if it involves warships or even just a big honking battle of PWS's and Assault ships i am all ready for the festivities lol ![Cool 8)](https://obtforum.com/forum/Smileys/default/cool.gif)
Some might say this is better...
My thanks to the developers of BattleTech for my April Fools for this year in the timeline
Games of Noisiel
Mahoken Continent, Noisiel
Alarion Province, Lyran Commonwealth
1st April 3094 “Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Alexis Muhlenberg, and welcome to Noisiel. Long regarded as a game world and mercenary trading world deep within the Lyran Commonwealth less than a jump away from the Alarion system.†She said giving those who were far away an idea of where they were in the Lyran realm “in the past the Duke of this world Michael Alextep has spent large swaths of his families fortune in financing the “Games of Noisiel†these games different from Solaris VII's because of their diversity from Mech scale rugby to the BattleMech Race of Noisiel. Supported by the Armoured Gorillas Mercenary Command Michael Alextep has created an attraction that brings in visitors from across the Inner Sphere.†She said brushing some strands of her brown hair from her face “recently however there has been a worry in the halls of Alarion and Tharkad.â€
She said pausing as the camera showed images of the Battle Armour troops of the Armoured Gorillas patrolling the streets of Noisiel surrounded by cheering children “in actions that have brought jobs to hundreds of Noisiel citizens Michael Alextep has directed citizens of Noisiel to refurbish and rebuild several abandoned armour factories that were built during the First Succession War and gradually decommissioned over the years as the threat reduced. He has also invested in drawing vehicle designers and engineers from across the Lyran Commonwealth to the world.†She explained in the early Succession Wars there were threats from both the Free Worlds League and from the Draconis Combine today things were far more secure even with the Clans bearing down on the Commonwealth.
“Recently Michael Alextep welcomed Broadfoot Electronics to Noisiel setting them up within a factory that has been built on the Romaha continent and is guarded by the Armoured Gorillas Command.†She said as the camera spanned out to show the large red “B†of Broadfoot Electronics on the side of a large building again with Battle Armoured troopers patrolling the perimetre “the company is well known within the Lyran Commonwealth for their work in the development of advanced scout drones. Broadfoot Electronics had been based at an LCAF base within the Isle of Skye on Laurleston however Alextep has drawn the company to Noisiel with the promise of a permanent headquarters to call their own. With the reactivation of armour factories on Noisiel the question is what is happening on this world?†She said finishing as the camera passed over the distinctive red landscape of the world's plants and trees “is Noisiel becoming a sleeping giant of industry within the Lyran Commonwealth? Is the Alextep family attempting to make a power play our nation has not seen in centuries? Both of these are questions that have been asked recently†she said pausing allowing the question to hang in the air for several moments.
“Well worry no longer because I have secured an interview with Duke Michael Alextep.†Alexis Muhlenberg said continuing to speak as the camera panned out slightly to show the Duke standing beside her his naturally blond hair rapidly receding and turning grey as age began to catch up with him “Herr Alextep, thank you for joining us.â€
“My pleasure Miss Muhlenberg†he replied
“Herr Alextep, can you answer some of the concerns that have been brought up recently regarding Noisiel's construction and repair of long abandoned factories and Broadfoot Electronics arrival?â€
“Ya, I can answer you very well†he said in his heavily accented English “both of our moves in the rebuilding of factories and with the arrival of a primary defence contract for the LCAF we have created hundreds of jobs for the people of Noisiel and ensure that in the future we can make a permanent contribution to the Lyran Commonwealth and her defence.†He replied “on this world we have the basis of what could produce several regiments worth of armoured vehicles for the Lyran people every year.†He explained shocking the reporter and likely most of the viewers.
“And how what is your answer the rumours that Noisiel has stockpiled hundreds of armoured vehicles exclusively for Noisiel's use?†She asked she'd done her homework before beginning the interview.
“Well I can say that under the constitution of the Lyran Commonwealth all planets are allowed to defend themselves. However that would be a short answer and I know it would not be one that would answer the media nor the wider audience.†He said smiling
“I am very proud of the people of Noisiel and of the Games that we have created however I wished to do something new something that would set apart our Games from Solaris or from the Vids from the battles from the front.†He explained more and more Tri-Vid entertainment companies and news services were moving with front line forces meaning real battles were becoming quite a common sight on screens across the Inner Sphere. The battles of Solaris and Noisiel still brought massive interest but real battle often got as much or more attention.
“So how have you done that Herr Alextep?†Alexis Muhlenberg asked pushing sensing that the Duke was willing to tell her.
“Well we have developed this†he said turning the camera followed his gesture to show a very large tracked vehicle which had been off camera. The vehicle looked like a box on a set of thick tracks lacking a turret or what looked like any weapon systems at all the vehicle was instead covered in communications antennae and dishes. “This is a Command Vehicle designed and built on Noisiel and designed for our new type of Games although it could also have potential uses by the LCAF should they show an interest.â€
“And what kind of games needs a battle ready tank?†Alexis Muhlenberg asked pushing the Games of Noisiel were set apart from others because they often did not use a single fully powered weapon.
“This tank is not battle ready, nor was it ever designed to enter battle on its own, instead this is more like ScolTek Associates Hi-Scout Drone Carrier.†The Duke explained “and here comes one of its drones†he said smiling as the camera showed another vehicle moving into the shot the drone looked far more like a conventional tank with thick tracks, a turret and a large gun it was about half as large as the Command vehicle.
“You plan to fight drones against each other?†Alexis Muhlenberg asked stunned in a universe dominated by the BattleMech, man and machine fighting as one Duke Alextep seemed to be going backwards drone and artificial intelligence technologies had largely been abandoned by the Inner Sphere although the SLDF had recently began looking more into them with their reborn Casper M5 drones.
“Yes, you may think that we have taken a leap from our senses? But we have not.†He said answering his own question “this tank is called the Tiger. Those viewers who know their history may remember the name from an armoured vehicle used by the Federated Suns during the Star League-era however for this vehicle you have to go back to ancient Terra and the year 1945 during what was known as Terra's Second World War.†He said explaining just how ancient the vehicle design was.
“This tank and hundreds like it fought for Germany during that conflict in an attempt to dominate ancient Terra. This tournament we plan to hold has hundreds of vehicles which we have designed and built on Noisiel each based on a design of armoured vehicle from that conflict. Unlike the original vehicles however each of these we have built use Drone control software so instead of five men being needed a single man can control this vehicle, and advanced Fuel Cell engines ensures that Noisiel's atmosphere is not overly damaged by the amount of vehicles we have in battle.†He explained unlike a normal conventional engined armoured vehicle the Fuel Cell tank was far quieter and environmentally friendly.
“And unlike regular Mech battles people of all ages and sizes can fight in these battles.†He explained as part of the marketing campaign the idea was not for only MechWarriors or wannabe MechWarriors to be involved but regular civilians who wished to deal damage to their opponent without having to live with killing someone. “We plan to hold events of up to twelve vehicles per side in various locations across Noisiel, each player will be allowed to select their preferred tank from the selection we have built. Inside the Command Vehicle each team will be seated next to each other so they can communicate with their team mates. Should the player lose their vehicle unlike a Mech Battle where the pilot must wait until the end of the battle the players in these battles will be able to enter the rear area of the Command Vehicle and enjoy a selection of food beverages similar to those available on Terra during that era and discuss their battles with the other players.â€
“With players having access to such firepower isn't it dangerous they could run riot across Noisiel causing massive casualties or target the command vehicles in an effort to take out their opponents directly?†Alexis Muhlenberg asked now curious more than stunned at the ideas being experimented with on Noisiel. Instead of answering the Duke raised a portable radio to his mouth.
“This is Alextep, have Tiger Drone target Command Vehicle and fire†he ordered. The drone turned its turret towards the larger command vehicle and fired a single shot. The blast from the cannon was extremely noisy with flames and gasses vented out the sides of the cannon as the drone's primary weapon fired. Over such a shot distance the shell took only a couple of seconds to travel the space between the drone and command vehicle. The blast struck the command vehicle causing some minimal damage to the larger vehicle. “As you can see it would require a battalion of these drones to cause any lasting damage to the command vehicles added to this the command vehicles can out pace the majority of these craft. Protecting them and the people of Noisiel will be the battle armour troopers of the Armoured Gorillas and Toads†Alextep explained. “We look forward to a good gaming season on Noisiel and I welcome all to join us the final battles will take place in August of this year all are welcome.†He said finally before shaking Alexis Muhlenberg's hand and walking off.
“Well ladies and gentlemen there you have it Noisiel has traveled back in time for this year's games of Noisiel.†Alexis Muhlenberg said as the camera refocused on her “will you join them in 1945? And will you be brave and skilled enough to join the people of Noisiel in the Championship of 1945?†She asked her voice trailing off as the camera turned to look at the Tiger tank its cannon now pointed towards the camera.
For several months battles raged across the world of Noisiel as the people enjoyed not only the regular games of Noisiel but also the specialist 1945 tournament with teams forming around some of the best players. Eventually an “Axis†team of Tiger tanks won the top trophy with the LCAF taking an interest in the “Command vehicle†beginning negotiations with Duke Alextep.
Cameron-Jones Palace
Regulus, Principality of Regulus
15th April 3094 On the world of Regulus Prince Lester Cameron-Jones and his wife Saadia Cameron-Jones, the Duchess of McKenna, become parents as their daughter Anita is born thus cementing Lester Cameron-Jones rule providing the Regulan leader with an heir.
Grand Council Chamber
Andrey, Tukayyid
Clan Space
18th April 3094 In the four years since the first Grand Council on Tukayyid the city of Andrey had grown as grand as the proceedings in the Council Chambers. With now more than one million Clan born and bread inhabitants occupying the city. Within the city's grounds the Sea Foxes had built a BattleMech factory, while the Hell's Horses had built a Battle Armour production facility both of which produced goods for all of the Clans to bid and Trial for. The Snow Ravens had began to build an aerospace fighter production facility which would follow the same route.
Inside the Chamber halls however it was business as usual for the various Khans of the remaining Clans. Khan Nathan Fetladral leader of the Wolves had spoken at length to the Clan leaders discussing the Wolf interrogation of former Steel Viper saKhan Nicole Hoskins. He had confirmed what many of the Clans believed that the entity known as “The Society†now dominated the Clan Homeworlds. Fetladral also confirmed that the Society was commanded by those of the fallen Clans, their descendants and members of their own scientific castes.
Fetladral informs the council that Nicole Hoskins claimed that the Serpent Clans had invaded the Clan Occupation Zones so that they could live or die as Clansmen a final act to honour the Great Father and the Founder. He informs the Council that Nicole Hoskins died during her attempt to win a Trial of Position within Clan Wolf and that her example should be one that is used as a method of dealing with the former Clans of the Steel Viper, the Cloud Cobra and Star Adder. Following a vote each of these Clans and any of their descendants are declared dezgra by the remaining Inner Sphere based Clans. Several of the Inner Sphere Clans have captured warriors of these former Clans each chooses to retain these warriors and the blood heritages honouring the legacies of these names if not the Clans that had born them.
Border Skirmish
Emris IV, Principality of Regulus
Former-Free Worlds League
20th April 3094 In a raid sponsored by the Oriente Protectorate the Thunder Road Mercenary Command had come to Emris IV. They had only been on the planet for eight hours however Colonel John R Wrangler had already decided he hated it. Emris IV had thick “pea-soup†atmosphere it was uncomfortably warm in this part of the planet and it seemed to rain constantly. Looking over drawings of the nearby area he silently wondered if their target StarCorps of Emris IV and their production run of Warhammer WHD-10CT BattleMechs was worth it. Glancing up at his three Mech company commanders and the commander of his infantry he saw the same question on their lips 'to hell with it' Wrangler silently thought pulling the half done cigar from his mouth.
“Alright people as expected the Tenth Regulan Hussars have decided to set up between us and the factory. They want to stop us getting at these Mechs as much or more than our employers want us to get away with them. The Tenth is a new unit mostly comprised of armour, battle armour and infantry but they do have a medium company of Mechs to contend with as well.†He said going through the dossier provided by Oriente Intelligence the Thunder Road had two companies of Assault Mechs and one company of Heavy Mechs for flanking operations roughly half of their Mechs were Jump Jet equipped.
“We are going to do this smart. Command Company is going right down the middle†he said placing a marker down. “Ronald, your infantry troopers are going to follow me in, when we get to StarCorps you job is to liberate those Mechs take the StarCorps DropShip. We need it intact to maximize our takings from this job.†The large dark skinned infantry commander nodded some mistook him for a Clan born Elemental but in fact he was just “big-boned†as he liked to put it.
“Wilson, you have the right flank through over this area here. Stay on the far side of the river until you get to the factory then come across we should have them tied up for you so you can make the crossing without trouble.†Wrangler suggested James Wilson nodded he looked more like a doctor or teacher than a Major and the unit's XO with thin rimmed glasses and short ginger hair.
“Carlyle, you've got the fun job through the forests†Wrangler said Allison Carlyle was in her twenties the youngest here by some margin with shoulder length blonde hair she had a delicate look to her which hid a battle hardened warrior. As long as no-one mentioned her surname and any possible links to the Grey Death Legion they were fine. “Watch out for their infantry and Battle Armour forces I don't want to hear of any Mechs being knee-capped because they weren't paying attention.â€
“I'd be surprised if the Tenth are that skilled in knee-capping†Roland whispered “it's not like they are the Grey Death†he joked immediately you could see Allison Carlyle's face turn red with anger at the man's suggestion 'and to think those two were dating' Wrangler thought watching the exchange “Sorry All, didn't want to strike a nerve†Roland said raising his arms in surrender.
“When I pass by your Poor Blood Infantry troopers make sure they stay out of my way.â€
“Always thrown in the PBI card†Roland shot back
“Enough both of you, just stick to the plan and watch your people. The Tenth should be a walk over let's make sure they are and we don't have trouble like Brodon.â€
“No A Team present boss†Wilson pointed out. The fact that they had gotten their DropShip back from the rogue mercenaries did not help Wrangler's mood towards them.
“Just as well†he said sticking the cigar back in his mouth. "They'd be on my hit-list too."
The next day had progressed much as Wrangler had expected the defenders had set up with their Mechs in the open area directly between the Thunder Road and their target while the armour forces had concentrated on the far side of the river sniping at the Thunder Road's heavy Company. The Flanking forces had as expected been hit by infantry and battle armour looking to gain themselves an easy Mech kill in the thick trees. Allison Carlyle had been ready for them however deploying her company's lances one following the other as soon as the infantry appeared they were hit by the strength of two companies.
Moving forward as rapidly as a unit their size could Colonel Wrangler's company was soon in range of the Mech force John Wrangler himself finally being able to strike down opponents with his own Mech's weapons. “Careful you do not strike at the factory we want our prize intact†he said striking out with his Mech's three gauss rifles two struck their intended target causing massive damage disabling the Mech while the third flew wide taking the top corner off of the factory “just a scratch†he whispered to himself.
Across the line the other Mechs of the Thunder Road tore into the defending Mech company and its armour support with the heavy company pushing through the river and the Flanker company emerging from the trees on his right today was a good day for the Thunder Road. The Tenth Regulan forces were caught in a cauldron of weapons fire as they were struck from all three sides the remaining Mechs quickly fell.
With their enemy dead at their feet the Thunder Road's infantry forces were able to enter the factory and the nearby DropShip capturing both and the production run of Warhammers. Making their escape from the planet their bounty was delivered to the Oriente Protectorate as promised the Warhammers themselves could have doubled the size of the Thunder Road, a tempting proposition for any mercenary command, as part of their payment for the mission the Thunder Road were gifted two of the captured Warhammers replacing holes in the unit's TO&E combined with salvage from the Tenth Regulan the unit actually found itself over strength by three Mechs although those recovered were heavily damaged and would likely need months to rebuild. Wrangler also lacked pilots or suitable transport for these new designs instead of agreeing to a second contract with the Oriente Protectorate he chose to take his unit across the Free Worlds League to the system of Bowang which was famed for its acceptance of travelers and mercenaries.
Trial of Annihilation
Pristine, Sterling
Former Free Worlds League
29th April 3094 Ignoring the Inner Sphere's borders had been an easy decision for saKhan Ranna Kerensky the Ghosts of the Abyss had intentionally left the Lyran state hoping to avoid her command but she had already made her choice. Two years had passed since her journey had begun to eliminate her lover's killers and now was their moment.
The Exiled Wolves had quickly eliminated the militia defenders of Pristine, Sterling's capitals, now they had to hunt down the dezgra mercenaries before they chose to run again. The Wolf Spider Keshik were only two Trinaries in strength but their mission would be completed.