OBT Forum

Time for another bonus to the timeline

From James Tanaga creator of the Fire Mandrill story in the Timeline

A Lyran Intelligence Report on the Rim Collection I hope you enjoy!

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/intelligence-reports/lcaf-intelligence-report-the-rim-collectionclan-fire-mandrill/

Border Conflict
Brodon, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
2nd July 3092

   Fighting erupts on the Isle of Skye occupied world of Brodon as the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth launch a raid in force.  Supporting the Marik-Stewart forces are Colonel John R. Wrangler's Thunder Road Mercenary command a Battalion sized Mech unit with some infantry support the unit is especially useful for the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth forces as the Thunder Road come with their own Overlord-class DropShip making the unit's travel a lot easier than other commands.  Also involved are The Alpha Team who have continued to cause trouble on the world for the Isle of Skye defenders.

Orbital Bombardment
Kyeinnisan, Sea Fox Territory
Former Free Worlds League
10th July 3092

   Following unconfirmed reports of remaining Manei Domini forces on Kyeinnisan sheltering with Clan Sea Fox the Principality of Regulus launches a full attack on the planet with the RS Clipperton, RS Gibson, RS Newcastle and RS Norfolk four Regulus-class Frigates.  In orbit over the planet they find the Blood Horse, a modified Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser, the Perilous Vision, a Carrack-class Transport, and the Territorial, a Hakaze-class Escort Destroyer the four Frigates immediately launched an attack on the Sea Fox WarShips almost immediately obliterating the Perilous Vision with naval autocannons, lasers and missiles.  As the Blood Horse turned its broadside mounted capital particle cannons tore through space destroying the Newcastle and then the Gibson.  At the same time the Territorial moved into a flank position to engage the Principality vessels however the remaining former-Free Worlds League forces were more interested in the Blood Horse engaging the vessel with nuclear weapons obliterating the Sea Fox vessel.  With their opposition eliminated between them and the planet gone the remaining two Regulan WarShips moved into orbit over Kyeinnisan and began an orbital bombardment with their mass drivers and nuclear equipped capital missiles.  Their first missiles land on the Sea Fox Colony wiping out the Sea Fox traders, colonists and the Fifty-first Strike Cluster.

   When the Territorial attempts to return to engage the two remaining Regulus-class Frigates the Sea Fox WarShip is engaged by six Regulan assault DropShips which keep the Escort Destroyer out of effective engagement range with the WarShips.  The Regulans continue their bombardment of the surface of the planet for nearly sixteen hours completely irradiating the planet's surface in an effort to wipe out any perceived Manei Domini influences.  They then retreat from the system fending off continued attempts by the Territorial to engage and destroy the Regulan forces.  The Hakaze-class Escort Destroyer returns to Kyeinnisan to search for survivors however the world is all but dead with very little remaining standing on the surface and the ship is forced to abandon the system.

   In response to this brutal attack the Principality of Regulus is ejected from the Star League Council by the other members of the reformed Star League Defence Force.  Within Clan Sea Fox the Territorial Khanate is crippled by the losses sustained on Kyeinnisan ripe for absorption on Twycross the other Khanates begin Trials against each other to see who has the right to fight to absorb the fallen Khanate.

Castle Brian N001
Tilman River, Northwind
Star League Protectorate
18th July 3092

   â€œColonel Cochrane, this facility has been left to ruin since the Usuper's time!  None of the Clans have enough money or interest to rebuild it.”  Alexander McLeod of Clan McLeod said Colonel James Cochrane had butted heads with him for more than fifty years during his command of the Second Kearny Highlanders.  Now this year he was ready to retired but he had one final desire.

   â€œI'm nae talkin aboot Northwind's Clans restoring this facility!  So stop talking about your own pocket” James said turning on Alexander McLeod.  “I believe it is the Highlanders duty to protect the people of this planet.  Our studies of this facility is that it goes deep into the mountain and could protect half a million people.  Given modern construction capabilities we could double or treble that.”

   â€œAnd how would we fund it?”  Alexander demanded

   â€œThe Regiments would fund it, how we always have” Cochrane stated defiantly.

   â€œWhat about the Military Academy?  The Manei Domini all but destroyed it, what will we do about new recruits?”  Colonel Jeremiah Rose asked his Northwind Renegades Regiment were easily one of the strongest of the Northwind commands.

   â€œWe have the Northwind Training Battalion.”  Cochrane pointed out “I learned how to pilot a Mech and how to command troops in battle in the field.”   

   â€œWhy risk losses without a proper education?”  Rose asked he'd learned how to fight a BattleMech on Terra as part of the ComGuard and often was at odds with the other Highlanders.

   â€œChanging times Rose, you know it and so dee I.  Northwind itself was attacked by the Manei Domini, I don't expect those around us to try that again but can we afford it?”  Cochrane asked glancing between the assembled Highlanders.

   â€œNo we canna” Colonel Michael McPherson commander of the First Ghurkha Special Forces Battalion said recently he'd been pushing for a second Ghurkha force to be raised but the attack on Northwind had turned eyes towards defence.  Facility N001 was an extreme option but it was hardly a logical target for an enemy force to anyone beyond Northwind it had been abandoned for hundreds of years.  With the right logistical support the Highlanders had the capabilities to rebuild the facility and turn it into a command facility and bunker superior to any in the Inner Sphere.  With its location deep in the mountain side it would be impervious to orbital and nuclear strikes the only way it had been destroyed was from internal betrayal by members of Amaris Dragoons forces that had been stationed on the world.  Now the Highlanders had a place in the reborn Star League Protectorate but they had also been able to maintain their independent mercenary routes giving the world extra income.  Cochrane's plan was to use that to rebuild the facility.

   â€œSo what would you suggest we do Colonel?”  One of the Clan elders asked

   â€œFirstly I'd assign the Northwind Hussars to this area for security, they've still not recovered from the loss of Jaffery, I mean no offence to Lt Colonel Redpath's efforts.”  He said glancing over at the red haired woman.

   â€œNone taken, our rebuilding is on track but unit cohesion is suffering.”  She admitted

   â€œSecond, direct the construction crews we have repairing our maglev lines to extend their work along the old network lines.”

   â€œThat alone will cost the rest of the years budget.”  McLeod protested

   â€œA cost we can afford from the reserves.”  Cochrane pointed out.

   â€œInformation you should nae have access to COLONEL.”  McLeod said emphasizing Cochrane's position James' family had never been influential enough to have a seat on the Clan Council but over his years he'd found ways of influencing them his friendship with the Stenn family who maintained their control of the First Kearny Highlanders had helped no-end.

   â€œI am a loyal son of Northwind an' I use what I have at my finger tips.”  Cochrane said defiantly bringing a snort of laughter from Colonel Rose glancing at the younger man Cochrane knew it was a laugh of support from the Renegade's commander who had himself had plenty run ins with the Clan Council.

   â€œThe Regiments will support this effort with the moneys we bring in from contracts.”

   â€œBlood money” McLeod muttered bringing yet more angry glances from the Mercenary brigades commanders.

   â€œI personally will put my own accounts on the line and personally buy the initial digging equipment needed to start this project” Cochrane said putting his own standing on the line.  “And to ensure that none of this can be traced here I will buy it to build my retirement home.”

   â€œRetirement?”  Rose asked Cochrane was the eldest of the Northwind commanders.

   â€œIt's time, I said before I went to Oriente that it would be my last command in the field representing Northwind.  Katee McLeod has done damned well as my XO it's time she got a chance to prove herself in command.  That makes you Rose our senior commander, although I expect the Regiments to continue to represent themselves you're going to have to stand up for them with the Council.”  He said within the Regiments more often than not the oldest and most experienced commander in the field represented the Regiments with the Clan Elders on Northwind.  Cochrane had for a long time served in that position alongside Colonel Stenn.  Now it was time in Cochrane's eyes for complete change with the Regiments Colonel McPherson was older and more experienced as a Highlander Officer than Rose but the younger man's Renegades were bigger and less steeped in secrecy than the Ghurkhas.  “I will help coordinate efforts here, I'm sure it will keep me as busy as the Second Kearny would have, even if I will miss the field.”

   â€œYou're going to have to do me a favour and watch over things, the Renegades have accepted a contract with the Federated Suns as of this morning” Rose said to Cochrane “the recent troubles in Filtvelt have some of the Outback's Dukes worrying First Prince Davion thinks a Highlander presence might calm them down a bit.”

   â€œCadre and patrol duty is hardly the Renegades usual contract, I didn't expect you to accept that one.”  Cochrane admitted he'd heard of the contract talks but had expected Rose to walk out of them.

   â€œGood money, the troops could do with some downtime and there's a chance of some Clan play with the Nova Cats if things go really wrong” he pointed out.

   â€œWhen not here I'll keep an eye on things don't worry, the Council won't be stopping this, we need this Fort rebuilt.  It's time the Highlanders made their mark on Northwind, we call this world home but other than recruiting and stopping by here we rarely actually invest in the place.  I want to change that.”

   â€œThe Academy was a good start...” Rose pointed out, it had been built with Regiment money.

   â€œGood starts are not enough.  The Academy will be rebuilt Rose, I can guarantee it will be by us or by the Star League Defence Force, they need it rebuilt as much as we do.  But this fort to anyone beyond Northwind, and probably its people to, it is an archaic structure forgotten to history.  To us it could be a monument to the Highlanders something that could stand for centuries to come.”  Cochrane said looking over the mountain face in places the old structure underneath could be seen.

   â€œAll misty eyed about some rocks, I'd better never live to be your age” Rose joked bringing a wide grin on Cochrane's wrinkled face.  “I'll make sure the Regiments are well cared for,  if you look after our legacy?”  He said Cochrane nodded extending his hand which Rose met shaking it.

Reformation
Arcturus, Arcturus Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
22nd July 3092

   The Lyran Commonwealth reform the First, Second and Third Arcturan Guards Regiments to honour the Steiner family remaining on Arcturus.  One of the three Regiments is to be permanently based off Arcturus along with one of the Royal Guard Regiments.  Unlike other recently formed Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces units these units are purely Mech units and are not formed as Regimental Combat Teams.   None of the units have been on the active rolls since the end of the Star League-era and the beginning of the Succession Wars where both were destroyed.

Yay an update!  Looking forward to seeing how good the SLIC on finding the MD.  Also to see what, if anything happens to the Regulans when Clan Sea Fox gets its house in order and its nice to see the Northwind Highlanders reinvesting in their homeworld!  And of course the positive events for the LC and FS!     looking to see what kind of wrench you will have for your stories!

Time to throw a wrench.

The credit for the Fire Mandrill story in this  month belongs to James Tanaga who has done very well with it.

A little inspiration goes a long way

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/intelligence-reports/lcaf-intelligence-report-the-rim-collectionclan-fire-mandrill/

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
2nd August 3092

   Jerold Danforth face scrunched in concentration, his body soaked in sweat, as he continued his daily exercise regimen in the gym. Around him were members of all castes, though mostly from the Technician and Warrior castes. At the moment, Star Captain Natasha, freshly promoted after her successful Trial of Position, was spotting him.

   As he soon came upon the end of his rep, the voice of the new star captain broke his concentration. “Kindraa Leader, will we be heading to war soon?” Her question caused him to pause, looking up at her, he merely looked at her upside-down face inquisitively, causing her to blush and continue. “There was talk among my sibko you will be leading us into war against the Spirits.”

   So that is what this is about, he thought to himself as he continued on with his rep. Still it needed to be answered. “The Stone Spirits are raiding planets, stripping them of people and any technology they find.  So far, they have avoided the Rim Collection and most of our prospective members. But with our…agreement…with the Collection, conflict with one another is unavoidable. Besides, they caused Cassandra’s death.” He shrugged the last as he put the weight bar back on the stand with Natasha’s help.

   â€œGood,” was the younger woman’s response, one he fully approved of, for it showed the younger woman had a warrior’s spirit. Silently they switched out the weight and both switched places. Just as Natasha lay down and was about to begin her rep, the speaker of the room’s comm unit went on.

   â€œKindraa Leader Jerold Danforth. Emergency HPG contact from Gillfillan’s Gold demanding immediate response from you,” rang out a female voice through the speaker, eliciting a raised eyebrow from him as he looked down at the shocked look of the star captain.

   What in Kerensky’s name, he thought, as he turned and walked to the comm unit on the wall. Pressing a button, the black screen flashed on, revealing the form of the female technician currently monitoring the kindraa’s HPG. Without waiting for a response, he spoke to her. “Send it through to this terminal.”

   Suddenly the screen changed from the middle aged woman to Star Colonel Lysa Djerassi. “Star Colonel,” he croaked out, for no love was lost between the two. He could stand warriors of different philosophies, even the Rim Collection’s Freebirths. No. What he couldn’t stand for, though, was this woman’s stubborn refusal to commit seppuku, as Clan tradition demanded of her due to her being paralyzed and wheelchair bound, citing Cassandra’s orders. Still, so long as she stayed out of his way and continued to work for the kindraa, he could at least ignore her generally. “What demanded the emergency HPG connection, legless monkey?” Around him, the gym quieted down, looking on with interest.

   Interesting, he thought, for he caught the female warden warrior visible keep from answering his insult. Something must have happened, he thought and was answered by her a few seconds ago once the woman quelled her anger. “Just watch this,” she snarled at him.

   Her image was replaced with what appeared to be video taken from a security camera, showing a two-wheeled vehicle come alongside an outside cafeteria of some sort and what appeared to be several people sitting at tables, eating. The table nearest to the vehicle caught his attention, though, for it sat what appeared to be two men and a woman in Faraday-Tanaga fatigues and trench coats, another man wearing a Rim Lancers uniform and finally a civilian suited man. Suddenly, Jerold’s heart plummeted as he connected who these five were just as he watched the driver yell out “Free Collection” and open fire on the them just as Theodore Albiev jumped up and pushed the table to cover the other four. After a few seconds of firing at them, the gunmen turned and fired off-screen at someone who fired back before himself falling to the ground, dead. Lysa Djerassi blinked back onto the screen shortly after wards.

   â€œWhen was this? And were the others killed, Star Colonel,” he asked her as he shook with anger, balling his fists.

   â€œNeg, though Theodore Albiev and President Mayfield are unlikely to survive. Both are in surgery at the present moment at a local hospital, along with Able. Jacob Faraday, though wounded, is being treated here in our compound. This all happened three hours ago,” was the woman’s succinct reply.

   For nearly a minute, he breathed in deeply, allowing himself time to gather his thoughts. “Send me updates as soon as you get them Djerassi.”

   â€œAff.”

   As soon as he was disconnected with her, he contacted the female technician from earlier. “Alert all our units to be on their guard for possible attacks,” he ordered her. “Specifically guerrilla-style attacks from civilians. They may defend themselves, but are strictly ordered not to take any offensive actions at this time.”

   â€œAff, Kindraa Leader.”

   Shutting down the screen, he noticed just how quiet the room had become. Turning around, he saw all the occupants looking at him. “None of you are to speak of what you just heard until we have been updated on the situation, quiaff!” He bellowed to the crowded room. Looking to Natasha, he continued. “Star Captain! On my six!” Without bothering to wait for her response, he led her out of the gymnasium, heading directly to the kindraa’s operations center.

   When they entered the operations center, they caught the attention of Star Commander Shana, a woman of aerospace stock and the watch commander. “Kindraa Leader, a situation is developing at the planetary HPG center. A dozen combatants stormed into the compound and are holding the staff and visitors hostage.” That news caused Jerold to glare at the petite woman, who glared back. “We only just received the news ten minutes ago.”

   â€œVery well,” he grated out. “Get me in contact with All Dawn’s governor.” Seeing the unsure look of the small woman, he prompted. “What?”

   Straightening her back and standing tall, the small warrior answered him. “The governor has expressly said it is not a Clan matter and does not need our aid Kindraa Leader.”

   â€œGet him on the comm now. And alert our forces here planet side for possible action.”

   When it rains, it storms, Jerold Danforth thought to himself as he began taking control over the operations center.

SLDF Investigation Team
Bordon, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
4th August 3092

   As the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth and Isle of Skye contested the world of Bordon a single Vampire-class DropShip carrying the SLDF insignia and colours dived through the atmosphere landing near the planetary capital at the world's primary spaceport.  Leaving the DropShip initially was a single officer dressed in SLDF dress code approaching the Lyran governor of the planet “My name is Colonel Hank Lynch, Star League Intelligence Corps” he said introducing himself.

   â€œI had thought the SLDF were remaining out of the conflict for this world.”

   â€œWe have no interest in your border skirmish.”  Lynch admitted “the SLDF was created to protect the Inner Sphere from threats within and beyond it.  There is a threat on this very planet, a mercenary command, The Alpha Team.”

   â€œThey are with the raiders and beyond my control.”

   â€œI am aware of that.  I just want to know if you'll get in our way?”  Lynch demanded when the governor did not immediately answer the man turned back towards his DropShip walking off.  Ten minutes later the Vampire was back in the air heading towards the territory claimed by the raiding forces.

   Hours later as darkness fell over Bordon the DropShip flew over a lance of four Mechs that had been holding back an Isle of Skye counter attack.  The four Mechs had continuously thwarted Isle of Skye moves disrupting the Isle of Skye advance at every opportunity.  From the air battle armoured wearing SLDF troopers dropped through the air engaging the Mechs.  The four Mechs of the Alpha Team did something completely unexpected charging forwards into the the Isle of Skye lines confusing both the Lyran and SLDF forces.  The four Mechs once within the Isle of Skye lines moved laterally spreading confusion before falling back into the night.  In the cross-fire several of the SLDF battle armour troopers took hits from the Isle of Skye Mechs causing further trouble.

   Before the SLDF could recover from the battle The Alpha Team had made it back to the Marik-Stewart lines and under the cover of the Thunder Road Mercenary Command.  Not stopping to fight with the Thunder Road they allowed Colonel Wrangler's command to engage the Isle of Skye forces and delay Colonel Lynch's SLDF Battle Armour.  Carrying on behind the battle The Alpha Team's Mechs ran straight on board the Thunder Road's Overlord-class DropShip forcing the crew to lift the ship off the ground.  During battle it wasn't uncommon for DropShips to lift off to avoid unnecessary damage it also allowed them to return to a different landing zone should the ground forces need to retreat.  In orbit however the DropShip did not stop instead carrying on taking the Alpha Team away from the planet six days later the DropShip docked with a JumpShip and offloaded the Alpha Team's Mechs allowing the DropShip to return to the planet and for the Alpha Team to escape.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
8th August 3092

   Kindraa Leader Jerold Danforth woke from his sleep, startled by the compound alarm going off. Quickly, he tugged on a pair of pants and boots before grabbing a shirt and made his way to the operations center. By the time he got there, a scant five minutes had passed. Unlike his predecessor, he ran there.

   â€œSitrep,” he called out as soon as he reached the room.

   â€œNine Lyran JumpShips just jumped into the system Kindraa Leader,” answered the burly Elemental watch commander on duty. Already, the center had people streaming in, mostly members of the lower castes and other warriors usually stationed in the center. Jerold listened while the star commander continued. “They are broadcasting their intent to free All Dawn from us clan oppressors,” the man grumbled out.

   â€œGet me a comm link now,” he ordered.

   â€œAff Kindraa Leader,” the Elemental replied. While Jerold waited, he caught sight of Star Captains Natasha and Peter Tanaga coming into the room. Peter, as usual, was dressed in fatigues, while Natasha was dressed only in a tank top and shorts, though was sweating heavily. Likely was in the gym when the alarm sounded, he thought to himself. He made a note to himself to make sure later on. “Link completed,” he heard the star commander call out to him.

   Heading to the comm station, he saw a man in Lyran fatigues on the screen. “I am Kindraa Leader Jerold Danforth, Why are you here,” he asked the man.

   â€œThis is Colonel Johann Klink of the Eighteenth Lyran Regulars. I have been ordered to assist the valiant civilians of All Dawn in removing your bloodthirsty clan from All Dawn. I urge you to surrender sir. Or be destroyed, for I command a regiment of BattleMechs, assisted by six conventional regiments.”

   He had only one reply to that. “Neg.” Before the other man could begin to speak, he shut the link down. “I want planet wide comms now,” he told the technician manning the station. A moment passed before the tech nodded to him. “All units. The Lyrans are picking a fight. We will hold until relieved. Seyla.”

   â€œSeyla,” answered every occupant in the room as he ended his small impromptu speech.

   â€œPeter, all munchkins and sibbies ten and above are to be activated and get all marines off the JumpShips. Star Commander Michael, I want the entire police subcaste activated.” Without bothering to wait for their response, he turned back to the comm tech. “Send a recall order to the Third Rim Lancers immediately and relay all information about the Lyran JumpShips as well. Do the same with our units on Waypoint.” Once the man confirmed his orders, Jerold turned to Natasha. “Star Captain, grab any and all bondsmen and get them to the armory and issue them weapons and equipment.”

   â€œAll,” the young woman asked in shock.

   â€œAff,” was his response. “We are going to need all the help we can get. Natasha. See to it.” As the younger woman nodded and left, he looked around the room. Where once you bore the weight of command, now I must, he thought to himself, thinking of his predecessor. May I do just as well as you did. Though he never admitted it to anyone else, he did respect his now-dead rival.

McCarron's Armoured Cavalry Base camp
Brunswick, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
9th August 3092

   After a longer than expected contract negotiation the McCarron's Armoured Cavalry agree contract teams with the Federated Suns.  With their connections to Faith Steiner, wife of Marshal of Armies Reinhardt Steiner, the unit is able to get a non-combat assignment assisting Federated Suns survey teams scouting depopulated planets within the border of the Federated Suns searching for any former remnants of the Manei Domini and Word of Blake.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
17th July 3092

   Jerold Danforth scanned the battlefield.  For four days and nights, ever since the Lyrans had landed, both the Faraday-Tanaga and the Lyrans prepared themselves for battle. Located on top of a chain of mountains in a small valley, Cassandra, the city they had built for themselves, lay. The only real way into the small valley and the heart of the Faraday-Tanaga was to its south. And his kindraa had a full year and a half to lay defenses. Yet, Jerold Danforth knew that would not be enough, for they were outnumbered one in five in Mechs and more in conventional vehicles and aerospace fighters. And roughly a fourth of the Lyrans Mechs were OmniMechs, compounding their situation. No. Their only chance of victory was to hold until relieved.

   His forces planet side would need to hold for five days. That was how long until the First and Seventh Striker clusters would land planet side, for they had only just jumped into the system, along with the CFM Rook. The Third Rim Lancers, the CFM Warsaw and CFM Mandrill Provider would arrive a day later. At the moment, his aerospace and conventional aerial support were fighting the Lyrans and who knew who would win today in that arena, for the Lyrans had brought two Overlord A3’s and four Avengers.

   From his vantage point at the top, what seemed to be a small explosion caught his attention. It has started, he thought, for that explosion was followed by more than a dozen others, as Lyran and Faraday-Tanaga artillery opened up on one another. He knew this would be a long battle.

Meeting
Davetal III, Clan Nova Cat Occupied
Taurian Concordat
19th August 3092

   It felt strange for Erik Martens-Calderon he was on a Taurian world, deep within the Taurian Concordat, but he had no real power or sway here he was here under a flag of truce.  Clan Nova Cat ground forces held the planet securely and in orbit an Anna Rosse-class Battle-cruiser hung over them stamping the Clan authority over the system even with the SLDF occupying Davetal II.

   Entering the Nova Cat command complex he stepped passed two fully armoured Elemental warriors the building itself was a completely newly built building and it was big with the corridors themselves wide enough for Elementals in armour to travel through them.  Today his escort was not an armoured warrior instead a lower casteman dressed in a green jumpsuit.  Erik's own two suited guards held back slightly but their presence was only a little comfort they were heavily our numbered should anything go wrong.  He was led through the facility up two levels to a pair of wooden doors which were opened by another pair of Nova Cat lower castemen.  His guide also stopped allowing Erik to pass and enter, neither of his guards entered the room leaving him alone as the doors closed behind him.  The room was quite bare overall the carpets were a bland light blue while the steel desk and chairs were nothing special either.  On the far side of the room were a pair of wooden doors which opened moments later entering through the doors was a familiar face, she was a little older but her green eyes were there, the dark hair and beautiful body.  Unlike the last time he'd seen her she on Taurus she'd had an unhappy look on her face she'd returned to her Clan despite not really wishing to today however she looked proud of where she was.  “Sonja” he said quietly smirking at seeing her “it's... sorry, it has been a long time” he said quietly seven years in fact.

   â€œAff, Protector it has indeed been many years” she said formally “welcome to Davetal” she said smiling.

   â€œI wish we were seeing each other under different circumstances.”

   â€œWe both have to live with the choices that we have made, and those that were made for us.”  She said quite coldly.

   â€œThat brings me to the reason for my visit.”

   â€œSo you said you wished to discuss our position here.”

   â€œAff” Erik said using the Clan affirmative bringing a brief smile from Sonja.  “After looking at some of our internal policies” Erik began “I believe that I was at fault for Cham Kithrong's actions I gave him too much leeway.”  Erik admitted “he brought me up for much of my life and I allowed him much freedom which led to the formation of the Omega Six and his operations.”  He concluded “so I would like to personally apologize for my actions in the trouble between us.”

   â€œApologize as Erik Martens-Calderon or as the Protector of the Taurian Concordat?”  Sonja questioned

   â€œBoth” Erik admitted “we were in the wrong.  I do not and cannot support the Nova Cat occupation of this system but I am sorry for the actions that led to it.”

   â€œI as Sonja Rosse of Clan Nova Cat will accept that Erik, but it is not forgiven, or is it forgotten.  We will be remaining on this world.”

   â€œI understand that Sonja, one day perhaps we can speak with respect like we once did.”

   â€œPerhaps in time that will happen” Sonja said showing him a flick of a smile again “for now we will allow you to leave unmolested.”  She said standing up from the desk turning towards the exit  “I thank you for your apology” she said finally before leaving the room.

Federated Suns Courts
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
22nd August 3092

   After nearly ten years in the Federated Suns courts the independent company Interconnectedness Unlimited are still unwilling to released Data on their experimental K-F Drive tested at the New Syrtis Shipyards.  They are also unwilling to reveal the location of the Lucretia, the vessel equipped with the drive, or the vessel‘s complete capabilities.  With this result House Davion plan to take them to the Star League High Court with the promise to share the revealled data with the SLDF should Interconnectedness Unlimited reveal what they know.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
22nd August 3092

   Four days of intense battle had battered the Faraday-Tanaga, Jerold Danforth could easily see. They had lost the air battle, as he thought they would, on the first day. Since then, the Lyran air crews kept constant pressure on the Faraday-Tanaga. As dawn approached, Jerold knew his kindraa’s forces on All Dawn was near to its breaking point. Twice already the proceeding day, he had been forced to call in his reserves. Child warriors not yet ready for battle. And the second time, his kindraa only just barely held the line. Around him, broken Mechs, burnt out vehicles, and dead bodies, both Lyran and Faraday-Tanaga, lay. What Mechs and vehicles still operable would retreat to the last trench as soon as he gave the order.

   They would need to hold out until tomorrow, when reinforcements would at last arrive. Already, the presence was known on the battlefield, for the Lyran fighters had finally ended their ground support to fight the incoming Faraday-Tanaga fighters high up in orbit. That news he allowed to disseminate throughout his lines, finally raising the morale of his warriors.

   Suddenly, movement caught his eye. Battered Lyran Mechs, with just as equally battered Lyran armor, had begun pushing. He guessed the Lyrans would have used their artillery if they were able to, but for some reason, the Lyran artillery had slackened off early yesterday and for that, he was grateful.

   He spoke into his radio. “All units. Start phased withdrawal now.” As he spoke, he moved his Mech past a destroyed Daedalus IndustrialMech, pressed into service days before to help with the fighting. As the fighting began starting, he noticed a child’s body lying on the ground. Not for the first time and likely not the last, he knew the Lyrans would pay for what they did these past four days. It started with the deaths of Theodore Albiev and President Mayfield, the Rim Collection’s president, from wounds they both received in a cowardly attack. Peter Tanaga had fallen yesterday while leading the sibkos in battle. Star Colonel Stuart Faraday of the Sixteenth Assault, promoted when Jacob Faraday agreed to reform the Watch, was missing and presumed killed. Indeed, of the eleven star captains he started in battle with five days ago, only Star Captain Natasha remained. He caught sight of her now one-armed Griffin IIC as it limped across the battlefield leading other units towards the last trench line.

   All along the half circle that was the Faraday-Tanaga trench, vehicles, Mechs, and power armor began retreating to the last trench line, all while keeping heavy fire on the Lyrans. He felt the shoulder of his old Cauldron-born take a hit, likely a Gauss round, though he continued as if nothing had happened. He finally reached the trench with what remained of his supernova. Only four other Mechs remained, though three of them were likely ruined beyond repair. The Lyrans had paused at the last trench, roughly a kilometer away.

   Then he saw the Lyrans charge. He quickly gunned down a small thirty ton Arctic Fox that was already on its last legs before he faced a Griffin and an Atlas. He knew full well who this Atlas belonged to, for it could only be Colonel Klink in front of him. As the Griffin went to face his lone still combat-viable star mate, the Atlas came forward raining down pulse and laser fire upon him. He answered in kind, firing his ER large laser and pulse lasers. Unfortunately, that was all he had, for his forces had ran out of missiles, gauss shells, and autocannon ammunition in the night to repel the last great push.

   Minutes slowly passed by as the Faraday-Tanaga defended their last line while the Lyrans desperately tried to push their way through. Jacob Faraday well knew the Lyrans mission was to neutralize the Faraday-Tanaga and if they could destroy their manufacturing facilities and the genetic repository, then they would be successful even in death. And for that sole reason, where the Faraday-Tanaga would have surrendered, they fought.

   But it was not enough, Jerold knew, as his star mates soon began falling one by one his unit was far beyond the military term Combat Loss Grouping where units that had fought together tended to die together. Only four Mechs remained to the Lyrans eleven, his being one of them and they were quickly overwhelmed. As his Mech took laser shot after laser shot, Jerold Danforth still fought, but at last, a shot pierced the protective shield wall encasing the Mech’s reactor, causing the Mech to explode, Jerold along with it, before he knew what happened.

   Natasha fought the controls of her Mech as a gauss slug knocked it down. Pushing her battered and nearly-destroyed Mech, she saw the kindraa leader’s old Cauldron-Born explode not forty meters away. Damnit! All around her Mechs were down or destroyed. All that were standing between the dozen or so Lyran Mechs and their support forces were her Mech, Leland's, roughly a dozen heavily damaged battle armored Elementals and maybe fifty conventional infantry. Her Mech was by far the better off, for her fellow warrior’s was crawling, one leg and arm destroyed and only had an ER pulse laser it looked like. What to do! What to do! Suddenly her radio crackled to life just as the looming Atlas was suddenly hit by ER PPC blasts from above fire. All around her, Salamander and Elemental power armor were dropping out from the sky. Overhead, Kirghiz OmniFighters were flying.

   â€œThis is Star Colonel Jessica Lopez to all dezgra Lyrans. Your JumpShips have surrendered and you have no chance to escape. Nor can you hold out for a rescue, for the All Dawn militia has the spaceport and the planetary HPG under their control. Stand down now if you want to live beyond today. If not, keep fighting. You have thirty seconds to comply. Otherwise, you die. Lopez out.”

   Within seconds, first one, than another, than finally in twos and threes, the Lyran Mechs and vehicles slowly stopped their firing around her, and their conventional infantry dropped their weapons and surrendered.

   The cavalry may have arrived, Natasha thought to herself, but the Lyrans will pay dearly for what they did here to us.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
24th August 3092

   Star Colonel Aemelia walked through the battlefield. The stench from days of fighting had begun to linger. The effort to rescue stranded wounded was already underway. Yet, the jaguar within her roared with a fury she hadn’t felt since the loss of her former clan. Prisoners taken were quick to point out the Duchess of Timbuktu was the instigator of this attack. And by Kerensky, Aemelia swore she would have vengeance against that blasted woman!

   It surprised her how she found she cared for her adopted clan. No, my adopted kindraa, she amended softly in her head. The others now looked for her to lead them. And she would. She would lead them straight to the gates of Timbuktu, she swore to herself.

   She had warned Jerold Danforth the importance of keeping more than the Sixteenth Assault cluster and the Kindraa Command Supernova here and yet he did not listen to her. He sent her and her warriors and the crippled Warsaw to Otisberg to take part in a training exercise, ostensibly to foster good relations with the Collection. Only it cost him his life and nearly all the warriors Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga had on All Dawn and for that, she would never forgive him. And she would ensure he would be remembered as an inept fool for that.

   She clicked on her radio once she ensured it was set to all frequencies. “All Lancers. In ten hours, deploy to your DropShips. Striker clusters remain on All Dawn. Allied units, you all are welcomed to the party if you want.”

   Already, the Rim Collection was at a war footing. The Nineteenth Striker Cluster and the CFM Resolute had deployed to Waypoint. The Rim Guards were offering three of their six clusters for offensive actions. Karen and Frank Able, the children of Jerry Able and the commanders of the First and Second Rim Lancers respectfully, both wanted blood and their units were ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. All four supernovas formed from three combined-arms battalions of the Rim Collection Militia were also ready, though they would likely not be deployed. Finally, all planetary militias had reported in, all ready to do their part in the coming war.

   A war she was certain to end before it could properly begin. But how to get the acting-president on board? That was the question she had yet to answer, but it did not matter much to her what he thought. The Faraday-Tanaga tasted blood and soon it will have Lyran blood and his subordinates supported the Faraday-Tanaga. And that, she knew, mattered more than a room of free birth politicians.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
25th August 3092

   Jerry Able grouched in pain as he forced his body to move, leaning heavily on his cane and his daughter, who was at his side. He had yet to really recover from the assassination attack-twenty seven days ago, having just been let out of the hospital a day ago. Yet the entire Rim Collection was looking to him to lead them into this war. A war he was loath to enter, rightfully so. The Rim Collection had no hope for a military victory in a drawn out war. Only the fact the Lyrans were still busy with the fallout from battling the remnants of the World of Blake meant they had a chance at retribution.

   His daughter came up with the idea. Bring the people of the Lyran Commonwealth over to them, she said, and victory was theirs. And that he could not argue with, for he well knew public perception with the archon at the moment was shaky at best. And for that, they would be relying on it.

   He paused as he reached the doorway leading to the auditorium where he would give his speech.  “Ready papa,” Karen asked, bringing him out of his thoughts.

   â€œNo, but I will be,” he answered her. Before she could respond, he nodded to the security team around him. Nearly all were members of the Rim Lancers and the rest clanners. They were taking no chances, not after the assassination. “Let us get on with this,” he said softly before one of his man opened up the door that led to the auditorium, to the crowd waiting shakily within.

StarCorps Facilities
Ciotat, Halfway Province
Lyran Commonwealth
29th August 3092

   An aide showed the woman in she was quite beautiful for industrial espionage investigator she also looked quite young perhaps a little over thirty.  “Inspector Jackson, welcome to Ciotat.”

   â€œThank you, Director Firzhugh” she said plesently moving to the chair just in front of his desk.

   â€œI believe you have information for us regarding a possible breach in our data protection systems?”  He asked as she sat down.

   â€œYes” Jackson admitted “we have found evidence that Gibson BattleMechs Incorporated agents infiltrated StarCorps facilities here and on Son Hou.”

   â€œI had not heard of Son Hou being affected” Fizhugh admitted “tea or coffee Miss Jackson?”  He offered

   â€œPlease that would be nice.  And its Evita” she said smiling nicely.  Fizhugh turned around and poured them both a drink from a porcelain kettle.  Turning around he placed both cups in front of them Jackson reached forward taking a sip of the drink burning her lip slightly.

   â€œMore milk?”  He asked seeing her reaction.

   â€œPlease” she said placing the cup back down.  Fizhugh turned his back to her Evita Jackson moved quickly flicking her wrist as her hand passed over Fizhugh's cup.  As her wrist turned two small capsules dropped into Fizhugh's drink before the man could turn back around Evita settled back into her chair.  The Director reached forwards pouring milk into Evita's cup before replacing the jug.  Evita took the cup taking a drink “much better thank you.”

   â€œMy pleasure” he said sitting down taking the cup in his hands taking a small sip.  “So you're investigating an instance that Gibson BattleMechs infiltrated our systems and stole data?”  He asked taking another sip it was a little too sweet but it was warm and would do “as I understand it Gibson BattleMechs Incorporated is no more it was destroyed when Gibson was destroyed?”

   â€œThat's correct” she said watching him drink more “however it is important for the Manei Domini that the people that helped them, and are still in place within your organization, are looked after and safeguarded for the future.”

   â€œThey are still in place?”  He asked taking a mouthful of the drink swallowing heavily “then we must flush them out” he said as he lost the feeling in his arm the cup slipping from his hand.

   â€œI don't agree” Evita said placing her cup back on the table.  “You see I want these people to remain and continue to feed us information.”  She said smiling raising from her chair “don't try to reply or to speak Abram you have been paralyzed.”  He said seeing the shock on his face “don't worry you won't have to live with it.”  She said stepping behind Abram Fizhugh gripping his chair as she turned it towards the glass window with a strong push of the chair throwing the Director's paralyzed body through the window.  “What a shame” she whispered kneeling down beside the Director's desk pushing a couple of data chips into the computer within moments they automatically uploaded a virus into the system which would cover the tracks of all her people.  Quickly withdrawing the chips Evita moved out of the office removing a pair of small cartridges from her pocket throwing them back inside before quickly closing the door.  As she walked down the corridor the office exploded in a brief contained explosion as Evita disappeared into the stairwell as the fire and evacuation alarms began to sound.  Stepping down the stairs she rose her hand to her mouth “this is Avitue, Phase One Complete, Phase Two Complete, Executing Phase Three no complications.”  She stated leaving the office block as emergency services arrived.  Inspector Evita Jackson disappeared into the crowd that had gathered around watching the fire engulf the building.

  Another great update!  Glad to see the peace settlement between the RC and LC.  I like how the former Duchess of Timbuktu, Cantrelle Sherris will be turnover to the government of LC after a Trial of Grievance!     Hope to see another update soon!

Contract Negotiation
Arc Royal, Arc Royal Theatre
Lyran Commonwealth
1st October 3092

   Following the final evacuation of Galatea the Ghosts of the Abyss Company accept a formal contract with the Lyran Commonwealth.  The unit under the command of Driscoll Patterson had helped more than two hundred thousand survivors escape the runs of Galatea but were now ready to take out their frustrations on enemy targets.  They are initially sent to Arc Royal to allow the company to learn how to work together in a combat stuation.

SLS Covenant (Covenant-class Cruiser)
Asteroid Belt, Sol System
Star League Protectorate
4th October 3092

   The SLS Covenant was returning to the Titan Shipyards in the Sol System for maintenance Commanding-General Archer Christifori had journeyed with the ship so he could attend meetings on Terra and attend a disciplinary hearing for one of his WarShip commanders.  The cruiser jumped into the Sol System above the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars from the WarShip's docking collar a single DropShip, a Conquistador-class vessel, the Avenger dropped away.  On the ship's command deck Archer Christifori tried to keep out of the way this was his ship to command, litterally, First Lord Victor Steiner-Davion had given it to him as a birthday present in thanks for his return following David Natale's death.  Archer had almost refused the ship he knew nothing about DropShips or their command, but he knew that his families shipping company would find a use for it when he eventually retired again, for now the ship was seconded to the SLDF as his personal DropShip.  The ship's operational Commander, Commodore Navid Aamir glanced to him for instructions.  “Take me to the site of the reported incident before we proceed to Terra.”  He ordered the commander nodded and the ship banked slightly diving into the asteroid belt the sixteen thousand ton vessel very nimble in the vacuum of space.

   Hours seemed to pass before Archer was called back to the command deck the Avenger moving at a little under one gravity of acceleration as they passed through the asteroids.  “We're here sir” Navid reported as the Commanding-General entered the bridge.  Glancing up at the external view screens Archer's mouth dropped as he saw the image displayed from the Avenger's external cameras.

   â€œMy word” he said finally watching as the Conquistador slowly moved passed the massive wreck floating in the asteroid field.  It was a WarShip that was for certain but even in its dilapidated state Archer could tell it was a WarShip like no other it had a style to it that was like nothing built by the original Star League, the Clans or the Inner Sphere since.  “I've heard stories of this ship ever since Terra was taken back from the Word of Blake.  I've always meant to visit her, to see what all the fuss was about, I now see” he admitted.

   â€œDavid Natale used to visit this place every time he came into the system” Navid said he'd served with the deceased Admiral during his career before transferring to the Commanding-General's detail “he used to say it reminded him that WarShips were not invincible.”

   â€œThat one never even made it into service” Archer reminded the Commodore.

   â€œYes sir, David held a dream that once he succeeded you as Commanding-General he was going to restart the “Enterprise Project” try to make his mark on the SLDF.”

   â€œHe's already made quite a mark Navid, we wouldn't be where we are without him.”  Archer said his eyes hadn't left the massive ship he could see where weapons bays had been ripped out and where other parts of the hull had been cut away over the years.  “Could she be put into service?”

   â€œThat ship?” Navid said rhetorically “not a chance.  But the class she was supposed to be... probably.  I'm not an expert with WarShip technology but from what I understand there have been several significant advances over the years with our encounters with the Clans and their superior craftmanship our ships have improved as well.”

   â€œIs there a place for her though?  The SLDF built her as a proof of concept more than anything.  They had fleets of ships that already carried thousands of small craft, they didn't really need her.”

   â€œNo sir, they didn't but we could use her.  Our fleet isn't nearly as big as the original SLDF's it won't be for a hundred years especially with Titan being our only shipyard.  That ship used to carry nearly one thousand small craft itself she would be quite a boost to our fleet, if we could keep her supplied.”

   â€œFighter production shouldn't be too much of an issue there are more aerospace fighters produced today and by more people than there ever has been in human history.”  Archer said thinking out loud “maybe something to ponder for the future.  Now back to the issue at hand give me a rundown of what happened.”

   â€œYes sir” Navid said Archer had read the report already but wanted to hear it from someone who worked in space “two weeks ago the SLS Tamarind was on patrol in the asteroid belt as part of her shakedown cruise the ship has caused us problems since the minute we received her from the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey but it seems Titan has got things worked out.”  He said Archer nodded he'd heard about the Tamarind's woes as well the Unity-class Frigate was more of a problem ship than the gift it was supposed to be.  “The Unity's sensors detected a pair of small craft running close to the asteroids and called for them to stop for inspection.  Neither stopped.  The Unity's commander employed his ship's Naval Lasers in an effort to slow them down allowing his own small craft to catch up with the ships this weapons fire caused a massive amount of debris which according to the Belters who live out here has endangered hundreds of lives.”

   â€œIs it normal practice for our WarShips to engage capital weaponry in the belt?”

   â€œIt's not unheard of sir but its not standard practice, the chance of creating new hazards to navigation is too high in most cases.”

   â€œWhy didn't the Belters stop?”

   â€œIt looks like they've modified some aerospace fighters to carry cargo.” Navid said Archer had let him look over the report before arriving here he needed some insight from a naval officer the Belters had created quite a mess in the belt with their dealings.  “Most likely the Belters were running illegal cargo between some of the bigger habitats its a common practice once that Terra has requested we try to stop.  A few months ago two of the bigger families that run the belt and the colonies near Saturn came into conflict over something by the time the SLDF patrol craft arrived there was weapons fire being exchanged by both sides in the colony and in space around it.”

   â€œSo the Belters themselves use weapons in the field?”  Archer said “their issue isn't that we caused a navigation hazard or caused a threat to their people they want the SLDF to back off.  ComStar let them away with running the Belt colonies without any sort of authority they just don't like us moving in.”  Archer concluded “now using naval weapons when we don't normally that's maybe something the Tamarind's CO needs spoken about and any other ships in the Terra system I don't want capital weapons fired off just because we have them.  At the same time however the Belters need to know we're here and we're not going away.  I won't do an Amaris and send over the Caspers but they need to reign their necks and cut these armed conflicts down, some law and order is all that's needed.”

   Archer said knowing how he was going to answer the investigation committee already he wasn't going to hang the Tamarind's CO out to dry but neither would he get off scotfree.  At the same time the Belters needed to be on notice the SLDF wasn't going away.  “Take me to Terra Navid before I decide we're going to tow that thing back with us” he said looking at the Enterprise once last time.  When he arrived on Terra he planned to convene a planning group David Natale wanted to leave a lasting legacy on the SLDF and Archer Christifori planned to find out if they could do it.

Trial of Position
Sigma Galaxy Command, New Gascony
Nova Cat's Den, Periphery
9th October 3092

   Stepping away from his defeated opponent Elson West looked to Clan Nova Cat's Oathmaster Sonja Rosse.  “Oathmaster, before you lays Roj Deleportis”  he said glancing over his shoulder at the man Elson guessed with his internal injuries the MechWarrior would not likely survive to accept a lower rank.  Roj Deleportis had called for this Trial of Position he was an old man and the changes their Clan had gone through were too much for him to change with.  Elson did not know if he wanted to change with the Clan but he did know that he wished to command more than a mere Cluster.  “I have defeated him in single combat, I wish to command Sigma Galaxy and all her warriors.”  He said around him were members of that Galaxy and his own 449th Assault Cluster.

   â€œYou have proven yourself in combat Elson West.  Sigma Galaxy is yours to command.”  The Oathmaster said after a moment she seemed distracted no doubt thinking of her own Grand Melee competition that was approaching however Elson cared little for her troubles he now had the command he wished for, an entire Galaxy.  Now he could make the changes to Clan Nova Cat that he knew were needed and take the steps that he knew his Clansmen wanted.

Liberation Mission
Andurien, Republic of St Jamis-Liao
15th October 3092

   After months of allowing the Republic of St Jamis-Liao to remain in existence Chancellor Dao-Shen Liao leads three WarShips including the CCSS Chancellor's Pride into the Andurien system.  From the Thera-class Carrier Dao-Shen watched as all three of the Republic of St Jamis-Liao's were destroyed by aerospace fighters while his own CCSS Talon Zhan had been destroyed by the WarShip's counter fire.  Now that the Capellan Confederation controlled the space around the world Dao-Shen Liao planned to lead the Red Lancers, Dynasty Guard and Death Commandos to the world personally.

   Landing on the planet piloting an experimental new Agrotera BattleMech Dao-Shen Liao flexed the arms of the fifty ton design opening up a communication channel “I am Chancellor Dao-Shen Liao, I reclaim this world as a Capellan Confederation holding.”  He broadcast across the planet his regiments were fighting but Dao-Shen wished for one victory over one particular man.  According to the Maskirovka his target was somewhere in this area and he knew the man could not ignore a direct challenge.  “Come out Cameron Victor St Jamis-Liao, you wish to prove you are good enough to lead the Capellan Confederation defeat me and prove your worth.”  He said taunting his opponent.  “None of my Mechs will engage yours until one of us is defeated.”

   Surprisingly enough Maskirovka had been completely correct on Cameron St Jamis-Liao's location within a moment a group of Mechs began approaching the lead was a white and red Men Shen OmniMech five tons heavier than his own.  Dao-Shen Liao watched as his enemy approached looking at the other designs each was painted with the lower half black and the upper half red.  “You must think I am stupid to believe a Capellan Chancellor of Canopian Blood?”  Cameron St Jamis-Liao replied “challenging me like we are part of the Clans?”

   â€œDrawing you out to die” Dao-Shen Liao whispered his Mech's head mounted Target Acquisition Gear (TAG) had been locked on the approaching Mechs as soon as he had seen them approach “fire” he commanded opening fire with his own particle cannon and lasers on the Men Shen moments after his first volley fired Cameron returned fire with his own Mech's missile and pulse laser systems as did the Mechs with him however Dao-Shen's TAG had done far more than mark his target launching into the air Dao-Shen cleared the immediate area as six Arrow IV Artillery Missiles slammed into the enemy OmniMech and the Mech's around it decapitating the enemy BattleMech killing Cameron Victor St Jamis-Liao.  Not allowing the Chancellor the satisfaction of victory from all around the area more Mechs charged into the battle each painted in the same black and red camouflage of those who had accompanied Cameron.  Now Dao-Shen Liao found his trap had been sprung on him he wasn't sure if he would escape it.  “All units engage new enemy targets” Dao-Shen said launching his Mech into the air again firing his particle cannon at the enemy targets.  The Agrotera's jump jets and partial wing carried the Mech over three hundred metres from the enemy lines.

   Across the combined lines of the Capellan line BattleMechs were dying however so were the enemy units.  Artillery fire continued to land all around the area while artillery deployed mines were being flagged up on Dao-Shen's sensors.  More missiles and laser fire filled the air around his Mech as the Capellan Chancellor turned his guns on another enemy Mech dodging enemy fire as he went.  Dao-Shen could see the Black and Red Mechs were retreating as his forces engaged them.  “All forces all them to fall back, secure Cameron St Jamis-Liao's Mech.”  The Chancellor ordered allowing the enemy force to disengage Dao-Shen moved forward slowly returning to the Men Shen looking at the burnt out cockpit the Chancellor hoped that there was enough to positively identify its pilot as Cameron St Jamis-Liao and end this rebellion.

   The battle raged across the planet of Andurien for several more hours before the remains of Cameron St Jamis-Liao's forces were defeated.  On the other worlds of the Republic of St Jamis-Liao the other worlds fell rapidly as news of Andurien's fall and the death of their leader spread.  The DNA from the fallen pilot was identified as the rogue prince after extensive testing ordered by Dao-Shen Liao who then publicly shared all the data to put down any conspiracy theory's about his survival.  No sign of the strange black and red Mechs were seen again on Andurien having disappeared during the fighting interrogations of the surviving St Jamis-Liao forces confirmed that these troops were not one of the defensive unit formed by Cameron St Jamis-Liao.

   Following the Capellan Confederation victory and the reestablishment of a full border with the Oriente Protectorate the Free Worlds League faction issues a message to Sian calling for the seized Free Worlds League worlds of the Duchy of Andurien to be returned to the Free Worlds League, a request that is promptly ignored by every Capellan official who sees it.
   
Clan Wolf (in-Exile) Repair Dock
Ruins of Gabriel, Odessa
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
21st October 3092

   Although there were plans within plans to create new shipyard facilities in the Lyran Commonwealth Coventry planned to build its own yards while the Isle of Skye wished yards of their own as well the Port Sydney Shipyards run by Ioto Galactic Enterprises continued to be the only shipyard in operation within the Lyran Commonwealth.  As part of the Wolf Accords signed by Archon Peter Steiner-Davion and Khan Phelan Kell Clan Wolf (in-Exile) had been granted the rights to repair and rebuild some of the facilities within the Ruins of Gabriel asteroid belt.  After almost ten years of hard work the Exiles had finally accomplished the first part of their plan a repair facility capable of servicing their remaining WarShip fleet.  There were plans by the Exiles to expand the facility to be able to construct new vessels for themselves or to sell to the Lyrans for further resources but for now the Clan was content with being able to begin the long process of servicing their vessels starting with the Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser, Full Moon, which had hung in defence of the facility during its construction.  The Wolves plan was for each of the Clan's remaining five WarShips to be maintained their over the next three years.

Oathmaster's Grand Melee Aftermath
New Barcella, Nova Cat's Den
Periphery
26th October 3092

   Sonja Rosse laid on the hospital bed inside the medical facility on New Barcella she had been dragged from her Shadow Cat OmniMech after defeat in the Oathmaster's Grand Melee the day before.  According to the doctors she had a severe concussion and her leg was broken in three places and would take three weeks to heal even with the best treatment.  As she lay on the bed a familiar figure approached “My Khan” she greeted her father officially.

   â€œStar Colonel” he replied using her military rank she had been defeated in the Grand Melee and was no longer Oathmaster.  “Your defeat was unfortunate.  Once you recover I have a position for you within Delta Galaxy to allow you to... adjust” he said he was offering her an out from her current position, a Star Colonel without a command.  Although she appreciated the gesture she knew she needed something different.

   â€œNeg, sir I lost the battle but I lost what it means to be a Nova Cat as well.  I request permission to undertake a Vision Quest.”

   â€œOf course” Khan Rosse said quietly “you may go wherever you wish, I will inform the Oathmaster of your choice” he said she saw his flinch as he spoke he was unhappy with her defeat although he would not say so.

   â€œI wish to take it outwith the Nova Cat's Den, I believe there is a trade mission to Detroit leaving in a few days?”

   â€œAff but with your leg as it is I do not think you are fit to travel.”  Canin pointed out her entire leg was currently frozen in place by both drugs and a flexicast as her body began to repair itself.  She wouldn't be walking for weeks.

   â€œIt is a five week trip to Detroit my Khan I will heal during that time and be more mobile in the micro-gravity than on a planet.”

   â€œYou are sure you wish to leave so soon Sonja, Quiaff?”

   â€œAff, my Khan, I need time to think re-find my spirit.  I lost the Grand Melee because I lost my inner Nova Cat.”

   â€œAs you wish” Canin Rosse answered “I do not have another available Shadow Cat for your use, your Mech was not salvageable from the battle.”  He explained, that was a blow she had hoped to take her OmniMech with her “I do however have a Shadow Hawk IIC that lacks a pilot.”  He explained the second line BattleMech was old, almost as old as Clan Nova Cat, but it would be better than nothing.

   â€œYou have my gratitude my Khan.”

   â€œI wish you luck” he said turning away she knew that this would be the last time she would see him “speak with your mother before you leave Sonja, she will want to see you.”

   â€œAff, father” she whispered “I will ensure that I do that.”  She said she knew her father allowing her to leave meant he had accepted that he would likely not see her again he had his hardened Clan trueborn warrior look on one he used to display when he was disappointed in her and her brother when they were younger.

Finally!!!  Had a small case of writers block hopefully updates will improve and have played an obscene amount of Destiny

The End of 3092

Interstellar Expeditions Expedition
Uninhabited system, Periphery
8th December 3092

   As an extension of the work being done in the Federated Suns an Interstellar Expeditions team skirted the Federated Suns/Periphery border searching the systems for signs of habitation or of resources that could be useful or profitable.  The team was able to travel with little opposition in the area as pirate activity had dropped off severely following the formation of the Nova Cat's Den.  Taking advantage the Interstellar Expeditions Invader-class JumpShip JS Mortal Coil jumped from system to system scanning each as it went.  Finally it jumped into a system the expedition had named Ganymede they identified two artificial signatures.

   Traveling in system two of the Invader's DropShips discovered a pair of ancient Aquilla-class JumpShips, the first JumpShip type, these craft were used during the formation of the Taurian Concordat and although primitive by modern standards the ships would be invaluable to collectors or potentially to the Taurian Concordat as part of the periphery state's history.

Advanced War Training Facility
Thorin, Ecol City
Star League Protectorate
12th December 3092

   As part of the continued expansions of the Star League Defence Force's facilities on Thorin the Advanced War Training Facility is added to the University of Thorin.  These extensive military facilities bring hundreds of jobs to the world and increase the traffic through its already busy spaceport facilities.  With everything that had been spent on Thorin the world had experienced a massive boom and was well on its way to returning to being a jewel for the Star League Defence Force.  In an effort to show that it would not only be Thorin that would benefit from the SLDF's presence Commanding-General Archer Christifori directs SLDF planners and construction teams to begin work on building extensive facilities on Muphrid.  Thorin and Muphrid had been linked for hundreds of years and having the training facilities on Muphrid would bring prosperity to both worlds.  Some of the people on Muphrid are unhappy that their world is being used as a shooting gallery while Thorin benefits from the “cleaner” SLDF facilitites.

Royal Marriage
Regulus City, Regulus
Principality of Regulus
15th December 3092

   â€œ...Forever hold your peace” the minister said looking over the gathered guests.  Lester Cameron-Jones and Saadia Howser stood facing each other.  Initially Saadia did not want to go through with this she had said that her past would catch up with her but Lester had insisted.  They had fallen in love while Regulus was under siege now their love had a chance of fixing some of the hurt Regulus and the Principality was feeling.

   â€œI do” Saadia said quietly looking Lester inn the face “I can't go through with this” she said almost in a whisper before rushing off to the side.  Lester watched her run then quickly rushed off after her.

   â€œSaadia!”  He called rushing into the adjoining room Saadia stood in the middle of the room staring at the exit door her back turned on him.  “Saadia, what's wrong?”  He asked knowing she had reservations but not realizing they were so strong.

   â€œI can't marry you like this” she said turning towards Lester “I love you but I can't keep lying to you.  If we are to get married then I have to be honest... I'm not Saadia Howser” she said tears running down her cheeks “Lester, I'm not even from Regulus, I was born on McKenna” she said naming the world in the Oriente Protectorate “and my name is Cheynov... as in Felipe Cheynov, the Duke of McKenna, I lied to join the Regulan defences, I lied to you.”  She admitted

   â€œDo you love me?”  Lester asked it hurt to think she had lied to him but if she loved him he cared little.

   â€œI do” she said echoing the words she had used inside the hall.

   â€œThen will marry me?” he asked slowly moving down onto one knee as he'd done before “I love you not the reasons for what you have done.”  He said she nodded wiping her tears from her eyes.

   â€œI do” she repeated again answering his question.

   â€œThen we need to get back to our wedding” he said extending his hand to her which she took slowly stepping back into the hall in front of the surprised guests “sorry for the delay.”

   â€œProblems?”  The minister asked

   â€œNone” Saadia confirmed

   â€œNo” Lester said glancing over the people gathered “but I want to speak first” he said turning towards the crowd “ladies and gentlemen, today I will not be marrying Saadia Howser” he announced glancing seeing Saadia's face change wracked by emotion and worry “instead I will be marrying Saadia Cheynov, daughter of Felipe Cheynov the Duke of McKenna” he announced glancing at her smiling “McKenna and Regulus are now linked by blood.  It will be again physically as we are married.”  He said turning around Saadia's emotions full of love and admiration for the man she was marrying but there was also a niggling doubt her father may not welcome an invasion from Regulan troops.

Taurian Concordat Offensive
Capellan March, Federated Suns
17th December 3092

   Continuing on after their previous victories the Taurian Concordat Armed Forces and supporting mercenary commands attack the occupied worlds of Predition, Dicallus and Grossbach.  Like the worlds previously attacked the Taurians find the worlds sparsely defended bringing them back into the Taurian fold without any major problems.

Coventry JumpShip Yards
Coventry, Coventry Province
Lyran Commonwealth
18th December 3092

   With Clan Wolf (in-Exile) creating repair facilities at the Ruins of Gabriel the Lyran Commonwealth finishes the first stage of their own shipyards at the Nadir Point in the Coventry system.  These yards are officially orientated towards the construction and repair of JumpShip type vessels however there are plans within the Lyran Commonwealth to build fully capable WarShip yards within the system.

   To officially open these yards and show his support for the yards Archon Peter Steiner-Davion attends the official opening of the yards while his daughter and heir Duchess Jessica Steiner also attends with her newly repaired and modified WarShip the LCS Archon's Pride.  The Avalon-class Cruiser heavily damaged fighting the Manei Domini has been modified so extensively it has been reclassified as an Alliance-class Cruiser by the LCAF with additional aerospace fighter bays and the mighty Kraken Tele-operated Capital Missile the LCAF hope this modified vessel will bring new capabilities to their naval forces as well as acting as a testbed for the Kraken within the Lyran Navy.

Unidentified Contact
Terra Firma, Star League Protectorate
25th December 3092

   While searching through the wreckage of the Manei Domini and allied ships that had been destroyed in the Terra Firma system SLDF sensors detect a massive radiation surge on the outer edge of the system.  When the SLDF patrol craft arrive in the area on the 30th December there is a second massive surve of radiation as the unidentified vessel jumps back out of the system.  According to the SLDF's sensors and the size of the radiation surge there is little doubt to the SLDF Analysis that the ship jumping was over two million tonnes or was loaded with a number large DropShips.

Star League Court of Justice
Terra, Star League Protectorate
3rd February 3093

   After debating their prospective points in the Star League Courts a ruling is made over the case of Federated Suns vs Interconnectedness Unlimited.  The Star League Court of Justice rule that the Federated Suns should accept the offer of reimbursement for the damage done to New Syrtis JumpShip Shipyards from Interconnectedness Unlimited and that they should drop all further charges against the Steffelbus family.  The Federated Suns begrudgingly agree.

Trade Conference
Portland, Fronc Reaches
Periphery
9th February 3093

   Away from the capitals of Fronc and Taurus Protector Erik Martens-Calderon met with Duke  Dirk McEvens in an attempt to broker a trade deal.  The deal was going well with Erik finding Dirk McEvens very agreeable.  As they talked the ground suddenly rumbled heavily under them “what was that?”  Erik asked as six guards rushed into the room scanning for danger.

   â€œSir, we are under attack from an unknown Battalion sized unit.”  One of them reported Erik glanced immediately towards Dirk McEvens.

   â€œI know nothing of this” he said as the facility shook.  As McEvens' guards had not moved Erik didn't think he knew what was going on.

   â€œContact the DropShip call in the rest of our people!”

   â€œWe're being jammed!”  One of the bodyguards called out Erik stepped forward towards the doors “sir, where are you going?”

   â€œIf this is to be my death then I will see it.”  Erik said stepping closer to the doors peering out he could see explosions outside as his BattleMech guards fought off the aggressors.  Even from the tiny view that he had Erik could tell that his people were losing their fight.  “Give me a weapon” he ordered one of his bodyguards who handed him a rifle.  Opening the door slightly Erik stepped out followed by his guards they moved to a small barricade raising the weapon he began to fire on the attacking forces there were vehicles and infantry supporting the enemy BattleMechs which Erik aimed at on either side of the Protector his guards and those of Dirk McEvens took up their own firing positions they had little to no chance of victory but they had to try.

   As the Protector's guards fell one by one it looked like four enemy BattleMechs would survive the battle Erik, Dirk McEvens and three guards remained as the last friendly BattleMech fell.  As this guardian was destroyed the Protector surrendered himself to his fate laying down his rifle preparing to raise to his feet when another BattleMech flew into battle on a set of glowing jump jets as it landed the Mech fired immediately engaging all four remaining enemy Mechs with short range missiles before opening fire on a single Mech with a combination of pulse and conventional laser weapons.  The already damaged target Mech fell rapidly as the pilot of this newly arrived BattleMech expertly dodged away from first an autocannon salvo and then a flight of long range missiles.  Cutting back inside the BattleMech engaged again this time with a salvo of pulse laser fire cutting out the enemy Mech's gyro scope knocking it to the ground.

   Without stopping the new BattleMech launched into the air soaring over the battlefield firing several flights of short range missiles down on the enemy targets.  With one Mech down and the new Mech hunting for targets the remaining enemy Mechs turned and fled unwilling to engage the new Mech in open combat.  Erik stood up from behind the wall that had sheltered him to look at the Mech it had barely been damaged during the battle as it turned to face him he noticed on the Mech's left chest armour the insignia of Clan Nova Cat why had the Clan saved him?  How had they arrived on this planet?  Where were the rest of this Mech's unit?  So many unanswered questions but he was happy to see it.

   Soon after the pilot had come down from their Mech it was a woman she was escorted into the meeting place her fully enclosed neuralhelmet hiding her face.  “Thank you for your assistance, may I ask why?”  He asked looking for a sign of the MechWarrior's face she did not answer instead she began to open the catches on her helmet removing it revealing a familiar face “Sonja!”  He blurted out immediately “what are you doing here?”  He asked resisting the urge to step forward and grab her she had walked out of his life to safeguard his people, now she had walked back in and saved him?  Nothing made sense.

   â€œProtector” she said curtly “I am glad to see you are alive and well.  I am on a temporary “break” from Clan Nova Cat's service” she explained “the trade ship I was on board took me this far, I had planned to travel to Astrokazsy to search for further Star League-era remains and perhaps re-find myself.”

   â€œRe-find?”  He asked she sounded lost, despondent, not like the confident woman that had fought with him against the pirate forces all those years ago.

   â€œI lost my position as Oathmaster of Clan Nova Cat I was better than the warriors that defeated me but I still lost.  I need to find our why that happened so I requested that I be allowed to travel for a time and rediscover the spirit that I had lost.”

   â€œYou have lost none of your skill” he said quietly thinking of the battle he had seen.

   â€œI heard there was a fight and that those involved were pirate dezgra, they were not really a test.  I am glad you are well Protector I will now take my leave assuming you have no intention on holding me” she said it wasn't a question.  With his reduced guard he wondered if he could stop her leaving by force.

   â€œDon't go” he finally pleaded she looked at him strangely and he immediately realized how bad it had probably sounded “I mean... be a guest of the Taurian people.  You said before you would have liked to see more of Taurus come with me.”  He suggested “you can rest plan your next move, if you would like you could contact the Nova Cat's Den by HPG, don't walk away so easily.”  He suggested for several moments Sonja Rosse remained quiet indicating neither way “give us the chance we deserve...” he said not meaning just his people but also him and her there had been something between them when they had first met now he wanted to try again to capture that feeling.

   â€œAff” Sonja finally said “I did wish to see more of Taurus and it would provide plenty of options for future travel arrangements, but quit with the infernal contractions Quiaff?”  She demanded Erik smiled broadly and nodded.

   â€œAgreed” he said glancing at Dirk McEvens who had mercifully remained silent during this exchange “Duke McEvens, can we please continue these negotiations at a later date for now I would like to return home and care for my wounded” he said attempting not to caste to bad a light on McEvens security arrangements.

   â€œIndeed Protector Calderon, I too would like to see to my wounded and the interrogations of who was responsible.  Contact Fronc when you are ready to continue these talks.  Sonja Rosse I and the people of the Fronc Reaches are in your debt.”  He said bowing slightly before leaving the building leaving Erik and Sonja in the room.  Soon after they would both be back at Erik's DropShip, with the losses taken by the Taurian bodyguard unit, Sonja's BattleMech easily fitting inside its cargo bay while Sonja was given her own guest quarters.  Once all were on board and secure the vessel blasted off the surface of the Fronc world heading towards the JumpShip which would take them to the Taurian Concordat and the next part of Sonja's journey.

Interstellar Expeditions Survey Team Chen
Capellan March, Federated Suns
13th February 3063

   Under contract with the Federated Suns the Interstellar Expeditions Survey Team Chen was tasked with scouting the dead Federated Suns Capellan March worlds of Knutdor, Turko, Brabent and Halixmar to search for any sign of recent habitation or relics of the Star League-era which were thought lost during the First and Second Succession Wars.

   The survey mission which took a total of nearly three months with nothing of note found on Knutdor, Turko and Bradent.  Halixmar was a different with nearly twenty thousand inhabitants hidden in a series of bunkers built into a mountain range included among these are an entire infantry regiment who begin firing hand held Short Range Missile Launchers and hand weapons at the Interstellar Expeditions DropShips as they descended to the ground.  Attached to the Interstellar Expeditions unit is The Alpha Team a rogue SLDF BattleMech lance that had turned mercenary despite still being hunted by their former superiors.  Instead of launching a blitzkrieg against the infantry forces The Alpha Team rapidly replaced their Mechs missile and autocannon munitions with non-lethal ammunition and moved out.  With a combination of smoke rounds, tear gas and rubber munitions The Alpha Team rapidly cut down the infantry forces with minimal casualties leaving only the mountain bunkers.

   Unable to convince the bunkers that they meant them no harm the Interstellar Expeditions commanders called in assistance from the MIIO and DMI to forward negotiations.  With their assistance direct contact is made with the bunkers one-by-one finding that these were the last remains of Halixmar's population who had lived underground since the First Succession War when the world was nuked by the Capellan Confederation.  The MIIO and DMI find that what was then ComStar and then later the Word of Blake had made contact with the inhabitants that they had led the inhabitants to believe that the Federated Suns was long gone under conquest of the Draconis Combine and Capellan Confederation and that ComStar was passing information between hidden worlds that continued to fight the oppressors of the Federated Suns population.  A specialist support team from the Star League Intelligence Corps is called in after nearly a month of stubborn resolve from the Halixmar inhabitants who refuse to believe that the SLDF has been reformed or that the Federated Suns still exists.  The arrival of the SLIC troopers goes much further to persuade the bunker inhabitants than anything the Federated Suns or Interstellar Expeditions teams presented opening the first meaningful dialogue between the two sides finally bringing Halixmar back onto Federated Suns maps.

   The Federated Suns officially announce Halixmar's habituation by descendants of the world's original population in later October 3093 after months of continuous negotiations.  They announce that travel to the world and communication will be restricted to that the world wishes as requests for information on the inhabitants stream into information centres across the Federated Suns the inhabitants of Halixmar will also be allowed to communicate beyond their world for the first time in centuries with the construction of a Hyper Pulse Generator however all messages will be screened by the various Intelligence agencies on the planet to ensure no Word of Blake or Manei Domini supporters remain.  The Star League Defence Force officially maintains a presence on the world by request of the worlds inhabitants while the DMI quietly remove The Alpha Team from the planet ensuring the SLIC does not  capture the mercenary lance as a way of thanks for minimizing casualties during the initial operations on the planet.

Principality of Regulus assaults
Oriente Protectorate
Former-Free Worlds League
21st February 3093

   As if to prove a point that McKenna would be linked to Regulus not only spiritually due to Lester Cameron-Jones marriage to the heir of this world's throne with a heavy assault on the worlds of Tiber, Sophie's World, Avior and Emris IV.  Despite a heavy defence from the Oriente Protectorate all four are lost in eight weeks of fighting.  The Regulan victories also put them two jumps from the system of McKenna despite Oriente's best efforts.

St Jamis-Liao Purge
Capellan Confederation
27th February 3093

   Within the Capellan Confederation's borders on more than a dozen worlds the Maskirovka begin a purge of all known and suspected supporters of Cameron St Jamis-Liao beginning on those worlds that were once held by the rogue noble but also expanding to the entire Capellan Confederation.  By the end of March 3093 nearly six thousand citizens are held in interment camps spread over the worlds of the former Republic of St Jamis-Liao this detention, interrogation and more often execution continues on dozens of worlds across the Capellan realm.