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My thanks to James Tanaga for the work on the Rim Collection story

Hell’s Horses Assault
Jade Falcon OZ, Coyote OZ, Lyran Commonwealth
5th May 3100

   Following the death of Khan Jake Kabrinski on Montmarault the Hell’s Horses launch a series of assaults on worlds in the Jade Falcon OZ and Coyote OZ’s and on Crimond in the Lyran Commonwealth.  It costs the Hell’s Horses four front-line clusters of troops but it wins their new Mongol tactics tear through their opponents with little thought towards their own safety showing both their Clan and Inner Sphere enemies a new type of combat.

   Following the victories the Teresia Cooper a Star Colonel with the Eighth Hoard Cluster wins Trials of Possession to become the new Khan of Clan Hell’s Horses.  She immediately orders all new clusters raised by the Hell’s Horses to be raised as Hoard Clusters, a move that Jake Kabrinski had avoided making due to opposition from within the Clan, following this decision she faces three separate Circles of Equals in one of which she kills saKhan Tammy Del Villar placing one of her trusted warriors Valterri Seidman into the position of saKhan without any further resistance six new Hoard Clusters are raised by the Hell’s Horses.

Ghost Bear Raids
Asgard, Irece Prefecture
Military District of Pesht, Draconis Combine
11th May 3100

   For an instant the two Mechs were linked by a particle cannon shot all it had taken was a single blast to the right spot and the Draconis Combine Dragon II BattleMech was dead its cockpit incinerated by the Ghost Bear attack.  Sitting inside the cockpit of the Mech the pilot Warlord Minoru Kurita’s second born child Michiko Kurita is dead before her Mech hits the ground.  Half of her Regiment, the Seventh Sword of Light, were destroyed around her with the rest being routed by the Ghost Bears.  In orbit the DCS Kujang, an Inazuma II-class Corvette, had been torn to pieces by Ghost Bear naval forces.

   The Draconis Combine had struck quickly using the Sea Fox held trade system of Itabiana as a stepping stone they had hit Caripare and Asgard within hours of each other overwhelming defences before they could respond.  Within hours of the attacks Rasalhague Dominion troops landed troops on Kiamba and Kanowit beginning two further attacks quickly bringing two further worlds into the Rasalhague Dominion.  These territorial gains keep the Draconis Combine uneasy and cement the Rasalhague Dominion as being the largest of all the Clan controlled states.

LCS Hatchet (Monolith-class JumpShip)
Pocologan
Kaumberg Theatre, Lyran Commonwealth
19th May, 3100

        “The Collection and their bastard clanners are bleeding us dry here on Timbuktu,” Hauptmann-General Kathy Parks watched the real-time hologram of General Von Danzuch report to both her and the real-time hologram of Archon Jessica Steiner. “Their paramilitary and militia forces have my units pinned inside the capital with heavy sniper fire and guerrilla fighting, aided by air support and artillery cover.” He paused, before continuing. “We may need to scrap Wave Two and instead reinforce our current positions inside the Rim Collection, Archon.”

        “There’s that much insurgent activity on Timbuktu? General,” the Archon asked, astonished.

        “Yes Archon,” General Von Danzuch admitted, as he caught Kathy’s eyes before darting them back to the Archon, silently imploring her to tell the Archon the other news.
Kathy gave him a silent nod as she spoke up. “Another reason to scrap Wave Two is the Fifth Alliance Guards RCT units assigned to take Halifax and Wiltshire haven’t reported in. The Collection’s news services are having a field day showing images of our drop zones being overrun on Wiltshire and prisoners being led to a prison planetside as well as reporting large amounts of battlefield wreckage on Halifax. Our forces there seemed to have bunkered down in a mountain pass however,” the older woman succinctly reported to her Archon.

         The holo-image of the Lyran ruler visibly sighed. “Damnit,” she bit out. Kathy well knew the reason. The whole operation was designed to publicly show the Lyran Commonwealth could deal with external threats publicly while also crippling their weakest enemy. The recapturing of three worlds lost in the Six Week War would have massively raised Lyran morale when it was dreadfully needed. That the Estates General had used its seldom-used Emergency Powers to overrule the Archon and put their support being Operation: Wut had solidified their stance on the matter.

         â€œIt seems the Collection has turned your Operation: Wut into the meat grinder I warned you about,” their Archon accused the general.
        “A very real possibility I also warned the Estates General before they agreed with the operation,” the general reminded her; causing Kathy rolled her eyes at both.

        “What is done is done,” the Archon bit out reluctantly. All three knew this was not the time for political opposition against one another. There would be a time for that later, but for now, they would behave as proper military officers. “Hauptmann-General,” the Archon reluctantly spoke to Kathy. “Redeploy your Wave Two forces to reinforce our forces on Timbuktu and Halifax I want both worlds seized.”

        “Yes ma’am,” Kathy acknowledged the order crisply. “I’ll deploy the last of the Fifth Alliance to Halifax, reinforced with Leutnant-General Neidermann’s Eighth Lyran Guards RCT.” Sending what would effectively be a reinforced RCT was overkill for that world, but without it, Timbuktu would for the most part be cut off from any future Lyran aid without jumping into Rim Collection territory and that was unacceptable. “The remainder of my forces will make our way to Timbuktu and reinforce General Von Danzuch’s forces.” That too would be overkill; Kathy thought privately, with her Third Royal Guards RCT and the rebuilt Fourteenth Lyran Regulars BattleMech regiment, itself reinforced with conventional armor and infantry regiments from across the province to realistically form an additional RCT with the Fourteenth.

        “How quickly can you deploy?” her Archon asked the nearly retired general.

        Kathy took a quick glance at the latest report her JumpShip captains had given to her two hours ago, before turning her head back to the holo-conference. “The last of my JumpShips will be ready to jump in roughly six hours, ma’am.”

        Her realm’s ruler audibly sighed and grimaced, as well as General Von Danzuch and Kathy well understood both. It effectively meant Operation: Wut’s Wave Two was being cancelled and with it, any hope for the quick, clean war her realm desperately needed. Now, the war would be favorable to the Collection, if they held them off on Timbuktu.

         A long moment passed as the Archon glared at General Von Danzuch. “Any other issues I should be told of before we end this conference, General?”

        “Only that the exiled duke is demanding to be allowed to lead an assault into the Clan Merchant district here in Greene,” he informed her.

        “Likely an excuse to draw more blood against the Collection, General,” the Archon replied.
“I thought so too. I already gave orders to all our units to allow our military police contingents to handle the Clanner Merchants. For now, the mercs are abiding by my orders, but their contracts are with the duke. Not much I can do on my end here except try and keep my units in between them and the Merchants,” the general reported.

        “Do as much as you can, general. You and your forces are permitted any and all use of force to keep the mercs from engaging the local Clan population,” the Archon informed him from her new flagship. “And keep our reporters as far away from combat as you can. The longer we keep the news of Timbuktu becoming a meat grinder...”

        “I understand, Archon. I’ll keep them as well out of the way as I can. And rest assured if the duke and his mercs move against the Clan civilians, we’ll move against them ourselves. That much we both agree on,” the general promised the Archon. Her younger self would have been uncomfortable being in the middle of the two political opponents, but now at sixty-seven years old, on the verge of retirement, Kathy took it in stride.

        Her Archon’s holo-image nodded. “Report back every twenty-four hours or if anything else happens,” she informed both. After Kathy and her fellow officer answered they would, their Archon’s holo-image snapped off, soon followed by General Von Danzuch’s.

        “When it rains, it pours,” Kathy muttered to herself as she lifted her sixty-seven year old body from the chair.

LCS Iron Fist (Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser)
Skye, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
19th May 3100

   Standing in her stateroom onboard the Lyran Commonwealth Navy’s newest flagship the Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser Iron Fist Archon Jessica Steiner stared at the screen in front of her looking straight at the Duke of Skye Robert Ryan Kelswa-Steiner.  “How could you have been so stupid?”  She asked her flagship had been heading to the Jade Falcon front to reinforce General of Armies Aiden Gray on Pandora following successful Jade Falcon assaults on Ballymore, Graceland, Koinz and Benfled.  Skye which had already failed in its bid to raid Clan Wolf space had, instead of licking their wounds and preparing to defend against another Clan’s onslaught Skye, had done what Skye always did the rebellious thing, the wrong thing, and had struck at the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth.

   â€œArchon…” Robert began

   â€œDON’T!”  Jessica snapped she’d spoken to this man for less than one hour and still he could not give her a reasonable answer “listen to my words very carefully and make sure your wife hears them as well.”  She said calmly “I am Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth my commands come from Arcturus.  You run the Isle of Skye because I say you can run the Isle of Skye just like the Kell’s run their little Clan because of MY say so.”  She said angrily “I have already commanded our forces to turn back the Rim Collection and their bastardized Clan allies, we are already facing Clan Jade Falcon aggression and you, YOU, anger not just another Clan but also our Inner Sphere allies’ people that could have helped us against the Wolves!”  She said losing her temper completely with the man.  “How stupid can you be?”  She asked again seeing his lips begin to move in response she cut in “DON’T answer, don’t even try” she said.  “Skye and Arcturus need to speak with one voice.  We need to silence the Rim Collection and stop Able’s forces before we have three fronts to worry about and we need to stop the Jade Falcons; the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth can wait it seems Clan Wolf is quite content to continue to chew up their forces.”  She said reiterating her plans the Rim Collection, with the backing of the remains of two Clans was too big a threat to ignore she’d already cut orders for additional naval assets to be rotated into the area to support General Artur Von Danzuch’s forces who were currently on Timbuktu they wouldn’t arrive in theatre for weeks but they’d be a significant support to his ground forces and the LCS Carl Steiner.  While her WarShip and several regiments of ground forces were due to join in the defence of Pandora.  She didn’t need Skye starting a third front her nation couldn’t survive it.

   â€œWe did kill Corrine Marik on Kalidasa” Robert said proudly ignoring the fact that his troops had retreated from Kalidasa shortly after killing the leader of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth.

   â€œAnd that, Robert, is the only reason I haven’t moved to remove you.”  Jessica admitted “you picked your target and executed it very well I need that part of your leadership” she admitted the Lyrans had claimed three systems before striking at Kalidasa.  There they had defeated several assault forces which the Marik-Stewarts had intended on using against the Wolves or the Isle of Skye and then they had executed the perfect headhunter strike to take out Corrine Marik before evacuating with minimal additional damage.  “The next time you want to pull a stunt how about you ask me first?”  She said more softly “you never know I might even agree.”

   â€œYes Archon” Robert said glancing at the floor.

   â€œNow I need you to hold within our borders until we beat back the Jade Falcons if not they will be bearing down on your Isle.”  She reminded him if the Jade Falcons and Hell’s Horses continued on their current path both Clans would smash through Lyran lines crushing Arcturus and the Ruins of Gabriel facility on Odessa before entering the Isle of Skye on their charge towards Terra and Jessica knew that Robert did not want that threat hanging over him.

   â€œI understand we will watch the Wolves and Marik-Stewarts for reprisals and support your efforts in any way that we can.”  Robert promised seeing that Jessica Steiner had calmed slightly and that the Archon needed Skye’s help, which she would get one way or another.
For decades Skye had been a thorn in House Steiner’s side under her father rein they had become closer but he had underestimated Jessica Steiner instead of sending him a strongly worded message like Peter Steiner-Davion would have she had come directly to Skye on hearing what his forces had done.  She had threatened him directly with her Battle-cruiser hovering over his planet knowing that with a single order she could have incinerated his home and family and that there was nothing that any of his forces could have done.  She had made her point loudly and clearly she was Archon the Isle of Skye was hers and it would remain that way.  For now all Robert could do is silently pray the Jade Falcons would kill the Archon and without an heir the power vacuum would give Skye the opportunity it needed to grab true power for itself but knew the falcons had failed to kill her once so he’d support her and retain what they had for now.  Perhaps if the war on the far side of the Commonwealth with the Collection went bad he could put political pressure on her to stand down.
 
LCS Hatchet (Monolith-class JumpShip)
Timbuktu
Rim Collection, Periphery
20th May 3100

          Kathy took a glance out the window as the Hatchet and the other JumpShips of her fleet slowly made their way to their Lyran sisters in orbit of Timbuktu. She knew the LCS Carl Steiner, a Hyperion-class Heavy Cruiser, was orbiting the world, providing orbital support for their forces ground side. That thought made her a little queasy, for the Archon refused to allow the Carl Steiner’s sistership the LCS Fleet Admiral Lynn Hood to join them for this assault, arguing Kaumberg would be in need of its protection until additional fleet assets arrived.
It was all quiet on the bridge, as the crew quietly did their jobs. Too quiet, she thought. She was a ground pounder and being in space always unnerved her. But for some reason, today was different. She couldn’t point out what precisely was bothering her, but she couldn’t shake the feeling she and her fleet had somehow walked into a trap.

           She was soon proven correct as she jumped in surprise. “Radiation spike!” yelled out the sailor manning the tactical station. “Two warships just jumped in system, with more signals being reported,” the young man yelled out, as she turned to him. “IFF verified. It’s the RCS Elysium and Resolute, ma’am, with more Rim Collection transponders. All behind us!”

          “Dear God!” Kathy mumbled under her breath. Her JumpShip, the LCS Hatchet, a Monolith-class JumpShip, was no match for either of the Collection’s two warships bearing down on them. And with roughly four days to planet side, the odds of their survival were definitely not in their favor.

         â€œDeploy all fighters!” the Hatchet’s captain yelled out as panic began to seep into the crew. “Comms. Order all DropShip to immediately disembark from their JumpShips and make full speed dirt-side now!” He turned to Kathy. “Get going ma’am. We’ll hold them off in space as long as we can.”

          Gathering herself, she nodded and unbuckled herself from the chair. Pushing herself to the exit, she then turned around. “Captain!” Once she had the man’s attention, she snapped a quick salute to the other officer and was promptly returned one, before she quickly exited the bridge.

          As she made her way to her DropShip, the Excalibur DropShip Aurelius, all she could think about was how the hell the damn Collection had got the drop on them and caught them with their pants down. Minutes later, she buckled herself into her seat on the Aurelius as she felt it be jettisoned off the Hatchet towards the planet. It was only one of dozens of DropShips attempting to get to the safety of the planet as Collection and Lyran fighters jockeyed around them.  As the DropShips began their run the JumpShips began lighting off their K-F Drives intent on escaping the system before being overrun by Collection units.

RCS Elysium (Whirlwind-class Destroyer)
Timbuktu
Rim Collection, Periphery
22nd May, 3100

          Khan Aemelia Showers of the Mandrills looked out the window as the space battle finally died down. She allowed herself a small feral smile the Lyran WarShip assigned to the system the LCS Carl Steiner remained active in the system but the vessel was severely damaged and would not be a threat to her forces already the Hyperion-class Heay Cruiser was heading deeper into the system to avoid further combat.  The ship would remain a distant threat.

         The intel obtained on Wiltshire and Halifax suggesting a large Lyran force mobilizing on Pocologan had proven correct and for that, she was thankful. The Lyrans had not expected the Collection to react as quickly as it did to their forces. Did they really expect us to react as just another periphery or Inner Sphere power? She snorted derisively the Collection, for all its freebirths, was more Clan than ever and they had proven that in the last few days.

         â€œThe majority of the Lyran DropShips have been destroyed, Khan, including all of their assault DropShips and pocket warships.” The Raptor Star Commodore commanding the Elysium reported.

         â€œCan we get to the remaining Lyran DropShips before they make planetfall?” she asked instead.

        “Neg,” the Raptor answered simply, “and the majority of the Lyran JumpShips have jumped clear of the system.”  He said disappointingly their original plan had been to try and capture JumpShips but the Lyrans had been ready and as soon as their DropShips were clear the JumpShips had attempted emergency jumps out of the system.  Two JumpShips had failed their jump and now most likely had broken K-F Drives if the Collection held the system beyond this battle it would be possible to repair them.

        “We will begin our own invasion, quiaff,” she remarked loudly so the entire bridge crew could hear her as the turned around, allowing them all to see the feral smirk on her face. Judging by the satisfied faces looking at her, she knew her Mandrills and the Raptors here today would be enjoying themselves. They were Warriors, after all.

        “Seyla,” the Star Commodore reverently answered her and was answered in kind by the rest of the bridge crew. She nodded to herself as she watched them go back to their duties, before turning around to look at the planet below.

        Soon, Aemelia knew she and her reinforcements she commanded would land planet side and the Elysium would begin orbital support and JumpShip protection duties along with the Titan Monitors while the Resolute would leave the system. Indeed, already the Resolute had already turned and had begun its journey to the system’s jump points as it recollected its fighters and power armor marines. So long as the Resolute kept itself from any one system longer then it was needed or took to recharge its K-F batteries, it meant the Lyrans could not realistically track the repaired vassal, as well as forcing the Lyrans to be on their guard, and that thought kept Aemelia smiling.

       The Collection had struck back hard in the last month, removing the Lyrans from Wiltshire and sending them into the mountains on Halifax. Yet, Halifax was just a distraction during this war, for all she was concerned. Its planetary population was pro-Lyran and restless during its time as a Collection member. The Collection had no problem to allow the Lyrans that world if it had to. Yet it would also defend the world as well, as shown by the continued presence of the Second Raptor Cavalry Cluster and the 4th Rim Lancers’ Alpha Cluster despite incoming Lyran reinforcements.

        Wiltshire, however, had proven a boon when Collection authorities had arrested its former ruling baron on corruption charges in its first year and its militia forces had helped to overrun the Lyran DropShips that had landed, shocking both the Lyrans and the Collection. The arrival of the First Raptor Cavalry Cluster to the world had finally ended the last of the Lyran resistance the prisoners, those that did not become bondsmen, could be ransomed back to the Lyrans.
Aemelia knew, no, the entire Collection knew their future was at stake here on Timbuktu though. If they could eject the Lyrans here, it showed once and for all the Collection could and would efficiently defend itself. By doing so, it would finally show to the entire Inner Sphere it was a nation not to be taken lightly. She knew the trio of systems near to Repair Base 77, or Cauldron as the Collection called it, the systems of Pacemah, Beauvais, and Odin Retori, were very interested in joining the Collection, IF the Collection could prove it could defend itself appropriately.

        The Collection’s show of martial strength against the Lyrans was already having an effect. Erdvynn, an independent world to the Collection’s south, had announced the reformation of the historic Erdvynn Province with seven other independent worlds all of whom the Lyrans had approached intent on bringing them into the Lyran Commonwealth. Aemelia was unsure if it was a political show of force to gain a better deal when entering the Commonwealth or to reaffirm their independence.

        If they were her enemies… She left that to James Nanook and the Rim Congress to decide the “Cold War” with the Stone Spirits was dragging on and while the Lyrans were nice sport for the younger warriors but perhaps it would be better to have a true invasion with an opponent her people could conquer. She was a Warrior and politics was not her battlefield. Her battlefield was war itself and that was what she, her Mandrills, the Raptors, and the Collection's own Warriors were for.

        And that was just the political considerations Timbuktu now held to the Collection. If the Lyrans held Timbuktu, it meant the Mandrill Merchants planet side would become hostages, and that she could not allow. Martially, it meant the Lyrans could strike deeper into the Collection. All Dawn; the primary system of her Mandrills and the Raptors, and an important member of the Collection was now very much at risk, being only a jump away from Timbuktu. Same for Gilfillan’s Gold, for capital of the Collection was only two. And those were just the more important systems. That thought made her snarl to herself and balled her right hand into a fist. The Lyrans would be ejected and the future of her Clan and her Collection would be ensured. She promised herself that much.

        She came out of her thoughts when she once again experienced a sharp pain in her chest. Clutching her chest for a moment, she was reminded her age. And, she somehow knew, this war would be her last. And, as she watched the planet below, she knew she would finally die the death she once longed for. A death befitting the last true Smoke Jaguar, she thought ferally.

nice update!  James Tanaga that was a great story!

It really has added to the timeline

Graduation, NAIS
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
9th June 3100

   With the St Ives Compact’s merging with the Federated Suns further opportunities had been afforded to its citizens in both civilian and military life.  Those with enough money and influence were able to send their children to the Federated Suns’ premier academies such as the New Avalon Institute of Sciences.  Two young men who had benifited from these changes were Marko and Justin Rubinsky twin sons of Tamas Rubsinsky and Cassandra Rubinsky (nee Allard-Liao) who after studying basic Mech handling had traveled to the NAIS for advanced Mech use and Officer Candidate training.  At twenty-two years both men graduated to become Leftenants in the AFFS both are assigned to the First St Ives Lancers RCT’s third Battalion second and third companies.  With the entire St Ives Lancers unit hailing from the former Compact worlds the assignment of the twins is warmly welcomed by the unit.

Lyran Reinforcements
Rim Collection, Periphery
11th June 3100

   Additional Lyran Commonwealth units arrive in the Rim Collection as Archon Jessica Steiner orders her generals to push back the periphery state after the arrival of Mandrill reinforcements in the Timbuktu system.  Archon Jessica Steiner had ordered the Lyrans to retreat from Timbuktu the Rim Collection forces were too entrenched to force them out the LCS Carl Steiner, which had been moving out of the system following its broken K-F Drive, was to be abandoned with a JumpShip entering the system to collect the crew.  While the new units arrived on Halifax the ground forces launched a new attack intent on capturing the planet.  At the same time Lyran hired mercenary units, the Dismal Disinherited Brigade and the Obsidian Lancers would strike at Issaba and Lost at the Collection’s far border they would have been the Lyran’s “Third Wave” following on from the aborted Second Wave.  Intent on making up for at least some the aborted conquest of the Rim Collection the Mercenaries had originally been sent to the region to monitor the Stone Spirits who had been raiding he Lyran's periphery in increasing strength.

   With additional units arriving on two flanks the Lyran forces would force the Rim Collection into a cease fire and reclaim some lost territory.  Within three weeks Halifax, Issaba and Lost had surrendered to the Lyran Commonwealth and the Rim Collection had agreed to end the fighting much to the dismay of the Fire Mandill and Sphinx Raptor leaders who had believed they could force the Lyrans into capitulation.  The Lyrans also formally acknowledged the Endvynn Province following aformal agreement between the Commonwealth and the new nation that Endvynn would not align itself with the Rim Collection and to do so would welcome total war.

      After three weeks of discussion the Lyrans and Rim Collection agree to exchange captures soldiers from the worlds exchanged by both sides.  Several of the captured Lyrans who were taken as bondsmen remain within the Rim Collection as part of their new "Clan" despite Lyran Commonwealth arguments against their retention.

Twenty-ninth Star League Games
Star League Stadium, Solaris VII
Star League Protectorate, Isle of Skye
14th June 3100

   The Twenty-ninth Star League Games takes place on Solaris VII going off without major incident with an unknown MechWarrior Michael Locke from an unknown planet within the former-Free Worlds League winning the competition using an experimental Awesome BattleMech which carries eight separate Light Particle Cannons.  The assault Mech’s impressive armour and ammo free armament prove too much for this year’s competitors and a new champion is crowned.  Michael Locke immediately joins the Solaris Championship intending on becoming a household name.

Trial of Position
Summit, Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
22nd June 3100

   Following the death of Loremaster Zenos von Jankmon in a raid by the Lyran Commonwealth Star Colonel Beckett Malthus is supported to the position of Jade Falcon Loremaster by new saKhan Jana Pryde.  Previously a virtual unknown within the Jade Falcon Touman the thirty-one year old Beckett Malthus had spent much of fifteen years as a warrior commanding units that supported Watch operations which had stalled his forward progress.  Stepping into the limelight defeating several supporters of Ruel Chistu he becomes the new Loremaster of Clan Jade Falcon and effectively the commander of the garrison on Summit.

Terrorist Attack
Bonanza, Altair
Star League Protectorate
29th June 3100

   It had started on Altair like it had on several other worlds with a group of unknown Battle Armour suits striking from seemingly nowhere attacking a petrochemical plant outside the city of Bonanza on Altair in the middle of the night.  Striking rapidly the suits had attacked the workers and facilities in equal measure causing massive damage and dozens of deaths without reply as they moved through the facility.  “Targets moving into range” Captain Rory Winters said peering through his Kobold suit’s magnification system “execute with extreme prejedudice they gave the civilians no chance time to show them what a fight is.”  He said beyond his position his entire SAS Company blinked their acknowledgement lights at once sixty-three battle armoured troopers arrayed around the facility waited to strike.  Star League Intelligence had pointed to an attack on Altair so all four companies of Battle Armour troopers of their Battalion were spread across the planet ready to react.  “Open fire!”  He ordered pulling the trigger of his high powered sniper rifle dozens of slugs rung out at once cutting down three troopers instantly “second salvo” Rory ordered sending a second salvo into the suits this time with short range missiles, support machine guns and lasers in support tearing up the terrain around the enemy suits felling another two suits.

   Near the petrochemical plant two of the enemy suits who still stood turned and ran straight back into the plant coming across two BattleMechs of the local Guard regiment which had been called in for fire support.  Unfortunately neither Guard MechWarrior was ready for this retreat into them and neither unit was able to take out the remaining two suits and both are able to disengage through the burning factory escaping into the darkness of the night.  The SAS troopers and BattleMechs moved in on the downed troopers finding all were dead and the only markings on any of the suits was a simple Word of Blake insignia.

   Six days later a Mowang-class Small craft was found burnt out in a cornfield fifty kilometres south of the battlesite by Star League Investigators the craft itself a match to that used previously to support attacks within the Protectorate.  Unfortunately they find that the craft’s database has been completely wiped and its systems have been completely destroyed leaving nothing that can identify where it had been previously or who had operated it.  Two days after the Mowang’s discovery the bodies of the downed Battle Armour troopers are incenerated in a large fire at the facility holding them an SLDF Investigation shows that a member of the SAS, who had trained with the SLDF for eight years and served on several operations, had set the fire before disappearing without a trace showing how far the Word of Blake remnants still reached.

   Nice update!  Clan Nova Cat conducting Trials against AFFC for goodies and Clan Sea Fox planning the long term on Terra Firma.

Graduation Ceremony
Sandhurst Academy, England
Terra, Star League Protectorate
7th September 3100

   It was the last Graduation Class of 3100 seventy-eight young men and women stood in perfect rows in front of the Sandhurst Academy’s Commandant Harry Lewis as he presided over their graduation.  Those who didn’t have family Mechs to use would receive their Mechs in the next couple of days while unit assignments would arrive by the end of the week after that they would be shipped to units based across the Inner Sphere ready to serve the SLDF today however would be their day.  Across the assembly yard they were called to attention and then dismissed a roar erupted from the crowd as the cadets celebrated completing Officer Candidate School and the beginning of their career.

   Moving through the crowd of celebrating cadets Lt (jg) Morgan Christifori had been grabbed by more people than he could count reaching the building campus entrance he stood and looked back at the crowd he couldn’t help smiling he knew them all he was friends with so many and they had already shared so much together now they would serve together doing something they all wanted.  “Well doesn’t someone look happy with himself?”  A familiar voice said turning around he saw his mother standing smiling.

   â€œMom!”  He exclaimed grabbing her with his arms “when did you arrive?  Is dad here?”  He asked quickly glancing around but not seeing his father Archer Christifori.

   â€œNo but you aunt and cousins are” Katya Christifori said her son looked disappointed “he’s not well.” Katya admitted now Morgan looked concerned his father had planned to enjoy his retirement he hoped that it wasn’t going to be cut short by health “nothing too serious but Dr Santiago doesn’t want him doing too much” she explained. “You know your dad he wanted to be here and to make sure you remembered today?”

   â€œHow could I forget today?”  Morgan said turning looking over the cadets this was the start of the rest of their lives.

   â€œWell there’s one last thing” she said turning heading into the facility leading Morgan down to the Officer’s Mechbay which was used by the trainers, senior officers and visitors to the facility.  Morgan had been there once during his initial induction to the Sandhurst Academy Katya’s position as the former head of Star League Intelligence and wife to the former Commanding-General she still had a lot of access to SLDF facilities.  Walking along the short line of Mechs they entered the visitors section Katya stopped and Morgan glanced up the Mech standing in front of him was a seventy-five ton Penetrator BattleMech a design intimately familiar to him.  He’d seen this Mech hundreds of times over the years he’d even visited it before coming to Terra to begin his SLDF training his connection with it was not what his father had but there was something special about this particular Mech.  “She’s yours” Katya said “your father has decided that having that Mech sit in a hanger on Thorin gathering dust would be a waste.  She deserves more than that” she said smiling remembering how Archer had described the Mech it was the only woman that she’d ever competed with.  “That Mech safeguarded him through the Clan War, Bulldog, Huntress and all the battles since then.”  She said remembering hearing about and watching that Mech’s exploits with her husband at its controls Morgan nodded he knew all about that Mech from the Clan lasers Prince Victor Steiner-Davion had ordered salvaged from a Smoke Jaguar BattleMech on Huntress to the upgrades his father had ordered during his time as Commanding-General he was completely familiar with the Mech.  “The range is open go get antiquated with it I’ll be with your aunt when you’re done.”  She said reaching up she kissed him on the cheek before leaving.

   An hour later Morgan stepped the Penetrator out of the Mechbay after calibrating it to his brain waves because it was his father’s Mech Morgan had been in the Mech before and was well aware of its capabilities.  Moving towards the Advanced Warfare Range Morgan walked the Penetrator towards the range marker and a computer synthesized voice spoke up “Warning you are entering a restricted live fire zone enter authorization code or reverse your path.  Failure to comply will result in the Range Supervisor being informed.”  Morgan reached down to the right and typed in a six number pin “Authorization Granted” the voice announced the Penetrator’s sensors lit up with several targets as the range’s live-fire turrets activated.

         The range was designed to challenge a MechWarrior and show them what they could face on a line battle the turret weapons were fully powered but their targeting systems were designed to target the limbs and torso of a Mech specifically avoiding a Mech’s head but accidents did happen.  Almost immediately his position was targeted by a long range missile battery Morgan sidestepped the Mech several paces as the missiles landed around him several striking the Penetrator’s left torso.  “Great start” Morgan cursed triggering the Mech’s jump jets with his right hand Morgan’s father had modified the controls of the Penetrator to allow the jets to be activated by hand instead of the foot pedals.  After leaping the Mech one hundred-and-twenty metres he wasn’t convinced he wanted to keep the set up the same controlling the jets this was didn’t feel right.  Turning he raised the Mech’s arms pointing the Penetrator’s two Extended-Range Large Lasers at the location of the Long Range Missile turret triggering both lasers within moments one of the red beams washed over the turret immediately shutting it down unlike those on the turrets the Penetrator’s were powered down a successful hit would power them down but not destroy the turret.  The heat from firing the lasers washed into the cockpit but Morgan ignored it pushing on as green laser beams filled the air tearing past his Mech.  Morgan side stepped to the left and then to the right avoiding weapons fire as he did another turret activated to his right filling the air with autocannon fire a blast slammed into the left torso of his Mech.  Twisting the Penetrator’s turret like torso Morgan leveled his Mech’s torso on the target and fired all six of its medium pulse lasers at the turret four struck the target shutting it down.  As he reset the Mech’s torso more laser fire lashed out striking the Penetrator’s arm and leg activating the jump jets again Morgan tried to avoid further laser fire.  Landing the Mech he decided he was definitely getting rid of the hand controls modification his father had learned how to use the control to a tee but it wasn’t for him.  Running the Mech forwards he pushed it beyond sixty kilometres per hour closing on the last turret as its lasers tore into the seventy-five ton Penetrator Morgan fired one of the large lasers in response missing his mark the turret fire again and further lasers flew past the Penetrator two striking its right leg.  Morgan retaliated again with his Mech’s pulse lasers shutting down the turret Morgan continued forward passed the turret.  “End of Range” the computer voice said “one hundred percent complete, seventy percent accuracy, damage to unit equals thirteen hours to repair.”  It said Morgan rolled his eyes slightly thirteen hours of repair meant he had thirteen hours of maintenance work to do before being allowed to return to the range but he was glad to have had a run out in the Mech.  Now that he had a BattleMech he could enjoy some time on Terra with his family before officially becoming a member of the Star League Defence Force and joining one of the regiments.

Outbound DropShip McCarron’s Spirit
Helen, Alya Prefecture
Military District of Dieron, Draconis Combine
18th September 3100

   In a raid intended on gauging the Draconis Combine’s preparedness in the face of an incursion the McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry had assaulted the sleepy world of Helen masquerading as a pirate unit.  The unit had found the defences on Helen were more than prepared for an attack and they had been forced back.  During the retreat Elizabeth McCarron’s Mech was tagged by Combine artillery fire the blast had torn the back off of the Emperor crushing the Assault Mech’s cockpit and its pilot.

   Lying in her bunk on board their retreating DropShip Captain Ariana Steiner slowly massaged her head her Mech and her company had gotten off lightly in the fighting.  There was a knock at the door “come in” she called moments later the door slid open revealing Lt Colonel Malcolm Hague “sir” she said surprised rising to her feet.

   â€œAriana I hope I am not interrupting?”

   â€œNo sir how are you doing?”  Malcolm was Elizabeth’s husband as well as XO of the McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry.

   â€œBetter than I expected” he said raising his hand in it he held a piece of paper “Elizabeth’s will” he said identifying it “as expected she wishes for me to take command of the Regiment.”  He said “she has also asked that you become a guardian for Grant.”

   â€œMe?”  Ariana asked shocked Elizabeth McCarron barely trusted Ariana to command the company she had been given.

   â€œYes” Malcolm said “she respected your skill and your dedication to this command.  She knew that I could teach him a lot but that you could teach him how to fight and be a warrior.”  He said Malcolm Hague had fought with the Eridani Light Horses before marrying Elizabeth and commanded warriors for more than thirty years it was to his credit that he accepted that his wife wished their son to learn from more than just him.

   â€œYes sir, I’ll try”

   â€œHe has a few years ahead of him Ariana but remember you’re a role model to my son so behave.”

   â€œEven after death she is molding my life typical.”  She said sitting back down on her bunk as Malcolm left she rolled over back onto her back.

Declaration
Amity, Wolf Empire
Former-Free Worlds League
23rd September 3100

   Following a successful invasion of Amity Clan Wolf Khan Amina Kerensky announces that the “Call of Dezgra” against all non-Clan enemies and began when the Wolves moved onto Former-Free Worlds League planets has ended.  She states that the Wolves will fight honour duels with anyone who wishes to challenge them and they will fight Trials of Possession for territory if the surrounding states do not attempt an all out war.  She also warns that should anyone attempt an invasion or a protracted conflict against her Clan then they would face an enemy that they could not prevail against.

Victory Party, Malagrotta Central Square
Malagrotta, Malagrotta Combat Region
Crucis March, Federated Suns
25th September 3100

   â€œLadies and Gentlemen allow me to introduce Major-General Kirk DeYoung!!” Pirate King Nathaniel Gordon shouted out as the beaten commander of the Malagrotta Combat Region was brought out in front of more than one hundred pirates who had participated in the assault.  All around the City Square there were pirates hanging from overrun buildings the civilians who had lived and worked in these buildings dead, captured or having fled from the city. “Now the General here was not ready for our little assault” Gordon continued as DeYoung was pushed from pirate to pirate his uniform torn and bloodied “expecting us to have been afraid of the WarShip assigned to defend this system.”  He said turning looking at DeYoung who now lay in the dirt at Gordon’s feet.  “But he didn’t know that we knew the WarShip was gone moved to Gillingham to watch over those pesky clanners” Gordon said kneeling down “and he didn’t know that we were fully aware that half your military had been redeployed to watch the Filtvelt Coalition just in case those nasty Clanners come for you.  Almost like we had someone on the inside” he said taunting the enemy commander.

   â€œYou’ll never hold this planet the resources of the AFFS will be redeployed and you will be crushed” DeYoung said spitting out blood

   â€œOf course they will your vaunted AFFS is more interested in beating the Capellans or worrying about the Nova Cats this little backwater is of little worry to them as long as you pay your taxes.” Gordon sneered “very soon we are leaving this planet and some of your citizens are coming with us.”  He said seeing the shock on DeYoung’s face as Gordon hauled the older man to his feet by his chin “but I am afraid you are not coming with us.  One last thing” he said leaning in he kissed the broken General’s mouth.  As they were locked in the embrace Gordon stabbed DeYoung in the stomach several times allowing the life to drain out of him before tossing the corpse to one side.  “WE WILL MAKE THEM FEAR ALL OF US!”  He said to the cheering crowd “load the DropShips it’s time to go home.”  He said marching through the crowd.

        Around the capital of Malagrotta were elements of a dozen different pirate bands while the core was made up of The Strychnine Slavers each band would get what they wanted from this raid slaves, money, salvage they were taking everything they could in the short time they were on the planet.  Soon they would fall back into the Pirate Cluster and they would wait for the next opportunity this attack should be proof enough to everyone that the time of Portia Torrent was over and that the Pirate Cluster was back.

Skirmish
York, Alarion Province
Lyran Commonwealth
9th November 3100

   Hauptmann Lina Arndt commander of the Ninth Lyran Regulars Regiment turned her Bandersnatch towards the Brotherhood BattleMech.  Her company had been assigned to assisting Intelligence teams that had been watching a Brotherhood of Cincinatus when the Brotherhood had suddenly struck at them with an entire BattleMech lance which had smashed its way clear of the warehouse they were hidden in.  Lina knew that the six members of the Intelligence team were dead by just looking at the building they had been in which burned uncontrollably.  Leveling her Mech’s arms at the enemy Rifleman Lina hit the primary triggers firing both of her Mech’s autocannons into the target both BattleMech sized shotgun blasts cut over the Rifleman’s left shoulder shredding the actuator there.  Immediately Lina opened fire with the arm mounted medium lasers burning away yet more armour.  The four Brotherhood Mechs were hopelessly outnumbered but they did not lack skill despite losing an entire arm the Rifleman turned firing its remaining laser and autocannon at Lina’s heavier Mech.  Cutting to the right Lina opened fire with another barrage of autocannon fire destroying more armour off the back and torso of her enemy she saw a small internal failure on the enemy Mech the Rifleman continued to move and fire as it turned and fired again the autocannon missing Lina’s Mech but the laser burning over the left leg.

   Across from Lina’s Mech Regulars Stealth BattleMech was finishing off a Brotherhood Stinger BattleMech Lina was sure that today her unit would be victorious but how many more battles would they fight before the enemy in their midst was gone.  Turning her Mech again Lina trigger both autoocannons again striking the enemy Mech’s torso these shots penetrated the torso armour smashing the gyroscope as the Rifleman began to fall the pilot triggered his ejection seat escaping the falling Mech.  “Hauptmann Arndt to recovery team we got one seat heading due east” she called out with luck the VTOL based recovery team could capture the warrior before they escaped into York’s undergrowth.  Glancing around she saw the other two Mechs had also fallen “Mech units are down ground teams move in secure their armour and anyone that’s still inside.”

   The infantry and Battle Armour ground troops rushed into the facility but they found the facility completely abandoned all the computer equipment destroyed and the four armoured vehicles missing.  York was a planet of more than a billion souls with a busy spaceport and several auxiliary fields making it nearly impossible to track them down if they wished to head out of the system adding to the difficulty of tracing down the Brotherhood of Cincinatus.

Royal Birth, Regulan Hospital facility
Regulus, Principality of Regulus
Former-Free Worlds League
12th November 3100

   Under heavy security Prince Lester Cameron-Jones third child Rene Cameron-Jones is born.  With a family, a loyal army and secure borders with all of their neighbours Lester Cameron-Jones can concentrate on building up the facilities within his realm and improving his people’s lives.

      With the unstable leadership across the border in the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth the Principality benefits from vastly increase immigration figures in every border system.  While the government of Regulus is involved in tentative talks with some of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth worlds the Principality are nowhere near ready to welcome any of the worlds into their borders.

Trial of Possession, Sacred Rite (Nightlord II-class Battleship)
Quatre Belle, Raven Alliance
Periphery
16th November 3100

   The battle damaged Nightlord II-class Battleship Sacred Rite moved through the extensive shipyards of the Quatre Belle system hours before the Sacred Rite had fought a battle against the Snow Raven WarShip Snow Raven, another Nightlord II, the two vessels had traded blows for hours until the Snow Raven had lost its main propulsion unit unable to maneuver the Ravens had surrendered the Trial of Possession.  There was no intent from either Clan to destroy the others WarShip these vessels simply cost too much to be wasted in a Trial of any kind instead they had decided that the first ship to lose a critical system propulsion, main power, command and control or life support would lose the battle.  Although the Sacred Rite had lost several weapon systems and had extensive armour damage its core systems remained intact bringing victory both ships would fight again in different battles perhaps against each other perhaps against another target of their Clan it was the Clan way.

     Now the Sacred Rite moved closer to the shipyards to collect the Nova Cat prize a newly completed Swiftsure-class Cruiser during the battle Nova Cat Star Admiral Anders McKenna had been killed.  In honour of the long serving Star Admiral the newly captured WarShip would be named for him while Nova Cat warriors would travel to the McKenna Bloodrite Contest in Snow Raven territory to ensure that the Bloodname remained within their Clan further honouring the fallen warrior.  It was how Clan society was supposed to work warriors effectively living forever with their genes passing into the gene programs and future warriors being born into the Clan.  Anders McKenna has served the Nova Cat Clan for more than thirty years already he would be remembered in the Clan’s Remembrance now a WarShip would bare his name and in the future warriors would carry his bloodhouse to new heights in the Nova Cat Clan.

Salvage Mission, RCS Providence (Fox Block III-class Yardship)
Deep system, Timbuktu
Rim Collection
23rd November 3100

      “Commodore this prize is worth it but it is like searching for a needle in a haystack” Naval Director Eric Gruber said glancing over at the Fire Mandrill naval officer.

      “Space is large” the Fire Mandrill said quietly ignoring Gruber’s comment.  He was a politician and owner of a leading construction firm in the Rim Collection and he wanted this prize possibly more than the naval officers of the Rim Collection did.  Their prize was the LCS Carl Steiner, a Hyperion-class Heavy Cruiser, a vessel that the Lyran Commonwealth had abandoned following the failed invasion of Timbuktu.  At the last sighting of the vessel the hull was intact as were its engines but the vessel had suffered extensive system, weapon and K-F Core damage.  Long range tracking radar facilities on Timbuktu had seen a JumpShip enter the system and remove the crew from the Carl Steiner.

      “Yes it is” Gruber said “but if we were to salvage this WarShip then it would be a significant asset.”

      “Or an albatross around our neck the vessel was crippled by our naval forces” the Fire Mandrill officer said confidently “the Lyrans abandoned it not because it couldn’t defend itself but because of the jump core damage which can take years to repair.  They could have easily destroyed the vessel but instead most likely they have left booby-traps on board the craft which will injure and kill our crew.”

      “I am confident Commodore that your people are good enough to avoid such traps and to recover our prize.”  He said the Fire Mandrill officer was angry that the man didn’t care for the warriors and techs would be boarding the Carl Steiner instead all he wanted was the ship to study, rebuild and profit from.

      “We need to find the ship first” it had been three long weeks of searching so far and nothing could be seen “it is almost like the ship has disappeared.”

      “Impossible” Gruber said “we would have found wreckage if they had destroyed the vessel we would have detected the drive plume if the crew had burned off the remaining fuel.”  He said pointing it out

      “Then you explain it Commodore…”

      “It is Star Commodore” the Fire Mandrill officer snapped back angrily correcting the man.

      “Regardless” Gruber said the Clansmen’s anger “you are a naval officer you explain why we cannot find any sign of this WarShip?”

      “It no longer remains in this system.”  He answered after a moment’s hesitation

      “Impossible” Gruber repeated in his arrogance “you said yourself that the KF Core had been damaged beyond repair by our vaunted naval forces.”

      “Not impossible” the Mandrill corrected “this WarShip is a repair vessel with a dock capable of surrounding another craft and repairing damaged systems.”

       â€œYou cannot replace a KF Core in the time between the Carl Steiner’s abandonment and now” Gruber said angrily “explain?”

       â€œThere are types of repair ship that have a reinforced repair bay which would allow them to jump with the Carl Steiner inside.”

      “Who fields a ship with that capability?” Gruber demanded knowing that House Steiner had no such asset.

       â€œI do not know the Clans fielded few such craft before…” he began before stopping thinking of the past when his Mandrills had been part of the core Clan society. “There were few extended campaigns we did not need such craft on a regular basis and there were many shipyards.”  He said proudly “now I would be surprised if any survive.  The only others who could have such a craft would be the Star League Defence Force” he suggested “but we have not seen such capabilities from them either.”

      “Someone old hidden away from prying eyes?  Or something new?”  Gruber suggested the Fire Mandrill officer did not reply instead they continued their search.  After another three weeks the search was called off with no sign of the Carl Steiner being found in the Timbuktu system or the surrounding interstellar space.

nice update!  quiet times in the FWL-LC area and disappearing warships again?  Hmm...   I wonder how far in the years will we see the former LCS Carl Stiener?  More updates when you can!

It might be a while before you see that particular Hyperion...

It's time to end 3100 - I'll post an up to date WarShip list and new Map tomorrow hopefully.  As always any questions or comments feel free to make or to send in a PM

AFFS Withdrawal
New Vandenberg, Taurian Concordat
Periphery
2nd December 3100

   As the last Excalibur-class DropShip raised up from the surface of New Vandenberg Colonel Carol Trenouth smiled her Concordat Jaegers Regiment had finally driven the Federated Suns off of her home planet New Vandenberg was a Taurian world once more.  Her regiment and two others had been battered during the year long conflict for control over the system and much of the planet’s industrial and training complexes had been damaged.  Already Carol knew that there were plans to not only repair these facilities but expand them along with the addition of orbital defences and expanded aerospace fighter bases.  These upgrades would likely take the better part of decades and it had all started today with their victory over the AFFS.
In the end they had come up against the Twelth Deneb Light Cavalry LCT and the Eighth Syrtis Fusiliers LCT with both units holding up her forces well bogging them down with large numbers of vehicles and Battle Armour closely packed.  Her senior officers had planned several deep strikes at the rear areas of the AFFS units intending on striking down their supply chain.  When her assault units had struck they had found that the AFFS supply vehicles were missing the supply base all but abandoned.  The next day the Deneb Light Cavalry had struck at the Taurian’s supply lines forcing the Jaegers to retreat and when they had done so the AFFS units had disappeared disengaging completely.  Believing that the attackers wanted some sort of respite from battle Carol Tenrouth had turned her under supplied troops around and struck at the retreating AFFS units and it appeared that they had finally broken the invaders as they continued their retreat all the way to their DropShips.

      In preparation for the final assault her people had rested over night three kilometres from the AFFS landing zone.  In the morning her troops had awoken the the rumble of DropShip engines stepping out of her tent Carol had looked into the air watching the leaving DropShips one after the other.  The Taurian scouts had soon reported that finally the last DropShip, the now leaving Excalibur, was boosting off of the surface finally New Vandenberg was free the rebuilding could begin.

Road of Shame
Pirate’s Haven, Pirate Cluster
Periphery
17th December 3100

   â€œThey tried to invade our world!” King Nathaniel Gordon said angrily it had hardly been an invasion twenty-four Battle Armour equipped troopers of the Federated Suns Rabid Fox Command.  Somehow the Federated Suns had located their haven in the cluster but the pirates had been ready.  Prepared for any type invasion on their soil as soon as the Rabid Foxes were discovered every pirate under Nathaniel Gordon’s command had moved.  Hopelessly outgunned at least twenty of the troopers had been killed or disabled and now the survivors were at the mercy of the pirates of the Cluster “we were ready for them!”  Gordon screamed as the gates opened the nine surviving men and women were herded by the pirates down a narrow path each had their hands bound and they were tied to the trooper in front of them all around the path were the baying crowd of the Pirate’s cluster.  This world had originally been designed as a hidden base for the pirates but over the years it had grown to form a small community who lived and died under pirate rule.  Now the people had their entertainment as the surviving Rabid Fox troopers were pushed down the street they were pelted by thrown food, thrown human waste and stones.  Several of the troopers were knocked to the ground halling their companions down into the muck with them as they went but each time they stubbornly got back up continuing their march.  Nathaniel’s advisors had said he should keep a couple alive to interrogate but this was not the moment for such matters instead the troopers were led to a row of hanging ropes.  As they approached the troopers realized what was happening to them this was not a walk of humiliation but their execution several attempted to break their bonds and escape but each time they did a pirate stepped in and smashed them with the butt of their rifle knocking the trooper to the ground.  “Our Succession Lords need to understand that if they come to our world they pay the price.”  Gordon said as the nooses were wrapped around the necks of the captives.  “You should have never come to my world” Gordon said raising his arm once the last rope had been tied.  As one the nine captives were raised by their necks on the ropes and began to choke to death.

   A kilometre away the four remaining Rabid Fox troopers watched through their Magshot Gauss Rifle scopes.  The remaining squad leader watched as his comrades were lifted to their deaths “triple salvo and then we break to Alternate Post Zulu” he ordered there were three winks of status lights as the other troopers acknowledged his command.  “Fire” he finally said immediately the troopers fired three rapid salvos from their weapons each salvo was aimed intentionally the first was aimed at the first four troopers, the second at the third line of four while the fourth hit the last trooper, two of Nathaniel Gordon’s advisers and Gordon himself.  The Rabid Fox team had no chance of releasing their captives but nor would they leave them to die by hanging instead a quick death as the gauss shots tore through them.  The last salvo targeted on Gordon killed both of his advisers instantly but at the last moment the King moved slightly knocking the shot off instead of impacting with the man’s head the shot tore through his left elbow severing the arm completely as the kinetic force tore through his body.

   Not waiting to see the results of their fire the remaining squad broke position immediately disappearing into the wastes of this planet.  They still had a mission to complete and they would do everything in their power to ensure it was completed by the time allotted to them.  In the pirate camp chaos ensued as the pirates scrambled to find the attackers, to check on their captives and to tend to their now wounded King.

Alternate Post Zulu
Pirate’s Haven, Pirate’s Cluster
Periphery
19th December 3100

   After two days of hard travel the four remaining Rabid Fox troopers finally arrived at Alternate Point Zulu.  Approaching pair of connected shipping containers the squad leader Leftenant Christopher Grant pushed a small veil into the control panel the door slid open allowing the four Infiltrator III suits to enter.  As the entered lighting inside automatically activated Christopher Grant moved forward half way along the container docking his suit with one of the power points the other three suits docked with the remaining power points as they did the container doors closed behind them sealing the container fans inside quickly scrubbed the atmosphere clearing the way for the four troopers to breath unassisted.

   â€œWell this is a FUBAR situation” Trooper McKenna Wilde said stepping out of her suit “El-Tee what the hell are we supposed to do now?”  She asked crossing the container stretching out on one of the bunks.

   â€œWe can still complete the mission.”  Christopher said moving across to the bank of computer screens entering a code.

   â€œWe can still complete the mission?  Who the hell are you trying to kid?”  Trooper George Hewlett said stepping over to his bunk “we came here with twenty-four men and women two elite teams of Rabid Fox troopers and we just killed our last allies on this rock.”  He said angrily

   â€œOur mission was to flatten that Brigand factory” Christopher Grant said “we can still do that” he said looking at the other three “we survived the pirate ambush because we are the best the fact we were able to engage Gordon and evade without return and we are now in a facility that the pirates won’t be able to find unless they walk into it.”  He said the containers were lined with stealth materials and had a low power outage making them nearly completely undetectable.  There was enough food to last a squad for months and plenty of ammunition for their suits and for small arms.

   â€œWe’re completely outnumbered and the CO is dead we’re screwed.”  George replied

   â€œNot quite” Christopher said triumphantly as the computers booted up “gather around” he said calling the other three closer “anyone that made it to one of these facilities is given access to Plan Epsilon.”

   â€œPlan Epsilon?”  McKenna asked

   â€œYes” Christopher said “the plan is to strike at the factory then we break off and rendezvous at Post Omega.”  He said highlighting a position on the map “from there we can hold out until our pick up arrives.”

   â€œIf it arrives” George said “getting into the Cluster has never been easy.”  He said shrugging.

   â€œHave some confidence they will come” Christopher said “we’ve done the impossible here people surviving that ambush and making it here.  We’ve got a little bit further to go then we’re heading home” he said confidently “now get some sleep.”  He finally ordered dismissing his three squad-mates this was not home but it was somewhere safe and safe is what they needed right now.

Trial of Possession
Morven, Filtvelt Coalition
Periphery
22nd December 3100

   A Trial of Possession like those the Nova Cats had launched over the last several months however what would become known as the Battle of Morven had just begun.  Landing during the middle of the night the Fourth Nova Cat Guards had intended on fighting a limited Trial of Possession having challenged the Fourth Filtvelt Guardians during their burn towards the planet.

   As the Nova Cat’s landed flares lit up the sky followed rapidly by artillery and long range missile fire from the defenders who targeted the Nova Cat DropShips before they had even landed with a Union C-class vessel making a crash landing killing an entire Trinary of warriors as the ship’s lower decks were crushed on impact.  Incensed by this attack and waste of life the Fourth Nova Cat Guards Cluster launched their attack on the defenders as soon as they had landed.

   Without any preparation the Nova Cat’s three remaining trinaries attacked their enemy individually allowing the Filtvelt forces to cause heavy damage to the unit over the next twenty-four hours however the Nova Cat Guards were an elite formation and were part of the Nova Cat’s Delta Galaxy which had a reputation for having only the best warriors and equipment assigned to it.  By the dawn the second day the remaining Nova Cats, who still numbered three trinaries, had been able to regroup and began to push against the Filtvelt defenders.  With no intention on giving the periphery unit a second chance at an honourable battle the remaining Fourth Nova Cat Guards walked methodically through each of the remaining Filtvelt Guardians units brutally executing downed warriors.  By the beginning of the third day the Nova Cats had completely overrun the last of Morven’s defenders completing the conquest of the planet and ending the battle.

       As a reminder of the Guardian’s failure to defend Morven the Nova Cats placed the planet’s occupied population under a twenty-four hour curfew during which they collected every piece of broken Guardian BattleMech or armoured vehicle dumping them in a heap in the centre of the planetary capital.  The new Clan warlords of Morven then passed a message to all members of the population that they must attend and see the mass of metal before continuing on the next day as a physical message to every man, women and child that should they resist the Nova Cats they will pay the price.  Beyond that the Nova Cats allow the planet to continue as normal the only real changes being that instead of Filtvelt units that were rotating through the planet and guarding the streets they were now Nova Cat ones.  And Nova Cat Merchants regulating all trades on the planet because the Nova Cats already controlled several nearby star systems and had a stronger merchant fleet than the Filtvelt Coalition within the first six months of Nova Cat rule three years worth of travelers had passed through Morven bringing new opportunities to the people. As a permanent reminder to the population and to any visitors the remains of the Fourth Filtvelt Guardians Regiment was left in the central square of Morven City a constant reminder of what happens when the Clan is resisted.

Terrorist Attack
Cate’s Hold, Magistracy of Canopus
Periphery
27th December 3100

      During a pirate raid the Canopian Highlanders Regiment are effectively wiped out to the man as a thermo-nuclear bomb is detonated near their operation’s base on Cate’s Hold.  Nearly one thousand civilians are killed by the blast while the raiders take dozens of slaves from the population.  Following the attack the Canopian’s Ebon Magistrate Special Forces command is deployed to track down and eliminate these pirate/terrorist forces.

Launching Ceremony
Titan Shipyards, Observation Deck
Terra system, Star League Protectorate
7th January 3101

   Launching ceremonies were grand affairs this one especially so.  Twenty minutes before Governor of Thorin, and former Commanding-General, Archer Christifori had spoken quite eloquently about the drive that his friend Commanding-Admiral David Natale had to resurrect the Enterprise-class Super-carrier and that he had not a second thought about authorizing work on a second version of the class despite the original’s clear failure.

   â€œTwo men made that ship happen” Commanding-General Victor Focht said quietly “one of them is dead and by looking at him the other one isn’t far from seeing the ground up close one last time.”  He continued David Natale had been assassinated by a bomb on board the SLS Shining Claw while the other man Archer Christifori had defied doctor’s orders to travel here today.  Focht had heard that the old General had listened to doctors and stayed away for his own son’s graduation but had come all this way for a ship “ridiculous” he said turning his drink glass slowly looking into it

   â€œI wouldn’t call it that the SLS Enterprise will be a significant asset to SLDF fleet operations as will her sister ship.”

   â€œWhich due to cost might take ten years to build” Focht said angrily “we could have had four destroyers for the same cost or an entire Brigade of ground troops fully outfitted and trained” he said thinking of the possibilities.

   â€œYou have the authority to ramp up production on the second ship or cancel it.”

   â€œNeither does me any good Admiral Fitzgerald and you know it” Focht said glancing up from his drink at the man.

   â€œIf I cancel it I am the bad guy the ship will be named for David Natale, Archer Christifori made sure of that before he retired, you naval pukes will be angry that I’m ‘cutting your resources’ while the bean counters will see it as an opportunity to cut SLDF funding since we obviously didn’t need it.”  He said frustrated “and if I push through its production not only will she launch with not enough pilots for her fighter wings but it will mean I need to cut money going to other areas that need it a lot more.”

   â€œDamn” Anthony Fitzgerald said without a hint of sympathy “at least your not stuck looking at that ugly buggering thing.”  The Admiral commented chuckling to himself the Enterprise-class had been designed to break the mold on SLDF design she was far more striking than many other designs and looked every bit as lethal as she actually was.  Fitzgerald himself was not a massive fan of the vessel’s outward appearance but he was very glad for the two men’s actions that Victor Focht currently cursed.

   â€œSmall mercies” Focht commented draining his glass “good luck with your new ship Admiral, good day” he said without another word or salute leaving the Head of the Navy to his drink.  Focht needed to get ground side maybe take out a Mech and blow something up or start a war with someone it would make him feel far better than he did right now.

Reinforcements
Victoria, Victoria Commonality
Capellan Confederation
11th January 3101

   Following months of conflict on Victoria the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns move to end the battle with the arrival of the FSS Black Prince, the recently repaired and refitted FSS Pegasus and four additional regiments of AFFS ground forces and three additional mercenary commands.  While ground forces charge towards the planet the two Battleships move past their comrades who had been contesting the space around Victoria with the Capellan defenders.

   On the ground the additional ground forces hit the ground running charging at the now grossly outnumbered Capellan defenders. Warrior Houses Kamata and Da Da Chi are completely destroyed in battle as is the Phyr’s Hussars Regiment and the Sixth Liao Lancers Regiment while a Wing of the Hell’s Black Aces are also eliminated.  Of the AFFS assault forces the First Kittery Borderers RCT is almost completely destroyed while four regiments of the First Federated Suns Armoured Cavalry RCT are also destroyed and the First Kathil Uhlans are left severely under strength with Colonel Richard Steiner injured in a BattleMech fall.  Following the battle the Twentieth Kittery Armoured Regiment would be merged with the under strength Armoured Cavalry to prop up the command.  Of the mercenary units called to assist the Medusans lose four assault DropShips, while Clinton’s Cutthroats lose a Battalion of units, the Wild Geese are heavily damaged and the Vanguard Legion are completely destroyed.

   In orbit the two newly arrived Battleships go on the offensive supporting Kym Hasek’s Federated Suns Naval forces that were already in the system.  The increased number of aerospace fighters and assault DropShips brought in by the two WarShips and their presence alone quickly overwhelmed and destroyed the CCSS Haji Doru the Feng Huang II-class Cruiser unable to withstand the continuous bombardment from the two Battleships.  The other Capellan WarShip assigned to the system, the CCSS Xuzhou, attempted to avoid the main battle flanking the Federated Suns WarShips causing minor damage at long range.  When it became apparent the Haji Doru was lost and the ground battle was moving against the Capellans the commander of the Xuzhou enacted the Capellan’s “scorched policy” with the bird shaped Xuzhou his instrument.  The Wudang Jian-class vessel turned its weapons on the Victoria shipyards burning down the facilities even as Federated Suns Naval units tore into the seven hundred and thirty thousand ton vessel.  Like an avenging phoenix the Xuzhou completed its kamikaze run impacting with the core facilities of the shipyards eliminating what was left of the once great facilities.

   This naval battle ended what was left of the fighting in the Victoria system with it firmly held by the Federated Suns.  Duchess Kym Hasek having survived months of fighting against the Capellans both in space and in Victoria’s atmosphere personally accepted the surrender of the planet to the Federated Suns by its civilian leadership.  In the Capellan Confederation Andurien is made the capital of both its own Commonality and what remains of the Victoria Commonality.

Scout Mission
Pirate’s Haven, Pirate’s Cluster
Periphery
14th January 3101

   The Pirate’s Haven that the Rabid Fox were now stranded on was a hell hole the atmosphere was toxic and subject to frequent radiation storms no human who wished to live a long life.  The Rabid Fox had scouted several targets without any luck so far.  “Sierra One to India team we’re in position.”  Christopher Grant said peering down his scope looking at the facility.  Because the Pirate’s Haven had a toxic atmosphere anyone not wearing armour had to wear full facial respirators allowing two members of the team to move through the settlement unmolested but where they were at the moment was heavily guarded and restricted to people the pirates knew by sight only the skill of McKenna Wilde and Sylvester Keeler had gotten them to where they were.

   â€œIndia One we have good eyes observing now” McKenna replied she was sitting at the corner of the external stairwell of the building keeping watch while Syvester Keeler got the information they needed.

   â€œSierra Two, India One, you have two incoming.”

   â€œUnderstood, we’re almost done, is our ex-fill path clear?”  She asked keeping an eye out for guards meant she couldn’t keep an eye on everything.

   â€œAffirmative you are clear” George Hewlett said from his observation point he could see their escape vehicle.

   â€œGuards thirty paces and closing” Christopher said “twenty-five” he said watching them move closer.

   â€œWe’re done Chris the data’s confirmed it’s here” McKenna reported

   â€œShift your ass then” he replied

   â€œKeep your eyes off my ass and and my surroundings please.”  She said both of them were already moving towards their exit vehicle but the guards were closer “shit we’re blown!”  McKenna called out ducking down turning firing her sub-machine gun.  “Sylvester shift it I’ll cover.”  She called out Sylvester was already moving down the steps as McKenna emptied the clip.

   â€œBoth of you shift!”  Christopher barked “we’ll cover George let it rip!”  He ordered both of them fired their Magshots taking down two of the enemies.  Suddenly alarms throughout the facility sounded as the pirates were made aware of what was happening.  Both Sylvester and McKenna half jumped off the stairs running to their vehicle.

   â€œWe’ve got eyes on you” George said as the vehicle began to move “Sierra One we’ve got a blue hover utility looks like Filtvelt manufacture.”

   â€œGot you” Christopher replied as McKenna Wilde punched the accelerator moving the vehicle towards the bases gates moments later behind them were three other hover trucks firing at the Rabid Fox vehicle.  “Still got you” Christopher said snapping off a shot striking the front of one of the pirate vehicles “damn it missed the engine block” he cursed firing again this time hitting the mark knocking out the vehicle’s power plant.

   â€œNice shooting boss”

   â€œThanks Chris” McKenna said seeing one of the vehicles splutter to a stop “we’re heading towards Point Gamma we’ll lead them away and circle around.”  She said above them the sky suddenly erupted with energy as lighting struck out striking the ground near them.

   â€œSERIOUSLY!” Christopher shouted looking up “guys we need to get the out of this storm.  George what do you think?”  He asked George knew more about the planet’s weather than any of them.

   â€œOur armour will protect us for eight to ten hours” he replied taking a shot at the second vehicle missing the target.  Christopher switched frequencies to a private one shared between him and George.

   â€œHow long will McKenna and Sylvester last?”  He asked as the sky lit up with further electric discharges.

   â€œAn hour at the most depending on how bad the storm gets our armour is designed to protect someone in the void of space human skin isn’t.”  George replied taking another shot this time striking one of the vehicles the bullet went straight through the vehicle’s door and into the pirate behind it killing them.  “She’ll be fine” he said they all knew that Christopher and McKenna were involved before it hadn’t been a problem since they had been in different teams now was different.

   McKenna and Sylvester’s vehicle was moving quickly with Sylvester having emptied his weapon and in the process of emptying McKenna’s.  Bullets from the pursuing vehicles were peppering their utility vehicle “this could be going better.”  McKenna said but there wasn’t a reply “Sylvester!”  She barked glancing over her shoulder her teammate was laying in the rear cab a growing puddle of blood below him.  “Sierra One I’ve lost India Two he’s KIA.”  She reported

   â€œUnderstood” Christopher said glancing up as more cracks of lighting shot through the sky “abandon Gamma come right to us.”

   â€œAre you crazy?  Your armour can only take so much and if we can’t take them we’ll be in a running battle again.  I don’t have my armour” McKenna said her voice slightly panicked as further pirate small arms fire tore into her vehicle.

   â€œDo it, we’ll be ready George set up a surprise.”

   â€œWe’ve only got limited supplies boss” George started.

   â€œIf need be we’ll break into another cache we can’t do this job with just two of us.”

   â€œWe’ll be lucky to do it with three” George muttered Christopher was almost ready to snap at him but noticed the other trooper had already moved Christopher sighted the enemy vehicles taking another shot his shot going wide.  As McKenna turned her vehicle towards them Christopher took another shot this time taking down one of the pirates.  “Ok we’re up approach Bravo McKenna you understand me?”

   â€œYeah I’ve got it” she replied ducking as more bullets tore through her vehicle.  The Rabid Fox trained how to approach a position of allies or enemies in various different ways a single code word indicated to a trooper how to approach any situation.  Christopher remained higher than George taking the occasional shot at the chasing pirates taking out one of chasing vehicle’s drivers as McKenna continued to close on them George remained down waiting for the hover van to pass-by.  Above in the sky the storm’s intensity was continuously increasing Christopher glanced upwards at the energy being used.

   â€œMind on the game boss” George said in their private channel reading Christopher’s mind.

   â€œFifteen count” Christopher said George nodded counting himself in the deliberate Rabid Fox way at thirteen McKenna’s hover vehicle flew over the planned point two seconds later George detonated his planted explosives destroying the remaining vehicle.  “Good count” Christopher said “we’ve got eight raiders still coming on foot.  McKenna is your vehicle still mobile?”

   â€œAffirmative but I don’t know for how long.”

   â€œIt’s fine head back to base” Christopher said gunning down one of the still pursuing pirates “George we need to go no jumping in this weather move quickly.”

   â€œAlready moving” he said running back up the hill he heard bullets fly past him and ping against the rear of his armour.  Passing Christopher he turned and immediately fired allowing Christopher to retreat for the twenty minutes they retreated like this fortunately for the Rabid Fox the pirate raider’s Mechs were off planet today allowing them to escape.  In the future Christopher guessed the raider’s Mechs would be present as well and now with Sylvester’s passing things would be more difficult.

Family Reunion
Taurian Palace, Taurus
Hydes Cluster, Taurian Concordat
19th January 3101

   The new Capellan Confederation Ambassador approached Protector Erik Martens-Calderon she couldn’t have been more than seventeen years old she seemed to have a mixed heritage which wasn’t a surprise given that this was the Taurian Concordat and the Capellans would care little for them.  “Madam Ambassador” he said greeting her.

   â€œProtector it has been a long time” she said there was something about her voice and her look… it couldn’t be.  “It’s me father” Aleshia Centrella said quietly confirming his suspicion “officially I am Ambassador for the Capellan Confederation but soon I turn eighteen years old and would be a threat to my brother so I am not to return.”  She explained Erik rose from his chair and stepped down so he was standing in front of her they were of a similar height and build Erik had not seen her since 3088 thirteen long years.

   â€œYou are very welcome here” Erik said

   â€œI understand I have a step-sister” she said seeing the pain on her father’s face obviously still fresh from his wife’s passing.  “I’m sorry for your loss” she said “I’d like to meet my sister when you’re ready.”

   â€œI’m sure that can be arranged” Erik said after a moment.

   â€œAnd perhaps pay my respects to her mother” she said

   â€œYes when the time is right” Erik said quietly “we will make sure your time on Taurus is a good as possible if the Capellan Embassy needs anything please don’t hesitate to ask.”  He said all business ignoring the memories and the pain for a moment this young woman was his daughter but it would take time for them to truly get to know each other.  Chancellor Dao-Shen Liao was not a stupid man and although Erik had no illusion that Aleshia was a threat to him he knew that she would also be a threat to Nicoletta in the future.  Erik would be careful around her for a while and ensure things went right they had a lot of time to make up for despite the possible motives behind it he planned on making the most of the opportunity.

Draconis Combine Offensive
Rasalhague Dominion border
22nd January 3101

   The Draconis Combine attempt to recover lost territory currently held by the Rasalhague Dominion they reveal three newly constructed WarShips and seven “Ghost” Regiments raised like the original regiments with the cooperation of Yakuza.  The Ghost Bears hold the Draconis Combine back at Luzerne, Byesville and Labrea but Caripare and Asgard are both liberated by the DCMS and their naval support.