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Autumn Wind, Independent
Former-Free Worlds League
6th October 3094

   Another particle projection cannon blast slammed into the left hand side of Ranna Kerensky's Timber Wolf ruining the Long Range Missile rack there fortunately it was little loss as the launcher had been empty for hours.  The Wolf Spider Keshik's plan to ambush the Ghosts of the Abyss Mercenary Command had backfired on them almost completely.  Two days ago the Wolves had begun their landings on the planet only to be hit from several locations on the ground.  Their DropShip had been struck by enemy fire and forced to make an emergency landing Katya had lost half her technical team and two MechWarriors before her Mechs had even deployed on the surface.

   Her forces had then been hit continuously for two days harried from place to place unable to stop to repair or rearm.  Death would almost be a welcome release from this battle.  Now the Ghosts of the Abyss had landed and joined whoever was attacking them pushing her Wolves to the point of destruction.  She had ordered a point of her Elementals to head to Autumn Wind's capital and overrun the HPG then to send her unit's position to the Exiles in the Lyran Commonwealth she hoped they would be successful striking out with one of her Mech's large lasers knocking back one of her opponents.  She glanced down at her sensor display only three other Wolves remained standing and they were surrounded on three sides their Mechs had their backs against a cliff Ranna knew there was no escape they would die as Wolves in combat.

   As more weapons hit her Timber Wolf Ranna fought for control triggering her Mech's pulse laser and machine guns as she did spraying the ground with weapons fire as her seventy-five ton OmniMech stumbled around as if it were drunk.  She hit the communications system “Ghosts of the Abyss, your days are mark...” she began screaming into the microphone as a particle cannon struck her Mech's cockpit incinerating the saKhan.  Within moments of their saKhan's death the remaining two Wolf MechWarriors also fell under the massive amount of weapons fire.  In the planet's capital city the Exile Elemental point broke into the planetary HPG station commandeering the station to send a message via the civilian HPG network.  The Star League Department of Communications operators of the station offered the Exiles sanctuary and transport back to Wolf (in-Exile) territory but the warriors had already decided their fate exiting the station as soon as it was confirmed their message had been send.  Within minutes of being in the open facing their enemies the last members of the Wolf Spider Keshik were killed in a hail of weapons fire ending their hunt for the Ghosts of the Abyss in failure as the rogue mercenaries disappeared into the Free Worlds League.

Vacation spot
Averrant City, Crossing
Draconis March, Federated Suns
13th October 3094

   While taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Robinson Duke Tarncred Sandoval and his family are targets for an assassination attempt by elements of the First Ghost Regiment of the DCMS on the holiday world of Crossing.  Only a timely intervention by the Duke's personal regiment, the First Robinson Rangers RCT which had been in training on one of the planet's moons, saves the the Draconis March's leader and his heir the fifteen year old Elaine Sandoval.  The First Ghost Regiment are forced back by the Robinson Rangers and forced to abandon the system or face destruction.

President’s House
Gillfillan’s Gold, Rim Collection
Periphery
14th October 3094

   Jerry Able headed into the compound that was the Rim Collection’s President’s House, visibly tired from having to take part in the campaign. While he publicly demanded an election, the public he knew was behind him. Very much so, for the last polls showed he held a forty percent lead over the closest other presidential candidate, Congresswoman Megan Hunt of Hiberius.

   Unlike his daughter, Karen, he approved full-heatedly of the election. He just wished it wouldn’t take so much energy out of his aging body. Still, he was proud of his nation, his people. Tomorrow was the election, and already the larger voting centers were reporting lines as people began showing up so that their vote may be heard.

   Only two things worried him at the moment. The Gold Herold, the newspaper company owned partially by his family, had begun printing articles that at least heavily implied his family should inherit the Rim Collection. He well knew it was Karen’s influence and the Able name that had the Gold Herold in the palm of Karen’s hands. With the Gold Herold being the second largest newspaper on Gillfillan’s Gold, and beginning to branch out to other worlds within the Rim Collection, Jerry knew he would have to keep a close eye on the newspaper.

   The second thing that worried him, though, was the Stone Spirit attack on Caldarium and their near destruction of the BattleMech factory complex producing the Rim Collection’s sole assault BattleMech at the moment. Karen was on that world, now, overseeing the deployment of a large number of the Collection’s reserve assets. She had reported that morning the factory complex had only just finished being cleaned from radiation and would begin to be rebuilt sometime next week.

   That had given his eldest grandson, Charlie, who ran Able’s Arms, Limited, a desire to get into the BattleMech production business, specifically to replace Rim Motors as the primary supplier of assault BattleMechs. That was mute until the young man actually supplied a design for just that. Still, he already had to publicly stand impartial between the upcoming fight between Rim Motors and Able’s Arms, less he be seen as not wanting to support the vastly popular Rim Motors. His latest speech had seen to that.

   In the same speech, he also outright told everyone his plan to attend the upcoming Star League conference, where he would push for trade with the Star League Protectorate and the other Inner Sphere states and seek aid against the Stone Spirits. That had been met with applause and, he knew, had caught Megan Hunt and the other three presidential candidates off guard. While he knew it likely sealed his victory in tomorrow’s election, it also was a firm reminder that they needed allies, even with the Fire Mandrills at their side.

   He was pulled out of his thoughts and stopped, leaning against his damned cane, as he heard his name. Turning around, he saw the Fire Mandrill Khan, Aemelia Showers, storm her way towards him, followed closely behind by Fire Mandrill Adjunct Lysa Djerassi in her wheelchair. By the look on both clanner's faces, he knew whatever they wanted was certainly not a social call.

   â€œCongratulations on you finally becoming Bloodnamed and your elevation to Khan of the Mandrills, Khan Showers,” he congratulated the clan woman with graying hair. His congratulation was answered with a short, clipped nod from the khan, as befitting the one even her clan called the Cat, in respect for her past as a former Smoke Jaguar warrior. “I gather this is not a social call, quineg?” He asked the woman, using the clan term to show his respect of her.

   â€œNeg, President Able. This certainly is not!” the clanner woman all but snarled at him. While both respected each other for their individual abilities, it reminded him he did not have as close a relationship with this woman then he did with the previous two leaders. And that showed, for only days after her elevation to what should have been Kindraa Leader of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga, the old woman instead declared the reformation of Clan Fire Mandrill under her command. While worrying, he knew it was only a pride issue with the weak clan and not anything more disturbing then that, for the clan would keep to their word to help protect the Collection.

   Sighing to himself, he decided to lead the two clan women to his private office, as he did not want to deal with them in a public environment. “This way then, ladies. And you will have to excuse my slowness. Still need this damn cane to get around with, after all,” jostling the wooden cane he hated very much towards his office as he spoke to them. He still clung to his pride as a MechWarrior, after all.

   Once in his office, Khan Aemelia Showers wasted no time to inform him of why she demanded to speak to him, as he quietly sat down in the comfortable sofa in the room. “Earlier today, Master Merchant Heather of the Steelsoul Khanate, based here on Gilfillan’s Gold, informed us of Evangeline Clarke being unable to convince her clan to allow my Mandrills to maintain our control over Armory Epsilon.”

   â€œArmory Epsilon,” he asked questioningly. While his status as President of the Mandrills meant he knew much more than the regular civilian would about the Collection’s resident clan, Aemelia’s recent reforms within the clan meant even he did not know everything about the Mandrills.

   The wheelchair-bound Lysa Djerassi answered his question in place of her khan. “Armory Epsilon produces our Masada infantry fighting vehicles and the new Koshi BattleMechs we have begun to trade with the Collection’s permission with the Free World Remnants and the Star League Protectorate, President Able.”

   That answered everything now, for he had heard the other Sea Fox Khanates were not happy at the Steelsoul Khanate for allowing the Mandrills to produce the light BattleMech. “Is All Dawn at danger of being attacked by the Foxes, Khan?”

   Both clan women looked at each other, seemingly in an unspoken conversation, before the new Fire Mandrill khan responded to his question. “Unlikely, for the moment. Knowing the Foxes, they will merely declare a Trial of Possession against my clan for Armory Epsilon itself rather than attack All Dawn full out. Still, if and when they do come calling, my clan is too spread out and weakened to properly protect the factory complex, as it is just not worth risking our enclave on All Dawn.”

   â€œWhat can the Collection do to help with this situation Khan?” he asked the Fire Mandrill khan. “It is not as if we are in a position to come to your aid without weakening the Collection’s borders ourselves.”

   â€œI know that!” yelled out Aemelia as she slammed her fist on his desk that she was leaning on. The motion caused three of Able’s protective detail to check on them. Only after Able waved them off did they leave, closing the door to the room. “Forgive me, President. It is just irritating to be this weak!”

   â€œYes it is,” he acknowledged to the clan woman, calming her down. It reminded him of just why she was called the Cat by her people. After allowing the clanner to collect herself, he continued the conversation. “What are our options if and when the Foxes decide to show up, as you delicately put it earlier, Khan?”

   â€œFight, President Able. What more can we do?” she answered. By the worn voice of the clanner woman, Jerry knew the woman was tired of having a fight at every turn and yet, he noted her voice still held great conviction in it. It was what interested him the most about the Mandrills and the clans. They just didn’t quit, even when they should, for they were a prideful lot.

   Which brought him back to the situation at present. Allow the far more powerful Foxes to take Armory Epsilon would badly hurt the Mandrills and potentially lead them closer to the Collection or cause them to separate from his nascent nation. Yet stand with the Mandrills and risking the Collection to an attack by the Foxes would cement the alliance with Mandrills far further. It was a gambit that could potentially make or break the Collection at a time where the Collection was only just branching out. A very big risk, to say the least.

   And yet, with the Mandrill Khan here, he knew it meant the Mandrills were desperate. And that gave him options. Perhaps now was the time to both cement the alliance with the Mandrills and further the Collection’s need to rebuild and recolonize the planets nearby? He decided it was.

   â€œYou ask for aid from the Collection and yet, you do not give what the Collection needs,” he admonished to the two clanner women. Waving them down before they could get riled up, he continued. “The Collection has asked your clan time after time after time for assistance with using your large JumpShip fleet, which I hear is nearly all still wasting away over All Dawn and Timbuktu by the way, for help to build our nation’s economy.”  Jerry knew the reason for the Mandrills to be clustered around these worlds; should they need to they could use them to evacuate the Collection. “Where is the promised medical aid? And just as many times, your Mandrills have denied our requests. And yet, here you two are. Whatever should I do, ladies?” He hoped to shame them to finally get them to agree with those two demands.

   â€œCareful, Able!” Khan Aemelia Showers growled at him. “My warriors are dying for your Collection we came to your aid without hesitation on Caldarium and brought Timbuktu under your control!”  She snapped back “my technicians are helping to rebuild your out of date production lines to match the Lyrans! My clan-“ he cut her off then.

   â€œYour clan calls for aid, Khan, yes you have helped us but you could do so much more.”  Jerry Able said “I will offer you a solution we will help you counter the threat from the Foxes but we NEED those JumpShips.  And we NEED you to share your medical technology with us.”  With those JumpShips they could improve this nation one hundred times over night; and the medical technology could save thousands.  “I only remind you of that because, at the end of the day, my Collection and your Clan Fire Mandrill need each other, Khan. The Collection and the Mandrills MUST stand together! Or we will end up being destroyed by the threats at our border. I will order the last of our reserves to Caldarium, allowing your clan to rest and refit and be able to defend All Dawn against its enemies, whether they are the Spirits, the dezgra Lyrans, or the honorable Foxes! Think of that when we ask for aid from your clan, Khan. My Collection, as you put it, answered your call for aid. Will the Fire Mandrills answer ours, quiaff?”

   That solves two problems, Jerry thought to himself, it allowed the Rim Guards likely to finally get much needed combat experience and possibly get Congresswoman Megan Hunt off his back.  She'd wanted her own troops to fight for the Collection for months it might cost him votes but it was worth it.  This would allow the battered Clan Fire Mandrill Touman to recollect itself on All Dawn rest, refit and rebuild.  He could see his impromptu speech had shaken the Fire Mandrill Khan, while out of the corner of his eyes, Lysa Djerassi seemed to be holding her breath. He knew he was taking a risk angering the Mandrill khan; but he deemed it a worthy risk.

   Moments passed by, as the Clan warrior in front of him seemed to debate with herself on how to handle Able. Finally she gave her answer with only one word “Aff,” all the while grimacing to herself the Mandrill Khan did not like the idea of her forces retreating; and she wanted revenge against the Stone Spirits for their attacks.

   Able nodded to himself before slowly picking himself up and making his way to his desk. Clicking on the comm he spoke into it “Connie, this is Able. Get me priority HPG contact with Hiberius. I need contact five minutes ago.” All the while, he stared down the Cat, the Crusader Mandrill who now led a clan of largely neutrals who cared not one bit for the traditional Crusader/Warden philosophical split found in the other clans what they did care about was each other and their survival; two things he had just offered the Khan.

   As they waited for HPG contact with Hiberius, homeworld of the Rim Guards, he watched as Aemelia clenched her fists before nodding to him and he responded in kind.

Scouting Mission, LCJS Void Philosopher (Invader-class JumpShip)
Sweet Water, Inarcs Theatre
Coventry Province, Lyran Commonwealth
24th October 3094

   Tagged as a civilian trade vessel the Void Philosopher, an Invader-class JumpShip, was a Lyran Intelligence Corps vessel tasked with scouting Lyran Commonwealth systems in the Inarcs theatre checking for enemies of the Lyran state should they be Jade Falcons, Stone Spirits, Fire Mandrills or pirates.  To support these efforts one of the Invader's three DropShips was the LCDS Weasel, a Leopard-class “Pocket WarShip” disguised as a standard vessel, which was used to scout systems and take care of threats.

   Most systems were clear of threats.  As part of their mission the Void Philosopher scouted the abandoned systems of the Commonwealth one such system was the Sweet Water system which had once been home to a LIC Observation station.  The system had been abandoned at the beginning of the First Succession War when a Rim Worlds Republic Mako team had released a chemical agent onto the planet to eliminate the LIC team and its intelligence.

   Arriving in the system the Void Philosopher's sensors immediately lit up “sir, we have a contact in system!”  Lt Janice Grazer called out

   â€œReport” Captain Herman Friebner ordered

   â€œSingle contact half way between here and the planet.  Over seven hundred metres in length.”  She reported after a few moments “it's an Aegis!”

   â€œWhat an earth is an Aegis doing in this system?  Recharge the drives as quickly as we can without damaging them!”  Friebner ordered

   â€œSir, it looks like its dead” Grazer reported still looking over the sensor readings “I see minimal power from any of her systems she's drifting at 0.001G barely moving.”

   â€œWhen was the last time one of our ships visited this system?”  He asked off to his left the ship's communications officer was already looking through the records.

   â€œ3042” Dennis Epps finally said “the starship Smokehouse Six...”

   â€œI wonder what they were smoking to miss a dead Aegis” Grazer said interrupting.

   â€œ...they spent almost two weeks in the system after a seal burst.  During that time one of their DropShips landed on Sweet Water and confirmed that the world was habitable but that there was little left worth taking.”  He said completing their report “sir, at the speed that Aegis is traveling there is no way they could have missed it.”

   â€œMaybe because it wasn't here.”  Friebner suggested “get the Weasel on the line, see if they want to go scouting?”  He said “inform our merchant passengers there is a ship in the system that may need assistance and that the Weasel is going to move to assist.”  He said the Void Philosopher was carrying a Union and a Buccaneer from system to system as cargo for this trip.

   â€œStone Spirits?”  Grazer suggested “they only appeared on our borders recently, they've got an Aegis.”

   â€œWhich was last seen at Main Street.”  Friebner said “this is something new.”

   â€œThe only others in the are a that have an Aegis are the Jade Falcons and they haven't come this far.”  Epps added

   â€œThat's why we need to see who this ship belonged to and where her crew went.”  Friebner said.  The Weasel's commander was not happy with the idea of approaching an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser, even if it was dead, but after looking over the records himself he agreed to take the Weasel on a long range pass over the vessel.

   Four days of waiting followed as the Weasel made its cautious approach.  Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers were not the fastest of naval vessels but then they didn't have to be put in the right position the vessel could shatter the Weasel before it got within effective weapons range.  As the Weasel approached the seven hundred-and-fifty thousand ton vessel it was clear to everyone on board the DropShip that the WarShip was no threat to anyone.  The vessel's hull was holed in several locations, some that looked like they had been caused by internal explosions, and there was no biological life at all.  One thing the Weasel was able to establish was the vessel's name Blue Talon which was a Clan Jade Falcon vessel that had been listed as missing/presumed lost since a miss-jump in 3087.  With no sign of life or a threat from the vessel the Weasel continued in system for another two days arriving at the planet that had once been inhabited by the Lyran Commonwealth.

   Sweet Water had received its name due to the natural springs of water that appeared across the planet providing plentiful drinking water.  Unfortunately these springs and the underground rivers that fed them were unpredictable making the ground unstable.  Also as large quantities of water was often thrown into the sky it made strong and lengthy storms common.  Following the Rim Worlds Republic attack on the planet the decision was made to abandon the colony.  As the Weasel moved into orbit over the planet the ship received a message from the ground “Unidentified vessel this is Star Commodore Tarlek Helmer this planet is inhabited by the passengers and crew of the Blue Talon.  We have five hundred-and-forty-two souls” he said “we do not know your intention but we will resist you with all our abilities.”  The Weasel's sensors could tell that the Jade Falcons had little in the way of provisions or supplies or shelter.  During subsequent discussions it is discovered that the Blue Talon had jumped with its DropShips deployed in combat against the rogue scientist Etienne Balzec.  Due to this the crew had been left with small craft as a means to travel to the planet considering the distance between the planet and the Blue Talon the journeys to and from had used the small crafts fuel stranding them on the surface.

   The Jade Falcons had shown an uncommon ingenuity moving their small craft to the mouths of several caves which they had taken shelter in.  With the shuttles blocking out most of the winds and rain the Falcons had survived for seven years which was an impressive feat on its own.  With no intention of attacking the downed Clansmen instead Captain Friebner offers them assistance in exchange to the Falcons giving up access to the Blue Talon and their long range communications systems.  Although this effectively strands the Falcons on this world but it also guarantees their survival it also brings a lost Lyran world back onto the interstellar maps.