarca after a disagreement between the planet's rulers and the Gibson's commander. Command detonating the bomb over the world's capital the blast sends an EMP pulse across the small city that knocks out the electricity to millions.   On the world which is in the middle of its winter season nearly six thousand people die of exposure to the elements as the capital cities emergency response services fail to cope with the disaster.

   Although none of the other Free Worlds League states interfere in these attacks or try to stop the Regulans they all take note of the capabilities of the Regulus-class Frigates and the lengths the Regulans are willing to go to.  They also take note of the three other Regulus-class vessels in various states of construction and the threat that could be leveled at their own states.

Emergency Whitting Conference
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
22nd September 3086

   "Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Terra" Gavin Dow said, as governor of Terra he was still technically the host of this meeting despite General Bannister Cameron's position as leader of the Star League Protectorate.  "This meeting was called by the Advisory Council and by the Commanding-General who have all called into question the acts of Capellan Confederation Chancellor and Current First Lord Naomi Centrella."

   "My actions!" Naomi almost screamed raising to her feet looking accusingly at Commanding-General Archer Christifori "my actions we those of a Capellan Chancellor not as First Lord of the Star League Defence Force...."

   "Chancellor, please..." Gavin tried to interupt but she turned on him with a cold glance that quietened the Governor quickly.

   "What of the actions of the Commanding-General?  He was given orders by the First Lord of the Star League and has blatently ignored them."  She said accusingly turning back against Archer.

   "I have not ignored them Chancellor" Archer said raising to his feet ignoring her position as First Lord, he was a MechWarrior not a politician and hated this battlefield.  "I have tried to carry out your orders but instead I find myself dealing with threats to this Star League.  Your orders will be fulfilled however first I must deal with you."

   "That sounds like a threat COMMANDING-GENERAL" she said putting emphasis his rank reminding him that he was not a voting member of the council or a leader of any nation.  He could see that she had support of several around the table.

   "It was not a threat Chancellor."  Archer conceded "it was a promise."  He said both Bannister Cameron and Gavin Dow tried and failed to supress smiles at his words.  "As Commanding-General of the Star League Defence Force I swore an oath to protect its member states from enemies foreign and domestic.  It is my duty to inform this Council that the Star League Defence Force will not follow a First Lord from a nation that butchers its own people."  Archer said slamming his hand on the table.  "All Star League Defence Force units, WarShips and facilities have been ordered to stand down from combat operations and act only in self defence until that woman is removed from office and someone who understands honour and duty replaces her."  The other lords even those that knew Archer well looked surprised by the Commanding-General's order.

   "Commanding-General, you know that these actions you have taken could break this Star League?"  Major-General Bannister Cameron asked quietly raising to his feet.  "The Commanding-General's duty is to follow the orders of the First Lord's office not challenge it."

   "And the First Lord's office is to make life better for the Star League's citizens not murder three thousand and sixty-two of its citizens without trials or evidence of guilt."

   "There was an attempt against my son's life!"  Naomi screamed appalled he would use the attack against her.

   "And even now with the blood of your own citizens on your hands you cannot even prove if you stopped the "assassins" they could strike now.  What would you do murder another three thousand?  Three MILLION?"  Archer asked his temper barely in check.

   "I would take actions that ensured the survival of my family and of my nation."  Naomi admitted

   "And that I can tell you from personal experience is not the actions of a First Lord of the Star League." Bannister Cameron said raising to his feet once more before sitting down.  "I will support the Commanding-General's charge, not as an Officer but as leader of the Star League Protectorate worlds.  The people I represent will not want this First Lord."

   "The motion has been made" Gavin Dow said as host trying to remain in charge of what was going on.

   "It is supported by the Federated Suns."  First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion said without further word.  Around the room the Lyran Commonwealth, Duchy of Tamarind-Abby, St Ives Compact, Star League Protectorate and Marik Stewart-Commonwealth all voted with the motion. 

The Regulan Fiefs surprising voted to abstain from taking either side leaving only the Draconis Combine, Capellan Confederation, Taurian Concordat voting against the motion and for the First Lord.

   "With six votes to three and one abstain this Council has voted to remove First Lord Naomi Centrella from office.  The Capellan Confederation will retain a full vote at future meetings however for the remainder of today their vote is null."  Gavin Dow said quitely Naomi Centrella looked like she would explode with anger.

   "Mark my words Commanding-General, you will pay for this betrayal personally" she threatened charging from the room.  Archer sat on his seat unmoved by the threat as Peter Steiner-Davion raised to his feet.

   "My fellow lords" he said in his deep Germanic accent "today is not a day that I wish to vote for another First Lord.  But I do recognize the need for this Council and for this Star League to have a direction and so I propose that a Protector of the Realm is put in place until the next Whitting Conference."  He said around the table there were nods of agreement with the idea "although I believe many of our collective people would vote for Bannister Cameron, as a direct descendant from the rulers of the First Star League, to take this position I understand that the Major-General has refused this position."  Bannister Cameron raised to his feet.

   "My lords" he began not counting himself within their number "I never looked to national leadership I am a military officer first and foremost.  I will continue to serve as leader of the Star League Protectorate worlds as honour calls for it but I would not look for higher position.  My people on Liberty still need my guidance more than those of the Inner Sphere."  He said turning slightly "I do however have a candidate in mind for such a position, one man who has showed the desire, drive and devotion to the Star League Defence Force without thought to personal reward.  Who understands today's politics better than he would like to admit and far more than he would want to be involved in.  The current Commanding-General Archer Christifori."  Bannister said saluting his superior before sitting down.

   "I am honoured but this is not a position for the Commanding-General to take..." Archer began but was lost for words as Victor Steiner-Davion raised to his feet.

   "I will put the Federated Suns support behind this appointment.  Who better than a Clan war hero to lead this Star League in its time of need?  This League was formed for the defence of the Inner Sphere who better than the best of us?" Victor asked raising his hand towards Archer Christifori "a winner of the Star League Medal of Honour for his actions on Huntress and Strana Mechty which ended the Clan Invasion."  He said Archer's eyes watered at the words he had served in the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT under Victor's personal command during that campaign and been following the then Archon-Prince's orders.  "A man who has put the ideals of the Star League ahead of his own life and put all his energy into making sure this SLDF outlived not only the First Commanding-General, Morgan Hasek-Davion, but also to make sure it outlived him.  I think there can be no other."  He finished, what followed was not a traditional vote to confirm the appointment instead each of the Succession Lords, Bannister Cameron and Gavin Dow all rose to their feet standing with Victor and began to applaud, even the Regulan Fiefs leader Kiric Cameron-Jones joined them.

   For now there would be no First Lord but the Star League would have its Protector as leader and guardian until the time came for a replacement.  Archer Christifori promised himself more than anyone else to make sure that the position received the honour and time it deserved, charged by the leaders of the Inner Sphere to protect the League he would do it right.

Nice update, one thing, Archer and Victor were part of the 10th Lyran Guards.

Oops thanks

FIXED

More inspiration struck

Davion Trade Convoy
Federated Suns/Outworlds Alliance Border
3rd November 3086

   In an effort to continue good relations with the Snow Raven Clan within the Outworlds Alliance the Federated Suns hold up their end of the bargain sending a trade convoy of eight JumpShips into the Outworlds Alliance escorted by the FSS Jason Hasek, a Congress Block II-class Frigate, the FSS Andrew Redburn, a Davion III-class Destroyer, and the FSS Proserpina, a Hound-class Corvette.  As a Davion concession to the Snow Raven agreement Prince Burton Davion is assigned to command of the convoy, for the duration of the trip he is given personal use of the FSS Avalon One, a heavily modified Conquistador-class DropShip which is more assault and command ship than the transport the original was.

   News of the trade convoy spreads throughout the Draconis March like wild fire with most citizens believing that Victor Steiner-Davion has lost his way and is leading the Federated Suns into the Clan camp he fought against during the Clan War.  The Robinson Rangers Regiments are deployed on three worlds however the rioting continues on many more drawing more Federated Suns militia units into crowd control efforts.  Opportunistic Draconis Combine commanders launch attacks on Proserpina, Lima, Royal, McComb, Marduk, Tripoli, Paris and Breed turning the entire border into a war front.

Khan's Office
Csesztreg, Hell’s Horses Occupation Zone
Inner Sphere
9th November 3086

   The scientists had entered Khan Cobb's office with hundreds of small pieces of paper and talked constantly about something they had been creating to better the Clan for nearly 30 minutes without getting to the point.  "Gentlemen, you will make your point or I will personally remove you from this office."  He thundered staring at the four men, all were older than he, and smaller.

   "My Khan, through your negotiations we have access to Sea Fox facilities that will greatly improve our Clan's abilities in the future" one of them began

   "I know that I negotiated the agreement" he began before the next interrupted him

   "We have devised a way of motivating the local population..." he said his voice trailing off as the Khan glared at him for interrupting.

   "My Khan" the next said again diverting Cobb's growing anger "the Halcyon has many capabilities"

   "How do you know that name!" Cobb snapped the project was still supposed to be secret

   "Scientists talk" he continued quietly admitting one of his caste's failings.  One thing scientists prided themselves on was their ability to come up with new things.  Unfortunately when they could not they had to ask for help, asking for help beyond a project normally produced better results so details of projects got passed in whispers and loose conversations until just about everyone knew something about everything. "We have devised a new unit that we could construct on a rebuilt plant on this very world" he said seeing Cobb's interest suddenly perk up "the former Rim Worlds Republic had a fledgling plant on this world for building heavy lift aircraft for atmospheric use."

   "I am aware of it, and never utter that name again" Cobb spat the Rim Worlds Republic had born Stefan Amaris, although not all Clansmen blamed the entire Rim Worlds for the mistakes of the past Cobb was not one of them.  "We have looked at the plant as the Jade Falcons did and we believe it useless Quineg?"  He asked staring at them thoughtfully being able to use the ruined facility could be very good for the Hell's Horses and the locals.

   "We believe we can convert it into a Small Craft Production Facility and one capable of building the Pelican" the first scientist said putting down plans for a new aircraft which had a  snubbed nose, double sized cockpit, high wings and a long tapered off tail.  Near the rear loading hatch were a group of small arms and what looked docking hatches.

   "What is this?"  The Khan asked pointing at the arms.

   "As well as an internal cargo capacity of 25 tons these arms can carry a re-entry pod weighing in at one hundred tons."

   "Re-entry pod?" Cobb asked hearing the term for the first time.  Having a small craft that could carry twenty-five Elementals in Battle Armour sounded interesting since it could be used as a troop transport or a space-borne assault ship.

   "Our other innovation" the second scientist said speaking again showing another blueprint "similar to the cocoons that are used to protect a dropping BattleMech or Elemental these pods would be used to surround conventional armoured vehicles which could be carried by the Pelican to the surface.  They are single use much like BattleMech cocoons but they are cheap to build and can be fitted to a vehicle and mated to a Pelican within thirty minutes."  He explained Cobb nodded, the Hell's Horses Clan used many conventional vehicles having something that could allow them to deployed from space could be very useful.

   "How long would it take you to put this into production?"

   "The pods could be built and tested by the end of the month."

   "And the Pelican?" He asked still unsure about the name

   "Assuming we get full support on refurbishment?" Cobb nodded we should have a prototype ready to fly before the end of the year.

   "Do it" Cobb ordered he quickly moved them out of the office and contacted the Halcyon design team, the Cruiser would need to be changed slightly as he wanted it to incorporate the new Pelican vessels and their cargo.

Intelligence Reports
Regulus, Regulan Fiefs
Former Free Worlds League
13th November 3086

   Throughout the Regulan Feifs reports of sightings of Naga-class Destroyers are reported by traders and DropShip patrols.  In all twelve reported cases the Regulans deploy WarShip and assault DropShip units to the systems in search of hard evidence of the vessels.  In each case they find nothing which is hardly surprising as no power within the Inner Sphere or Clans is known to field the ancient WarShip despite the belief on Regulus that these reports are nothing more than wild goose chases the Prince orders that the WarShip patrols continue throughout the Regulan systems as often as their K-F Drives will carry them to show the Regulan people that their leader cares for them.  The fact that the continuous jumping actually makes the WarShip fleet less capable of defending the Regulan Fiefs and is potentially very dangerous for the vessels as it makes breakdowns more common and raises the possibility of a missjump is not lost on most of the Regulan commanders but orders are orders.

Clan Steel Viper offensive
Clan Homeworlds
18th November 3086

   Starting on the world of Circe in the Pentagon worlds Clan Steel Viper launches an all out attack against Clan Wolf in the Clan Homeworlds first all but annihilating three Clusters of Wolves and a Cluster of Clan Coyote worlds in a no holds barred assault on the Wolf territory on the world.  No trials are thought as Clan Steel Viper steamrolled through the Wolf units and a Coyote unit that had been replacing them on the planet.  Although Clan Wolf's civilians and a large chunk of the Circe production facilities have been removed the Vipers secure several facilities from the Wolves as well as nearly 14,000 civilians and several transport DropShips.  Additional assaults against Clan Wolf occur on Paxton and on Roche however on both occasions instead of Clan Wolf forces the Vipers discover Clan Coyote forces and retreat.

   Continuing their campaign on the 21st November Clan Steel Vipers breach Clan Jade Falcon's naval defences around the world of Ironhold and land troops on Gatekeeper beginning invasion campaigns on both remaining Jade Falcon worlds in the Homeworlds.  Within a week the Vipers have lost nearly an entire Galaxy of troops but have also carved out sizable beachheads on both worlds and in orbit over Ironhold the Jade Falcon WarShips Kerensky's Pride, a Congress-class Frigate, and the Hawk Eye, an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser, drifted their backs broken by concentrated Viper assaults.  Orbital strikes from Clan Steel Viper naval vessels had damaged Ironhold's SDS systems opening up the world to further invasion plans by the Steel Vipers.

   In a move that will in the future either be considered to be over bold or a strategic disaster at the end of the month Clan Steel Viper dedicated the remains of their Front Line forces to assaults on Arcadia and Bearclaw and the territories of Clan Snow Raven.  Although there were no Raven naval forces to contend with the Vipers still found formidable Snow Raven aerospace fighters and SDS systems active in both systems costing them the Viper's Legacy, a Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser, iin the Arcadia system.  Clan Ghost Bear's Aletha Kabrinski, who had been on Arcadia watching over a Ghost Bear Clawing Rite, contacted the Steel Viper commanders and warned them that although the Bears had only a little territory and a small population engaging them would be a mistake, the Vipers reply by bombarding the Ghost Bear command bunker with Naval Autocannons killing Aletha Kabrinski in moments.  This act galvanizes the Ghost Bear defenders to join the Snow Ravens in the defence of the world ultimately causing more problems for the Steel Vipers but also showing the Bears that they are not as untouchable in the Homeworlds as their Dominion appears in the Inner Sphere.

BattleMech Training Course
Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy
New Samarkand, District of Midway
23rd November 3086

   Marching over the tarmac Tami Moto stood in front of Coordinator Vincent Kurita staring at him her eyes blazing with anger her hands clenched in fists "who the hell do you think you are?"  She nearly shouted her temper beyond spent.  Over the past month she had tried and failed to arrange for another trainer to continue her MechWarrior rehabilitation, she'd tried three times to be transferred off New Samarkand to another academy and been denied each time.  She'd tried to take a BattleMech from the hanger and train herself, and been denied.  So far a simulator was all she had been allowed near and despite the advanced facilities on New Samarkand they were nothing compared to a real BattleMech.  There was only one person who could deny her and she wanted answers, protocol be damned.

   "Miss Moto" he said quietly ignoring her anger and attitude, surprisingly neither of his bodyguards moved to move her away.

   "I am a MechWarrior!  Not a "Miss" she snapped, again neither guard moved despite her anger and obvious threat.  Tami knew she could hit the leader of the Draconis Combine and neither guard would be able to stop her, although she doubted she'd ever live another free minute if she made that move.

   "You are not a MechWarrior until your training officer grants you that privilege.  As far as I know that is not the case."  He said turning away from her moving slowly towards the BattleMech Hanger.

   "My training officer?  I requested a transfer, I don't want your pity" she told him, she'd done more than request a transfer she'd submitted a formal request for another trainer to the commander of the academy which hadn't been replied to.

   "What is wrong with your previous trainer?"  He asked continuing to walk, Tami stalked along beside him, he knew very well that the training officer on her Mech Qualification ticket was one Vincent Kurita and neither had set eyes on each other since the previous training run.  "Why do you believe he would be offering you pity?"

   "You know why" she said looking down at her artificial arm, it looked and functioned as well as any flesh and blood arm would but everyone knew she was the one with one arm, everyone opened doors for her or cut her slack on physical exercises she hated every moment of it but she'd also sworn to protect the Combine and that was her duty to preform.

   "Tami, I would give you no more "slack" than that I would give any other."  He said quietly coming to a stop "do you know why I'm a trainer instead of a MechWarrior?"  He asked seeing a small shake of her head he continued "I am Coordinator of the Draconis Combine, one of the most powerful states in known space and yet I train warriors instead of fighting the battles I send people to die on."  He said passionately now the Coordinator losing his own temper "why you may ask?"  He continued "because the nobility of the Combine, and members of my family, namely my uncle see me as the future of my line and I have no children."

   "Warlord Kurita forfilled the role of leader very well until you were of age" Tami said more calmly "you should choose your own path."  With her words Vincent actually smiled

   "If only that were the case" he said quietly "instead I train warriors to do the bidding of the Combine.  I did not take pity on you" he said looking at her with his dark eyes she could see nothing but truth "I am at this moment training fifteen MechWarriors to serve the Combine in the future.  Out of those you have the most experience but all are doing very well.  You have missed the last six practical training sessions but your physical and mental scoring appears to have remained strong?"  Tami nodded "there is not another trainer available for the rest of this academy year, you have to decide if it is your duty to serve the Combine as a MechWarrior or if you wish to serve in another way."  He said Tami nodded again

   "I need to think further sire, I am unsure if I can work with someone who is willing to lie to get results."  She said referring to his previous tactic of unannounced training and a live fire weapons test.  If he'd approached her like this then perhaps she would have taken his methods and training better.  Without further words on the matter Vincent simply nodded Tami turned and marched off.  After getting a few metres she heard Vincent calling to her, finally finding more words, she was uninterested and continued forward travelling around a corner as she entered one of the Academy's outer buildings.

   Vincent Kurita was still taken by the MechWarrior who had saved his life as he watched her leave he reflected on his choices, he'd at least been honest with her about his reasons for being at this academy and his reason for training her.  He had not mentioned that he had specifically chosen to help retrain her but that was not his duty... but it may be more effective than trying to train someone who didn't know.  Pursuing her into the building he called out to her but obviously still angered Tami Moto continued walking off turning a corridor.  In the heart of the Draconis Combine Vincent Kurita felt completely safe and waved off the two guards following him, a benefit and curse of his position and family, he rushed down the corridor and around the corner to catch her wanting to finish the conversation on a better note.  Rounding the corridor Tami Moto was gone as quickly as she had come, Vincent Kurita took a few steps before turning around, a missed opportunity.

   From behind a pair of hands grabbed the back of his uniform and pulled the Coordinator of the Draconis Combine unceremoniously into a cleaning cupboard.  Before he could react to defend himself or even see his assailant the door was shut behind him and lips had met his.  Pushed against the wall one of them hit a light switch eliminating the small walk in cupboard and Vincent was surprised to find Tami Moto continuing to kiss him.  The young woman moments before was seconds away from assaulting him in another far more unpleasant form.  Uninterested in someone finding them just yet Vincent fumbled around in the dark and flicked the light switch off continuing to meet Tami's lips in what he hoped was a never ending kiss.

   Soon after the kiss did end almost as quickly as it had begun the young MechWarrior rushed from the room closing the door behind her leaving Vincent in the dark, he stumbled over the cleaning products into the corridor but Tami Moto was once again gone.  Soon after both guards caught up with him, both were annoyed that they had allowed their charge to be unguarded for so long and offered him their daggers and their lives but today was hopefully the start of something new and he had no interest in ending anything returning both men's weapons and continuing his duties.

Good update, couple of typos i've spotted, I'm assuming the opening scene takes place on Liberty and not Libery and that Stirling's Fusiliers are leading a multi-pronged attack rather than a mulch-pronged attack (yes my spell check changed it first time as well).

Good update, couple of typos i've spotted, I'm assuming the opening scene takes place on Liberty and not Libery and that Stirling's Fusiliers are leading a multi-pronged attack rather than a mulch-pronged attack (yes my spell check changed it first time as well).

Yes to both

After reading her write-up in ER3145, Sterling McKenna wasn't even hatched when this story occurs. Of course, it could be a different Sterling McKenna.

same name and genisis but far different path - born earlier - different life - dead earlier

Interstellar Expeditions Investigation
Haddings (Dead world), Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
8th February 3087

   Since returning to the mercenary trade the First McCarron's Armoured Cavalry had landed on its feet their garrison contract along the Lyran Commonwealth/Free Worlds League border had been quiet, they'd dealt with three raids from Free Worlds League hired mercenaries but mostly it had been standard garrison duties.  This time the unit had used to rebuild and reorganize towards the end of the contract the unit accepted a side contract on its way to Galatea with Colonel Elizabeth McCarron leading a Reinforced Mech Battalion with support to the world of Haddings.

   Haddings was an “off the map” world destroyed following attacks during the First and Second Succession Wars its atmosphere was toxic to human life but over the years the Lyran Commonwealth had used the world as a staging ground for offensives into the Free Worlds League and Draconis Combine, short stays on the world were not to dangerous.  In recent years with the Clans a far greater threat and the rise of the Star League Defence Force in the region Haddings had fallen from use.

   According to Interstellar Expeditions intelligence units that had previously been on the planet had used the world as a dumping ground for equipment that couldn't be used at a particular time but could be repaired for future operations.  As the Lyrans had stopped visiting the world Interstellar Expeditions had classified the cache as abandoned and now the First McCarron's Armoured Cavalry were tasked with finding it.  “Colonel, nothing in sector six moving to sector seven” Captain Sam Kennedy, commander of the second company.

   â€œUnderstood, nothing in sector three either Sam, we're moving on to sector five.”  Elizabeth replied from her Emperor's command couch.  This was easily the most boring mission she'd ever had the displeasure of working on, but her unit needed the funds and Interstellar Expeditions were willing to pay.  “Third company any joy?”  She asked on planet she had three Mech Companies an armour company and an infantry company, the Mechs were searching for the signal Interstellar Expeditions had given them while the armour and infantry secured the landing site.  “Third Company respond!”  Elizabeth called out again.

   â€œUnder...avy fi... request..... tance coordinates...”  Came a broken reply soon after.

   â€œFirst Second move to Sector Eight.  Security full alert status!”  She called out turning her assault Mech accelerating towards the location of the Third Companies search area.  Across her sensor screen BattleMechs of both First and Second began to respond to her orders.

   Through the toxic mist of Haddings the McCarron's Mechs weren't able to move as fast as they would in a normal atmosphere as their sensors were not completely trustworthy.  Moving into Sector Eight they saw the first signs of battle with a wrecked Ghost BattleMech wearing McCarron colours, MechWarrior Leo Maxwell the cockpit crushed in by weapons fire.  Suddenly the air was filled with autocannon and gauss rifle fire as six massive BattleMechs appeared out of the mists each Mech looked identical with three long barrels over their shoulders and two massive cannons on the end of each arm.  The Mechs were also bigger than anything Elizabeth had ever seen before “what in the name of all that's holy?”  She whispered seeing the Mech the enemy Mechs each painted bone white similar to how ComStar used to paint their units.  “Open fire!  We hold a numbers advantage people concentrate your fire.  Second company get here as soon as you can, this could be a lot of trouble, Third Company respond.”

   â€œThey are dead Colonel” a voice responded on the communication grid one totally alien to her before she could respond her ninety ton BattleMech was slammed by a trio of Gauss rifle slugs, her BattleMech staggered under the impacts barely staying on their feet.  “As you soon will be” the voice said again the six massive Mechs were moving slowly almost methodically forwards cutting into the McCarron force with their combined fire.

   â€œAll units break to cover switch to alternate communications!”  Elizabeth shouted twisting her BattleMech's torso blasting the enemy Mechs with her own Mech's arm mounted autocannons tearing into the armour.  The huge Mech's seemed to shrug off the blasts as it slowly turned to face her, moments later missiles, lasers and autocannon rounds from Second company and her other remaining Mechs began to smash into the massive white machine.

   â€œOooo, someone has bite” the voice replied under the assault as the enemy Mech staggered but refused to fall “but we can take it, is this all you have?”  The pilot asked turning one of the barrels over the shoulder was snapped and broken and one arm was badly damaged but the Mech still had one autocannon and two gauss rifles the return fire ravaged the Emperor's armour, in a slugging match the Armoured Cavalry were going to come off worse.

   â€œNot all, Dropper bring rain my coordinates fire for effect, authorization McCarron Foxtrot-One-Sierra-Two” she said into the McCarron channel she honestly didn't care if the enemy could hear her, unless they were capable of some serious acceleration greater than anything she'd seen before.  Within a couple of moments artillery missiles from her DropShip and two Arrow IV equipped vehicles began to rain down around them.  The fire was directed at the enemy as best as possible the large white Mechs difficult to miss but the artillery missiles blast radius couldn't always be avoided damaging friendly units as well.

   â€œA desperate move Colonel McCarron, just remember to watch your back.”  The voice replied as the monster Mech that had attacked her began to pull back after weathering an Arrow IV missile to the torso and still standing.  The remaining McCarron force continued to fire from their covered positions as the artillery bombardment followed the enemy Mechs for three kilometres destroying two of the enemy BattleMechs, their companions destroying the fallen Mechs cockpits killing the pilots and destroying any evidence to their origin.  After the Mechs were out of sensor range Elizabeth and her remaining forces moved forwards slowly her three companies had been reduced to four operational lances, in the ruins ahead they found the remains of Third Company each MechWarrior having been removed from their downed Mechs and executed by what appeared to be LBX Autocannon scatter shot munitions overkill against fully armoured warriors let alone downed MechWarriors.

   More surprising was that near Third Company's demise was the cache Interstellar Expeditions had sent them after to begin with.  Nearly a battalion's worth of equipment and some very rare artifacts from the early Succession Wars including several pieces of equipment that dated back to the Star League-era that had been abandoned in the places they had been left.  Using the mobile HPG transmitter Interstellar Expeditions had loaned the Armoured Cavalry Elizabeth called in support from the rest of her unit and an Interstellar Expeditions recover team.  Out of all the salvage the McCarron's Armoured Cavalry were granted permission to select anything they wanted Elizabeth selects several vehicles including two partially wrecked Pollux ADA Heavy Tanks, these Air Defence Artillery tanks were designed by the SLDF as part of their massive SDS networks however the design had slowly disappeared from the Inner Sphere due to combat losses.  The second thing McCarron selected was one of two Dragoon BattleMechs, a BattleMech designed by the short lived Amaris Empire which had supplanted the Terran Hegemony at the core of the original Star League.  The design was largely lost to the Inner Sphere as Aleksandr Kerensky ordered its factories retooled and most copies destroyed before his forces left the Inner Sphere for the Exodus.  A few survived in the neighbouring Successor States but they had been lost during the Succession Wars.  Elizabeth McCarron also kept a record of the entire encounter with the mysterious oversized BattleMechs for study by her people as she was sure she would see them again.

Strana Mechty Orbit
Strana Mechty, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
10th February 3087

   All across Clan space chaos ensues as HPG systems fail one after the other.  Various Clan's blame each other for the failures leading to conflicts throughout Clan space.  Adding to the confusion the McKenna's Pride, the McKenna-class Battleship that had served as flagship of Aleksandr Kerensky and of his son Nicholas Kerensky, preformed a low pass over the capital city of Strana Mechty firing several Heavy Naval Particle Cannon broadsides into the city devastating the scientist's section of the city smashing the Clan Gene Centre on the planet destroying the symbol of the Clan's genetic program.

   The ship then boosted back away from the planet blasting into one of the orbital habitats hanging over Strana Mechty causing it to begin to de-orbit.  As the McKenna's Pride pulled past the world's natural satellite blasting to pieces the Steel Viper vessel Steel Python, an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser, which had been in position as guard to Strana Mechty's pirate point.  Several Naval Particle Cannon barrages later and the McKenna's Pride was clear to the pirate point, before any further Clan units could intercept the crew fast charged the McKenna's jump drive exiting the system.

   The reaction of the Clans to the McKenna's Pride was insane anger spoiled out onto the streets as the Clans blamed each other for the actions brought by the rogue vessel.  Clan Steel Viper recalls the Perigrad Zalman to Strana Mechty officially to provide additional protection to the world but everyone knew the Steel Viper anger at the loss of their Steel Python.

        An extensive search of Clan Space and the surrounding Deep Periphery turned up no sign of the McKenna's Pride.  The Founder's and Great Father's Flagship, the vessel that had led the Exodus Fleet, that had led the Liberation of Terra campaign and fought in the Periphery regions was gone.

Snow Raven/Davion Assault
Kaznejoy, Kaznejoy Prefecture
Draconis Combine
14th February 3087

   Convincing the Snow Ravens to support his attack on the Draconis Combine had not been difficult for Prince Burton Davion in fact the Ravens had almost volunteered to assist the Federated Suns Prince allowing the forces to be painted in the colours of House Davion's First Davion Guards to support the idea that it was the Prince's unit leading the counter attack against the Combine.  Burton did not understand it but something had happened to the Ravens they were beyond angry ready to attack anyone that came to close already there had been three reports of Clusters of Raven troops engaging in all out Trials that had so far led to the destruction of at least one unit, the Ninth Raven Striker Cluster at the hands of the First Raven Phalanx Cluster on Bad News.  Although reports were sketchy according to Sterling McKenna it was a Clan matter and he would not understand, he had been able to find out that something had happened in the Clan Homeworlds but what was beyond his understanding or his ability to find out.  One Clan MechWarrior had threatened him with a Trial of Annihilation if he attempted to ask about it again.

   For the most part Burton didn't care he was off the sidelines and into the battle which was exactly what he wanted despite not having his Mech.  Instead he'd borrowed a Snow Raven Dark Crow, the medium BattleMech nothing like his usual Templar Assault Mech but still something that he could use to persecute his attack against the Draconis Combine.  Supporting him were his three Rabid Fox bodyguards in similarly borrowed Snow Raven Mechs, behind them were a strange mix of Davion Battle Armour and Clan Elementals.  In the air Sterling McKenna and the air wings of Burton's DropShip the Avalon One dominated the skies.

   Kaznejoy despite being a Prefecture capital was lightly defended – too lightly defended – only the Fifth and Thirty-second District of Galedon Regulars Regiments defended the world, neither unit had received their new designations as District of Midway forces since the loss of Galedon.  However a new name and uniforms was the least of the units worries both units relied on pre-Clan War equipment putting them at a serious disadvantage against the advanced forces of Clan Snow Raven.

   â€œTurkey shoot” would have been an accurate description of the battle had it not been for the Ravens being victorious over the Dragon's forces.  On three occasions the Raven troops lost their composure and lashed out uncontrolled at the Combine troops, once on captured prisoners of war when an Elemental executed three downed MechWarriors with his suit's flamer.  Despite these not being his troops Burton felt responsible for the deaths of the Combine troops and knew that the Elemental's actions could reflect badly on House Davion.  Fortunately the Federated Suns Prince did not have to act against the Elemental, after the battle the soldier's own commander defeated and killed him in a Circle of Equals.

   From the Kaznejoy HPG Prince Burton Davion sent New Samarkand a message informing the Draconis Combine's Coordinator that he was in charge of the world and he would be coming for New Samarkand next if the Coordinator failed to make peace.

Kell Hound Command
Arc Royal, Arc Royal Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
15th February 3087

   After nearly a year of inactivity grieving for the death of her brother Katrina Allard resigns her commission with the LCAF enrolling with the Kell Hounds Mercenary Regiment owned by her parents.  She is assigned to the Second Kell Hounds Regiment under the command of Christian Kell, son of Patrick Kell.

Star League Expansion
Former Free Worlds League
Inner Sphere
20th February 3087

   After months of negotiations between the Star League Protectorate and the worlds of Castor and Devil's Rock, two former Free Worlds League worlds, both leading governments agree to join the Star League.  In response the SLDF land the Second Knights of the Inner Sphere Regiment along with two battalions of support troops to Devil's Rock and the Second Royal Black Watch Regiment along with its support to Castor.  Neither unit has previously been deployed off Terra and the world is seen as prefect due to its close proximity to the warring factions of the Free Worlds League.

   The deployment to Devil's Rock is seen as a different proposition.  For centuries the world has been a core for the black market and for gangs of criminal families, almost every faction that had controlled the world had failed to control these families however the original Star League had come the closest.  As soon as news of the world joining the Star League Protectorate is made the criminal families launch a campaign of terror against the local government forces.  The SLDF deploy the Twenty-first Striker Regiment and the First Royal Pathfinder Battle Armour Regiment to the world – eight Battalions of troops in total.  The Pathfinders have been training since their creation for anti-insurgent battles which the SLDF choose to class the crime families actions as.  Under SLDF order any active criminal engaging SLDF troops or local government in active combat is to be classed as an enemy combatant.  The Eridani Light Horse are given plenty lee-way in their operations however Commanding-General Archer Christifori keeps a close eye on the continuing situation.

Draconis Combine/Federated Suns Conflict
Draconis Combine/Federated Suns border
23rd February 3087

   With the conflict that was begun by Draconis Combine forces acting against orders was continuing to turn against the Draconis Combine with the fall of yet another prefecture capital falling to the Federated Suns the Coordinator makes a choice.  Offering to cease all fighting against the Federated Suns.   First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion makes Coordinator Vincent Kurita to  agree to return Proserpina to the Federated Suns in exchange he agrees to release Kaznejoy back to the Draconis Combine the second loss of Proserpina is more of a symbolic on than anything else.

Nadir Point
Melissa, Melissa Prefecture
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
29th February 3087

   There was a flash of light in the Melissa system as the massive Nightlord II-class Battleship Silver Talon entered via the Nadir point rising up above the star.  With the entry of the Jade Falcon WarShip the system raised to its full alert level expecting an invasion force.  The Jade Falcons however had no interest in invading the system instead they wanted revenge for the Star League's spying in the Dark Nebula, although the ship that had conducted that operation was missing both the SLS Determination, a Vincent Mk 45-class Pocket Carrier, the SLS Wild Scream a Patriot-class Heavy Missile Cruiser, and the Clan Wolf (in-Exile) WarShip Implacable, a Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser.

   The Jade Falcon vessel sets a course straight for the Determination and Wild Scream which are at the Nadir point.  Aerospace fighters and DropShips engaged in deadly duels while the two SLDF WarShips tried to avoid giving the Silver Talon a clear shot.

   For almost thirty-two minutes the SLDF vessels were able to hold back the Silver Talon despite taking heavy damage unfortunately the Battleships massive amount of armour was able to absorb the fire while the smaller vessels suffered under almost every hit.  Finally a paired Particle Cannon and Naval Autocannon barrage broke through the defences of the Wild Scream striking the heavy cruiser amid-ships disabling the vessel.  With the Wild Scream out of the fight the Nightlord II moved through the Determination's aerospace fighters to deliver a devastating broadside into the smaller vessel.  Lasers autocannons and gauss rifles tore through the smaller vessel crewmen began to evacuate the vessel as aerospace fighters continued to fight in now almost meaningless dogfights.  The Silver Talon began to turn towards the disabled Wild Scream however the clan vessel was in for a surprise as the Implacable appeared in a flash of light of a risky inter-system jump.

   Before the Jade Falcon's could react the Wolf (in-Exile) crew opened fire with a broadside of Naval Autocannon fire.  The ship's helm officer almost instantly rolled not even taking stock of the damage their assault had done bringing a new rank of Naval autocannons into play hammering down more fire on the already damaged Battleship.  Although the Jade Falcons continued to fire their weapons scoring some hits on the Implacable the battle was over the Jade Falcons had successfully tested their new WarShip and had gained a measure of revenge on the Star League Defence Force.  Unwilling to chase the Nighlord II by themselves the Wolf (in-Exile)'s Implacable helped recover the remaining fighters from the Determination while also helping stabilize the crippled Wild Scream.